JICA WORKSHOP SHOWCASES GOOD COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PRACTICES AND APPROACHES

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a 4-day activity entitled Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Community Development in Mindanao held at the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) Conference Room, Cotabato City last July 25-28, 2011. The said workshop was participated by the implementing agencies of JICA-funded projects in Mindanao namely the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), ARMM Social Fund Project Management Office (ASFP), Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP). The DIDP was represented by Engr. Grace L. Magalona, Assistant Executive Director, Engr. Noel L. Lopez, Small Water Supply Focal Person and Mr. Rhoderick Aviles, Community Organizing Focal Person.

The workshop activities were divided into four (4) components: 1) Presentation of the participants on their Project Objectives, Components,Imple mentation Process/Scheme, Selection of Target Communities, Implementation Mechanism, Operation and Maintenance (O&M), Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, etc.; 2) Sharing of good practices, unique efforts and lessons learned of the project; 3) Presentation of the knowledge gained from the workshop and next actions to be taken; and 4) Site visit of the existing water system associations in the area.

Features of the projects presented are as follows:

BDA: Socio-Economic Reconstruction and Development of Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (SERD-CAAM)

  • SERD-CAAM is a development study aimed at supporting the peace initiatives in Mindanao;
  • The objective is to formulate a socio-economic development plan for the reconstruction and development of conflict-affected areas, with the end view of promoting the consolidation of peace in Mindanao; and
  • One of the good practices is the BDA Development Approach in which spiritual growth precedes material development through social preparations and values transformation training.

ASFP: ARMM Social Fund for Peace and Development
  • The ASFP was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 124 dated September 12, 2002, as amended by Executive Order 518, dated March 21, 2006;
  • Project goal is to foster sustainable development thru reducing poverty and supporting mechanisms for the promotion of a peaceful and safe environment in the conflict-affected areas of ARMM;
  • Community-based Infrastructure Learning Livelihood and Food Sufficiency;
  • 32 Strategic Regional Facilities were rehabilitated/constructed to further strengthen ARMM's capabilities in delivering services to its people; and
  • 2,412 subprojects in ARMM barangays directly/indirectly benefiting residences were completed.

Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental: Project Enhance-ment of Local Governance and Community Empowerment in Micro-watersheds in Misamis Oriental (ELCEMM)

  • 3-year project implemented in 8 pilot barangays in Gingoog City and Municipality of Alubijid;
  • The purpose of the project is to improve the pilot barangays by collaboration of Local Government Units, NGOs and communities; and
  • Micro-watershed Management activities include four components: 1) Local Governance; 2) Micro-watershed activities on the ground; 3) Natural resources management-based enterprises; and 4) IEC/Advocacy.

DAR: Mindanao Sustainable Settlement Area Development Project (MinSSAD)

  • The project is designed to provide a package of support services to the selected 8 settlement areas located in Mindanao, namely Bukidnon Settlement, Davao Settlement No. 1 and 2, Cateel Settlement, Agusan del Sur Settlement No. 1 and 2 and Surigao del Norte Settlement No. 1 and 2;
  • The project aims to contribute to the alleviation of poverty, and ensure viable and sustainable growth and development in the target settlement areas; and
  • Good practices / innovative approaches includes: 1) Mainstreaming the management and implementation of the project into the DAR bureaucracy; 2) Cost sharing and providing counterpart; 3) Involvement of MLGUs in the construction of infrastructures; 4) “Settlements” approach as a means of targeting beneficiaries; 5) Integrated, area-based approach using optimal mix interventions; 6) Strong environmental considerations thru the Green Earth Project; and 7) Introduction of appropriate and environment friendly technologies.

DIDP: Local Governance and Rural Empowerment Project (LGREP) of Davao Region

  • Implemented as a Technical Cooperation Project of the JICA within a period of 3 years (July 2007 – July 2010);
  • Its purpose is to improve the capacity of LGUs of Davao Region in delivering water supply services;
  • Main activities of the project are: 1) Capacity development of LGUs that includes classroom trainings, on-the-job trainings in pilot projects and equipment and software; 2) Database; and 3) Guidelines for Small Water Supply Projects; and
  • Project outputs include Guidelines for SWS Project, manuals for Groundwater Development, SWS and Community Organizing, construction of 5 SWS Systems and organized 5 BAWASAs.

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