More than 30 Mahintana and Dolefil Community Relations (ComRel) staff underwent the Basic Supervisory Training-Workshop on February 28 to March 2, 2019 at Dolores Farm Resort, Polomolok, South Cotabato. This development training aims to help the staff understand the roles and functions of a supervisor, as well as, enhance their skill sets such as leadership, planning, effective communication, control function, time management, and facilitating meetings.
In the span of 3
days, there were various discussions, group activities, and individual
quiz-type sessions. Structured Learning Experiences (SLEs) were designed to
test the physical and mental stamina of the participants. The participants were
expressive of their thoughts, feelings, and work experiences that may be
beneficial to other participants. One of the significant activities was the
opportunity to communicate with all the attendees one-on-one, which was
according to the trainees, very liberating.
“Persistence, dedication and willingness to be accessed by people who want to develop you”are just few of the advices given by the resource speaker Ms. Janet Obra. Mahintana Admin & Finance Officer Ms. Liza D. Hora encouraged the body to open themselves in learning more. She recounted the experiences and pains of working in a dynamic organization such as Mahintana, yet, she counted it all joy to seeing the results of community organizing especially raising leaders who will continue the work to do and more. During the post evaluation session, the participants shared their impressions about the said training-workshop.
The SOLARES project staff headed by Mr. Jobe C. Tubigon, Project Manager, participated in the Solar PV Mainstreaming Project Joint Meeting/Window 2 Design Workshop held at Socoteco II Seminar Hall in General Santos City on February 26, 2019. The purpose of the workshop was to review the Solar Home System (SHS) or Photovoltaic (PV) Mainstreaming Window I implementation experience in Mindanao and identify lessons learned to simplify and improve SHS Window II implementation. PV Mainstreaming is a Department of Energy (DoE) initiative, supported by the World Bank’s Access to Sustainable Energy in the Philippines (ASEP) Programme.
Electric Cooperatives (ECs) presented their Window I experiences on the preparation, procurement, marketing, installation & verification phases. The group were also able to brainstorm together and complement actions to improve its mechanics for Window II. It was also an opportunity for Mahintana to harmonize the SHS technical design/specifications, the target areas and sustainability mechanisms of PVM with the SOLARES project.
World Bank Consultant Mr. Ian Driscall presented the Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification (RE4RE) system, a GIS platform developed to strengthen the impact of electrification projects fostering access to electrical services. The platform makes information available to aid in decision making on energy-related projects and monitoring the progress of ongoing projects.
The
attendees were key staff and officers from different Electric Coops (ECs)
namely: SUKELCO, FIBECO, COTELCO, Socoteco II, DASURECO and BUSECO. Also
present were representatives from the Development Bank of the Philippines
(DBP), Yamog organization, National Electrification Administration (NEA) and
Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF).
Strengthening Off-grid Lighting with Appropriate Renewable Energy
Solutions (SOLARES) Project, a 3-year EU-funded project in partnership with
Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), facilitated the Coordination and Harmonization Meeting held at Hotel Esse, Davao
City on February 21, 2019. Among the attendees are Ms. Carol Maningo from EU
Delegation, Mr. Ian Driscall from World Bank, Mr. Douglas Liner from the
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) and Ms. Shunie
Pearl Palacios from PEF. Also present were representatives and management staff
from the Department of Energy (DoE), MINDA, SUKELCO and SURECO. The meeting was
an avenue for stakeholders to share solar-related project experiences and for Mahintana
to harmonize initiatives to implement SOLARES Project successfully.
SOLARES Project Manager Mr. Jobe C. Tubigon presented the target
areas and beneficiaries, the project framework, the solar home system (SHS) design
options, and the project implementation plan. Discussions included concerns
such as the target areas’ accessibility, the SHS specification options, the livelihood
programs, electrification, the procurement processes, the installation of the solar
load vending stations, and the sustainability of the project. With the inputs given
by the group, Mahintana noted replicable existing systems and will consult EU
for major amendments in the project concept. EU Programme Officer Ms. Carol
Maningo stated that the project may be overwhelming, yet, it can be beneficial
to Mahintana, and the partners, esp. the beneficiaries. DoE Director Mr. Mario Marasigan
encouraged the body to work together for the total electrification of the
off-grid in Region 12 and ARMM through the provision of SHS.
Mahintana Foundation, Inc. President & CEO Mr.
Martiniano L. Magdolot was invited to attend the South Cotabato State of the Provincial
Address (SOPA) delivered by Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes on February 18,
2019 at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center. The SOPA focused on
Good Governance, Value Chain-approach to Agriculture & Tourism,
Infrastructure Development, R2R Approach and Biodiversity Conversation,
DDR-CCA, and Convergence Approach to Social Services Delivery.
As an existing partner of the provincial government of South
Cotabato in many years, Gov. Daisy acknowledged the efforts and participation
of Mahintana in implementing programs in promoting: a) advancing a culture of integrity through
the South Cotabato Integrity Circle (SCIC); b) transparent and participatory
governance through Open Government Participation (OGP) commitments; c) poverty
reduction through converging initiatives; and d) excellent and accessible
health care services.
SCIC was recognized by Development Academy of the Philippines
(DAP) as one of the five 2018 Best Government Practices. Mr. Magdolot sits as the
Vice Chairperson of SCIC. Second, Mahintana’s commitment to the South Cotabato
OGP are the Open Monitoring and Open Legislation through the foundation’s
RESOURCEGov Project. For the Open Monitoring, the Provincial Project Monitoring
Committee (PPMC) is assisted by the project to make ODK-based forms for
paperless project monitoring. The South Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan uses
the LITS to archive legislative documents as action for the Open Legislation
Commitment. Moreover, the Province of South Cotabato was recognized as the Most
Innovative Province for the Convergence Program for Poverty Reduction. For the
health services, the province is identifies as the pilot province in Region XII
by the department of Health (DOH) to establish the Service Delivery Network
(SDN).
Open Government Partnership (OGP)
Partnerships & Events Consultant for Asia Pacific Ms. Ivy Ong facilitated
the meeting of its OGP Partners, the Mahintana Foundation, Inc. and Affiliated
Network for Social Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific (ANSA-EAP),
for a peer learning experience regarding their OGP commitments. The two parties
agreed to communicate through teleconference call on February 18, 2019,
10:30AM.
Mahintana Operations Manager Mr. Jobe
C. Tubigon, RESOURCEGov Project Manager Mr. Roel Ian P. Blanker and Project
Documenter Ms. Lorielyn P. Patoc attended the teleconference call with ANSA-EAP
Executive Director Mr. Redempto “Don” Parafina. Each party introduced their
respective organizations and the programs and projects implemented by their
organizations. ANSA-EAP, according to Mr. Don, works with projects about the
governance particularly in citizen’s participation through technology. Mr.
Blanker shared the programs of Mahintana focusing on the RESOURCEGov Project
under the Institution-building & Governance Program. He said that Mahintana
supports the OGP South Cotabato in Open Monitoring and Open Legislation using
the Open Data Kit (ODK) and Legislative Information Tracking System
(LITS). On the other hand, Mr. Parafina
shared the CheckMySchool app, an issue-based app that can be used as a
reporting tool regarding issues and concerns of schools in the Philippines.
Issues such as deficiencies in schools/classrooms to be fixed, frequent
absences of teachers, etc. can be reported through the app. After the
discussion, the parties agreed to coordinate for the updates in the OGP
commitments to be met by each organization.
To celebrate the Heart Month, the Polomolok Task Force Kalusugan (PTFK) Program of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. through the Health, Wellness and Safety Initiatives in the Workplace conducted the Heart Walk on February 16, 2019 from the Cannery Gymnasium to the open court fronting the Polomolok Municipal Hall. This activity is in partnership with LGU Polomolok, BLGU Cannery Site, BLGU Poblacion, Dole Philippines, Inc., Dolefil-Kaugnay, LEAD.PH, LEAD Salaried, Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital, and 5 partner-cooperatives: CAMPCO, Tibud-SKMPC, PMSC, FARB-MPC, and UEWMPC. Around 600 participants from different stakeholders joined the activity including 9 partner schools and the Dole Management and personnel.
The organizers and participants gathered in Cannery Gymnasium at 4AM starting with a prayer led by Ms. Rhogelyn Diana of Mahintana. Cannery Punong Barangay Hon. Antonio Octavio gave the welcome address. Unified Cooperative HEPO Mr. Ronie Guilaran and his team led the Zumba dance as warm-up for the 5-km walk. The Polomolok Water District set up the 7 water stations to provide walkers free potable water along the way to teh venue. Hon. Octavio signaled the start of the walk. Another Zumba dance session led by Ms. Mirasol Ingente and her Zumba team was conducted in the municipal plaza before a short program. Mr. Ralph Janiola, Schools Cluster Head, led the opening prayer. In behalf of Mun. Mayor Hon. Honey Lumayag-Matti, Mun. Councilor Hon. Alan Ines gave the welcoming remarks. The messages of support were given by Vice-President and Managing Director Mr. Randy Fleming and Mun. Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) Chairperson Mr. Junbard Mahinay. Rural Health Physician Dra. Mary Grace Salazar discussed about prevention of diabetes and the importance of exercise and proper diet. Participants were selected for the special awards: Best in Zumba Attire, Best Tumbler and 1st 3 walkers, and were given tumblers and yoga mats as prizes. For cling remarks, Mun. Councilor Dr. Melanie Deypalan said that to have a healthy heart, it is important to have a peaceful heart. All the participants received a cup of arroz caldo, Nutripan bread products and Dole juice in can.
LGU Polomolok was represented by the: Mayor’s Office, Polomolok Water District, Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Ministry of Social Welfare & Development (MWSD), BLGUs Cannery and Poblacion, and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Members.
Mahintana, in partnership with LGU Polomolok, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO)-Polomolok, Municipal Police Station – Polomolok (PMPS) and partner BLGUs (Landan, Cannery Site, Kinilis, Maligo, Lamcaliaf, Polo, Upper Klinan, and Pobalcion) , conducted a Barangay Bantay Gully Task Force Orientation, MOA Signing and Planning was held on February 13, 2019 at Esma Restaurant, Brgy. Cannery Site, Polomolok.
The BBGTF aims to protect and
preserve the gully’s natural resources, to promote and improve the social and
economic well-being of the Brgy. Bantay Gully Task Force members and to develop
their skills and capabilities. The Task Force Bantay Gully shall serve as an
extension of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Enforcers (MENREs)
on the gullies/dry creeks. It was agreed that a schedule will be set for
monitoring and ODK Training and capacity building of BBGTF per partner
barangay.
KNCHS-SHS Technical Learning Resource Center -Nutripan BREAD
Mahintana Foundation, Inc., through its Nutripan BREAD Project Lutheran World Relief and Dole Philippines Inc. and in partnership with the Provincial Nutrition Office and LGU Koronadal, South Cotabato, successfully launched the school-managed Technical Learning Resource Center (TLRC) at the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School- Senior High School (KNCHS-SHS) on February 12, 2019. It was attended by guests from the Department of Education, Dole Philippines, Inc., Lutheran World Relief, Mahintana Foundation Inc., LGU Koronadal, Provincial Capital of South Cotabato, teachers and students of KNCHS. The Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Partnership Agreement between parties also took place.
The launching started with a welcome address given by the Senior High School-Assistant Principal for Academics Mr. Fernando Nequinto. Mahintana Admin & Finance Officer Ms. Liza D. Hora gave the brief history of Nutripan BREAD.
During the turnover of responsibility, Dolefil Assisting & Managing Director Mr. Jorge Paez shared that KNCHS is the 1st in Mindanao to have an immersion center for SHS students and hopes that the school will sustain the project. KNCHS Principal Mr. Valentin Dignadice, Jr. accepted the responsibility saying that not all schools were given such opportunity to manage a public-private partnership project. He guaranteed the support to the TLRC as this is addressing the need of the school’s work immersion center.
Lutheran World Relief Country Manager Ms. Femia Baldeo expressed her appreciation to successful launching of the TLRC-Nutripan BREAD that sustains and continue the project’s milestone, at the same time, supporting the DepEd K to 12 Curriculum. The program proceeded to the Signing of the MOA and Partnership Agreement for the KNCHS-SHS Technical Learning Resource Center-Nutripan BREAD witnessed by teachers, students and representatives from DepEd. Following the signing is the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Ms. Liza Hora, Mr. Jorge Paez, Ms Femia Baldeo and Mr. Valentin Dignadice. Fr. Edgar de Juan conducted the blessing of the building, bakery staff and the delivery van.
This initiative is in support the Department of Education (DepEd) K to 12 by addressing the need of a TLRC and in support to Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. It will serve as an immersion center for bread and pastry production with 7,520 students enrolled in Junior High School and 2,364 students enrolled in Senior High School. Moreover, it supports the ABM, STEM and HUMSS strands given the social entrepreneurship component and increase economic opportunities of students by establishing public and private partnership to support the DepEd K to12 curriculum.
BREAD stands for Business
for Rural Economy and Agriculture Development.
As private sector representative
of the Regional Development Council XII and active CSO partner of MinDA in
Mindanao, Mahintana Foundation, Inc., participated in the Consultative Workshop
on Mindanao Social Development Program Strategy and Poverty Reduction on
February 11-12, 2019 at The Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City. Mr. Jobe C. Tubigon, Program Manager,
represented Mahintana during the 2-day activity. The activity was aimed at enhancing
the draft concept and ensuring a more inclusive and responsive intervention for
the crafting of a Program Strategy on Mindanao Social Development and Poverty
Reduction anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and the
Mindanao 2030. At least 50 key representatives from the donor agencies (i.e.
World Bank), national government agencies, local government units, academe,
civil society organizations and business/private sector participated in the
event.
During panel presentation on Education, Training, and Employment Policies, Programs and Priorities in Mindanao, Director Dominique Rubia-Tutay of DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment shared the JobsFit 2022 Labor Market Information Report enumerating the industries that will create jobs in and skills need for the future. OIC Deputy Director General Gaspar S. Gayona of TESDA shared TESDA’s directions and responses on skills development. He emphasized the importance of “AGILITY” for TVET for Global Competitiveness, “SCALABILITY” for TVET for Job-Readiness, and “FLEXIBILITY and SUSTAINABILITY” for TVET for Social Equity. On Education Policies for Mindanao, Ms. Takiko Igarashi, Education Specialist, World Bank Manila, shared the opportunities for Mindanao’s education. She said that education has great promise, but too often it does not deliver. Mr. Pablo Acosta, Senior Economist, World Bank Manila, shared World Bank’s policy priorities for employment programs. Dr. Nilo B. Oponda, Ph.D. UP Mindanao, shared UP’s views on how to strengthen Industry-Academe Partnership on Workforce Development. He stressed that job-skill mismatch is one of the top 3 concerns of employers. He cited the reasons and solutions to the said problem. Executive Director Rolando Torres, Mindanao Business Council, shared some recommendations for the Industry – Academe Areas for Possible Intensified Cooperation. One of which is the Local Entrepreneurship in Curriculum – upscaling of entrepreneurial know-how, cross-skilling thru trainings and short courses on other trades, developing Enterprising Professionals, and development coping mechanisms to sustain businesses.
After the panel presentation, Mr. Tubigon participated in the workshop on Workforce Protection and Welfare (Social Protection). He suggested to MinDA and the concerned line agencies such as SEC, NBI, and DOLE to look into the emerging investment schemes in the Region that offered quick returns but have compromised/affected the skill labor requirements of agro-industrial industries and service sector
