Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement

MAMATA Leader shares lessons in local budgeting

PRRM — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:19:52 +0000

Datu Lasconia Enoch is among the conference participants as chairperson of the Makilala Malumpine Tribal Association or MAMATA**, which is an organization of Tagabawa Ancestral Domain claimants in Malumpine, Brgy. Old Bulatukan in Cotabato; Malumpine is also part of a unified claim of indigenous people communities in the provinces of Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City, since their lands are situated at the foot of Mount Apo.

For Datu Enoch (right), getting the right information and increasing their members’ capability to lobby for programs and projects is empowerment.

Datu Enoch was first introduced to the details of budgeting when MAMATA became a partner- beneficiary of a Social Watch Philippines Budgeting Process Project in 2010. This SWP engagement resulted in the inclusion of MAMATA in the Makilala Development Council (MDC) having been recognized as a legitimate people’s organization. With Datu Enoch’s involvement in the MDC, specific concerns of MAMATA members were brought to the planning table, and slowly, their problems concerning road rehabilitation and livelihoods have started to receive better attention from both the municipal and barangay LGUs.

On the way to Pampanga for the conference, Datu Enoch said he did not have any ideas on what to expect but that the event’s theme “Kaban ng Bayan, Bantayan” had caught his interest. Back home, he knew how the municipal government utilized government money for free rubber tree planting. Last October, a total of 624,145 seedlings were distributed to municipal residents covering a total of 1,376.68 ha. The program has benefitted 1,340 farmers across 38 barangays in Makilala. Many indigenous people also benefited from this project, including leaders and members of MAMATA. It has been estimated that more than 50 million pesos will be generated monthly when the rubber trees start producing sap.

Datu Enoch learned that there are three aspects involved in local budgeting-- finding the money, allocating the money, and monitoring how the money has been spent-- and he realized the need to participate in each of these aspects.

Because of the conference, Datu Enoch learned that there are three aspects involved in local budgeting– finding the money, allocating the money, and monitoring how the money has been spent– and he realized the need to participate in each of these aspects. Datu Enoch has had a chance to share his lessons from of the conference among the MAMATA Council members, who felt challenged to further strengthen their organization in order to deepen their participation in the local budgeting and development process, particularly in matters that have direct relevance to their plight as indigenous people.

Datu Enoch finally realized the importance of the conference and was thankful for the opportunity. For him, getting the right information and increasing their members’ capability to lobby for programs and projects is empowerment. He said, “We have ceased to be passive recipients of livelihood projects offered to us. It is a different scenario when we are the ones who identify our needs, have them included in the institutional allocation, and we become part of the delivery, implementation and monitoring stages.”

*PRRM President Isagani Serrano is a co-convenor of SWP.

**MAMATA is also part of PRRM-EU project, “Enhancing Civil Society Participation in Electoral and other Political and Democratic Process”.

PRRM teams up with PRIA to reflect on the role of CSOs in changing Philippines

PRRM — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:08:24 +0000

Civil society in the Philippines is considered as one of the most vibrant and dynamic sectors in the entire world. Perhaps this is the reason why the country has been selected for an initiative that is looking at the state of civil society organizations (CSOs) all around Asia, to reflect on their current positions and challenges, as well as their emerging roles and strategies in relation to the current global context.

Pioneers of leading CSOs in the Philippines came to share their own experiences in the country and how they can relate to the issues and challenges faced by their counterparts in other countries.

The Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), an international centre for learning and promotion of participation and democratic governance based in India, has collaborated with PRRM in organizing a round table discussion (RTD) among civil society leaders in the Philippines to take stock of what has happened, what is happening, and what will likely to happen in the sector as the world continues to face various challenges, such as conflicts and violence, terrorism, climate change, and the “quadruple F crises” of food, fuel, finance and flu. The activity is part of a broader consultation that will also take place in other selected countries in the region.

The RTD titled, “Civil Society in Changing Philippines: Emerging Roles, Strategies and Relationships”, was held last November 16 at the PRRM National Headquarters, and brought together key leaders from the civil society sector for a collective reflection on the status of CSOs in the country.

“We are in a very confusing state right now, as we see economic growth in some parts of the Asian region but we also see poverty continue to rise. The question is how far has this growth improved the lives of many people and what policies support this kind of growth?” PRIA Director Dr. Kaustuv Bandyopadhyay raised these questions as he listened to the stories of the CSO pioneers in the Philippines, and how they relate to the issues and challenges faced by their counterparts in other countries.

PRIA Director Dr. Kaustuv Bandyopadhyay raised questions on how far the economic growth in some parts of the Asian region has improved the lives of many people and what policies support this kind of growth.

Among the issues discussed were the factors that drive the national discourse, the fragmentation of CSOs, the interventions and strategies being employed by organizations for its own sustainability, the lack of political engagement, specialization of services provided, and the transparency and accountability of organizations.

PRRM President Isagani Serrano underscored the importance of the activity and said that it was just the beginning of a deeper and broader reflection. He believes that the initiative is a good platform to bring in people to work together toward “winnable causes”.

Message On the Launch of UNDAF 2012-2018

PRRM — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:15:24 +0000

Once more we commend the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) for producing the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2012-2018 for the Republic of the Philippines. We commend the UNCT for its efforts to help our country meet outstanding international commitments to sustainable human development. Likewise, credit goes to the Aquino administration for its leadership and cooperation in the whole process.

We welcome UNDAF’s launch. And we are happy and honored to be invited to participate in its creation. Yet again, we have with us a product of many helping hands that contributes not only to national development but also to UN reform.

The alignment of UNDAF with the Aquino regime’s term makes UN support for Philippine development more relevant and focused. But there’s more it than just alignment.

The UNDAF 2012-2018 is a gentle reminder that there’s much catching up to do. Where we stand at the onset of the Aquino administration is indicated in the Philippines’ MDG Report 2010. That starting point should be a cause for worry.

UNDAF’s tagline “Supporting inclusive, sustainable and resilient development” says a lot. That so many Filipinos are left behind and outside the table should compel us to re-assess if we’re really doing the right thing or doing it right. It’s now twenty years from Rio and, despite a ‘green’ agenda and an oversight structure to see that agenda through, we’re still stuck in a situation of high poverty, high inequality, continuing environmental degradation. Ironically, in 2009 the Philippines already graduated to a medium-HDI country. Considering all the concerns about inclusion and sustainability, we will be hard put to bounce back from a repeat or, worse, a series of Ondoy-type disaster scenarios.

In light of so many unresolved domestic issues and bad news worldwide, our chances of keeping our promises are at best uncertain, if not declining steadily. Our biggest plus though is, we have a government that continues to be highly respected, trusted and supported by many in and out of the country. It would be unforgivable to let that blessing slip away.

We believe the challenges before us are not insurmountable. We can overcome them with honesty and hope, with solidarity and determination, with a good plan and strategy. Our nation has what it takes to deliver more than just the MDGs.

UN Commits $667 Million In New Philippine Dev’t Assistance Framework

PRRM — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:51:52 +0000

PRRM President Isagani R. Serrano in UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) Launch

Click link for online story
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342967/un-commits-667-million-in-new-philippine-dev-t-assistance-framework

PRRM MFI celebrates first year as consolidated microfinance institution

PRRM — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:12:12 +0000

In celebration of its first year as a consolidated microfinance institution, PRRM Microfinance Incorporated (MFI) held a conference last October 18-19, in Camiguin, aiming to rev up its capacities for sustainability.

While the rest of Camiguin cheered for its annual Lanzones Festival, 22 participants attended the first microfinance conference organized by PRRM MFI. They are staff of the three branches of PRRM MFI (Camiguin, Cotabato and Albay) and its affiliate organizations (Kooperatibang Likas ng Nueva Ecija or KOOL-NE, Novo Vizcayano for Local Economy Development or NOVOLED, Rincomesa Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Camarines Sur and Kalilayan Credit Cooperative in Quezon). There were also participants from Bataan and Camarines Norte who familiarized themselves with PRRM microfinance operations in preparation for operating PRRM MFI branches by early next year.

"PRRM MFI is at the forefront of providing financial services to different sectors that would help build and develop local economies consistent with the principles of social entrepreneurship", said PRRM MFI Managing Director and Board Secretary Marlon Palomo.

First day discussions were devoted to the manual of operations, including the core and guiding principles in implementing the microfinance program, fund management, the different products with focus on lending procedures, and parts of the accounting system, specifically the Standard Chart of Accounts which will be implemented as standard practice beginning January 2012. A presentation on effective credit and background investigation was made by MILAMDEC Deputy Executive Director Engr. Antonio Sevillano, and on the second day, the session focused on financial literacy.

The participants shared that the conference trained them on how to assess financial portfolio, budget, maximize investments, understand remittances and insurance, and overall, how to weave their dreams and plans into achieving them. They further suggested the development of remittance products, a proposal that will be discussed in the forthcoming Board of Trustees meeting.

The conference ended with the reiteration of PRRM MFI core values – social and financial inclusion for local economic development through social entrepreneurship. According to PRRM MFI Managing Director and Board Secretary Marlon Palomo, this means that PRRM MFI is at the forefront of providing financial services to different sectors that would help build and develop local economies consistent with the principles of social entrepreneurship.

The PRRM MFI conference was organized and facilitated by PRRM’s Sustainable Livelihood Development Program Office (SLDPO) in co-sponsorship with the International Network of Alternative Financial Institutions (INAFI) – Philippines, a network of microfinance institutions and social development organizations which provides capacity building to its members. PRRM is a founding member of INAFI-Philippines.

P-Noy Reiterates Commitment to Organic Farming at the 8th NOAC

PRRM — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:54:32 +0000

President Benigno Aquino III reiterated his administration’s commitment to develop organic farming in the country by allocating 2 percent of the annual budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The President gave this directive to DA Secretary Proceso Alcala during his opening speech at the 8^th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC) held at the Aquino Center in Tarlac City, last November 8.

Around 800 delegates from various sectors and regions in the country, including PRRM staff and partner people’s organizations, participated in the Congress from November 8-11. PRRM Trustee Ed De La Torre provided updates on the implementation of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 by presenting the National Organic Agriculture Program process and outline which the Department aims to complete before the year ends.

A series of lectures and workshops during the NOAC revolved around the theme, “Organic Farming: Towards Food Sufficiency and Healthy Environment.” The National Organic Agriculture Board facilitated the drafting of workshops resolutions, and a study tour of the province was organized and hosted by Governor Victor Yap of Tarlac. The 2011 National Gawad Saka was also awarded to a Davao del Sur-based organic coconut farmer during the Congress.

The PRRM contingent for the 8^th National Organic Agriculture Congress included Joselito Gonzales (PRRM Sustainable Agriculture Specialist), Amor Cabico (PRRM Area Manager for Quezon and Marinduque), and Joel Jorge (PRRM-Bataan Branch), together with PO representatives Joselito Tambalo and Zaldy Serrano (SAKAHAN) and Willy Benoza (RINCOMESA- Bicol Region).

NIUGAN General Assembly in Quezon

PRRM — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:24:29 +0000

“Pagkaisahin at Palakasin ang Hanay ng mga Magniniyog para sa Tuloy-tuloy na Kampanya at Adbokasiya tungo sa Maunlad na Pamayanan.”

This was the theme of the 4th General Assembly of Nagkakaisang Ugnayan ng mga Magsasaka sa Niyugan (NIUGAN) held at the Quezon National Agricultural School (QNAS) in Pagbilao, Quezon. NIUGAN is a national federation of small coconut farmers federations at the provincial level. The assembly was attended by five provincial organizations under NIUGAN, namely, Kalipunan ng mga Samahang Nagsusulong ng Likas-Kayang Pagsasaka (KASALIKAPA) of Marinduque; Mga Magsasaka at Manggagawa sa Niyugan ng Camarines Norte (MAGSACA); Kaboronyogan nin nga Magniniyog sa Camarines Sur (KAMARIN); Pinag-isang mga Organisadong Magniniyog sa Albay (PORMA); and NIUGAN Quezon. Each provincial federation sent three leader representatives.

Welcome greetings by Congressman Oscar Santos, more endearingly called “Ka Oca”, were combined with a challenge he posed to the NIUGAN leaders to intensify their campaign and advocacy on the recovery of the coconut levy funds.

During the two-day activity, the participants summed up NIUGAN’s accomplishments as a national federation of small coconut farmers. They also discussed the issues that the federation encountered in the implementation of coconut industry development projects and advocacy work.

As part of their duties, the NIUGAN leaders updated the assembly about their active participation in different government agencies engaged in coconut industry development: the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF) where NIUGAN Chairperson Nonito “Ka Noni” Clemente sits as Director representing the federation; the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) where Director Rafael “Ka Raffy” Sarucam represents NIUGAN; and the National Anti-Poverty Council (NAPC) where Leopoldo “Ka Pol” Camacho, NIUGAN Secretary General, sits as a representative for the coconut farmers sector. Project opportunities were shared with the assembly.

A round of updates from the 5 member organizations was followed by the election of Rafael “Ka Raffy” Sarucam as NIUGAN President and Anselmo “Kap” Arandela as Vice President. The assembly appointed Ka Pol Camacho as Secretary, Don Paclibar as Treasurer, and Cipriano “Ka Cipring” Pizarra as Auditor.

The second day was intended for the Coconut Forum with none other than Senator Wigberto “Ka Bobby” Tañada as the main speaker. Ka Bobby was recently elected as Chairperson of the Boards of three oil mill corporations under the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) – CIIF. The Forum highlighted the concerns regarding the past CIIF-funded Coconut Farm Development Program (CFDP). Ka Bobby listened to the stories shared by the leaders from the five provinces regarding the implementation of the said program.

Ka Bobby with the newly elected officers of NIUGAN, namely Ka Awe Celleza, Ka Cipring Pizarra , Don Paclibar, Ka Pol Camacho, Kap Adelmo Arandela and Ka Raffy Sarucam

After the consultation, Ka Bobby administered the oath-taking of the newly elected NIUGAN officers. The activity ended with a short talk by PRRM Field Operations Manager Joseph Gloria and agreements on the schedule of the NIUGAN Executive Committee meeting.

Padyak gathers over 300 bikers for Marikina Watershed rehab

PRRM — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:30:34 +0000

The trickling of a few men and women bikers in their tight cycling shorts, sturdy bikes and protective helmets grew to over two hundred by the time the “Padyak para sa Marikina Watershed” kicked off from the Quezon Memorial Circle last Oct 23, around 7:30 in the morning, following a brief opening ceremony.

Padyak para sa Marikina Watershed is part of PRRM’s pre-60^th anniversary activities. This bike caravan was made possible in partnership with The Firefly Brigade and the local governments of Quezon City and Marikina City.

The awarding of 10 bicycles to the most active barangays in the QC government’s Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction program gathered loud cheers from the crowd, and was topped only by the ceremonial ‘potpot’ that marked the start of the bike caravan. Ramon Carlo Ramoy of the Office of the Chief of Staff said that QC Mayor Herbert Bautista sponsored these bicycles for information sharing in the communities while promoting cleaner air.

Together with the local governments surrounding the Marikina Watershed, we are calling for reforestation efforts," says PRRM President Isagani Serrano during an interview with the GMA NewsTV.

After touring the QC leg, the biking environmental advocates were welcomed by more than a hundred Marikina bikers at the symbolic Nanay Ude monument in the River Park before finishing off the bike caravan with the Marikina leg of the tour.

The closing ceremony in Brgy. Kalumpang of Marikina City was graced by Marikina Vice Mayor Dr. Jose Cadiz who recounted the impact of Ondoy in their city and how the Marikina Watershed, if properly maintained, will prevent future calamities.

The closing ceremony in Brgy. Kalumpang of Marikina City was graced by the Marikina Vice Mayor Dr. Jose Cadiz, Councilor Joseph Banzon and Kalumpang Barangay Chair Renato De Guzman, who welcomed the finishers of the bike caravan with some snacks, and lauded the call of the advocacy event. All the officials recounted the impact of Ondoy in their city and how the Marikina Watershed, if properly maintained, will prevent future calamities.

The Bikeways Office of Marikina, headed by Carlota Contreras, also presented the LGU’s bike program, including its bike loan scheme for interested applicants. According to Arch. Willie Reyes of the Office of the Mayor and member of the Technical Management Group of the Marikina Watershed Project, bicycles will also be awarded to deserving barangays in the coming months as part of Marikina’s commitment to promoting bikes as part of disaster management toolkit.

For the Padyak event, PRRM partnerned with The Firefly Brigade which organizes critical mass rides to promote visibility on the road for cyclists and road sharing, as well as for various advocacy campaigns in partnership with other NGOs. Firefly Brigade Project Coordinator Mia Bunao also talked about the series of biking activities in the coming months, including a film festival featuring documentaries on biking.

A PRRM@60 pre-anniversary event

In an interview with the GMA NewsTV, PRRM President Isagani Serrano reiterated the importance of protecting the watersheds in preventing another Ondoy. “Together with the local governments surrounding the Marikina Watershed, we are calling for reforestation efforts.” Donation boxes were also passed on during the event to collect contributions that will buy tree seedlings for the Watershed.

Padyak para sa Marikina Watershed is part of the PRRM’s pre-60^th anniversary activities. For almost 60 years, PRRM has worked all over the Philippines in helping build sustainable communities. PRRM’s major programs include sustainable agriculture, upland resources management, coastal resources management, sustainable livelihood, climate and disaster risk reduction and participation in good governance.

PRRM joins observation of World Food Day

PRRM — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:51:45 +0000

The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) joined the whole world in observing the World Food Day last October 17, 2011, through an exhibit organized by the Asian Development Bank at their Philippine headquarters in Mandaluyong City. The World Food Day is celebrated each year on 16 October, the day when the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations was founded in 1945.

Through a photo exhibit accompanied by a narrative, PRRM explained how food security is interrelated with other sustainability issues such as food production, natural resources management and climate change. The exhibit also presented the PRRM programs that aim to contribute to food security: Diversified and Integrated Farming Technology System (DIFTS), System of Rice Intensification (SRI), Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT) and Community Based Coastal Resource Management (CB-CRM). The PRRM booth also showcased other PRRM programs and projects which have great implications and impact on food production and distribution.

(Click here for the photo exhibit http://tinyurl.com/worldfooddayexhibit.) Or click these links to view photo exhibit here: page 1 | page 2 | page 3 | page 4 | page 5

Copies of audio-visual presentations on land degradation, climate and disaster risk reduction (CDRR), and coastal resource management (CRM) were displayed and distributed to visitors of the booth. PRRM publications such as different volumes of PRRM’s official publication, Community and Habitat, were shown and shared with interested individuals.

ADB officials and employees visited the booth, and interacted with the PRRM staff managing the booth. An employee commented that what PRRM is doing “makes sense”. Most visitors were attracted to the booth’s RR Trade displays of products such as native handicrafts, brown and organic rice, and organic coffee – products from PRRM’s different partner organizations.

PRRM staff at the World Food Day exhibit at Asian Development Bank's headquarters in Mandaluyong City. (l-r Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mr. Joselito Gonzales, Ms. Divine Tapec from the Office of the PRRM President, and Ms. Jobelle Almirol from the Special Projects and Development Communications Unit)

“Padyak para sa Marikina Watershed” Itinerary & Bike Route, Oct 23, Sunday

PRRM — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:33:01 +0000

PRRM teams up with The Firefly Brigade, Marikina City and Quezon City for a cycling caravan calling for the reforestation of the Marikina Watershed.

Registration is FREE!

Assembly: 6:30am
Opening Program: 7:00am
Ride Out: 7:30am

Length of Ride: 22kms
Pace: 10-18kms per hour

Assembly: Liwasang Aurora of Quezon Memorial Circle, across the Quezon Memorial Monument (tower)
Route:
Elliptical Road
Out towards Philcoa
Right at C.P. Garcia
Right at Katipunan
Right at Aurora Boulevard
U turn slot towards Marikina
Barangka

Meet Marikina Contingent at Nanay Ude

Tour Marikina bike lanes

Ends at Kalumpang Barangay Hall (Closing Program)