We hope to provide the marginalized sectors, especially our farmers, indigenous peoples, women, and fisherfolks to scale up the impacts of their social enterprises for poverty reduction, Tañada explained.

He defines social enterprises (SE) as businesses with a social mission that includes caring for the environment, economic viability or sustainability, and improving the lives of the marginalized, especially impoverished sectors.

Unlike ordinary businesses, social enterprises generate profit with due regard to social and environmental costs and makes a proactive contribution to resolving social and environmental problems, Tañada stated.

Tañada also said that there are about 30,000 social enterprises in the country now operating through various forms such as corporations, non-government organizations doing SEs, cooperatives, and associations. HB 6085 also seeks to unite and strengthen the SE sector through government support that will eventually make these industries sustainable.

It will provide incentives for SEs in exchange for the social and environmental values that they create for the society. Many SEs are still involved in the production stage in an economic value chain of certain commodities. HB 6085 aims to mainstream SEs so we could develop our agriculture industries, create access to markets, and competitiveness among the entrepreneurial poor.

Major players in the SE sector include the producers of organic agricultural products, coco coir, muscovado sugar, organic rice, essential oils, bamboo, educational toys, school chairs, brewed coffee, health and wellness goods and other innovative products.

HB 6085 likewise provides access to non-collateralized loans for qualified SEs thru special credit windows with a Guarantee Fund Pool; comprehensive insurance system to reduce vulnerability to climate change and calamities; resources for comprehensive capacity development for SEs and poor as partners; proactive SE market development program promoting principles of fair trade; research and development on strategic economic subsectors, appropriate technologies and innovations to democratize access of poor to quality basic social service; preferential treatment in government procurement including coverage of performance bonds; tax exemptions and tax breaks; and cash incentives such as at least 25% of minimum wage for social enterprises employing persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Tañada called on his colleagues to support the bill. He said that he has high hopes that President Noynoy Aquino supports this proposed measure. This is a window for opportunity for the Aquino Administration to put in place a sustainable way of reducing poverty , Taada stated. He noted that SEs had accomplished good results in South Korea, Europe and America, countries that had enacted laws on social enterprises.

The proposed measure is getting the broad support of the Poverty Reduction through Social Enterprises (PRESENT) Coalition with the Ateneo School of Government and the Foundation for a Sustainable Society (FSSI) as convenors. Other members of the coalition include the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), World Fair Trade Organization, Philippine Social Enterprise Network , Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), Asian Solidarity Economy Forum , Alliance of Negros Producers, Tahanang Walang Hagdan, and other SE practitioners, academe, and non-government organizations that implement SEs.

Link to the story at the daily tribune website:
http://www.tribuneonline.org/business/20120510bus9.html

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Japanese Embassy’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Akio Isomata, attended the inauguration ceremonies for the project entitled “Support to improve livelihood of poor farmers through production of organic and reduced-chemical produce in Nueva Vizcaya”. The event was held in the Municipality of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya on May 10, 2012 and also attended by Vice Governor of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, Hon. Jose V. Gambito, and Mayors of four Municipalities of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya as well as representatives of the GLM institute, the operator of this project. The financial assistance for this project amounting to 42,571,511 Yen (approximately 21.3 million Pesos) is provided under the scheme “ Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects” by the Government of Japan.

The implementation of this Project is spearheaded by the GLM Institute, a Japanese NGO, in collaboration with a Philippine counterpart NGO, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), together with relevant local government agencies in Nueva Vizcaya. Th is project is a success or project of, and complement, the previous three-year project on promotion of participatory forest management in Nueva Vizcaya, which was also funded by the same grant assistance scheme of Japan’s ODA. This new GLMI project aims to improve the livelihood of 100 farmer beneficiaries in Nueva Vizcaya through the establishment of new market channels, develop farmers knowledge in marketing of organic and reduced-chemical produce as well as introduce them to sustainable upland farming techniques.

The beneficiaries of the project are farmers in eight barangays of the municipalities in the previous GLMI projects. The project will involve six components, namely: establishment of new marketing channels other than middlemen; production of high profit vegetables and fruits using sustainable farming technologies; capacity building and knowledge development of producers in marketing of organic and reduced-chemical produce; involvement of local governments and partners in consolidation of the production environment; and dissemination of techniques and knowledge to other producers in the area; improved livelihood of target producers of organic and reduced–chemical produce through these operations.

This project reaffirms Japan’s commitment to help strengthen the Philippine Government’s efforts in alleviating the plight of marginal farmers . For the past decades, Japan, as the top donor of the Official Development Assistance to the Philippines, has assisted the forestry and agricultural sectors in the Philippines through various Japanese ODA schemes such as loans, grants and technical cooperation. This project also contributes to further strengthening of the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines as well as strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, which amounts to approximately 204 million Pesos, as of the end of April 2012 in the Philippines, was launched in 2003 to enhance cooperation between the Government of Japan and Japanese NGOs in the implementation of development projects in the Philippines.

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The implementation of this Project is spearheaded by the GLM Institute, a Japanese NGO, in collaboration with a Philippine counterpart NGO, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), together with relevant local government agencies in Nueva Vizcaya. This project is a successor project of, and complements, the previous three-year project on promotion of participatory forest management in Nueva Vizcaya, which was also funded by the same grant assistance scheme of Japan’s ODA. This new GLMI project aims to improve the livelihood of 100 farmer beneficiaries in Nueva Vizcaya through the establishment of new market channels, develop farmers’ knowledge in marketing of organic and reduced-chemical produce as well as introduce them to sustainable upland farming techniques.

The beneficiaries of the project are farmers in eight barangays of the municipalities in the previous GLMI projects. The project will involve six components, namely: establishment of new marketing channels other than middlemen; production of high profit vegetables and fruits using sustainable farming technologies; capacity building and knowledge development of producers in marketing of organic and reduced-chemical produce; involvement of local governments and partners in consolidation of the production environment; and dissemination of techniques and knowledge to other producers in the area.

This project reaffirms Japan’s commitment to help strengthen the Philippine Government’s efforts in alleviating the plight of marginal farmers. For more than a decade, Japan, as the top donor of the Official Development Assistance to the Philippines, has assisted the forestry and agricultural sectors in the Philippines through various Japanese ODA schemes such as loans, grants and technical cooperation. This project also contributes to further strengthening of the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines as well as strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, which amounts to approximately 204 million Pesos, as of the end of April 2012 in the Philippines, was launched in 2003 to enhance cooperation between the Government of Japan and Japanese NGOs in the implementation of development projects in the Philippines.

– End -

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The UNDP regional meeting took stock of its own work in the area of Democratic Governance Assessments, as well as other similar initiatives in the region led by other partners. Mr. Serrano’s discussion was largely based on the work undertaken by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement as well as by the Social Watch-Philippines.

The Experts Roundtable and South-South Exchange Forum on the theme, “Lessons from Assessing Governance: Towards Inclusive Democracies and Development in Asia”, reflected on experiences of countries which have undertaken governance assessments. The Forum explored the relevance of nationally-driven governance assessments to the challenges identified in the region – inequalities and governance deficits – and how governance assessments can contribute to addressing them. Building on these insights, the meeting intended to take governance assessment to the next phase in Asia-Pacific, particularly in the context of rising inequality and continuously evolving democratic/political space.

Mr. Serrano presented the Philippine experience and how governance assessments were directed at poverty reduction, climate change adaptation and increased participatory governance, especially in public finance. He stated that “Assessments do increase accountability but don’t guarantee sustainable development.”

Download UNDP Jakarta Presentation

Adelmo "Kapitan" Arandela discusses the outcomes of the recent NIUGAN national assembly with NIUGAN Quezon leaders.

While this was one of the organisation’s regularly scheduled ‘Council of Leaders’ meetings, this assembly gave particular cause for celebration – not only since it was held on the Kapitan’s milestone 60th birthday, but because it was also the group’s first official meeting since the latest development in the ongoing coco levy recovery efforts. On January 24, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the coconut farmers in the case to recover the 24 per cent of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) shares originally obtained with funds from the Coconut Industry Investment Fund. While this decision is still subject to further motions for reconsideration, NIUGAN Quezon and coco farmers nationwide are feeling optimistic about this positive step in their advocacy and recovery efforts.

Roderik R. Nera, the representative leader from Tagkawayan, introduces himself to the NIUGAN Quezon leaders who travelled from across Quezon province and Marinduque to participate in this Annual General Assembly meeting.

The full day meeting was led by PRRM Area Manager for Quezon, Amor R. Cabico, and NIUGAN-Quezon leader and NIUGAN Vice President Adelmo “Kapitan” Arandela. They were joined by 13 leaders and observers, including two farmers from Lopez municipality considering membership with NIUGAN Quezon; and two representatives from a Marinduque-based sustainable agriculture federation, Kalipunan ng mga Samahan para sa Likas Kayang Pananakahan (KASALIKAPA). Participants travelled from the towns of Calauag, Gumaca, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Atimonan, Lopez and Alabat to attend the meeting. PRRM was also represented by two Manila-based Australian volunteers who are conducting research which will support PRRM’s continued advocacy for small coco farmers.

Amor Cabico, PRRM Area Manager for Quezon, thanks NIUGAN Quezon Secretary General Aurelio A. Umilda for his attendance and contribution.

Following a warm welcome and introductions, the meeting included discussion on the recent NIUGAN national assembly, Local Coconut Industry Development Councils (LCIDCs), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ National Greening Program, and diversified farming technology projects being undertaken.

The meeting’s highlight was a discussion on the latest National Anti-Poverty Council (NAPC) report for its first quarterly meeting in 2012. Kapitan Adelmo represents NIUGAN on NAPC and shared with Quezon members NAPC’s plan for tackling poverty in the industry through a ‘Coconut Industry Road Map’. The road map offers one possible framework for improving the lives of coco farmers, particularly pertinent following the Supreme Court ruling which brings the government one step closer to recovering the 24 per cent block of SMC shares – valued at an estimated PhP 60-80 billion – for the direct benefit of coco farmers in the Philippines.

The meeting concluded with the extension of the Kapitan’s tenure as NIUGAN Quezon leader for the next quarter, with official elections scheduled for the next meeting in June.

“How can China’s progress become the Philippines’, too?” This was one of the critical questions that PRRM Chair Wigberto “Ka Bobby” Tañada posed to the forum speaker Chito Sta. Romana during his opening remarks. With all eyes on China, the former Philippine Senator was also keen to know as to how the country’s bilateral relations with the world’s second largest economy should be. The Spratlys dispute was among the list of every audience’s interests as far as the RP-China relations are concerned, topping other social development issues as smuggling and eco-waste.

Sta. Romana's extended stay in China is a result of the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by then President Ferdinand Marcos. As a student activist, he feared arrest; Authorities arrested his identical twin brother in his absence.

During his 39-year residency in China, Sta. Romana worked as a reporter and producer for ABC News,  part-time writer for the Washington Post, translator-editor for a Chinese publishing house, and even joined Chinese peasant-farmers and factory workers, making him one of the most sought after consultants on China matters upon his return to the Philippines. Sta. Romana presented how the two great Chinese leaders, Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, shared the goal of modernizing China, albeit with different approaches, and how it has awakened the sleeping dragon of Asia. Sta. Romana, however, was more intent in discussing the sustainability of China’s development process.

China has had an average annual growth rate of 9.31% during the past three decades, a doubled per capita income every nine years since 1978 (the fastest growth rate in the world so far), and a poverty reduction rate from 85% in 1981 to 15% in 2009, among its many other seemingly impressive development statistics. Despite this, Sta. Romana said that China now faces increasing inequality (between rich and poor, between urban and rural, between east and west), corruption in government and business sectors, environmental pollution, growing social unrest, and economic overheating, and is now looking for a way out. The usual strategy that made China what it is now will no longer work, added Sta. Romana, and there is a need to shift from export-led growth due to uncertain demand in the United States, Europe & Japan. The government cannot afford to undertake more infrastructure investment without worsening the inflation, and there is the challenge to expand domestic demand by promoting domestic consumption.

With participants from development organizations, the private sector and the academe throwing in more questions to Sta. Romana, PRRM President Isagani Serrano assured them of the second part of the forum to be scheduled soon.

Understanding China is part of PRRM’s 60^th anniversary activities

The leaders of POs from the six municipalities of Marinduque agreed to the creation of the PO Leaders Caucus which will serve as their venue for sharing updates, ideas and experiences.

A total of 15 leaders of people’s organizations (PO) based in the six municipalities of Marinduque attended the activity. Although the organization engages in sustainable agriculture with mostly rice farmers as members, other members are also coconut farmers and fishers. KASALIKAPA President Ka Paciano Rodelas and Vice President Ka Cipriano Pizarra facilitated the two-day assembly that resulted in the formation of the PO Leaders Council or POLAC. All leaders agreed to the creation of POLAC, which will serve as their venue for program and projects updating, as well as for sharing of ideas and experiences.

KASALIKAPA members include rice and coco farmers and fishers.

They also identified the official and alternate representatives of KASALIKAPA to the national sectoral federations, namely: Pambansang Samahan ng mga Maliliit na Magsasaka para sa Likas-Kayang Pananakahan (or SAKAHAN, a federation of sustainable agriculture practitioners); Nagkakaisang Ugnayan ng Maliliit na Magsasaka at Manggagawa sa Niyugan (or NIUGAN, a federation of small coconut farmer organizations); Pinalakas na Ugnayan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Luzon, Mindanao at Visayas (or PUMALU-MV, a federation of fisherfolk organizations); Daluyan at Ugnayan ng Organisasyong Pangkababaihan (or DALUYONG, a national women’s organization); and Philippine Rural Reconstruction Youth Association (or PRRYA, an organization of Filipino youth volunteers for community development). These unities were made in order to address some issues of representation in these national federations.

While PO leaders from each municipality shared their plans and programs to be implemented in their communities, Amor Cabico, PRRM Area Manager for Marinduque and Quezon, presented the coco levy updates and the National Greening Program as part of the inputs to be considered in their next planning activity on March 28. Ka Cipriano and POLAC member Ka Daryl Janap also discussed the National NIUGAN Road Map for 2012-2014, crafted at the PRRM Quezon office in Lucena City last December 6, 2011.

Before the end of the two-day KASALIKAPA assembly, the group had decided to calendar the first POLAC meeting on March 29 to further discuss important matters regarding the KASALIKAPA Cooperative.

February 2012 will be the 14th year of implementation of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. After more than a decade, the Philippine fisheries finds itself in a crisis. We find our major fishing grounds beyond their sustainable limits. Consequently, more than a million fisherfolks are adversely affected. The failure to arrest the steady decline of fisheries in the Philippines are attributed to several factors like unabated illegal fishing, unregulated use of highly efficient fishing gears, virtual privatization and commercialization of coastal resources and increase in fishing pressure brought about by increase in population living in coastal areas, among others. But the failure of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) to acknowledge and publicly declare that the Philippine fisheries is in crisis contributed significantly on this. Without the recognition of the issue on overfishing, we could not develop fisheries management tools that fit and work in the Philippines. It is time to act. We need to increase the awareness of the general public. We need for them to understand that unless our government properly address the issue on overfishing, there will come a time when we could not put fish on the table.

Thus, we are asking for your support. As part of our campaign, we wanted to use the social media as a tool to raise our concern. We wanted you to be one of our fisheries warriors. Attached is a poster bearing the call ‘The Philippine Fisheries is in Crisis. Declare Overfishing’. We are asking if you could post the poster as your profile picture in your facebook account at least for a week and at most for the whole month of February. May we also ask if you could post the message below as your status/update this February.

‘Based on the National Stock Assessment Program by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), most of the major Philippine fishing grounds have reached their sustainable limits. For the past several years, we have been for DA-BFAR to publicly declare that the Philippine fisheries is in crisis. Yet, our calls have fallen on deaf ears despite the pronounced effect of overfishing to the people who directly depend on fisheries for their income and subsistence. Our future is at stake. We may end up without fish, the primary source of animal protein of Filipinos, if we do not implement fisheries management that works and fits in the Philippines. One step for fisheries management to be successful is for DA-BFAR, the main government institution that ensures steady supply of fish in the country, to acknowledge the issue on overfishing. The Philippine Fisheries is in Crisis. Declare Overfishing’

May we also ask you to send this to your friends and colleagues who may help us on our call.

For the month of February, we will also be posting videos of testimonies of our fisherfolk leaders regarding overfishing. We will also be creating an invitation for the cause in facebook. Please do support us on this call.

Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Mangingisdang Pilipino!

NGOs for Fisheries Reform, Inc.

Running priest Fr. Robert Reyes lights a candle in front of the Supreme Court compound in Manila, hoping and praying for a corrupt-free judiciary.

Recognizing that high moral standards of public officials and unquestionable integrity of government institutions are necessary for good governance and sustainable development, PRRM has joined a campaign that seeks to magnify these requirements and bring them to the forefront of citizen’s discussions on the ongoing impeachment trial of the country’s Chief Justice.

Public officials must not only be competent, but also morally upright. This is the demand of the Ang Tipo Kong Chief Justice Movement which is an alliance of citizen-leaders, legal luminaries, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, labor groups, student organizations and the academe. The Movement is aimed at generating an active citizenry not only in witnessing the developments in the impeachment trial, but also in participating in the discussions and in the Movement’s call for what embodies a proper Chief Justice. It asks the people to focus on extracting the truth that may be blurred by all the “drama” that is unfolding, rather than on the technicalities and legal maneuverings, in the proceedings.  Ang Tipo Kong Chief Justice Movement also hopes that the Filipino people will become more conscious that the lofty requirements for public servants are non-negotiable, especially for high-ranking positions such as Chief Justice.

The writer waves the PRRM banner near the Senate compound.

The campaign will organize various events and activities to increase the awareness and participation of the general public, such as motorcades, media appearances, internet and social media, freedom walls, and student forums, among others. After a public launch on February 7, the campaign kicked off with a fun run/marathon led by “the running priest” Fr. Robert Reyes, coinciding with the February 14 Valentine’s Day celebrations, and making the campaign slogan Ang Tipo Kong Chief Justice ideal. The runners began their journey at Kalaw Avenue, and proceeded to the Supreme Court where a brief program and candlelit prayer was held, before going to the Senate where Fr. Reyes offered heart-shaped “Tipo Kong Chief Justice…” demands to the Senator-Judges of the impeachment trial. PRRM supported the activity with the La Liga Policy Institute, PALEA, and student groups from UP Manila and De La Salle University.