This year was a fortunate year for CLAD, INC since a new funder in the name of Heifer International Philippines has come in to help CLAD’s programs to help the marginal farmers in its area of operation. This is in complementation with the DISOP funded project which focused on capability building of this organized associations and cooperatives which has expanded its operation to the northern barangays of the Municipality of Calubian. Heifer’s project is focused mainly of providing livestock to selected four hundred families covering eight of the 13 covered barangays under DISOP especifically barangays Ul-og, F.E. Marcos, Petrolio, Tagharigue, Abanilla, Villanueva including Sitio Kabicolan and Garrido. A total of 50 heads of carabao, 50 heads of cow, 150 heads of swine and 300 heads of goat including 600 heads of chicken will be distributed to these 400 identified families to augment their source of income. The incoming project is perceived by CLAD’s management to be of great help for their farmer recipients.
The senior staff of CLAD and its front liners such as the Community Organizers and facilitators have been through a series of seminar workshops starting last Nov. 9 until Nov 26, 2011 to prepare them for the Heifer Project Implementation which will be implemented so soon. The seminar includes Cornerstone Workshop, TOT, Self Help Group (SHG) Organization and Project Monitoring and evaluation. Cornerstone workshop will also be conducted to the 400 identified partner families of the Heifer Project by sub-grouping them into 16 SHGs. These cornerstone workshop will be conducted in the month of December and probably will be finished in January of next year. The implementation of this Heifer Project is currently a big challenge for CLAD executive. Goodluck men.
“From the time I started schooling, it has been my greatest aspiration to finish my studies and graduate with flying colors. I dream to become a successful and effective teacher someday and be able to help my family. My college diploma and my degree will be my asset for a better future and I thank DISOP and its donors for giving me the opportunity to make all this things realize.”
“My degree will be my key and asset for a better future…”
Orphaned by her father, she and her two other siblings were single-handedly raised by their mother from her meager income as house helper, Fatima dela Peña is one of the indigent children identified by DISOP in year 2006. She had been a scholar of the foundation from the time when she was still in 4th year high school and until she graduated college.
With perseverance and hard work, Fatima graduated with honors (Cum laude) and received proficiency awards in academic and extra curricular activities from the university.
Plans are now set for her, as an honor student she is automatically a Professional Civil Service Eligible. She is currently working as Grade 2 teacher in Saint Therese Christian Development Foundation, Inc. and at the same time have her review during weekends, in preparation for the Licensure Examination for Teachers.
Kathleen Deckmyn of DISOP Philippines meet with the Binaliwan Fisherfolk Association on August 18, 2011 in Brgy. Binaliwan, Mahinog, Camiguin.
Kathleen Deckmyn of DISOP Philippines, with PRRM project staff Mr. Dondon Agaton, had a courtesty call with the Catarman Mayor Nestor Jacot, Camiguin on August 18, 2011.
Catibac Fisherfolk Association with Dondon Agaton, PRRM project staff, August 18, 2011 at Catibac Barangay Hall, Catarman, Camiguin.
Site of the protected area in Brgy. Catibac, Catarman, Camiguin, August 18, 2011.
Site of the protected area in Brgy. Binaliwan, Mahinog, Camiguin, August 18, 2011.
CAPS-R Grameen had reached out nearly to the whole Archdiocese of Cebu. Most of the clients are engage in micro businesses. Loans ranges from 3,000- 60,000 per client. PAR decreases to 1.7%, thanks for the inputs and suggestions of Mr. Pajarillo and the PCFC people specially Mr. Ariel Tatlonghari.
Starting with another 3-year program phase in 2011, DISOP welcomes four new NGO partners. The mandate of DISOP is still anchored on capability building of target groups and beneficiaries and opportunities to improve the employment and self-employment capacities of its target beneficiaries. The four new partners are the following:
- Mag-uugmad Foundation, Inc. (MFI) – based in Cebu City and implemented the project in five barangays inside the watershed catchment of the municipalities of Badian and Alegria, south of Cebu. Likewise, the project is also implemented in four CBFM barangays in the municipality of Macrohon, Southern Leyte. Capability building activities are focused on watershed dwellers and CBFM holders.
- Philippine Business for Social Progress – Visayas Regional Office (PBSP-VRO) - based in Cebu City, the project is implemented in four barangays inside the catchment area of the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve (BWFR). Capability building activities is centered to the strengthening of POs within the watershed area critical to the sustainability of BWFR as one of the suppliers of water in Cebu City.
- Sentro ha Pagpauswag ha Panginabuhi, Inc. (SPPI) – based in Catarman, Northern Samar, the project is implemented in the island municipality of Capul. The project is focused on capability building of eight (8) coastal communities while strengthening the livelihood enterprise of the target beneficiaries.
- Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) - with main office in Quezon City, the project is implemented in the island province of Camiguin. It is hoped to capacitate 25 coastal communities formed into peoples organization. In addition, the project will also strengthen the 6 federations at the municipal and provincial levels.
With the addition of the four new partners, DISOP extends its reach to 21 NGO partners in 29 provinces all over the Philippines.
Early this year (2011), Kathleen Deckmyn-Cordero met with the Country Director of Heifer International-Philippines, Mr. Hercules Paradiang. The meeting was held at the DISOP Philippines office in Tacloban City. The purpose of that meeting was to explore possible collaboration and complementation of funding resources between DISOP Philippines and Heifer International. The result of the meeting was very optimistic. The focus of Heifer International in the Philippines perfectly complements with the thrust of DISOP Philippines in its continuing effort to assist the disadvantaged groups in the country through partnering with local non-government organizations.
Initially, DISOP and Heifer identified five (5) NGO partners for possible collaboration considering Heifer’s geographical focus where DISOP has either prior or new partner. The NGOs identified were: 1] South Pacific Integrated Area Development Foundation, Inc. (SPIADFI) in Hinundayan, Southern Leyte; 2] Calubian Livelihood Assistance for Development, Inc. (CLAD, Inc.) in Calubian, Leyte; 3] Dinagat Island Development Foundation, Inc. (DIDF) in Dinagat Island Province, Surigao; 4] Mag-uugmad Foundation, Inc. (MFI) in Cebu City; and 5] Sentro ha Pagpauswag ha Panginabuhi, Inc. (SPPI) in Catarman, Northern Samar. Of the five(5) NGOs, two were new partners of DISOP for 2011-2013 program phase. These are MFI and SPPI. Proposals of these partners with DISOP were then sent back to them to revise and reflect budget allocation for Heifer-related project activities. Then, among the five partners, SPPI and DIDF declined partnership with Heifer at this time because for SPPI, they thought that the Heifer project would not appropriately suit the situation of Capul Island, Northern Samar which is more focused on marine resources than in livestock production. This is also true with DIDF who implemented the project in Dinagat Island, Surigao.
Call for Stakeholder’s Meeting
Last June 2011, Heifer called a multi-sectoral Stakeholders Meeting in Maasin, Southern, Leyte. Kathleen Deckmyn and Conrado Brigoli attended the meeting. It was also participated by local and provincial representatives of government agencies as well as the NGOs that were endorsed by DISOP to Heifer for possible funding. The meeting was a whole day affair with a short workshop to validate needs of the agencies present and where Heifer can complement for funding support.
Representatives from the government were very enthusiastic to avail of the programs of Heifer as these were also in line with their thrust of providing livelihood to the farmers. All agencies shared their programs and projects and after that, an open forum was conducted. Sharing was very productive. From one agency to the other, similarities of projects and activities were very apparent.
For the remaining three (3) DISOP Partner NGOs identified, two ( MFI and SPIADFI) had implemented projects with Heifer International Philippines already. MFI implemented projects in Barangay Danao, Macrohon, Southern Leyte while SPIADFI implemented its project in Barangay Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte.
The meeting made a short break for lunch. After that, the workshop to identify possible assistance from Heifer started. The result of the workshop became one of the bases of Heifer for integration of their activities and for funding consideration. In the case of DISOP Philippines partners, we were grouped into one. Proposal for collaboration will be treated as one but with three (3) NGOs implementing it in several areas already identified.
Indeed that meeting yielded positive results by considering the three (3) DISOP Partners (MFI, SPIADFI and CLAD) into the funding pipeline of Heifer International Philippines support for 2011.
PO president of BD1FA, Rafael Delis introducing their project plantation establishment to the visitors Noémie Clamor, Olivier Rouvroi and Ms. Kathleen Deckmyn in the Bunkhouse of the association in Babatngon, Leyte, July 12, 2011.
Two Belgian students Noémie Clamor and Olivier Rouvroi conducted a study visit at BD1FA, an FCI-assisted CBFM people’s organization operating in Babatngon, Leyte on July 12, 2011. The visitors were accompanied by Kathleen Deckmyn of DISOP Philippines and 2 FCI staff (Rordigo Mabale and Glenn Renomeron). They first made a courtesy call to the Municipal Mayor to inform him about the purpose of the visit. Mr. Cezar Cañete, Mayor’s Secretary was the one who entertained the visitors since the mayor was not around at that time. After the short chat, the visitor immediately proceeded to the CBFM site of BD1FA to have an ocular inspection of their agro-forestry zone, production zone and the protection zone plantation. A two kilometer hike was experienced until the protection area was reached. Plantation of exotic and indigenous trees was seen along the foot trail and PO members of the association were also seen constructing the hand rail of the foot trail. The visitors admired the bird’s eye view of the town and adjacent islands of Babatngon from the top of the CBFM site.
PO member of BD1FA weeding the newly planted indigenous tree called Magkuno (Ironwood) in the protection zone of the CBFM area in Babatngon, Leyte, July 12, 2011.
“For several years in the business, I have been under the mercy of a private lender who charged 10% interest per month. When I became a FEMI Benepartner, my business grew tremendously. The company saved 7-8% of interest charges per month. Participation to and winning in bidding contracts continued to be my company’s core competency. I have no problem engaging in these contracts because FEMI has been there supporting me despite of the inferior collateral my company could offer. To date, I already have my own delivery trucks that I am using to haul my products from the junkshop to steel factories. I have also acquired a 167 square meter lot. These additional assets are taken from the savings and net proceeds of the company.”
DISOP Coordinator to Southeast Asia Ms. Kathleen Deckmyn together with DISOP Philippines Program Officer Mr. Conrado Brigoli, met with the officers of Federation of Sustainable Forest Managers of Southern Leyte (FESFOMASOL) in Sogod, Southern Leyte on June 23, 2011. They discussed the status of CBFM POs in Southern Leyte and what the federation, the DENR, the FCI and DISOP can do to help them improve their current situation.
Mr. Rolando Garote, FESFOMASOL President/PFAI President (black shirt), presides the meeting with DISOP Philippines. From left (clockwise) Mr. Conrado Brigoli, DISOP Program Officer, Mr. Geronimo Terre, CENRO Maasin Federation President/MAFAMCO President, Mr. Ceprino Lagbas, CENRO San Juan Federation President/HIFOSAI President, next to Mr. Garote is Mr. Rodrigo Mabale, FCI-PIFDP Team Leader, Mr. Servando Acedo, PENRO Southern Leyte CBFM Coordinator, Ms. Kathleen Deckmyn, DISOP Coordinator to Southeast Asia, and Ms. Editha Gamutan, FESFOMASOL Secretary/MUFA Secretary.
The following day Ms. Kathleen Deckmyn and Mr. Conrado Brigoli proceeded to visit Tomas Oppus Farmers Developers Association (TOFDA) in Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte. They visited the CBFM area of the PO and then they had a luncheon meeting together with the PO members.
Ms. Kathleen Deckmyn (left) ask question with Mr. Joselito Capilitan, TOFDA President (2nd from left), during their visited to TOFDA's nursery. Looking over from the right is Mr. Conrado Brigoli, Program Officer of DISOP Philippines, TOFDA, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte, June 24, 2011.
Representatives of the Missing Middle Enterprises (MME) from Regions 3 and 4A with FEMI staff and Consultant
Last May 13, 2011, FEMI hosted its 7th Entrepreneur’s Conference. The theme of the conference was “Missing Middle” – Bayani Rin! (“Missing Middle” – Heroes Too!). In this conference, FEMI’s program updates, innovations, and developmental plans was discussed to its Benepartners. The learning and development program for the whole year was also presented for validation, and the new credit rating instrument was communicated. It was emphasized that the instrument will be used to objectively evaluate the Benepartners’ credit performance. Benepartners with excellent performance deserve prime rate.
Lot of things was tackled during the conference but what served as the main attraction is when FEMI honored the significant contributions of the “missing middle” in the country, the reason why they are also considered as heroes. One reason why they are regarded as heroes is because of the jobs that their enterprises generate. Not only are they able to uplift their living standards, but through the jobs they generate, they also uplift the lives of other families. The second reason why they are regarded as heroes is because of the taxes that they paid which then serve as the lifeblood of our country. For this, FEMI invited a speaker from BIR to discuss topics regarding payments of taxes and an open forum was facilitated to answer questions that the Benepartners have in mind brought by their experiences from their transactions with BIR.
Aside from the national responsibilities, Benepartners were also made aware of FEMI’s operational guidelines particularly in delivering its Credit service through its credit scoring scheme. Proposed training schedule was also presented based on the Training Design made for 2011 through its Learning and Development program. The conference was highlighted with the participation of Benepartners in a networking workshop. It was a venue in technology sharing, market matching and mentoring among co-benepartners.
Benepartners in Trading engaged in an intense discussion
This was the 7th entrepreneurs’ conference hosted by FEMI and we can be sure that a lot more is to come. FEMI will help alleviate poverty by serving the “missing middle enterprises.” FEMI will help enable social development by empowering the Filipino entrepreneurs.
This year was a fortunate year for CLAD, INC since a new funder in the name of Heifer International Philippines has come in to help CLAD’s programs to help the marginal farmers in its area of operation. This is in complementation with the DISOP funded project which focused on capability building of this organized associations and cooperatives which has expanded its operation to the northern barangays of the Municipality of Calubian. Heifer’s project is focused mainly of providing livestock to selected four hundred families covering eight of the 13 covered barangays under DISOP especifically barangays Ul-og, F.E. Marcos, Petrolio, Tagharigue, Abanilla, Villanueva including Sitio Kabicolan and Garrido. A total of 50 heads of carabao, 50 heads of cow, 150 heads of swine and 300 heads of goat including 600 heads of chicken will be distributed to these 400 identified families to augment their source of income. The incoming project is perceived by CLAD’s management to be of great help for their farmer recipients.
The senior staff of CLAD and its front liners such as the Community Organizers and facilitators have been through a series of seminar workshops starting last Nov. 9 until Nov 26, 2011 to prepare them for the Heifer Project Implementation which will be implemented so soon. The seminar includes Cornerstone Workshop, TOT, Self Help Group (SHG) Organization and Project Monitoring and evaluation. Cornerstone workshop will also be conducted to the 400 identified partner families of the Heifer Project by sub-grouping them into 16 SHGs. These cornerstone workshop will be conducted in the month of December and probably will be finished in January of next year. The implementation of this Heifer Project is currently a big challenge for CLAD executive. Goodluck men.