PARTNERSHIP IN DIVERSITY

Transcription

1 REX LEX Final Evaluation of Diakonia Philippine Programme Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative LUX PAX CONVENTION OF PHILIPPINE BAPTIST CHURCHES INC Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc. Institute for Political and Electoral Reform

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3 REX BAPTIST CHURCHES INC. LEX Final Evaluation of Diakonia Philippine Programme March 2007 Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. LUX PAX CONVENTION OF PHILIPPINE 1900 Institute for Political and Electoral Reform Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc. Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc.

4 Production Supported By: Diakonia Asia Regional Office P.O Box 302 Chiang Mai Thailand Tel: +66-(0) Funded by: SWEDISH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AGENCY Sida

5 REX LEX Acknowledgements We greatly acknowledge the valuable and generous time and talents, financial and technical support of all those who participated for documenting these best experiences as we touch people to better their lives and as we brave the challenges of diversity in partnership. Country Partners in the Philippines Including their staff and target groups/stakeholders who participated in the evaluation process Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. LUX PAX CONVENTION OF PHILIPPINE BAPTIST CHURCHES INC Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc. Institute for Political and Electoral Reform Funding Partners Sida Evaluation and Documentation Support Edgar Jordan Editor Mario Corral Artist Ella Arao Jordan Evaluation Consultant

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7 Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Partnership That Was...11 The Partnership That Will Be...12 INTRODUCTION Background of the Evaluation...14 Objectives of the Evaluation...15 Scope of Evaluation...15 Methods of Evaluation...16 Preparatory Planning...17 Planning Workshop...17 Collecting/Writing MSC Stories At Partners Level...18 Preparatory to the Writeshop...19 Writeshop...20 Limitations...21 THE EVALUATED INTERVENTION Diakonia Country Programme in Philippines...23 Country Partners and Projects...23 Alternative Resources Development Center, Inc. (ARDC)...23 Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC)...23 Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches-Development Ministries (CPBC-DM)...24 Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. (Iloilo CODE NGOs)...25 Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER)...26 Rosal Ortega Multi-purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC)...27 FINDINGS: THE MSC STORIES Domain 1 - Change in quality of people s lives...29 A Million Peso Dream Realized: Our Now Priceless Farmland...30 We Are Helping Poor Farmers Produce First Class Abaca Fiber...33 Maximizing Meager Resources...37 Together We Sail, Together We Fish...40 Family Doing Good In Soap Making...43 A Minimum Wage Earner No More...46 Destiny Is A Thing To Be Achieved...49 There Is Hope...52 Murak Comes Out Of Her Shell :45 P.M. Every Sunday...59

8 Change Delivered In A Gentle Whisper Fullness Of Life For All Changing The Rural Scenery Domain 2 - Changes in nature of people s participation in development activities A Self-Reliant Family Moves Up The Social Ladder A Knock At Our Door The Church In A Community Magagawa Natin! (We Can Do It!) People Unites To Protect Their Fish Sanctuaries Against Destructive Fishermen We Transferred Forest To Idle And Barren Mountains To Stop Landslide No Stopping NSTP Implementers In Voter Education Domain 3 Change in people s and organizational capacity We Said No!!! To Coal-Fired Power Plant Journey With My People Out From My Nutshell Women Can A Versatile Woman In Cooperative Development Go Where There Is No Path And Leave A Trail! Doing Something To Do More The Power of Partnership Moro Advocates For Electoral Reform Revitalizing Advocacy For Electoral Reforms Domain 4 - Change in democratic governance at all levels Winning Methods To Fight Corruption Transparent Changes The Fruit Of Labor In Struggle For Effective Local Governance The Summit That Binds New Heroes Are Voters Too! A Touch Of Faith Participatory Process Enriches Political and Electoral Education Works Crossing Boundaries Organized, Hinterland Villages Got Needed Bridge, Roads, Utilities from the Government Domain 5 - Change that reflect an area for improvement Institution-Building Towards Being A Catalyst For Electoral Reforms I Will Paint Portraits Of People s Simple Lives From Cooperative To The Town s Planning Council Domain 6 - Other changes Sense Of Responsibility Please Reply ASAP Memories That Makes Life More Interesting And Fun I don t remember as it was so long ago, but Learning From Each Other Phasing In Is Easier Than Phasing Out

9 EVALUATIVE CONCLUSIONS Domain 1 - Change in quality of people s lives Domain 2 - Changes in nature of people s participation in development activities..207 Domain 3 - Changes in people s and organizational capacity Domain 4 - Change in democratic governance at all levels Domain 5 - Change that reflect an area for improvement Domain 6 - Other changes LESSONS LEARNED Domain Domain Domain Domain Domain 5 & RECOMMENDATIONS AND CHALLENGES Domain Domain Domain Domain Domain 5 & ANNEXES Workshop Participants Writeshop Participants Contact Addresses of Country Partners in Philippines

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11 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The final evaluation of he Diakonia Philippine Programme was conducted as part of its phasing out activities. The evaluation used the Most Significant Story technique for its being qualitative and participatory by nature. Forty-eight stories were gathered by six country partners over two months and were presented and reviewed in a five-day writeshop. The evaluation was judged to be timeconsuming especially story collection and the story presentation and review but worth it. In the end, the partners regarded the process as a good evaluation technique and proved to be interesting and have to be applied to other evaluation efforts. The stories themselves were considered by the partners to have captured the meaning of what they do. The Partnership That Was The Diakonia Philippine Programme spanned over a decade of partnership with country partners. The fruits of the partnership were contained in the 48 Most Significant Change stories. There could have been many more stories but the 48 were the choicest. The partnership was itself multi-layered and complex. There was the direct relationship of Diakonia with the partners. The partners in turn have projects that targeted certain beneficiary and partner groups. Diverse as the partners are in their concerns, they were still able to have interpartner joint efforts. The partners further reached out to other groups and organizations as they strengthen their ranks and position when dealing with issues and problems. The stories might not give justice to what really happened to these partnerships over the years, limited to two or three pages of text as they were; but they show a pattern. The rest of the stories remained undocumented in the hearts of those the programme has touched. The 48 stories tell of change effected by the contribution of the programmed-supported projects and activities. They tell of the programme s material support, opportunities it opened and the cascading positive impact these triggered. The programme gave funding support to partners engaged in grassroots community development, advocacy and showcases for local good governance, and advocacy and mobilization for strengthening democratic processes. It also opened opportunities for capacity building and selfimprovement by way of trainings, partners conferences and exposure trips. This all led to the jumpstart of a positive feedback loop which was one of the restoration of human dignity and increase of self-esteem in individuals at the beginning, followed by the seeking of capacity improvement of both persons and organizations and then the positive changes the individuals and organizations were able to do in the end. And the virtuous cycle begins again continuing in an everexpanding spiral.

12 The Partnership That Will Be The Diakonia Philippine Programme has phased out due to concentration of support, geographic and thematic focus and limited resources. It was not because that there was no need for partnership and project support to the Philippines. The evaluation yielded recommendations and challenges for both Diakonia and the Philippine partners. First, partnership does not end when funding ends. Partnership with Diakonia will continue through dialogues and sharing. The arrangement was summed up by the learning from each other story. The partners meeting was proposed to be continued and held periodically in the future. Second, partners who by now should have the capacity to sustain their programs should cultivate partnerships and engagements with government agencies and other non-governmental organizations. Third, documentation on both the parts of Diakonia and partners is a must. For Diakonia, documentation will preserve institutional memory and guarantee continuity given the high turnover of Swedish staff. For the partners, documentation should be part of the monitoring and evaluation process that would anchor the organization s overall policy directions. For both, documentation should soon evolve into the maintenance of a dynamic knowledge base that should serve the information needs of their respective organization s members. And last, Diakonia should not close avenues for future partnership should there be change in its policies. 12

13 INTRODUCTION Diakonia spread its work worldwide. In Asia, it is mainly focusing support to South Asia and Southeast Asia, where Philippines is one of the covered countries. Diakonia s four thematic areas: economic justice, human rights, democracy and gender are all relevant to Philippine context that shape direction of the Diakonia Philippine programme. Diakonia s long cooperation with Philippine local organizations started back in 198o. Diakonia s cooperation in the Philippines started through the Swedish Baptist Union. Baptist Union of Sweden is one of the founding members of Diakonia. Through their social mission, it started giving support to their sister church projects focusing on agricultural activities in Samar and Negros. In the late 1980s and early 1990s the support became more focused on political prisoners and human rights during the Marcos and Aquino presidencies. This was the start of cooperation with several organizations working on human rights and the situation of political prisoners. To give a glimpse, the following were the initial organizations and projects supported by Diakonia starting in The Methodist Church: Agricultural Education Programme - Isabela Rural Life Center Samar: Education Project Council for Primary Health Care: Health care CPBC: Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation after typhoon catastrophe IBON Data Bank: Regarding multinational companies KAPATID : support to prisoners and internal refugees in Mindanao from Radiohjälpen Diakonia Support to the lumad (indigenous) people on Mindanao National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW): support to sugar cane workers and the sugar workers federation FIND (MRD): Comprehensive Proposal and Participatory Strategy Planning BAYAN: Food Security and Human Rights NCCP: Churches Peace Programme Claimant on Human Rights projects Since 1995 there were new partnerships and seven country partners continued to get Diakonia support. But, early in 2002 the country partners were informed during individual meetings and partners meeting about the planned phasing out of Diakonia that was to be completed in December This was explicitly articulated by Diakonia in the Asia Region Strategy Plan for

14 Thus the period became the phasing out period of Diakonia in the Philippines. The discussion regarding phasing out of Philippine Programme was started at Diakonia as early as 2000, but the Diakonia Board took a formal decision during December Diakonia explained the basis of phasing out as part of: concentration of support, geographic and thematic focus and limited resources. It was not because that there was no need for partnership and project support to the Philippines. During this phasing-out period Diakonia continued project funding support to partners but with increased capacity building activities aimed at supporting sustainability. Needs assessments were conducted in order to support capacity building for identified areas. This Final Evaluation was part of the phasing out plan in order to have collective learning from the experience and cooperation. Background of the Evaluation An independent Consultant from the Philippines, Ms. Ella Arao Jordan, was hired by Diakonia to help design and facilitate the conduct of this evaluation. Diakonia and the Consultant agreed, as stated in the Terms of Reference (ToR), that a participatory evaluation process using the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique would be introduced in this final evaluation. The expectation was for both the Philippine partners and Diakonia to benefit from this evaluation with both of them learning from one another s experiences. The external evaluation consultant was supported by a team of an editor (Mr. Edgar Jordan) and an artist (Mr. Mario Corral), both based in the Philippines, due to the MSC technique applied in this evaluation. There were only six partner organizations that continued to be supported by Diakonia within the period PAHRA, which just ended project support from Diakonia in December 2003 was included in the list making it all these seven partner organizations in the Philippines as the focus of this evaluation. 1. Alternative Resources Development Center, Inc. (ARDC) 2. Carles Multi-purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 3. Convention of the Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) 4. Iloilo Caucus of Development NGOs (Iloilo CODE NGOs) 5. Rosal Ortega Multi-purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC) 6. Institute of Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) 7. Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) 14

15 The first five country partners are based in Iloilo City, western part of the Visayas region while the last two partners are based in Manila. Details of these country partner organizations and its projects supported by Diakonia will be discussed in the succeeding section. Objectives of the Evaluation This final evaluation was designed to give opportunity to key program stakeholders, particularly the seven identified Country Partners and including Diakonia to assess and reflect by themselves and among them on what they have experienced and achieved within the past years of Diakonia s support, particularly to what they have committed in their proposals. The evaluation would adapt participatory processes as it aim to achieve the following overall objectives: 1. Conduct final evaluation of projects of seven partner organizations in the Philippines supported by Diakonia to identify the significant outcome or impact of the cooperation projects; 2. Evaluate Diakonia s contributions to the Country partners, in particular the interaction between Diakonia and partners and Diakonia s phase-out strategy; 3. Conduct sharing and documentation of the best practices and lessons learned from experiences and achievements of partner NGOs in the Philippines to generate recommendations and future plan of cooperation and networking among Philippine NGOs and Diakonia. Diakonia and the Consultant as part of the ToR initially agreed on these three objectives. During the Planning workshop (December 5-7, 2007), as part of the preparation to the evaluation, the representatives of the seven Country partners that participated reviewed and concurred on the evaluation objectives with some added focus in the objective statements. In objective #1, the Country partners added the focus to identify significant outcome or impact of the cooperation projects, having all the projects in its end of support with Diakonia. In objective #3, this statement was added,... to generate recommendations and future plan of cooperation and networking among Philippine NGOs and Diakonia. Scope of Evaluation The Diakonia-supported projects of the seven Country partners in Philippines that continued between were the target coverage of this evaluation. To give an overall perspective, illustrated in the table is the period of Diakonia support to the seven country partners covered by this evaluation. CPBC-DM is the country partner with longest cooperation with Diakonia even before 1992 as previously discussed. Most of the country partners started partnership with Diakonia between

16 Country Partners Start and End Year of Diakonia Support ARDC 1996-Dec 2006 Carles MPC 1997-Dec 2005 CPBC-DM 1992-Dec 2006 Iloilo CODE NGOs 1997-June 2006 IPER 1995-Dec 2005 PAHRA 1996-Dec 2003 ROFMPC 1996-Dec 2005 This evaluation will attempt to cover outcome and impact of Diakonia Philippine programme to the extent possible along this period of cooperation with Diakonia support to the seven Country partners. A participatory process using the Most Significant Change technique was selected as most relevant evaluation tool to carry out this final evaluation and document significant changes by end of the programme support. An important basis for this evaluation is the Diakonia Asia Region Strategy Plan for , particularly the Country Programme objectives, strategies and indicators. These were reviewed during the planning workshop, and had been the main consideration and focus in formulating the domains of change as basis for collecting and in analyzing the MSC stories. Methods of Evaluation The evaluation applied combination of participatory methods for greater ownership and benefit by the stakeholders, particularly the country partners. The evaluation process is illustrated in the diagram below and briefly discussed. Level 3 Secondary Level ARDC Review/ Writeshop PAHRA IPER ICODE CMPC CPBC ROFMPC Diakonia Level 2 Review Committee Level MSC Draft 3 Evaluation Process Final Editing/ Packaging Consultant s level Editor Artist Final Evaluation Report Level 1 Partners Level External Consultant Review Committee MSC Draft 1 Project Management MSC Draft 2 Writers Writers Writers Writers ARDC PAHRA IPER ICODE CMPC CPBC ROFMPC Diakonia Target Group/Communities/Staff (Storytellers) Pre-Planning (Diakonia + Consultant) Planning Workshop (All partners + Consultant) 16

17 Preparatory Planning Preparation was done initially at the level of Diakonia and the consultant and later at the partners level. Diakonia and the consultant agreed on a general evaluation design and plan as basis for preparing the ToR. The use of the Most Significant Change technique and Writeshop as methods and processes in conducting the participatory evaluation was explicitly agreed. Part of the preparatory work was the review of all relevant programme documents provided by Diakonia to the Consultant. This included project proposals, reports and other programme-related references made available as secondary information. A similar project documents review was done at partners level as their preparation for their participation in the planning workshop. Diakonia coordinated through s with all country partners to confirm the conduct of the evaluation and solicited their participation and cooperation. CPBC-DM through Ms. Feraz, Executive Director, continued the follow-up with partners and including preparation of needed logistics in the succeeding evaluation activities in coordination with the Consultant. Planning Workshop The three-day Planning workshop (December 5-7, 2006) was held in Iloilo participated in by at least three representatives from each of the seven country partners. The participatory evaluation design and processes were discussed in more details. The consultant gave brief orientation on the Most Significant Change technique (MSCT), as this is a new method in participatory evaluation to be learned and applied by the country partners. An MSC story collection guide/format was agreed. The MSCT was used particularly to collect and write stories of significant change that reflect the outcome or impact of the partners projects in support to Diakonia Philippine Programme. The use of MSCT in this final evaluation gave careful consideration to generate more qualitative data that will support outcome and impact of the Diakonia Philippine Programme. The Diakonia Asia Region and Country Programme objectives based on Diakonia Strategy Plan for Asia region, had been reviewed to refresh country partners and give context as primary basis for evaluating the Diakonia Philippine programme outcome and impact. Link of the country partners project focus and participation in the achievement of the Programme results objectives were re-validated with the country partners. As illustrated in the next page, the relevant country partners were listed under each of the results objectives indicating that their projects support achievement of the corresponding Country Programme result objective. The extent of contribution of the country partners to each Country Programme results objectives were highlighted to the extent possible in the MSC stories. Similarly, Diakonia shared its contribution to Result 7 for effective functioning of programme management. 17

18 This include capacity building efforts initiated for sustainability for country partners as reflected in Diakonia s Country Plan for , the phasing out period in Philippines. Diakonia Strategy Plan, Asia Region Overall Objective, Purpose, Results Overall Objective Improved quality of life, equity and dignity for disadvantaged groups/communities in selected countries Program Purpose Reduced vulnerability of disadvantaged groups/communities for exploitation and social injustice Program Results Improved access to income & social resources Awareness & respect for human rights increased Actors working for democracy, including civil society strengthened Peace & reconciliat ion improved Gender equity improved Humanitarian assistance provided in case of need for selected target communities Program managemen t functioning well CMPC CMPC CMPC CPBC CMPC CMPC CPBC ROFMPC CPBC ROFMPC CPBC ROFMPC ARDC IPER* CPBC ROFMPC CPBC ROFMPC Diakonia ICODE ARDC ARDC PAHRA* ARDC ICODE ICODE ICODE ICODE* ICODE PAHRA * IPER IPER ROFMPC* IPER PAHRA* PAHRA* PAHRA * Note: Those country partners with asterisk, have been added by the relevant partners, as they have confirmed that they also contributed to the achievement of the Programme result objectives although they were not initially included during the planning As basis for collecting and writing MSC stories, six domains of change were identified and agreed upon by the country partners. Each partner organization came up with a list of potential MSC stories to be collected and written based on the following domains. These domains are categories or classifications reflective of the outcome or impact as a result of the country partners project implementation and contribution to Diakonia Phillipine Programme. 1. Changes in quality of people s lives 2. Changes in nature of people s participation in development activities 3. Changes in people s and organizational capacity 4. Changes in democratic governance at all levels 5. Changes that reflect an area for improvement 6. Other changes Collecting/Writing MSC Stories At Partners Level After the workshop, partner organizations gave feedback orientation on use of MSCT to their respective project staff particularly those who will be involved in the evaluation. Each partner organization validated the initial list of stories with their respective project staff. Some partners 18

19 have revised the list of MSC stories, like some made the changes in the list of stories either by adding new stories and/or revising the proposed story titles. For some partners, they have organized core staff (committee) to be responsible for screening, collecting, writing and reviewing of the MSC stories. This also includes identification of prospective storytellers directly from the project stakeholders or target groups. Some partners went on actual field visit to directly talk with and interview the target group for those who are accessible given the time available. Some set a special meeting for the available time of storytellers, while some resorted to calling by telephone due to distance and availability of the person. s have also been used as effective medium to communicate and collect stories from previous and distant staff. The existing project records and reports were also important sources of information providing more factual verification. Internal review and final selection and decision were made by each partner organization on what can be shared by the project as the most significant change stories. This included Diakonia who came up with their own written MSC stories related particularly to their tasks at Programme level. Primary verification and validation of facts included in the MSC stories were also part of the task of the partners or the review committee responsible. Preparatory to the Writeshop The partner organizations were expected to prepare and complete the first drafts of the MSC stories before the writeshop. It was an agreed process that all first draft MSC stories would be forwarded to the Consultant for an external review, inputs and initial editing with support of an editor. Only suggestions and comments were raised back by the Consultant to relevant partners to strengthen the content of the MSC stories. The decision to take or not take the suggestions and comments lie on the partners. But, most if not all were appreciated and taken as constructive suggestions and comments from the Consultant to improve particularly the content and fill-in missing facts in the MSC stories. There had been careful consideration in the editing to maintain the original context of the story from the partners. This is a similar reminder that was emphasized to the partners as they collect, record, write, review, translate or edit MSC stories at their level. The idea of this initial external review and editing was to provide support to the partners in coming up with a final draft of the MSC stories, as this will be presented, circulated or shared to each partner during the writeshop. This process also ensured that MSC stories selected adhered to the agreed format and had relevant and substantive content based on the evaluation objectives. Each partner was expected to present and share its stories in plenary as part of the secondary review by all participating partners during the scheduled writeshop. This whole process of external review was envisioned during the planning workshop to be done by the Review Committee composed of a representative from each partner organization. The 19

20 consultant was supposedly to provide support to the task of the Review Committee. But this did not work out due to the tasks of collecting and writing stories by individual partners and meeting the deadlines of completion before the writeshop. Added reasons were the busy schedules of partners, particularly that it was end of the year and various reports, negotiations, trainings and other project completion were being worked out coinciding with the evaluation. The other consideration is having MSCT as new method in evaluating that may take time to be learned while already being applied. The first drafts of MSC stories were the basis for preparation of each partner for their presentation of their stories during the writeshop. Guidelines were circulated by the Consultant to aid partners in their preparation for the MSC story presentation. They were suggested to be creative and innovative in their presentation to make listening interesting. Writeshop A writeshop was sheduled for five days (February 19-23, 2007) held in Iloilo City, Philippines, participated by at least three representatives from each partner organization including Diakonia (see Annex, for list of participants). The Consultant, with a support editor and artist, facilitated the writeshop process. The main aim of this writeshop was the sharing and presentation by each partner organization of their MSC stories as part of the secondary and final review and validation process. As initial process, all MSC story titles were classified and posted according to the six domains of change by each partner organization. There was a total of 48 MSC stories contributed by six country partners and Diakonia classified as follows: Domain Number of MSC Stories 1- Changes in quality of people s lives Changes in nature of people s participation in 7 development activities 3- Changes in people s and organizational capacity Changes in democratic governance at all levels 9 5- Changes that reflect an area for improvement 3 6- Other changes 6 Total 48 PAHRA was not able to produce their MSC stories nor participated in this writeshop. The partners took turn in the presentation and sharing of the MSC stories, starting from stories in Domain 1 until Domain 6. After each story presentation, participants gave their comments, clarifications and suggestions. All suggestions that were agreed valid were taken as part of the final revision of the stories to be made by the partners, particularly the concerned writers. After completing the presentation of all stories by domain, small workshop groups followed. The participants were divided into three small groups, with 6-7 members per group. Each group had at 20

21 least one representative from each partner organization. The task of each group was to discuss and analyze the stories presented by domain, and to identify at least 2-3 general conclusions, lessons learned and recommendations. Further discussion continued in plenary as output of each group was presented, and agreement arrived at the end. This process continued until all the stories by domain were presented and analyzed in plenary and small groups. The group outputs will be part of the discussion in the succeeding section under the headings Evaluative Conclusions, Lessons Learned and Recommendations and Challenges. As the story presentation was completed by domain, the partners or writers proceeded revising their stories. Partners also submitted their pictures for illustration by the artist. Editing continued as new stories were still coming in on the first three days and some stories were finalized after revision was made. Most of the stories did not reach the final draft. The partners needed more time to revise completely their stories based on the suggestions made during the plenary discussion. It was decided that partners would complete it within three days after the writeshop and forward them to the Consultant for final packaging and completion of the evaluation report. These had been done. Limitations This evaluation only covered six of the seven targeted country partners of Diakonia. PAHRA was not able to produce MSC stories and did not participate in the writeshop. Although during the planning workshop the Secretary-General of PAHRA attended for a day and committed his participation in the evaluation process. During follow-up through he still responded to the Consultant that he was trying to finish the MSC stories, and expressed apology for the delay of completing them as he was the only person now in PAHRA doing almost everything. The following were PAHRA s projects supported by Diakonia: Diakonia-supported Projects Project Phase Secretariat/Institutional Support Mar-Dec 2003 PAHRA Comprehensive Development Partners cited varying constraints during the process of identifying, collecting and writing the MSC stories. Some project staff who were responsible for implementation of Diakonia-funded projects were already out of the organization and were not around or difficult to contact within the evaluation period. Added to this was the limited knowledge of onboard project staff and management due to lack of available project documentation as secondary source of information for writing the MSC stories. For some there were activities simultaneous with the evaluation that were previously planned and were difficult to cancel or reschedule. These created constraints to devote full time in collecting and writing stories and in coping with the agreed deadline of completion. 21

22 This was true particularly to those related to electoral reform activities, which were difficult to postpone, as the national election in Philippines will be on May The failure of the Review Committee (composed of representatives from country partners) to participate in the review of the first drafts of MSC stories was not because they did not like to, but because of the time constraint on focusing to write their own stories and finish them on the agreed deadline. The period for collecting and writing MSC stories was only limited to the period after the planning workshop in December 2006 until the conduct of the writeshop in February 19-23, But, despite all these limitations the six partner organizations were able to give their best participation in the evaluation process. 22

23 THE EVALUATED INTERVENTION Diakonia Country Programme in Philippines The succeeding discussions in this final evaluation will cover only the six Country partners that continued with Diakonia support until , the phasing out period of Diakonia Philippine programme. Diakonia s involvement in the Philippines up to this period was the cooperation with the six country partners working with local democracy and community development. Four organizations are grassroots organizations working on community development at village, municipal and provincial levels. Iloilo CODE NGOs has a regional network focusing on local governance. IPER works on electoral reforms on national scope. Country Partners and Projects Alternative Resources Development Center, Inc. (ARDC) ARDC mission is to develop a wide circle of people conversant with the socio-economic and political problems and work for transformation. Its main work is publishing and production of inspirational, educational, advocacy and resource materials in books, pamphlets, broadcast, cassette tapes and CD s in English and Ilonggo dialect. It is mostly known for its Hour of Discovery religious radio broadcast which has developed a wide listening audience among churches, cooperatives, environmental and political militants and cause oriented groups in the city and province of Iloilo and the Western Visayas region. The printing of the broadcast materials in books and pamphlets complements and strengthens ARDC s educational work, particularly with church and community leaders. The following were projects of ARDC supported by Diakonia: Diakonia-supported Projects Hour of Discovery Radio Program for Spiritual Enrichment & Social Education Political & Electoral Education for Community Organizations & Church Leadership (PEEP) Project Phases 1996-Dec Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) is a registered primary agricultural cooperative. It was organized in 1988 by a group of teachers and staff in a public secondary school in Punta, Carles, Iloilo as the school extension arm in community development. The main work of the Cooperative is focused on community organizing, savings and credit, education and training, economic enhancement, linkages and networking. The area of operation is Northern Iloilo composed of 11 municipalities. At present it concentrates its work in the Municipality of Carles.

24 Main target groups are the teachers, underprivileged farmers, fisherfolks, women, out-of-school rural youth, small entrepreneurs and the underemployed. The following were the projects supported by Diakonia: Diakonia-supported Projects Project Phases Development Project of Peace and Progress at Carles Phase III Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles, Phase II Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles, Phase I 2003 Dec Carles Women Development Project Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches-Development Ministries (CPBC-DM) The Philippine Baptist Mission started in 1900 by the American Baptists and CPBC was organized in In 1979, CPBC started its development ministry due to the mandate from the General Assembly to address the social, economic and political problems faced by the people. This started the cooperation with other church organizations both local and international for people s development. It was in 1984 when the CPBC first started its cooperation with Diakonia through the relief and rehabilitation program for typhoon victims in North Iloilo and the development program in Antique province for migrant seasonal workers of sugarcane haciendas in Negros Province and their families. Due to change in CPBC leadership, the cooperation lasted until 1987 and was renewed in 1993 with new project cooperation in The cooperation continued until this last project period as Diakonia phases out of the Philippines. The Development Ministries is one major program unit of CPBC. CPBC-DM main program strategies are as follows: Organizing of cooperatives/community managed organizations Advocacy & solidarity actions Education/capacity building and skills training Support services and facilities Relief & rehabilitation Information dissemination through production of resource materials, newsletter and radio program Network & linkage building/strengthening The key stakeholders of the Development Ministries are rural and urban poor in churches and communities, the disadvantaged women and children, youth and out-of-school youth, indigenous people and victims of calamities. The following were the CPBC-DM projects supported by Diakonia: 24

25 Diakonia-supported Projects Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education & Cooperative Program, Phase VI Panay-Negros Expansion Program for Development Education & Cooperative Building, Phase V Educational & Development Program for Capiz, Aklan & Negros, Phase IV Educational & Development Program for Capiz, Aklan & Negros, Phase III Aklan-Capiz/Central & Southern Negros Development Program, Phase II Aklan-Capiz Baptist Integrated Program for Education & Development, Phase I Bukidnon Tribe Empowerment Program (BTEP) Project Phases 2004-Dec Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. (Iloilo CODE NGOs) Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit, non-sectarian, non-government organization organized in February It has a network of 24 active social development non-government organizations operating in the Provinces of Iloilo and Capiz and the City of Iloilo. It also maintains national and regional networks and affiliate organizations. Its mission is the creation of favorable and enabling environment to strengthen the network and member-ngos in order to promote critical partnership with government, civil society and private sector at the local, national and international levels towards the establishment of creative and sustainable initiatives for people empowerment. Target groups are NGOs, POs (people s organizations), LGUs (local governement units), rural communities, cooperatives, small and medium entrepreneurs, LGU Alliances and basic sectors. The coverage areas of its work are the Province and City of Iloilo and Western Visayas Region. Main programs and projects are as follows: Partnership in Modeling Participatory Local Governance School of Local Governance Localized Anti-Poverty Program for LGUs and CSOs Network Development and Enhancement Sustainable Development Program Electoral Reform Initiatives Enterprise Development Trainings Transparency and Accountability in Governance Enterprise Development Trainings 25

26 The following were the projects manly supported by Diakonia: Diakonia-supported Projects Participatory Local Governance Modeling in Selected Sites in Iloilo, Phase III Development of Institutional Mechanisms for Participatory Local Governance through Strengthening of Barangay Development Councils Phase II Phase I Community-based STD/HIV AIDS Awareness and Prevention Programme Project Phases 2000-June Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) The Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) was established in Its mission is to act as a pioneering non-government organization for the genuine democratization of governance and the empowerment of the citizenry through parliamentary and electoral struggles. Electoral reform work is the primary mandate of the Institute. It pursues this through a strategy of national-level initiatives such as legislative advocacy, coalition- and network-building, engagement with electoral bodies of the government, research studies, public information and advocacy. The Institute works on four major programs: Electoral and Political Reform Local Governance and Development Reform Research and Public Information Institute-Building IPER maintains international and national network to complement its own efforts. It conducts various cooperative projects with other NGOs in its network based on common issues and interests. IPER through its institutional partnership with Diakonia was able to concentrate on national and local level activities in its 18 focus areas while working out cooperative relations through coalition efforts in the Consortium of Electoral Reforms (CER) and through engagement with government agencies concerned with electoral reform. The project undertook a parallel strategy of advocacy/lobby work at the national level and training/education work at the local levels of municipality and village. 26

27 The following were IPER projects supported by Diakonia: Diakonia-supported Projects Enhancing Democracy Through Electoral Reform Empowering the Grassroots through Electoral Engagement Community-based Trainings on Local Governance and Development Luzon Barangay Development Councils Training Project Phase 2003-Dec Rosal Ortega Multi-purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC) Rosal-Ortega Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC) is a primary cooperative registered with the Cooperatives Development Authority (CDA) of the Philippines in Initial membership was comprised by 50 farmer-members who are mostly small farmer-tenants or farm laborers coming from the adjoining villages of Rosal and Ortega, thus the naming of the cooperative after these two villages. The cooperative vision is to improve life of people in the hinterland barangays. Its mission is to participate in work for change in villages, particularly in ecological and practical farming practices for food self-sufficiency and improving income of people through multi-crop, intercrop and abaca farming. The primary goal is to maximize planting of vacant and idle lands in mountain villages. Main programs and educational works are on: Ecological farming for income and livelihood improvement Abaca farming development and expansion Support for land reform and ancestral domain for indigenous people Ecological farming, intercropping & multi-crop farming system Fruit & timber tree planting to stop erosion and landslides Abaca advocacy for government service & infrastructure delivery Environment protection Abaca & pineapple farming technology and transfer The following were ROFMPC projects supported by Diakonia: Diakonia-supported Projects Project Phase Consolidation and Expansion Project; Dec Consolidation & Expansion with Development Education & Economic Activities Rosal Ortega Abaca Expansion Project

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29 FINDINGS: THE MSC STORIES MSC Stories Domain 1 - Change in quality of people s lives The intervention carried out by the partnership resulted to restored human dignity, more access to resources, gender equity: all indicative of a positively changed quality of people s lives.

30 A Million Peso Dream Realized: Our Now Priceless Farmland After ten years of work, a barren land is turned into a very productive multi-cropped farm that practically embodied Ernesto s faith and hope in the future. My name is Ernesto Salonzo. I am a farmer. I live with faith and hope in the future. I was born in a family without even a single square meter of land. We live as tenant of a landowner. We tilled their rice land. Every harvest we give share to the owner, one-half of the harvest. We plant only rice. We cannot plant permanent crops. Anytime the land could be taken from us. Ours is a very hard life, a life with no security and no future. There is a land reform law in the Philippines but for an ordinary farmer to fight landowners in the court is very hard, expensive and dangerous. Ernesto Salonzo, in the forest harvesting abaca. He practices multi-cropping for more earning. As a farmer I dream to own a piece of land. But that dream seems beyond realization until we organized the Rosal-Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC). Through the cooperative we learned many things practical farming, environment protection, health care, nutrition, our rights as people and gender sensitivity. We learned also about HIV/AIDS. We learned how to negotiate and lobby with government agencies. We learned how to sell and market our products. We got skills to make barren lands productive and beautiful. 30

31 We learned that growing abaca is suited in our area. It is a century plant. It can live and be fruitful for a hundred years if properly cared and managed. But the land we are working on is not our own. We cannot plant permanent plants. Yet, we started thinking of an Abaca Pilot Farm where we can learn more about abaca farming. Through the cooperative, we proposed an Abaca Pilot Farm project to Diakonia in We included the request for some funds to buy the land we are tenanting. There we can establish the Abaca Pilot Farm to teach us and other farmers on abaca farming. Diakonia approved our project for a pilot farm. With the project funds, the Cooperative bought 21 hectares of rolling land, where 12 families like myself were tenants. The Cooperative helped us develop the land. My hectares costs Php 43, at Php 2.17 per square meter of barren and seemingly God Ernesto is at home with some bundles of abaca fiber for the market. forsaken idle land. There I planted about 4,000 abaca, some coconut trees, banana, fruit trees, bamboo, palm trees, serving as cover for the abaca. They are now producing and giving me income. The Cooperative also involved me in trainings and seminars. I serve as trainor of our cooperative. I have attended several seminars by government and other NGO. I also attended workshops sponsored by Diakonia for partners in the Philippines. I improved myself through informal education. I practiced ecological farming and planting different plants in the same area and intercropping, inserting some crops in between the other plants my abaca are with beans, vegetables, root crops. I taught what I learned to people in other barangays (villages). Before, I was a member of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative, but presently I am the project manager. 31

32 Why Selected As Most Significant Story After 10 years of working, my two hectares of land is now well developed. The land provided us with most of the things we need to live our simple lives cash, food, fuel, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, materials for our houses. We have now security and hope. Now, I am not worried of the future for I now own the land. I love my land. Everyday, when I am at home I go to the farm a kind of forest now with many plants growing, abaca, fruit trees, timber trees providing shade to abaca, and beans that provide natural fertilizers to all growing and fruiting plants. Contribution Of The Project With developments now going on in upland parts of Libacao, being transformed into an inland tourist area, I was asked if I would sell my land. I replied: No! Never! For land is life. With God, we recreated the land making it productive, beautiful and for me it is priceless. I will not sell it for millions of pesos. For me and our people in the barangay, our land is hope, security and life. Thanks to Diakonia for enabling me and other members of our cooperative make small things big and our simple life, significant. Lessons Learned and Recommendation The project gave me a vision that my life could change through new knowledge, skills, diligence and openness of mind to new trends and development. The project also taught me that impossible things could be made possible. For really there are ways to make impossible things, possible like how I owned the priceless land thru the project funded by Diakonia and developed it into a productive land today. Owning the land also changed my values, perspectives and attitude in life. I place more efforts and strength in the farm. I became more industrious. I begin to see more possibilities with the land I own and the trees planted in it. I also became thankful, prayerful and faithful in our church. For owning our land is a miracle that God provided us through his people. I think, if all unproductive lands owned by landowners will be given or distributed to the landless farmers, there will be sufficient food and poverty will be minimized in our country. Project Title: Abaca Plantation and Production Pilot Project, Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter: Domain 1: Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rosal, Libacao, Aklan Ernesto Salonzo Giovanni Iguiz and Hesther Bernal; Change in quality of people s life 32

33 We Are Helping Poor Farmers Produce First Class Abaca Fiber A mechanized fiber-stripping technology turned out to be the much-needed boost by a budding manila hempproducing area where a trained operator helps spread the technology. My name is Video Salonzo. We are helping poor farmers produce 1 st class abaca fiber (manila hemp) with higher price per kilo by using mechanized abaca fiber stripping machines in lieu of the traditional back breaking and tedious manual stripping method that can produce mostly third and second class fibers. Video Salonzo, teaches farmers to operate the Abaca Fiber Stripping Machine for fast stripping of quality fiber. Before we procured the mechanized fiber stripping machines, farmers harvest are often thick and reddish as filaments in the fibers were not properly stripped. High quality fiber was often hard to accomplish by hand stripping methods. The machines equal and stabilized pressures produce white and high quality fiber. As an operator of the ROFMPC fiber-stripping machine I am one of the five operators of the mechanized stripping machines in Libacao. I have trained two of the other operators as part of our skills transfer training. 33

34 When I joined Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC), I did not see myself doing a special kind of job for the members and abaca farmers in our barangay. But the opportunity to serve was opened due to skills that I developed as member of the cooperative. In 1996, with the establishment of ROFMPC Abaca Pilot farm project, assisted by Diakonia, many families were encouraged to plant abaca in their own parcels of land. We in the farms bought by the cooperative, started also to plant abaca now that we owned the land. With the Pilot farm, many farmers in the neighboring barangays saw that their small parcels of land could be productive if they plant abaca. They can learn the technology from the pilot farm. Farmers in some barangays who saw the potentials of abaca farming decided to learn the skills. Some farmers in Calacabian and Can-awan and other barangays organized themselves into farmers associations. ROFMPC provided them with education, training on practical abaca farming planting, shading, fertilizing, disease prevention and control and fiber drying. The cooperative provided them cash assistance to plant abaca. Each family was challenged to plant 500 abaca suckers every year. The response was positive showing an increase in barren land now planted. The farmers, through coop education saw that abaca, being a perennial plant, when properly cared and maintained will continue to provide them income every four months, two years after planting. With the increase of farmers planting abaca, including barangays where there were few or no abaca farms, our officers, Mr. Giovanni Iguiz and Pastor Domingo Bernal, negotiated with the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), a government agency, to provide the cooperative training in mechanized fiber stripping. The idea for mechanized fiber stripping came out due to the very tedious manual fiber stripping. We saw the need. If more people plant abaca, fast, easy and not too laborious method in fiber stripping must be introduced. FIDA responded positively to the request. It sent a trainor from Leyte Province to the barangay to teach us how to operate a mechanized stripping machine. The cooperative procured a stripping machine. I was one of the three persons trained to operate the machine. The trainor stayed with us for three months. FIDA paid his honorarium. The cooperative provided his food and lodging and some incidental expenses. When he left, I have mastered the operations, including troubleshooting both the machine and the engine. The two other trainees served as my assistant and helper. Now we earn additional income as operators of stripping machines and also give higher value to the farmers abaca fiber. When ROFMPC bought a stripping machine for Can-awan, I trained the operator. When RISA, another NGO, procured another mechanized abaca fiber stripping machine, I was also requested to train their operator. When RISA s operator is not available, I am also requested to assist in their fiber-stripping works. Some enterprising people are planning to buy abaca-stripping machines in their barangays, which are in the farm and cannot be served by our machines. So, here, my job is to transfer technical skills to other people in other barangays. 34

35 Why Selected As the Most Significant Story Now we produced first-class quality fiber white fiber that command higher prices in the market. The first class abaca fiber we now produced increased our income as first class fiber has higher value in the market. ROFMPC s introduction of the mechanized stripping machine has encouraged more farmers as fiber stripping is now easier than the traditional hand stripping process. The introduction of abaca fiber stripping machines encouraged more farmers to plant abaca since an alternative to the tedious, hard and slow manual fiber stripping is now available. Bigger abaca farms were now planted and more are envisioned by abaca farmers. Contribution By The Project Our life is much better now. The cooperative, with Diakonia assistance initiated lots of things to help improve our lives. I am one the beneficiaries of the land bought by the cooperative for abaca pilot farm. My two hectares land is now fully planted with different plants where we get most of our needs in life abaca for cash, some corn, coconut, fruits, bamboo, beans, root crops, vegetables and pineapple for our food. The timber trees are our investment for the future in our old age. My wife who is a pastor is teaching in the Day Care Center. Teaching is her mission in life. Even if we have little money, our life is secured for we have planted most of the things we need in life. And I am confident, I will be able to send my children to high school and college. Other cooperative members who were not beneficiaries of the land were provided assistance to plant abaca, banana and fruit trees which now increased their income. The cooperative help build a sanitary drinking water for the residents to stop incidence of gastrointestinal diseases. The cooperative look for the land from its members where the depository tank will be built. It also provided part labor in the construction works by volunteer works. Now, we have sanitary drinking water from a spring. We built the water system with assistance from the government. Transportation reaches us now easily because of the bridge built. We now have electricity. We have a solar dryer. And we have television giving us news every day life that reached us only three years ago, through a solar-powered system that generated electricity for our light, radio and TV set. Added Value By Diakonia Diakonia did not only add values. It had expanded and strengthened what we have started in the cooperative when it came and assisted us in With funds we were able to build the abaca pilot farm. The cooperative was able to provide education and skills training for the members. The cooperative was able to organize eight farmers association in eight barangays and sitios and provided education and skills in abaca farming, multi-crop system. With financial assistance, it 35

36 was able to encouraged farmers to plant at least 500 abaca plants in their vacant lots, where they could get suckers for expansions. Lessons Learned and Recommendations There is a place for people both in the urban center and the rural areas. For us, the rural areas and hinterlands are a promising place to live, when people learn to make the land bear crops, both for sustenance and cash. We just tend our crops everyday and wait for them to give fruits. It is not a very hectic life. It is a life that combines work and relaxation that is only possible when we have lands to plant and develop. There is the great need for the government to implement genuine land reform so that big tracts of land in the hands of few persons may be again owned by the people who worked and live in them. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter: Translated by: Domain 1: Consolidation & Expansion with Development Education & Economic Activities; Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rosal, Libacao, Aklan Video Salonzo Giovanni Iguiz Rudy Bernal Change in Quality of People s Life 36

37 Maximizing Meager Resources A farm laborer with very meager resources joined a cooperative which opened opportunities for him to build his credit, learn diversified farming and in the end be motivated to maximize yield of his borrowed land. Mr. Ronilo Hechanova is a member of Hope Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in the hinterland village of San Diego, municipality of Lemery, province of Iloilo. Their place is a farming community with some plain rice lands and hilly areas planted with coconuts and different varieties of trees. Many do not own land but work as farm laborers within and nearby villages. Many young girls and wives are forced to work as domestic helpers in the town and Iloilo City while others in Hongkong and Singapore to have a better income. Before I joined the cooperative, I was only a farm laborer. I had no land to till. My daily wage being a farm laborer was not enough even for our food and oftentimes my wife was forced to join me in the work in order to have some additional wage for our survival. Also, I felt bad when our children joined us in the work and not receiving any compensation for their labor. My wife even told me that maybe she can work as domestic helper in Hongkong or Singapore so that we can have a better income and buy even just a small parcel of land. However, the financial requirement to pay for the agent/recruiter to work as domestic helper abroad was quite big that we could not afford. Besides, the thought of my wife to be far from us is too difficult for me and my children to bear and of course, for my wife, too. I am grateful that Hope Multi-Purpose Cooperative was organized and I was given the opportunity to become a member. Becoming a member, I underwent a series of seminars that made me understand my responsibilities and benefits. Upon compliance with all the requirements, I started to avail of loans from our cooperative. At first, it was a small loan of Php 1,000 (equivalent to Usd20) which I used to finance my vegetable garden in a small piece of borrowed land that somehow provided us with little income on the sales of our vegetables that my wife is vending in the nearby town. Later, because I paid my loans regularly, I was able to avail of bigger loans on succeeding loan cycles that enabled us to lease a small farmland that I planted to rice, corn, banana, and root-crop like camote (sweet potato) and cassava. I also raised chickens, goats and pigs that augment our income. The idea of an integrated farming is a result of the knowledge and skills I got from the seminars conducted by the CPBC-Development Ministries. Through the network developed by our cooperative, we were able also to access technical assistance from the Department of Agriculture and support from our village officials that several seminars on integrated and diversified farming were conducted. I have attended several exposure visits in some integrated farms and visited successful farmers in nearby municipality that developed an integrated and diversified farm in 37

38 their small land area and others using purely organic farming. These studies, exposure and the benefits I derived, gave me more inspiration and motivation to practice integrated farming. Now, our members, and the people nearby appreciated our farm and backyard vegetable garden with various animals that we raised pigs, goats and chickens. I am proud that with the help of my wife and two children, we were able to maximize development of our meager resources. This is our FAITH (Food Always In The Home) project and we even have improved our income by expanding our income-generating project (IGP) of not only vending vegetables but added with root-crops and bananas of different variety. We also sell pigs, goats and chickens that even in small quantity give us additional income. Through our Hope MPC, we live together as a family because our basic needs are met and we are saving and preparing for the schooling of our children when they go to college. Ronilo Hechanova raise goats, pigs and chicken to augment the family income Why Selected As Most Significant Story The cooperative has brought significant change in the life of Ronilo and his family. From a farm laborer, with a very small parcel of borrowed land, and the threat for wife to work as domestic helper abroad due to poverty to having developed a better means of livelihood provided Ronilo the assurance of a better future for his family. In farming villages, it is difficult to survive without a land, like Ronilo, who only had a small parcel of borrowed land. Through the cooperative, he was able to maximize vegetable production and the regular loan cycles he made from the cooperative, enabled him to lease a farm land that increased their income because of good production of their crops and livestock. The learnings he got in the seminars and exposure visits was practiced and applied by Ronilo and because of their economic improvement, they live together as a family with better plans for the future especially for their children. Contribution By The project Hope MPC was organized through the project. It was organized in 1996 and registered with Cooperative Development Authority in The project provided seed capital assistance of 38

39 Php20,000 (equivalent to Usd400) that in addition to members capital share served as capital for the credit program of the cooperative where members availed of small loans, at first. Through the project, they were also provided with financial assistance for their special credit program where members can avail of bigger loans for members farm production and other business ventures. Ronilo was able to avail of these services from their cooperative. The seminars, skills training and exposure visits on integrated diversified farming are added skills and values that enabled him to develop and expand the meager resources that they have. Added Value By Diakonia The program of Diakonia on capacity building and exposure visits enhanced learning and practice because as Field Coordinator, I facilitated skills training and exposure visits on integrated diversified farming systems in my area, where Ronilo ably internalized and practiced. This has brought significant change in the life of Ronilo and his family. I was able to attend the capacity building sponsored by Diakonia workshops on GOPP/LFA, Participatory Learning and Action, Midterm Review, and Terminal Evaluation. Lessons And Recommendations Programs and activities of the cooperative should continue to be addressing the needs of its members. People have potentials and capacity but lack of opportunities and material resources. Improving economic condition of people is strengthening the family ties and values. Sense of responsibility and credibility are important to be trusted with bigger ventures. Strengthen the cooperative networks in order to expand its membership and services. Encourage member s to identify available resources and enable them to develop such. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter/recorder: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 1: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education & Cooperative Program (Phase VI, ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) Iloilo Ronilo Hechanova Filomeno Mosquera January 18, 2007 Change in quality of people s lives 39

40 Together We Sail, Together We Fish A wife-and-husband partnership improved their fishing livelihood through loans from the cooperative and their own savings while setting some good examples as they raised their children. Being in a coastal community of Barangay Malayu-an, Ajuy, Iloilo, our means of livelihood is fishing. Before joining the Small Fisherfolks Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), we only have a small boat with short fishing nets used for fishing. Our income for a little catch is not enough for our daily needs considering we have six children to feed. But when I become a member of Small Fisherfolks MPC, I was able to avail of a small amount of loan to purchase a little bit longer fishing net. Everyday, I go with my husband out to sea to fish. We woke up early in the morning, prepare the needs of the children before going out to sea and come home in the afternoon. During weekends, I stayed home to see to it that the needs of our children for the whole week are in place. Weekends also are time for the children to go with their father to the shore. Mrs. Bernadette Bravo and husband in their new big pump boat for fishing Later on, we were able to buy a new bigger pump boat and additional nets out of our savings and with our additional loan availed from our cooperative. This time, we were able to avail of a bigger loan. We have expanded our fishing to crab-catching that makes our income increased. During the visit of Ms. Laila Stenberg, she met with the cooperative members in the coast. She and Manay Feraz went to sea with our boat and tried crab-catching. They have seen our good catch 40

41 and the potential for better income. Back to the shore, we cooked our catch and everybody enjoyed eating together with the other food prepared by the members. My husband and I were so thankful that the opportunity was shared to us by Diakonia and CPBC- DM that through our church, Glory Vision Baptist Church, the Small Fisherfolks MPC was organized and provided us with better means of livelihood. This is life for us in my family! We are happy that as husband and wife we recognized our partnership as man and woman through the gender education seminars conducted by the CPBC-DM. We recognized that sharing with the work be it at home or in the shore, is important for both husband and wife man and woman, so that improvement of livelihood is effective. And, this significant change in our life served as an inspiration and example to our children to follow that someday when they become parents themselves they can work together for their own families to have better lives. Mrs. Bernadette Bravo is one of the founding members of Small Fisherfolks MPC and a member of Glory Vision Baptist Church. She showed cooperation and deep sense of responsibility to the cooperative as it provided them with better means of livelihood. The Small Fisherfolks MPC was organized in 1998 through the Glory Vision Baptist Church. Earlier, membership to the cooperative was limited to only one member per family so that the seed capital assistance from the project is maximized. Later, because of continuous members capital build-up and a developed network (like Ecumenical Church Foundation and provincial government), membership are opened to spouses and any members of the family of legal age (18 years old up) as long they complied with policies set by the Small Fisherfolks MPC. (This is in addition to their cooperative policy of open membership to non-fisherfolks in the community.) Why Selected As Most Significant Story The visible impact of the project in the lives of Mrs. Bravo and family was when they acquired a new boat and fishing nets that provided them better means of livelihood and good income. The family s basic needs are now met as compared to their life before joining the cooperative when they were struggling with minimal income from very little catch from their small boat. It is interesting also to note that even before the project, they have good relation and partnership as husband and wife not stereotyping gender roles but shared the work both in the household and in livelihood. This they reflected even more upon themselves during the gender seminars. The good family relations that they already have were strengthened more through their participation in the various activities of their cooperative. Contribution By The Project The Small Fisherfolks MPC was organized in 1998 through the project. The members are small fisherfolks and non-fisherfolks considering that Malayu-an community consisted of both coastal 41

42 and farm areas. The seed capital assistance of Php20,000 from the project in addition to the members own capital share served as start up capital of the cooperative s credit program. Capital assistance for the cooperative s special credit program where members can avail of a bigger loan for their small business and IGPs were also provided by the project. It was through the support of the project that various capacity building in cooperative management and related subjects and skills training on livelihood and income-generating projects like management of small business (e.g. small fishing business) were conducted. Seminars on gender and values education were also facilitated in their cooperative Added Value By Diakonia Economic justice as one of the thematic focus of Diakonia provided direction to the Development Ministries particularly in the selection of target beneficiaries. This enabled reaching the community of Malayu-an, in general and Mrs. Bravo, in particular. As a Field Coordinator, the visit of Ms. Laila Stenberg gave me good outlook about cooperative when she shared to us the cooperative in Sweden. This provided me motivation to strengthen my work and processes that could also help motivate the cooperatives to serve best its members. Lessons Cooperative is a good vehicle for the improvement of economic life of the disadvantaged. Savings is an important component of the credit program. Cooperation and respect between husband and wife result to happy and good family relation. These values contributed to improving economic and quality of life. Recommendations Strengthen the credit program and encourage savings among members of the Small Fisherfolks MPC. Also strengthen the gender and values education. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Story writer/recorder: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 1: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education and Cooperative Program (Phase V-VI, ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) Iloilo Mrs. Bernadette Bravo Filomeno Mosquera January 18, 2007 Change in quality of people s lives 42

43 Family Doing Good In Soap Making When opportunity knocked for a soap making business they were there and ready. Coupled with loans and training on self-improvement, productivity and business management the business proved to be a success An illiterate wife with a semi-literate husband striking it rich in soap making business? Any secret? None at all, except hard work and a little luck. I am Maura Feranco, the wife of Marcelo Feranco, 70 years old, and mother of seven children. Before the little luck came, I didn t know how to read, write and count money. My husband and I did not earn enough to support our growing children. Like most of our neighbors, we lived from hand to mouth as we labor tooth and nail daily. Money was hard to come by and credit was not available for the poor like us. In 1997, the head of Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC), whom we lovingly call Ma am Bernal, invited me to attend a meeting. My husband accompanied me to the meeting. Ma am Bernal wanted us to have livelihood, so that we could support the needs of a family with seven children, whom we could send only through high school. I started as a participant in the literacy class, a component of the program for women funded by Diakonia of Sweden and implemented by Carles Soap formulation is processed using electric mixer. Minuro Ishigaki, Carles MPC s Japanese volunteer observed the process MPC. I went through the different levels. Eventually, my husband and I participated in the livelihood skills training in the soap making. Being now barely literate and numerate, I was very slow in learning how to use the measuring cylinders for the ingredients. After completing the livelihood training, my husband and I were qualified for the livelihood loan extended by Carles MPC in the amount of Php50, When we started making soap, I was able to devise my own way of measuring ingredients, using empty bottles of catsup and preserved pineapple canisters. During the sale of our first production of one hundred laundry bars, Lady Luck smiled at us. Our first one hundred bars gave us a lot of profit. Our soap sales boomed. Our 43

44 soap sold like hot cakes, because it was not a detergent, but a real soap that was environmentfriendly. Having bought ingredients for body soap, I experimented in making some bars of bath soap. It turned out that I was very creative in making soaps with varied shapes, sizes, colors and scents. Many users bought our body soap just like our laundry bar soap. My husband and I had an aggressive sales plan that made brisk business for us. What became surprising about our production was that we were able to make use of bits and pieces or by-product scraps of the soap. Wastage was zero, because the scraps in granules were selling fast as the bars did. They gave us more income. We were able to pay our loan used to produce laundry bar soap to Carles MPC through payment in kind in the form of laundry soap bars. Carles MPC helped sell some of the soap bars outside of Carles. As of 2004, this soap-making project increased its volume of production because my son-in-law who was quite skilled in mechanical works invented a shredding unit to produce soap in powder and granules. I also trained my daughter on soap making business. They stayed in Fairview, Quezon City. I understand they registered their business in Manila. In Carles, our soap making is still family-based. We do the purchasing of raw materials; we do the marketing, accounting and simple recording. Why Selected As Most Significant Story This soap making business is most significant because I cannot believe that as illiterate and innumerate as I am, I can produce hundreds of bars of laundry soap and bath soap. I was given a loan out of confidence and trust. I became literate. I became a successful soap maker. We made some good money which we used to repair our house and help in the construction of the house of our children in Manila. Our business prospered. Having some children living in Manila, we expanded our sales and production in Manila for better business and profitability. Contribution By The Project With the loan, we produce most of the non-detergent soap in Carles that we almost have a monopoly. Aside from the livelihood skills that made possible our being able to earn enough money to support our needs, we have learned much from the project of Carles MPC. The training provided made us more skillful in the production of non-detergent soap. We have also applied our knowledge on health and sanitation. When someone gets sick in the family we go to the doctor or hospital. We are now well versed with gender and women concerns. We, as husband and wife, share always in managing our family affairs, making decisions, caring for our children, earning our living and complying with our social obligations. We now eagerly 44

45 participate in the democratic process by voting during elections. We are learning well what our rights are and the protection of the law for my family members. Now we are expert in production. We can produce thousands and thousands of laundry bar soap and bath soap but we have a problem in marketing. We do not know where to sell our product if we produce more and more. For this, Carles MPC keeps on linkaging and networking with the business sectors to assist us. The project is sustainable serving the local market. In 2007, Carles MPC will be sponsoring training on liquid detergent preparation to 32 potential entrepreneurs from the sixteen mainland villages of Carles. Added Value By Diakonia The establishment of the Carles MPC Credit and Savings program out of the livelihood generation fund from Diakonia sustained our soap making business. We truly owe our good fortune to Carles MPC for the technological training given us, for the financial assistance and moral support in partnership with Diakonia. Lessons Learned And Recommendations So, who says that a poor illiterate cannot improve his life through a lot of faith, confidence and hard work? Sometimes it is true that when opportunity knocks at the door and you are not ready to grab it, then you won t see development for the better life. The wise use of learning may conquer poverty. Nothing is impossible. We hope there will be more people, like Ma am Bernal and her group, who will offer others a chance of getting a better life. Project Title: Carles Women Development Program-Phase I ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter / Recorder: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 1: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 Villages of mainland, Carles, Iloilo Maura Feranco Elvira C. Bernal / Rosanilda L. Lira December 11, 2006 / January 5, 2007 Change in quality of people s lives 45

46 A Minimum Wage Earner No More In addition to being a government school watchman, he runs a crab-capture gear while his wife picks crabmeat My name is Roberto de los Reyes, a resident of a seaside rural community of Punta, Carles, Iloilo, 43 years of age and married to Rutchel de los Reyes with five children, two boys and three girls. I am a high school graduate of Don Casimero Andrada National High School, also in Punta. I am a minimum wage-employee of the school. I am employed as a casual or temporary watchman of this school. My work is to secure the school from robbers, thieves and other bad elements of the community. I serve nighttime. I earn Php6, per month. My parents died ten years ago. I have nobody to lean on in times of need. My brothers and sisters are far away from me. My wife is a housekeeper. She is a high school graduate but she is not employed. My income is so meager that I cannot feed my children well. I do not have a house of my own. We live in the house of my mother-in-law. I am not comfortable with my situation. I cannot sleep well. I m so bothered. The clothes my children wear are not presentable. We got our drinking water from a distant place. During dry season, drinking water is sold in our village. My situation is so depressing. I am thinking of the future of my five children. I am thinking of how I can support their basic needs. I prayed that God would never forsake me. And He never did. In 1999, I seriously joined the training of Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) for the fisherfolks. After the training, I was inspired to do what others are doing. I heard many things and I got lessons from the training and seminar. I heard about lending. I applied for a loan from Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative. A month after, my loan of P 30, was approved. Being a resident of the coastal village, I am familiar with the fishing activity. I know what kind of fish is seasonal and what is abundant year-round. I went fishing on daytime. I got a catch. But the cash equivalent of my fish catch is not enough to augment my income. I was still worried. One day one entrepreneur constructed a medium-scale crabmeat processing center in my village. These villagers who had undergone series of trainings from Carles MPC a decade ago were very cooperative. I participated in the project. I became a crab-catcher. My wife became a crabmeat picker. I operated a medium-sized fishing boat equipped with a crab-catching gear. I used the 46

47 Php30, loan from Carles MPC -Diakonia funded project to put up a crab-catching gear and purchase a fishing boat. With this project, I sell an average of ten kilos per day at Php80.00 per kilo of crab. In one month, I earn additional income of Php9,600.00, bigger than what I receive from the government. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The extension of loans for livelihood and income generating projects to the government employees by the Carles MPC helped me a lot and made a difference in my life and my lifestyle and that of my family. It is very significant for me because I earned enough and was able to provide nutritious food and presentable clothes for my five children. I was able to build a strong house for my family and send my kids to school. I was able to put up a rainwater tank in my house. Contribution Of The Project My training with the Carles MPC made me learn many good things from the seminar-workshops conducted. With the trainings, I was able to build self-confidence. I was able to improve my personality traits, behavior, character and value upheld. I become industrious and resourceful. I become a responsible worker and good father of five. Because of the trust given me by the manager of Carles MPC when she requested me to purchase bottles, caps or crowns for Nata de Coco project and sodium hydroxide, foam booster for soap making project in Manila, I was given an opportunity to take a plane ride, the first ever for me who comes from a remote town of Carles. Roberto de los Reyes goes with the Chairperson of Carles MPC during monitoring visits of literacy classes in the villages On the women gender issues, we as husband and wife now assist each other in the affairs of our family, making our decision, earning our living, caring for our children, complying with our social obligations and sharing in our opinions in the practice of our political rights for voting. 47

48 The training increased my knowledge on the merits of teamwork and group community building. Now I can easily mingle with other workers in the crab processing center. I have an improved understanding of cooperativism as united self-help and self-reliance activity among community of people. The odd tasks that I did for Carles MPC before, like driving, helping in Nata de Coco processing, assisting in soap making, baking, carpentry, utility and errand boy gave me a lot of experience. I internalized the slogan that says, Labor is Honor. I know that hard work, patience, perseverance and industriousness are keys to success. I change my outlook in life. I have now a happy family. Added Value By Diakonia The support of Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative enabled it to provide skills training to fisherfolks, like me, support livelihood activities and seminars on gender issues made me understand that I am not alone when I need help. The support of Diakonia to Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative lifted me up when I was on a depressed state of life. Lessons And Recommendations I learned many things with my having been part of Carles MPC. Hard work made me succeed in overcoming poverty. I learned that if there s a will, there s a way. I learned that whether its labor or white-collar job, one would likely be successful if he does his work with sincerity, honesty and industry. For all the good reasons there are, I would support Carles MPC and see to it that the other poor people of Carles will be benefited too by similar projects that may be implemented in the community of Carles. Project Title: Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles-Phase II ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter/Recorder: Translator to English: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 1 Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 Coastal villages of mainland, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Roberto de los Reyes Elvira C. Bernal / Antonia Rexy P. Bucayan Ernesto L. Lasafin December 14, 2006 / January 6, 2007 Change in quality of people s lives 48

49 Destiny Is A Thing To Be Achieved Empowered housewife turned a small loan into a going retail concern and through a series of seminars became emancipated along the way. I am Elvira Barlas, a resident of Cabuguana, Carles, Iloilo, 45 years old and married to Gil Barlas with eight children, three female and five male. I joined as member of Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) in I was then a housekeeper, being unemployed and had no business at all. Every Saturday, I attended the education seminar series sponsored by Carles MPC. The series covered many interrelated topics for personal advancement and social awareness. It was a little hard for me as I would lose my income for one day in a week. This was after I got the loan and was able to open a stall in the public market. However, I kept on attending the seminar, for I didn t like to miss the happy and entertaining atmosphere of the people working together during discussions and practicum. I learned many things from the seminar; gender issues, small business management, and I also came to know many townspeople who became my friends. My husband never before gave attention to household work. I had to do the laundry and cook our meals, even if I was so tired from work in the market. I shared with my husband the information on gender issues I learned from the seminar. Unknowingly, my husband changed his ways. He became more responsible for the care of our children, did some cooking of our meals and assisted me in doing the laundry. Our home life now is a game of give and take. As a member of Carles MPC, I qualified for an initial loan of Php1, that I started selling of the basic goods in the public market of Carles. After a good repayment, I availed of my next loan of Php5, for my additional capital. My third loan applied for was Php20, With a bigger capital I had more goods to sell and made higher profit. I became strong enterprising. I made enough money. Aside from the loan we borrowed from Carles MPC, we were also beneficiaries of the seeds, the chicken and piglet for breeding that helped augment our income a lot. Why Selected As Most Significant Story As a housewife and a mother of eight children who turned into a small entrepreneur is a significant experience to me because I developed my self-confidence and self-esteem using my enhanced knowledge and skills from micro-credit assistance of Carles MPC Bank, a people s bank which extend loans to Carles MPC members. I earned money equivalent to a teacher s salary. The days of worry and problems on where to get money for my children s school expenses were over. My three 49

50 children completed their studies. One became a public school teacher in Manila, the other was waiting to board a foreign ship as crew member and the other is not yet employed. My five children are still in the elementary and high school levels. My family is realizing distinct change. I am gaining more control of my life, my children are accessing education, and my family is no longer living hand to mouth. For me, I move now towards a happy and secured family, full of hopes and aspirations. Contribution By The Project Through education offered to me, my negative attitudes and behavior like wait and see attitude, resistance to change, indifference, hopelessness, laziness were converted into positive values and behavior. The series of seminars I attended made me knowledgeable on issues and concerns that affect my life, my family and my community. I became economically empowered. My project is sustained. I became a good and responsible money borrower. I mastered the art of saving money for my family. Added Value By Diakonia Diakonia had supported high impact poverty alleviation project of Carles MPC implemented in Carles of which I was able to acquire a stall to start my small business in the Carles Public Market. The Carles MPC -Diakonia funded project developed entrepreneurs that sprout in many parts in Carles and this includes myself. Lessons Learned And Recommendations I learned that Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved. Meaning, my sincerity to do good things for me and for my family enabled me to achieve what I wished to achieve. I was determined to become an entrepreneur through sheer determination and I did become. Limited financial resources could not hinder attaining my goal as long as I have determination, commitment and dedication to my work and business. For all this good happening in our family life, I am very thankful to Carles MPC. We hope that there will be more projects next time, so that more people in Carles will be freed from poverty. 50

51 Project Title: Carles Women Development Program ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter / Recorder: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 villages of mainland, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Elvira Barlas Elvira C. Bernal / Antonia Rexy P. Bucayan (Original story was written in the Ilonggo dialect) Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: December 8, 2006 / January 5, 2007 Domain 1: Change in quality of people s lives 51

52 There Is Hope A nurse, through information and education, gave commercial sex workers a means to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS and removing from them the shame, fear, guilt and anxiety that one day, they will become hopeless persons. I used to be a staff of the process Foundation who was assigned as one of the Community Health Outreach Workers (CHOW) of the STD HIV/AIDS Advocacy, Prevention and Education (SHAPE) Program. SHAPE is a project of Iloilo CODE NGOs being implemented by three member NGOs namely: PROCESS Foundation, Family Planning Organization of the Phil. (FPOP), Iloilo Chapter and Katinaran Center. There were only four municipalities and one component city as target areas and the sectors to be served were the Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs), youth and the married couples of reproductive age (MCRA)/married women of reproductive age (MWRA). I was personally assigned to serve the CSWs. May-May (last person at the right), with her co-chows, during one of their team-building activities as they enrich their own spirituality and outlook towards their social responsibilities in HIV/AIDS prevention The most significant changes that occurred to the CSWs were: 1. They learned to manage and valued themselves as human beings with dignity by practicing health seeking behaviors and considering their work not very degrading. They saw their work as their source of income which supports their family to survive, and they are able to send their children to school with the hope of giving them a better future. They have to bear the degrading looks bestowed on them by the wives of their customers that they have to respond: Trabaho lang po ito, walang personalan ( Nothing personal here, we re just doing our job ) 52

53 2. They are more careful because they were made aware that they could be infected not just by common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) which some had already experienced, but most of all, the dreadful Human Immune Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) which could be prevented by abstinence, being faithful with one s partner and the proper use of condoms. 3. They learned to negotiate with their customers that they have to use condom for protection from (HIV/AIDS). As a CHOW, I inform and educate the CSWs all about the HIV/AIDS: it s mode of transmission and prevention. I also educate the bar owners and managers by person-to-person approach and focus group discussions with confidence. May-May slowly gained confidence to talk in public when she was assigned as a CHOW to educate commercial sex workers about the HIV/AIDS Even selected government people and personnel of offices of the municipality of Estancia and Passi City were oriented on the project because of the increasing number of CSWs and bars in their areas. This is a public health issue which the government must play a big role in the information drive. We also made the CSW realize that the people of Estancia have to accept them for who they are. Personally, as a registered nurse, I found my assignment challenging. It equipped me with the additional knowledge on HIV/AIDS where I gained confidence sharing it with others. It also 53

54 improved and developed my listening skills now that I directly deal with patients in the hospital, always conscious about how to protect myself makes me feel good and assured. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The CSW story is significant for me because it removed from the CSWs the shame, fear, guilt and anxiety that one day, they will become hopeless persons. Because of our presence, they were able to realize that they could protect themselves with the information and education we gave to them, which also changed the people s attitudes towards them, knowing that anybody, not only the CSWs, could have HIV/AIDS. Contribution By The Project The Project made it possible to educate and inform the CSWs, the bar owners and government officials and employees and other health workers all about STDs, especially HIV/AIDS, which is a public health issue. Although the project is short-lived, we believe many were touched by the information campaign. The Rural Health Units and the community itself supported us. Diakonia s contribution is great because without the fund support, there would never be a SHAPE project that gave hope to the CSWs and the people. Lessons We cannot blame and judge the CSW but accept the reality that we can give them respect as persons with valid reasons why they are in this kind of livelihood We have to help educate so they could be protected since we cannot give them alternative jobs that would fit their limited qualifications HIV/AIDS is a global issue which could be prevented if everyone cooperates Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter: Community-based STD HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Program (SHAPE), Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. (Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc.) Pavia, Iloilo Maylaine Cajilig Mercedita B. Caronongan Date of Completion of the Story: January 7, 2007 Domain 1: Change in People s Quality of Life 54

55 Murak Comes Out Of Her Shell A mother of nine overcame her illiteracy and innumeracy, developed her self-esteem and became empowered in the process. I am Vilma Perlas, a.k.a Murak in the neighborhood. I am an unschooled mother of nine children. I was timid, lethargic and apathetic illiterate whose only concern were the day-to-day chores for the family. For me, all the coming days were cloudy and blurred that I did not think of any high hopes or ambition for the future. I married at age 18 and had 9 children at age 40. Today, I am 47 years old. I followed my mother s way and married very early. I married also an illiterate young man. We both had illiterate parents, and so it was written in our palms that our nine children would be illiterate too. My husband had no permanent job. When the regular tuba (coconut flower nectar) gatherers in our village could not do their work, he took their place. He was a fisherman when a fisher friend lent him his boat on the latter s rest days. He did all sorts of odd jobs to feed our nine children. Murak availed of the piglet loan from the Carles MPC, to augment her income and start her own hog raising project Then almost unnoticed, my daughters became old enough to work. Having finished only Grade 3, my daughters are all semi-literate but pretty. They went to Manila one after the other to work as household helpers. When my daughters letters came, I had to find some friends to read the letters for me and write for me my replies to them. 55

56 When my husband died in 2003, and my one child died in 2004, I was sadly overtaken by grief, but not my will and resolve to go on without him. I accepted God s will and promised to my husband that I would go on living with our daughters. I was forced to learn a trade, manicure and pedicure out of extreme necessity and desperation. I learned how to manicure and pedicure through observing only an expert manicurist who is my neighbor. Every time I see her doing manicure, I go with her and assist her as if I m on-the-jobtraining. Experience can be a teacher also, I believe. Then I bought a simple though complete manicure and pedicure kit for my use. I earned money by home servicing the women, housewives and ladies in my village and in other adjacent villages. But life in fact has only just begun for me. A wholly new and undreamed of world has opened up for me when I was hired as a para-teacher by the chairperson of Carles MPC, for the manicure and pedicure class in Ma am Bernal saw my leadership potential. It was observed that I also have a knack for singing and public speaking. It was a huge success, Ma am Bernal said. I kept my coparticipants/trainees entertained and interested while at the same time teaching them. Having a sense of humor, I usually lead energizers and unfreezing activities during trainings and enliven the group. I am the first trainer assigned to teach manicure and pedicure to my previous co-participants. The trainees were participants of the Carles MPC -Diakonia Funded Project, Phase I. The highest significant point of change in my life as a literate person came when I received my first paycheck. The first paycheck came from Carles MPC to pay the services rendered by me as trainer of the fifteen participants. Life has indeed taken me by surprise. I cannot imagine how I was behaving for being thrilled by a newly found joy. All I knew was that I couldn t stop smiling up to my ears. It was like receiving a telegram from God. I printed my name on the back of the check and signed it with flourish. Of course, I brought the check to the bank for encashment wearing the happiest grin in the entire world. I also had the opportunity to participate in the basic literacy program of Carles MPC where I learned quickly how to read and write. I went on to become functionally literate, learned many things and became alert and sound in mind and body. The idea of being able to count money and give the exact change is exciting. Indeed, I felt empowered to be courageous enough to engage in the business of selling my husband s fish catch. I can already now correctly read the weight values indicated in the weighing scale and compute the equivalent price as well. Since then, I became assertive, vocal, aggressive person but tolerant, openminded and responsibly cooperative and collaborative for having developed my self-esteem. Mutual social acceptance now exists in my neighborhood as relationship between me and my neighbors become one of openness, friendly persuasion and respect of the others views and 56

57 opinions. I can now borrow money from friends without appealing or pledging something. I don t like mendicancy, but I believe that credit is human right born out of mutual need to relate to other human beings, for no man is an island alone by himself. I learned many things about gender and women issues that husband and wife together make decisions, run the family activities, care for the children and comply with social obligations. Why Selected As Most Significant Story My desperate situation could have gone on forever. However, these fortunate events took place in my life. For me, it is not easy to admit that I was illiterate. But being curious at times and the need to know some things made me decide to give it a try. Despite all the odds, I had gone a long way and found my life brighter than before. I discovered myself empowered. I felt I could now be totally in control of my life and push it in the right direction. I am now the breadwinner of the family. I have improved my personality and social skills to become enterprising toward a happy and secure family that I wouldn t have a hand-to-mouth existence and to work tooth and nail. Most of all, I can now read and write to my own children. Contribution of the Project Literacy is a part of the community education module of Carles MPC -funded by Diakonia in , Phase I, particulalry the Carles Women Development Program. The illiterates were identified using the baseline data survey done prior the phase I project implementation. In June 1997, Murak is a participant in the seminar of the Carles MPC-Diakonia funded project. She attended the seminar-workshop every weekend within six months. In 1998, she continued attending until May 31, She was able to finish the 13 modules discussed and shared during the seminar. She was attentive. When the formal opening of the Basic Literacy Class (Level I) in 1998, in her village, Dayhagan she attended the three-month cycle literacy class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In the next cycle, she attended Functional Literacy Class (Level II). She was further tutored by Antonia Rexy Patino and Novelyn Campos who during that time were Community Organizers and Facilitators. Added Value By Diakonia The financial support given by Carles MPC funded by Diakonia made me earn income for my family. The training I attended improved me a lot. My earnings from my work provided my family enough food for the day. I bought quality clothes for my small children. 57

58 Lessons Learned And Recommendations For me, literacy is not only knowing how to read, write and count numbers but also developing myself, improving my social skills like communication skills. I became literate and numerate because of my willingness to learn. I also re-learned new skills I need after I unlearned or discarded my negative attitude toward studying. My future and that of my family is made. Thanks to Carles MPC for making a difference in my life, without which my family life would have remained in the dark. I hope all Carlesenos will be all literate before year Project Title: Carles Women Development Program-Phase I ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter / Recorder: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 1: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 Villages of mainland, Carles, Iloilo Vilma Perlas Elvira C. Bernal / Rosanilda L. Lira December 9, 2006 / January 6, 2007 Change in quality of people s lives 58

59 5:45 P.M. Every Sunday A pastor finds a radio ministry a rich source of materials that help make his messages and Bible studies relevant. My involvement with Hour of Discovery goes way back in I listened to HoD broadcasts and get new knowledge in interpreting the Scriptures, a very important skill in making my messages relevant. During that time I was pastor of Pototan Baptist Church. Through HoD ministry, I have learned many political and social issues that were not discussed in the Baptist churches, especially during martial law years. But I like the topics discussed in HoD. They touch social, economic and political issues. I was intrigued with such issue as feudalism, bureaucratic capitalism and US imperialism. I learned thru HoD the unequal treaties, military and business agreements our government signed with the United States that were against our national interests. I did not learn these things in Bible school. Why Selected As Most Significant Change Story The HoD Biblical reflection every Sunday afternoon provided me with new insights in interpreting the Scriptures since the references were given historical background and socio-economic and political context, then applied to our present national situation. I also learned that many people in the barangays (villages) of Pototan town listen to Hour of Discovery broadcast, even if they are Catholics or Aglipayans (members of the Iglesia Filipina Indepiendente). These led me to make more research for my Sunday messages. I worked harder to make my messages interesting and relevant. I continued to follow HoD broadcasts and jotted Pamphlets, like A Woman s Voice Part II, cassette tapes and CDs are resource materials for pastors and for church and community leaders down important points I could catch and remember as I listened. HoD messages have lots of research, both in the Bible history and socio-political backgrounds. They are punctuated with international and national situationer and events. HoD is different from all other religious programs in the radio. 59

60 As I make my own research on the topics discussed, I verify its claims from the Bible verses. These became the basis of my sermon the following Sunday. I got some points and put local colors with stories from our experiences. The mix helps for relevant meditation by our people. Since the discussions were related to our problems and society, our Bible studies became interesting. Contribution By The Project I shared my observations with Pastor Rudy Bernal and how I was helped by the broadcast. I asked for written version of the radio messages. Relevant reading materials are very expensive. Pastors in barangay churches have few books in their possession. Pastor Bernal gave me some cassette tapes. They were recorded version of the broadcast. I was thankful. These tapes serve as references in my studies. Later, he provided me with pamphlets, the printed edition of some broadcasts. These additional materials were very useful. I filed the pamphlets and later when I got more copies, I compiled them into a book. I learned many pastors were doing the same with their materials received from ARDC and HoD. Inspired by the challenges of ARDC and HoD to go out and get involved, I resigned from the church and joined the political arena in the 2004 election. I ran for the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) in the opposition ticket. I wanted to learn real politics through personal experience. But I have little money, not enough even for my transportation during campaigns. I lost. But the experiences widened by knowledge of our democratic practices. I learned also at close range the politics of money, guns and goons. But the campaign brought me closer to the people. After the election in 2004, I accepted the call to pastor Leon Baptist Church. There I worked for more than a year. I visited the mountain barangays of Leon where I learned more of the social situation of the mountain villagers. There, I learned many people listened to Hour of Discovery every Sunday afternoon. Every 5:45 p.m. Sunday I always go to Leon public market, where many storekeepers are tuned-in to HoD. There I often have a lively discussion with market vendors on the topics discussed by HoD. Its ecumenical perspectives cross religious, sectoral and ideological lines. Added Value By Diakonia Pastor Bernal shared with me that Hour of Discovery broadcast was a journey of faith. When it first went on-the-air, it has money enough to pay four months air time. For more than a year, it was supported by friends and some local churches. In 1987, Farsta Baptist Church in Sweden, through Rev. Olof Lindstrom assisted HoD. The support was made to last until late part of Then in 1996 Diakonia came in with support and helped expand broadcast ministry with printing and publications. It was a challenging journey that went on for nearly 20 years, when in November 2004, due to very high cost of air time, HoD bid farewell to its listeners as it pursues another journey printing and publishing of books and resource materials as a response to the need of our people. 60

61 I learned from Pastor Bernal that the production of messages and lectures in cassette tapes and CD s, were made possible with Diakonia s concerns. When he was attending an Asian consultations with Diakonia partners in Thailand, Mrs. Elsmarie Karlbacker, the Diakonia representative in the Philippines during that time, who saw his interests in recordings, arranged a visit and interview for him with a recording studio in Chiang Mai, where he got additional ideas in sound mixing and recording. These helped made possible for HoD to record, produce and distribute cassette messages, often free to Pastors, church and community leaders who need the materials. Lessons Learned And Recommendations Today, I am back in Pototan Baptist Church. My ecumenical exposures with ARDC and experiences in politics have given me more skills to handle the challenges in the church today where we struggle for liberation from oppressive political and economic structures and from religious beliefs and practices that closes our minds. I am back in the church with more knowledge and wider experiences in dealing with people s problems, be it social, spiritual, economic or political problems. Looking back at Hour of Discovery s broadcast ministry how it reaches people in different places the slums, the market places, far flung and hinterland barangays, I thought of opening my own radio broadcast. But the radio broadcast cost is very high now, beyond our church resources. I look forward for the day when a community radio will open in Pototan, with lower power whose cost is within our reach. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Place where the story happened: Hour of Discovery Radio Program and Political and Electoral Education for Church and Community Leaders ( ) Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Pototan, Iloilo Written: January 9, 2007 Date when the story happened: Continuing from Storyteller: Storywriter: Domain 1: Pastor Ronnie Queruben Rudy Bernal Change in quality of people s lives 61

62 Change Delivered In A Gentle Whisper A pastor-journalist-teacher got involved in an educational process that to him became a rich experience and training that have expanded his idea of the ministry, community involvement and advocacy works. I am a pastor engaged in journalism a teacher in a Bible college, a traveling minister and a newspaper columnist. I love my work as pastor, teacher and journalist. Here I use both the facilities of the spoken and written words in the classroom, in the churches and in the wider community. These are my channels in advocacy works to effect change in people s life and the society we live. For four years I wrote a column Gentle Whisper in the People s Forum, a newsletter published by ARDC with limited circulation for church and people s organization leaders. It advocates change in the economic and political structures of the country. Its circulation reaches pastors in Western Visayas. The knowledge and skills I learned from seminars of ARDC/HoD and the People s Forum opened opportunity for me to participate in people s organization advocating change, like the Negros Regional Ecumenical Council (NREC) and carry Gentle Whisper with the Negros Daily Bulletin, a daily newspaper in Bacolod City where I write a column once a week. My involvement with Hour of Discovery Radio Mission (HoD) and Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. (ARDC) dates back to year I was involved in its educational seminars which included political and electoral education. I have participated in news writing and broadcast seminar and training on public speaking for church and community leaders. In several occasion, I served as a resource person. Several times, together with my students at North Negros Baptist Bible College in Sagay, Negros Occidental, I came to ARDC in Leganes for study, reflection and skills training. One time 15 of us came to participate in a political and electoral forum. Another time, I came with 10 of my students for a three-day study in communications news writing, public speaking and sermon delivery. One time, during a ministers annual assembly in Iloilo, about 20 of us came to ARDC for an afternoon forum on people s rights, knowledge needed by our seminary students. In these fora and trainings, there is a Bible reflection from the viewpoint of the poor and weak and a national situation study. Contribution By The Project ARDC /HoD has unique approaches in its educational process. It uses different media to make learning easier and lessons easy to remember. After the lectures participants are immediately provided with written copies of the lectures. To improve our voices, we were made to listen to our voices, which were earlier recorded without our knowledge to see if we recognize our own voice. 62

63 The messages in public speaking we delivered during our skills training were covered with video. The video was replayed later as part of our critiquing. Sitting together, hearing and seeing ourselves delivering our messages and speeches to ourselves, we saw both our weaknesses and strengths. Our platform mannerism came as a surprise. That was the first time we saw and listen to ourselves making a speech and sermon. The students appreciated the process. Now, working in the churches after graduation, they made use of the pointers to improve their skills in sermon delivery. What they saw as weakness in their sermon deliveries in that video session enabled them to correct and make themselves more effective today. The program planning processes and other skills I learned with ARDC and Diakonia-assisted programs helped me much as I visit churches and do planning process with them. Planning process is another dimension in my ministry hand-in-hand with preaching, Bible study and lectures. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The trainings I received earlier from ARDC taught me how to organize my thoughts and express these in clear, short and simple sentences. The political and electoral as well as ecological and environmental studies widened further my perspectives as pastor, teacher and journalist. I saw the deep cause of our people s poverty and the need for change. Even my write-ups in Negros Daily Bulletin had changed from a passive presentation of news and happenings. It is now written and conveyed in conscientisizing way of and advocative presentations. This is also true with theological and Biblical reflections I made in churches and other religious fora. It seems the writing and oral presentation made can be dubbed, as the ARDC /HoD way so much so it was used several times as introduction, when I was invited to give lectures. 63

64 It was a rich experience and training that have expanded my idea of the ministry, community involvement and advocacy works. The educational and advocacy processes used by ARDC and HoD were effective in involving the community in development and advocacy works. The process is little by little introduced and adopted both in and by small people s groups church-related and people s organizations. Added Value By Diakonia One thing that I value most in my relations with ARDC is the exposure, sharing and learning processes with Diakonia and Diakonia Philippine partners meeting in the country. The sharing is very rich and has given me idea of the priority thrusts of development and advocacy works. Each partner has its own focus and serving constituents that may be different from the other, but the experiences are helpful to each other. I also learned lot from Mrs. Ella Jordan, a consultant whose process have enriched my own and helpful in my planning process in the churches. The HoD encroached in my life as it simultaneously encroached the community. For this new strength and power of my ministry I am thankful to Diakonia who provided the means to make the training by ARDC possible. Many pastors, church and community leaders were also affected like me. Lessons Learned and Recommendations I have learned an important thing. Big organizations and small ones have roles to play in development and advocacy works. National organizations reaches out far and wide working with their local contacts while small village associations reaches mostly to individuals and small groups. But each have important role to play. Let us continue in our works, wherever we are. In this present world of intellectual pollutants that shape perspectives of people and influence decisions, I am happy to note that ARDC /HoD is among the small if not few organizations and programs that brings transformation a hard stirrings of the mind, heart and soul of people for change delivered in a gentle whisper. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Place where the story happened Storyteller & writer: Consolidated and Educational Works for Political, Electoral and Social Reforms with Tri-Media ( ) Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Canlaon City and Sagay, Negros Occidental where he served as pastor from Year 2000 to 2004 Leo Claridad Written/Completed: Jan 25, February 4, 2007 Domain 1: Change in quality of people s lives 64

65 Fullness Of Life For All A church-initiated cooperative extends financial assistance to a member s family of a different faith without any condition that it converts to the church religion. The church s mission is indeed fullness of life for all. This is the story of Mrs. Josephine Lorio of Small Fisherfolks Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Barangay Malayu-an, Ajuy, Iloilo initiated by the Glory Vision Baptist Church in 1998 extending small loans to 18 families that are small fisherfolks. The community has both coastal and farm areas, and since there are nonfisherfolks in the community who are interested to join, membership was then opened to the community regardless of occupation. It is where Mrs. Lorio joined and became a member. The cooperative started with a credit program where members can avail of a small loan and later developed and got registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Josephine Lorio is having good income with her small buy & sell business of used bottle & scrap iron Although, I am not a Baptist, I am grateful to Glory Vision Baptist Church that initiated the Small Fisherfolks MPC where I am a member. I appreciated the church s wider outlook of mission that is non-discriminating nor converting people to their religion because of the project. (Note: In the Philippines, some people are hesitant to join church-based projects because there are churches that use the project to convert people to their religion.) I am a member of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church), and I am glad to be a member of our cooperative because it has helped my family so much in our livelihood. Before I joined the cooperative, my husband was driving passengers trisikad (pedicab) with a very small income that was not sufficient even for our daily food. We lived miserably with six children and my husband having symptoms of tuberculosis easily got tired and always not feeling well. When I heard that the cooperative was open to those who were interested and willing to take part and responsibility in all of its undertaking, I attended the pre-membership education seminar. After passing all the requirements, I was able to avail of all its services as a regular full-pledged member. 65

66 I started with a small loan of Php1,000 and continued to reloan as I repay my loans on time. Because of my credibility and good record, I was able to avail of a bigger loan that I used as capital to start a little business of buying and selling used bottles and scrap iron. I thanked God that our business is making good and my husband is not driving the trisikad for passengers anymore but as transport service of our used bottles and scrap iron business that is less tiresome to him compared to passenger-ferrying trisikad. Presently, I am so happy with my husband and children that we are able to have this small business as our livelihood. We are able to send our children to school unlike before that they either have to stop schooling or drop out of school because of many absences as we could not meet the financial requirements, like buying school projects and other fees. We were also able to buy the maintenance medicine of my husband. Both my husband and I are expressing much thanks to the CPBC Development Ministries and Diakonia for their concern and love to the disadvantaged like me and my family. Why Selected As Most Significant Story There is a significant change in the quality of life of Mrs. Josephine Lorio and family. From miserable and could hardly survive situation to having a better means of livelihood that improved their living condition and a brighter future for the children as they are able to go to school. Contribution By The Project As Field Coordinator * of the Development Ministries, I facilitated the organizing of the Small Fisherfolks Multi-Purpose Cooperative and it is one of the cooperatives in North Iloilo under my area that is registered with the CDA. The two others are Hope MPC and Greenhills MPC in another two communities in the area. There are other four in the area that are not registered with the CDA but providing services to members through loans for income generating projects. The seed capital of Php 20,000 (equivalent to Usd400) was provided by the project to each of the cooperative organized in addition to members own capital build-up, and the Small Fisherfolks MPC availed of this capital assistance. Initially, a member can avail of Php1,000 maximum loan. Through this small loan, the member s developed the loaning-paying process and learn the art of savings for continuous capital build-up of their coop. Capital build up from members is small, but they contributed regularly. This continue to build up cooperative s capital that strengthen and expand its services and membership. Other than cooperative education, important values like stewardship, accountability and sense of responsibility are included in the educational component of the program. The project provided special credit program where members can avail of bigger loan based on project s feasibility. This was what Mrs. Lorio availed of with the loan amounting to Php5,000 (equivalent to Usd100) that * Rev. Filomeno Mosquera is the field coordinator of CPBC-DM assigned in the area from 1996 to

67 enabled her to start with a small business. Once members repay their loans regularly, they can renew and avail of loans in increasing amount based on the feasibility of their income generating project (IGP) and availability of the cooperative s fund. From the Php 20,000 seed capital provided by the project, The Small Fisherfolks MPC has expanded its services/projects like having a welding shop, rent-to-own trisikad that helped the out-of-school youth in the community. It also participates in bidding for local government community projects like contracting welding works and construction of basketball courts. The credit program is ongoing for the members livelihood projects like fishing and farming needs and other undertakings on income generation. Having a capacity building component especially in cooperative management and leadership, the Small Fisherfolks MPC developed functional officers and committees. For the project phase, management systems were put in place and enabled them to effectively manage their cooperative. Added Value By Diakonia In the earlier visits of Diakonia representatives, we affirmed our vision for a fullness of life for all. Our cooperation project with Diakonia is intended for the people s development in the community regardless of religion. Being a church organization, we used the avenue of our local church in the community considering that the members of the CPBC churches are also poor community people. During, our series of consultations with the Glory Vision Baptist Church, they recognized the poor economic condition of its members but also recognized the mission of their church that is geared not only for the development of people within but also for those outside of the church. This has opened the opportunity for Mrs. Lorio to have better means of livelihood and improved quality of life. Lessons In a miserable situation, there is always hope. The church should be open and share opportunities to community people so that those in need are reached and helped. Capacity building component of the program developed management capacity of the cooperative enabling them to be self-reliant. Sense of responsibility and credibility apply to all people regardless of social status. These are important values so that one can be trusted with funds for bigger venture and opportunities for development. Recommendations Strengthen the churches wider perspective of mission to be able to reach out to many disadvantaged families in the community and share the opportunities for improving the quality of their lives. 67

68 Continue and expand the credit program and other projects and services of the cooperative and strengthen management capacity to serve best its members. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Story writer/recorder: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 1: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education & Cooperative Program (Phase III-VI, ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) Iloilo Josephine Lorio Filomeno Mosquera and Feraz Legita January 18, 2007 Change in quality of people s lives 68

69 Changing The Rural Scenery A field worker lives in the style of religious missionaries- eating, sleeping working and dreaming for big things with the communities. She brought with her package of seminars that changed for the better island communities in Carles while she overcame her own perceived deficiencies. I am Telly Ladiao, 34 years old and married, a resident of Cabuguana, Carles, Iloilo. I have three children at present. I finished a course in Food Technology at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), Lapaz, Iloilo City. My work as community organizer of Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) development project started off on an ominous note. The trip to the island of Calagna-an by a rickety motorboat on a stormy day compounded my fears of some unknown dangers that far outweighed the bright prospect of the job that would take me away from my children for only two days in a week, unlike my work in the city of Iloilo. I knew I could tackle the job of a community organizer having been at one time a nonformal education training facilitator of Carles MPC. However, some frightening scenes of ifs and buts kept flashing in my mind that day. As we sailed to the island, I engaged my co-passenger in a conversation to lessen my nervousness. Telly, the community organizer, with the participants from island village of Bitoon during a Community meeting Jitters almost made me faint, but we landed safely although somewhat wet. I was relieved of my disturbing thoughts when the village of Bitoon chairperson Mrs. Rhoda Crisostomo Araneta welcomed the assistance being offered by Carles MPC - Diakonia project. I clarified to her that the islanders would be provided with training and subsequently livelihood assistance. Returning to the island one Saturday, I was surprised to see the residents assembled at the Bitoon plaza, courtesy of their good leader Mrs. Araneta; obviously they were waiting for the free seminar. I was spared the tiresome house-to-house task of collecting baseline information from the residents and organizing them into groups. 69

70 The collated baseline data presented a dismal picture of life in the islands. The majority of the older residents and some young islanders were totally illiterate. Most of the husbands and wives are relatively young, as they marry early, oftentimes at 16 for the boys and 14 for the girls. There is an unwritten rule that it is the duty of the husband to provide for the family upkeep, the wives do domestic duties only. Clearly the women didn t care much about what happens, they didn t participate in decision-making, knew nothing about political and human rights, particularly, women and gender issues. Some parents didn t send their children to school. In the islands, drinking alcoholic concoctions and gambling are the men s pastimes, gambling and gossips for the women. Most semi- literate daughters work as household helps in urban centers and semi-literate sons help father earn a living, mostly fishing. At the start of the training, only the wives in the family attended the sessions. Later, however some husbands and young adults joined the sessions when resource persons coming from the Casimero Andrada National High School came every Saturday and every Sunday afternoon. There were thirteen training modules on various topics like those dealing on self and group awareness, genderrelated issues and concerns, primarily health care, political issues and concerns, micro-enterprise development, grassroots leadership, basic cooperative education and self-governance. Why Selected As Most Significant Story As community organizer, I experienced plenty of joys in my life that would be long remembered. There were some disappointments that strengthened my spirit to do better at another turn. It is sheer joy to be able to help others raise the quality of their life through training and education that Carles MPC offered to the poor island people of Carles. Being aware of the need to improve at once the literacy of the islanders, I informed my superiors that the people in the islands welcomed non-formal education, not only in Bitoon, but in other villages as well. So, the Carles MPC project was extended to Talingting, Binuluangan, Tabugon, San Fernando and Buaya. As part of the team, the accomplishment of the Carles MPC was my achievement too, as the trainings produced good results. Contribution Of The Project The Carles MPC changed the rural scenery. On my part, living in the community, sharing my life and experience with the community people and seeing them improved the quality of their life is pure joy to a simple worker. There was mutual need for each other deeply that to the villagers; I was not just a community organizer, or as facilitator, but a friend to advice them when needed. They were always ready to extend their helping hand so that everything in the community went smoothly. 70

71 Personally, living in the style of religious missionaries eating, sleeping, working and perhaps, dreaming for big things with communities taught me to be more patient, persevering and have greater sense of dedication to my work. I can now mingle with people without a feeling of inferiority. Added Value By Diakonia The trainings in Goal Oriented Project Planning (GOPP), Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), Project Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) and other topics in development sponsored by Diakonia benefited me very much, so that I was chosen to be the resource person of Carles MPC to share my experience with other development workers in the Peace and Equity Foundation seminar in Bohol. This testimonial on the benefits derived from the Carles MPC project is valid exercise in PME that would serve as guide for future development partnership from other foreign donors. Lessons Learned And Recommendations On my part the proper exposure to develop my skills through education improved myself as a social development worker. Dedication to my work, the sincerity to serve others, and an open mind that welcomes positive and constructive criticism and changes coupled by courageous desire to learn and excel in one s job were factors in the success of social work. Social development workers should always project themselves with sincerity to serve others. It is the way to convince the underprivileged poor to join development programs to improve their plight on a sustainable basis. The development workers must continue to help in sourcing out assistance or aid, whether locally or abroad. Thus, it is hoped that there will be agencies and institutions like Diakonia that will come to help the poor of the Philippines and afford them an opportunity to have better quality of life lived in dignity. Project Title: Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles, Phases I-III ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Translator to English: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 1: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 mainland and 3 island villages of Carles, Iloilo Telly B. Ladiao Ernesto L. Lasafin IOriginal story was written in the Ilonggo dialect) December 10, 2006 / January 5, 2007 Change in quality of people s lives 71

72 72

73 MSC Stories Domain 2 - Changes in nature of people s participation in development activities People s participation takes a slow and almost imperceptible process that only triggering issues hasten it up. Bayanihan is a Filipino word that literally translates to self-help community work. The term now extends to any volunteer self-help change-seeking community activity.

74 A Self-Reliant Family Moves Up The Social Ladder A family ceased to belong to the poor because of good income in fishing. They were able to send their children to school. My name is Aida Recopuerto, 62 years old and wife of Sulpicio Recopuerto, a fisherfolk, with six children, two boys and four girls. At the start of our married life, my husband used only small wooden boat propelled by an oar to fish our daily living. In 1997, we heard that Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC), supported by Diakonia, had a Women Development Program. I was one of those who joined the educational training. After completing the training on livelihood, I qualified to be granted a loan as capital for improving our fishing operation. My husband and I used the loan to buy a bigger motorized fishing boat. We were lucky with the new motorized fishing boat for our daily catch increased. We were also able to buy a motor for the old small boat. This further augmented our fish catch. Why Selected As Most Significant Story We can say that our family no longer belongs to poor, but to the middle class *, because of our good income in fishing. We were able to send to school all our children. One had already college studies, though still unemployed. The other five children were almost ready to enter college. The progressive life that we now enjoy we owe to our practice of what I learned from the training on empowerment by Carles MPC project that I also shared to my family. The most significant change in my own personal life as a result of Carles MPC trainings is the development of my increased awareness on gender concerns. Now, we, husband and wife, help each other in decisionmaking, managing the family affairs, earning a living, caring for the children and doing our social obligations. Contribution Of The Project Carles MPC has strengthened my awareness of self-reliance, but at the same time conscious of my obligations to the community. My family has access to Carles MPC credit and savings program. The establishment of Carles MPC Bank sustained my fishing needs. This project taught me to utilize opportunities and local resources, to improve my skills toward self-reliance. * In Carles MPC, households are categorized according to their economic status like using the ABCD categories, which is used as criteria for classifying their target group. The poorest (D) are those who live in shanty house, income per month is less than Php3,000.00, children cannot go to school. The middle class (C) are those who live in semipermanent house, income is not more than Php10,000.00, children may go to college. Category (B) are those who own land, permanent house and earn good income, own a small vehicle. Category (A) are the rich people in the community. Those who live in luxury. 74

75 There is better food security for my family. It helped us increase our productivity and profitability. We had appreciated also the merits of health care and sanitation knowledge taught to us. I saw to it that each family member help in the cleanliness of our house and its surroundings. I was also able to impart to my children the good manners, attitudes and good social relationship with other neighbors. Added Value By Diakonia The financial support from Carles MPC given by Diakonia made us self-reliant and moved my family up to the social ladder. Lessons And Recommendations To be more self-reliant, rather than simply having more is the higher goal of our family. Joining groups to learn more skills and apply these skills to our lives put us where we are now. Having helped ourselves, we may be able to assist others in making living easy, although indirectly, as it is said no man is an island. We affect the lives of others as they also influence our own existence. Each of us must help in community building, help address community problems as a team, support and improve cooperativism. We must support and help preserve the gain of Carles MPC, so that it will continue to serve and make better the lives of the other poor people in Carles. To Carles MPC, thank you very much for making our family happier. It is hoped that you will continue to help those who want to be free from the evils of poverty. A gem of wisdom says, Give not a fish in charity, but the skill with which to catch one. Another validates the first wise counsel, Education is like that. Like the gift of a skill which does not perpetuate charity but self-reliance. Project Title: Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles, Phase I ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter/Recorder: Translator to English: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 2: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 Coastal villages of mainland, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Aida Recopuerto Antonia Rexy P. Bucayan / Telly Ladiao Ernesto L. Lasafin December 12, 2006 / January 13, 2007 Change in nature of people s participation in development activities 75

76 A Knock At Our Door A mother used the loan whose approval was delivered by a knock at her door in a successful Nata de Coco processing venture I am Arsenia Gregorio, now a 70-year-old mother of five girls and two boys and wife to Robin Gregrio, a farmer, of Cabuaguan, Carles, Iloilo. In 1989, we were trained by Ma am Bernal on Nata de Coco processing. Nata de Coco is a famous dessert food processed and cultured from coconut milk. There were seven of us who specialized in this technology through training. We were Diana Ferriol, Maura Feranco, Elisa Bernal, Loreta Tolosa, Melinda Langging, Tita Deocampo, and me. First, Ma am Bernal trained her staff so that they can assist her. We were all successful and enjoyed processing Nata de coco and started our family-based Nata de coco processing projects. Each trained member in the family helped in the Nata de coco business especially growing raw nata de coco (unprocessed, unsweetened). As a village Nata de Coco producer, in 1991, our Nata de Coco produced in Carles became Iloilo s flagship. It is Iloilo s first Nata de Coco brand in Iloilo which was exported to Tokyo, Japan. Carles MPC contributed much to the success of the Nata de Coco business thru intensive marketing linkaging and networking. Carles MPC also helps us purchase bottles, caps or crowns from Cebu city or Manila. In 1998, I was doing my usual housewife chores when surprised by a knocking at our door. It was a knock that changed the course of my life. The staff of Carles Multi- Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) told me to see our chairperson. Immediately, I went to the Carles MPC office to meet Ma am Bernal. She told me that my loan in the amount of 5, from Carles MPC was approved. I was very happy. In my whole life, it was the first time to see a check for me in the amount of Php I was able to avail of the loan because I was already a skilled Nata de Coco The Nata de Coco incubation area or Nata de Coco house 76

77 processor. Another surprise in my life came in l998 still. Two foreign visitors came to our house together with Ma am Bernal and some of her staff. It was the first time I entertained white foreigners in our house. The two were officials of Diakonia of Sweden that funded the Carles MPC livelihood development project. They came to see my Nata de Coco processing project, which they videotaped, including my lush vegetable garden and fruit-bearing trees. Why Selected As Most Significant Story I choose this story because of my beautiful experience. Nata de Coco production, though simple as it seems, demands a lot of common sense and genuine concern for the development of the microorganism. This product requires a kid glove treatment. It needs to be pampered with proper temperature, cleanliness and ambiance. Playful or noisy children have no room inside the nata incubation area, and utmost care ensured so as not disturb or shake the vessels while the microorganism are actively growing. If some of these factors fail during the incubation period, the raw nata will survey fail. On the other hand, if all these processes are taken care of, the raw nata produced will be successful. Thus, sometimes I cry, sometimes, I smile. This experience was significantly memorable to me. Contribution By The Project This Nata de Coco processing really helped change the course of the life of my family into something full of hope for a bright future. Without the livelihood we could not have sent our children to college. Out of the gains from Nata de Coco, our house was built with permanent materials. I was able to buy my first pair of eyeglasses out of my sale. Every fifteen days, I have cash money for our family use. I am really grateful to Carles MPC and Diakonia for the livelihood training and the capital for Nata de Coco processing. My learnings from Carles MPC empowerd me to become a Sliced raw Nata de Coco 77

78 responsible wife, model mother to my offspring, a helpful person to my neighbors. I have also developed my confidence and self- esteem, become more sociable and conversant as I came to get acquainted with many people like government officials, teachers and employees in our town. I learned also other things through the Carles MPC. Aside from the exercise of our rights under the process of democracy, like voting and participating in community affairs or cleaning the environment, I learned also the importance of good health and sanitation. If a member of the family is sick, we immediately seek the help of a doctor or bring the patient to the hospital. Now my husband and I share doing household daily activities, help each other in earning a living, running the family affairs, taking care of the children, making decisions and observing social obligations. The gender-related trainings I attended with my husband taught us to share responsibilities between us. The loan is a conjugal responsibility. The lending criteria of Carles MPC require both husband and wife to sign loan agreements and other loan related documents. That is the wife cannot borrow money from Carles MPC without the consent of the husband, vice-versa. The repayment of loan is made by payment in kind or cash. Carles MPC helps the producer market the Nata de Coco products. Added Value By Diakonia I am really grateful to Carles MPC-Diakonia funded project for the financial assistance, for our livelihood training and the capital for nata de coco processing. Lessons Learned And Recommendations In the future, I hope more projects will be implemented in Carles like what Carles MPC had done to liberate the poor from poverty. People empowerment is a mighty weapon in combating poverty. The practice of synergy is essential. Perseverance, dedication, sheer determination is the key to success Convergence and resource sharing ensures a more successful and sustainable project implementation. Project Title: Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles-Phase II ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter/Recorder: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 2: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 Coastal villages of mainland, and Talingting Village of Calagna-an Island, Carles, Iloilo Arsenia Gregorio Elvira C. Bernal / Antonia Rexy P. Bucayan December 14, 2006 / January 6, 2007 Change in nature of people s participation in development activities 78

79 The Church In A Community A church widened its mission to include material aspects of life and in the process strengthened itself and the community that it serves. Our church, the Mahunodhunod Baptist Church, in its long years of existence since 1972, has been doing church routines. They typically went this way: Sunday worship, prayer meeting and cottage prayer meeting preaching about salvation of man through faith in Jesus Christ. The church believes that they can help people not to go to hell in the midst of social, economic and political problems experienced by the people in the church and community. Having involved in the struggle during the pre- and martial law years, I questioned myself regarding the role of the church. Our church is not discussing any issues or problems of the people nor participating in the community issues and concerns. In the year 1994, the CPBC Development Ministries visited our church and conducted a series of meetings with our church leaders and members. The process of consultation and needs analysis enabled us to identify the economic needs of our members. Being in a hinterland with some hilly and plain areas, ours is a farming community where people are dependent on alili (a system of loan where farmers borrow money from moneylenders and pay with their produce either Discussing women's issues at the church grounds rice or palay (unmilled rice). Sometimes, the unpredictable weather condition caused by environmental degradation the heavy monsoon rains, typhoons and drought, affect our farm and give us less production. Oftentimes, very little produce is left after settlement with the moneylender that could not cope with the rice needs of members until the next harvest period. Sometimes, the produce is not even enough to pay to the moneylender, and so the loan cycle continues making the farmers dependent to moneylenders. The processes facilitated by 79

80 the CPBC-DM led to the organization of our cooperative that started providing small loans to members that were used to augment capital for farm needs. At first, we experienced opposition in the church because they believed that the church should not engage into the material aspect or socio-economic projects but purely on church routines alone. But, the benefits from the cooperative that eased down the burden of settling accounts to moneylenders were shared by members and encouraged them to join the cooperative. For me, it was good news shared by the cooperative members. Since then, through our cooperative, we discussed issues and problems of our community that gathered some non-church members to join us and we participated in the efforts for community development. It was in one of our meetings that the problem surfaced about couples having many children and not legally married, thus, their children are not registered in the office of the Civil Registry. In the year 2000, through the effort of our cooperative, our church facilitated a mass wedding for the 14 couples and dedication of their 26 children. The legally married couples expressed gratefulness to their cooperative where they can share problems and effect possible resolutions. In our cooperative, we experienced many difficulties like delayed payment of loans, weak implementation of policies and other management problems. We are thankful that through the enabling support of CPBC-DM that provided us with needed skills and knowledge in cooperative management and leadership, we were able to review and improve our organizational and management systems. Later, we were also able to provide bigger loans to members for farm production and expanded IGP ventures like pig-raising, pork vending and rice and palay trading. We have also increased our membership to 59, about 50% are non-church members. We got registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in We are now seeking accreditation from the LGU to have a seat at the municipal cooperative development council. CDA registration and accreditation from LGU are important and needed to access resources from the non-government organizations and especially from the government agencies. All of us were so happy to have such community managed organization that has a broader scope of services with components of socio-economic development, capacity building, and studies on gender issues where problems of women, men and children are discussed. We are thankful that our church, because of our cooperative, Kaginhawaan MPC, is a living church in the community, where people of different faith can come to share and discuss problems and effect possible solutions. We have developed good relationship with the village officials and some of them joined our cooperative. It was also through our cooperative that the children s learning center was developed that started with kindergarten classes and later integrated with health & nutrition program components. 80

81 For all of these blessings to us, we will always be grateful to CPBC-DM and Diakonia for all the support in concrete expression of love and concern where the least of God s children can live in hope and dignity. Mr. George Hurtada is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Kaginhawaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative. It was through his church, the Mahunodhunod Baptist Church that their cooperative was organized. Mahunodhunod is a hinterland village in the municipality of Cuartero, province of Capiz. Why Selected As Most Significant Story There was a significant change in the life and ministry of Mahunodhunod Baptist Church where a wider perspective of church mission was developed and concretized. The church not only does its regular routines of Sunday worship, home and church prayer meetings but also provides a venue where people can discuss and share their common problems and effect possible solutions. The Kaginhawaan MPC that was organized serves as venue for the continuous development and empowerment of the people in the community. The programs and activities helped respond to the issues and problems faced by the people like the lack of credit facilities for farm needs and livelihood projects where the moneylenders took advantage. Their cooperative s credit program had helped minimize dependency of members to these moneylenders. The children developed confidence and self-esteem because their parents now are legally married and they have their names now in the county s civil registry. The founding members of the cooperative had influenced the church leadership to a ministry that is sensitive to the situation of its members and the community people and help address such needs. Contribution By The Project The project has a big role in this change as it is really designed for an integrated development project for the people, where theological reflection on development and discussion on the role of the church are included in the educational component. Through the project, the cooperative was organized. Like all CPBC-DM organized cooperatives, capital assistance of Php20,000 was provided in addition to members capital share. Financial assistance was also provided for their cooperative so that members can avail of a bigger loan for production needs. Capacity building on cooperative management, planning, assessment; leadership; organizational and management systems; seminars and trainings on integrated and diversified farming systems, swine raising, and other educational and awareness programs on gender, environment, local governance and other development issues were facilitated and attended both at their local cooperative and centralized (with other CPBC-DM cooperatives) levels. 81

82 Added Value By Diakonia The program of Diakonia that is designed for the development of people regardless of religion, gender and race has contributed much to this significant change because this has developed among our churches that the program of CPBC-DM is not intended for church members alone, but open for those in the community that are interested and willing to participate. Because of this value from Diakonia, the Mahunodhunod Baptist Church through CPBC-DM was able to recognize that the church is a vehicle for people s development and empowerment. Lessons The church can be a potential channel for people s development and empowerment. When the church is open and sensitive to issues and problems faced by the people in the community, it can effect change and ease the burden of people caused by poverty and ignorance. Recommendations The church should be open and sensitive to the issues and problems faced by the people in the community (be they church or non-church members) and open opportunities and possibilities to help address such. Strengthen the cooperative especially the credit program and the farming methods of members to improve their means of livelihood and eventually break their dependency on the moneylenders. Develop potential leaders equipping them in the task of management and encourage more cooperation and support among members especially in members savings and capital build-up making the cooperative more stable and sustainable. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Story writer/recorder: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 2: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education and Cooperative Program (Phase I-VI, ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) Capiz George Hurtada Jerry Lamazon and Feraz Legita January 18, 2007 Changes in nature of people s participation in development activities 82

83 Magagawa Natin! (We Can Do It!) An organized people moved to successfully stop the entry of a mining firm in their barangay (village). That was Saturday afternoon, in March 30, 2002, when around 100 residents of Barangay De la Paz, Banate, some with tears in their eyes while singing a song Magagawa Natin (We Can Do It), signed the Resolution Opposing the Entry of Mining Firm in Barangay De la Paz. They were led by Barangay Captain Rolly Villanueva, members of the Barangay Council and four Baptist Pastors. The resolution was made in response to the letter they received from the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) on March 28, The letter informed them that the mining firm that made exploration several years ago would come with their equipment, 15 days after the delivery of the letter. A barangay official of De la Paz, Banate, signs the resolution opposing the entry of a mining firm in their village as Barangay Captain Rolly Villanueva (right) looks on. When the people s resolution was delivered to DENR three days later, it had the signatures of 400 family heads. It was the people s decisive and collective action to protect their health, land and sources of livelihood from the hazardous mining firm that will enter their barangay. That day, March 30, the residents together with ARDC/HoD (Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc./Hour of Discovery), organized themselves and mobilized support to stop the mining firm s entry in the barangay. They formed committees to divide responsibilities. A committee was to ask the support of the churches Catholic, Aglipayan, Baptist, and Evangelical churches. Another committee requested the support of militant and cause-oriented groups and to reached the DENR and other government agencies. Hour of Discovery was requested to reach other radio stations in Iloilo City 83

84 to air the people s concern. Another committee was to reached out to other barangays near De la Paz and make their opposition heard. Why Selected As Most Significant Story With the strong and wide opposition that reached officially the DENR and exposed in several radio stations and broadcasts of Hour of Discovery, the mining firm blinked. They hesitated. They did not enter the area with their equipment. They kept silent, perhaps waiting for a more conducive day. But the people were prepared. They know what to do. They were determined and ready. The people realized their power. They learned that when they plan, decide and work together they have strength. They have learned to link with other groups that have similar concerns. I am glad I am part of the people s struggle in De la Paz. I am one of the four resource persons of ARDC/HoD sponsored seminars in Northern Iloilo. The project was supported by Diakonia. We held three seminars in De la Paz on the months of February and March The first training held middle of February had 17 participants. The 2nd seminar held on March 17, 2002 had 40 participants mostly elected and appointed barangay officials. And the third, the decisive day was March 30, 2002 attended by about 100 people many of them have learned their individual and collective strength through the previous seminars. We were five in the team Rev. Matias Arib, Pastor Dante Penuela, Pastor Rudy Bernal, Pastor Ruth Baldonasa and myself. Barangay. Captain Rolly Villanueva with several Barangay Council members met us with deep concern. They were deeply worried. They showed us the letter of DENR. We discussed the problem. We reflected on the capacity and readiness of the people to make decision. We decided to bring the case to the people in consultation. More than 100 residents attended the consultation. Our process? We have an Opening Prayer, group dynamics, sharing, Bible reflections on mining based in the Book of Job how mining destroyed the Fertile Crescent in Bible times. We shared experiences learned from Sipalay mines in Negros Occidental. A planning session was made after the discussion. The Barangay Captain presided over the meeting. Discussions were made, after which the Captain called on the people to stand together and oppose the entry of the mining firm. That afternoon, we made a decision. A united stand against mining entry in our area addressed to the DENR and the mining firm. A newly drafted resolution was presented. We prayed. Some have tears in their eyes. Our Closing Service was climaxed with the signing of the resolution. Many older residents signed with their trembling hands. The resolution carried a strong opposition message. It was the people s first line of defense. And they succeeded! The mining firm did not come with their equipment until this year, December The people are prepared. They know they have strength when they unite. They have learned to link with other 84

85 people and organizations who work to protect the environment, the health and source of livelihood of the people. They will stand and resist entry of mining firm in their barangay. We heard the mining firm has application in another town. I am thankful to ARDC-Diakonia for the program that help develop my skills and my colleagues enabling us to help mobilize people to protect their rights, lands, health and the environment. Contribution Of The Project Many groups are working in the community. The churches, schools, farmers associations, women s groups, Barangay Council, Barangay Tanod, Barangay Health Workers are in the place. They are the forces in the barangay. The contribution of ARDC/HoD is in leading the groups what action and decision they will have to make. And the moral and spiritual support that they are with them in their struggle. They made it possible for me to learn, gain experience and participate in works that advocate change. Added Value By Diakonia Diakonia s program of exchange visits and sharing among partners has enabled the project holders and staff to learn additional skills that were helpful for the program implementation. Lessons Learned And Recommendations Organizing people for different tasks is important in any mass action. Every individual and organizations in barangays has skills and capacity. Everyone must be given a specific task. The task given must bring the expected result. Always close project activities with a definite task to accomplish. Then organize groups for the different tasks. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Place where the story happened: Hour of Discovery Radio Program and Political and Electoral Education for Church and Community Leaders ( ) Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Brgy. De la Paz, Banate, Iloilo The story happened: March 2002 Written: January 27, 2007 Storyteller: Storywriter: Domain 2: Ruth Baldonasa Hesther Bernal Change in nature of people s participation in development activities 85

86 People Unites To Protect Their Fish Sanctuaries Against Destructive Fishermen A united action by a fishing community, facilitated by Pastor Evangelista and his colleagues, minimized the effects of illegal fishing on its livelihood but can only be sustained through the people s vigilance. July 27, 2002 was an important day. It was a day when some 400 residents of Tambaliza, an island barangay (village) in Concepcion, Iloilo made a decisive action to protect the area reserved for small fisherfolks and fish sanctuaries against big and destructive fishermen who entered the area. The people of the island village worry on the continued presence of illegal and destructive fishing those that use poisons, dynamites, and sensoros (fishing boats using fine-mesh nets that traps even fish fries) entering the small fishermen s area. Commercial fishing boats are not allowed by law to cast their nets in the restricted areas meters around the island s shorelines - but at night time these boats enter the place and cast their nets, even around the artificial fish sanctuaries built by the people. For many years these continue to happen. The people seem helpless. Many of the illegal and destructive fishing boats are operated by influential people of Concepcion. Some of them were officials of the municipality. The women cry when they shared stories of how they cut trees and bamboos, carry them to the seashore, even while they were pregnant, when they built the fish sanctuaries so that fish can live, breed and be abundant in seas around the island. Pastor Alladin Evangelista was deeply concerned with the problem. He often discussed the problem with the Barangtay Captain and some members of the Barangay Council. His involvement in several leadership training and environmental seminars of ARDC/HoD has shown him that only the people, through united action can solve their problems. He tried to mobilize the people to protect their own fishing area. He asked ARDC/HoD to hold a leadership training there. Pastor Evangelista has been working with the church for more than 12 years. He is not an ordinary pastor. He is committed to change. Because of his ecumenical perspectives, he is close to the barangay officers. They consult him on some important matters. He earns his living as pastor and as fisherman. So he is a friend of the people. On July 2, 2002, Pastor Alladin invited ARDC/HoD to hold a seminar in Tambaliza on leadership, responsibilities and accountabilities. It was held at Tambaliza Baptist church and attended by 34 people. The Barangay Captain thought it was a fruitful activity. At the planning session, the Barangay Captain invited the team to hold another training with Barangay Council and residents as participants. 86

87 The people s forum is an effective way to develop and strengthen people s involvement in democratic practice in the barangays, towns, in the provinces and the nation. Due to the pressing problem of the people, Pastor Alladin with some barangay leaders made groundwork. It was also decided that a consultation be held July 27, The objective was to mobilize the small fishermen to protect their own fishing area and their fish sanctuaries. Four hundred residents attended the consultations. Four Baptists pastors in Ajuy and Concepcion Pastor Dan Sabandal, Pastor Noel Canones, Rev. Mattias Arib and myself. Our study includes group dynamics, sharing of problems, Bible reflection, fishery situation in Iloilo and an open forum. After the discussion, we started the planning. The Barangay Captain presided. I sat as a resource person. We discussed how to protect and guard our fishing area and fish sanctuaries against destructive fishing Why Selected As Most Significant Story That afternoon, we made a decision. We would protect our fishing area, natural and artificial fish sanctuaries and sources of livelihood ourselves. We would assert our rights to the 200 meters exclusive fishing rights from the shorelines given us by law. We would not rely on the Bantay Dagat (Sea Wardens) of the municipality and province. We would only coordinate with them. We would protect our source of livelihood ourselves. We built huts by the seashore to enable us to watch our fish sanctuaries and fishing area at night. We built communication lines to reach each other fast for assistance. 87

88 We demanded from municipal government not to allow commercial fishing boats to cast their nets within 200 meters of the shorelines and around fish sanctuaries we have built. We would be vigilant and watchful! What is the result? Entry of illegal and destructive fishing in the area was not stopped. But it was minimized. The people have to continue to work and struggle to protect their fishing area and fish sanctuaries. For some nights when people were not watching, destructive fishing still entered the area. But the continued vigilance of the people may change the situation in the future. Contribution By The Project The project contributed in helping us make a decisive action. It is the capacity to discern our people s minds that helped in reaching a positive decision. Are the people ready to risk with the decision they will make? Reading the people s mind during mass meetings is delicately important, a skill that was provided by ARDC. The people s thinking was watched during the open forum for it defines clearly their modes and possible action. These were given positive push during the planning which resulted in an immediate action. All educational programs that advocates for change must always close with an action. Added Value By Diakonia The visits of Diakonia representatives from 1996 to the present and the sharing provides us with added skills and discernments that were needed in delicate time when we were mobilizing people and group for action. Lessons Learned And Recommendation Now, we know. When people unite and stand together, they become powerful. They can change the situation around them. As advocates for change, we learned we must be aware of the people s problem and desires. And use these as guide for action. Pastor Alladin continues to serve the people. A pastor of the Baptists and people! Project Title: Implementing Partner: Place where the story happened: Storyteller: Storywriter: Hour of Discovery Radio Program and Political and Electoral Education for Church and Community Leaders ( ) Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. (ARDC) Island Brgy. of Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo Pastor Alladin Evangelista Hesther A. Bernal Date when the story happened: July 2002 Domain 2: Change in the people s participation in development activities 88

89 We Transferred Forest To Idle And Barren Mountains To Stop Landslide For twenty years people living under threats of floods and landslides planted hundreds of thousands of trees on barren mountains practically removing the dangers they faced after every typhoon or heavy rains. They did this through organization and securing resources both from government and private sources. My name is Rafael Nacuray. I am now very old *. I was elected president of Rosal-Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC) when it was organized. I was president for six years. The organization needs younger blood and mind to make it more dynamic. Mr. Giovanni Iguiz, a partner, provides the leadership now. I am still a member of ROFMPC and some of my sons and daughters In 20 years, our cooperative has helped develop our barren lands to one that is now productive and stopped landslides and soil erosion. Before, we always fear when there is a storm coming because usually it is followed by a flood. Our Sitio, Mamalang Sapa (Dried Stream) in Rosal, Libacao, Aklan is at the foot of a high mountain. There were no trees at the side and top of the mountain, only cogon, a grass with long water resistant leaves and tigbaw, a wild cane growing in open fields. Typhoons and floods endanger our lives and damage our properties. Our barangay is situated in the mountain boundary of the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Antique and Aklan. In 1985, Bromma Baptist Church in Sweden assisted our church with funds for our ecological farming project. Thru the project we first learned practical and scientific farming, chicken and animal raising and environmental protection. We learned the importance of ecology. Bromma * Mr Rafael Nacuray passed away just a month after the interview. 89

90 Baptist Church encouraged us to organize into a cooperative. They taught us of how cooperatives improved the economy and life in Sweden. With some financial resources from them we started the organization of ROFMPC. Pastor Domingo Bernal, our pastor and my son-in-law, initiated the organization of the cooperative. He showed us that with the cooperative we could pool our resources to start bigger project. With a legal personality, we can have access to services and resources both from the private sector and government. We can also participate as contractor in the reforestation projects of the government to address the problem of soil erosion and landslides. Our initial members are still with the cooperative today like Video Salonzo, Joel Nacuray, Ernesto Salonzo and Prospera Bernal, among others. The members of the cooperative are small farmers some with few hectares of lands, but some do not own even the place where their homes are built. They are tenants to landholders. Some rent their lands. With new farming methods, especially multi-crop and inter-crop methods, members who have small parcels of land decided we would plant more fruit trees. We also planted bamboos for use in our houses and for sale. We planted palm trees for roofing. The surplus we sell. To address the problem of soil erosion and fear of landslide, we started to plant timber trees gmelina, mahogany and acacia. Together we have planted more than 15,000 fruit trees and timber trees, bamboos and palm trees in our lands. The project was negotiated with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) to plant trees in the government s idle lands under its stewardship reforestation program. DENR awarded ROFMPC to reforest 75 hectares of idle mountain lands. Planting 2,500 trees per hectare, we planted some 187,500 trees in the 75 hectares land. Our cooperative provided manpower and management. DENR provided the funds to pay labor and seedlings. This is significant for with the growth of trees in the sides and top of the mountain, erosion and landslide begun to stop. In 1994, I joined in the organization RISA, an NGO. I chaired the organization. Some members of RISA come from ROFMPC. DENR, in our place allows only two projects for each organization. It was ROFMPC who first negotiated with the DENR for reforestation project. RISA later negotiated for a project in another barangay. RISA were given contract for 40 hectares to reforest. It planted 100,000 trees. We continued planting trees, abaca and other crops for the last 20 years. Now, we have not experience soil erosion and landslides. The 327,500 trees we have planted guard our soil and land from erosion and landslide. 90

91 Why Selected As Most Significant Story When Diakonia approved our Abaca Planting project in 1996, we were able to buy 21 hectares of land for our tenant members. In these lands we developed the Abaca Pilot Farm, we planted abaca and trees of different kinds to serve as cover or shade trees for abaca. We have planted about 18,000 more trees. We also organized farmers associations that are affiliates of ROFMPC in 12 barangays and sitios in the hinterland of Libacao. The cooperative provided them with financial assistance from Diakonia funds for abaca planting. The primary target was to plant abaca. But the natural shading system that is part of abaca culture, has mobilized them to plant more fruit trees and timber trees, coconuts and other leguminous trees in their farms. These strengthened and expanded the tree planting activities of the project. Added Value By Diakonia We thank Bromma Baptist church for the ecological farming program that led us to organize our cooperative and enable us to start reforestation program in idle government lands. We also express our gratitude to Diakonia for helping us sustain our educational works and expand our reforestation program that successfully addressed the problem of erosion and landslide in our village. Lessons Learned And Recommendations We learned that all problems have solutions. Solutions to problems are not done in a day or a year or five years. But little by little, year by year, we work to provide solutions to our problems. Jesus said, with faith we can move mountains to the sea. We transferred forest to idle and barren mountains! Project Title: Abaca plantation and production pilot project, Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rosal, Libacao, Aklan Rafael Nacuray Storywriter: Giovanni Iguiz; December 7, 2006 Translated by: Domain 2: Hesther Bernal (Original Story written in Ilonggo) Change in people s participation in development activities 91

92 No Stopping NSTP Implementers In Voter Education This is the story of a female educator and a key person in the National Service Training Program (NSTP). She heads the NSTP of one state university in Metro Manila as well as a group of NSTP educators. Republic Act 9163 or the NSTP Act of 2001 mandates the said program. It mandates a requisite program for all students in the tertiary level (bachelor or vocational) in any of the three program components: Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Civic Welfare a Training Service (CWTS), and Literacy Training Service (LTS). The program is aimed at enhancing defense preparedness and civic consciousness in the youth as the former recognizes the latter s role in nation-building. The storyteller recalls that until 2005, NSTP activities, particularly LTS and CWTS are focused on literacy and numeracy skills and other topics such as health, environment and safety. In the last quarter of 2005, however, the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) and the Consortium on Electoral Reforms (CER) were able to expand links to the formal education sector, particularly with the NSTP groups. IPER/CER representatives, NSTP head and NSTP educators nationwide during the training workshop on voters education A series of networking activities between the civil society (through IPER and CER) and the formal education (through NSTP and CHED) were conducted through the continuing citizen-voter education campaign of IPER and CER. 92

93 A network meeting with the key personnel of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) gave way to the linkage between IPER CER and NSTP implementers. CHED on their part, as one of the conveners of the 2003 Voter Education Summit, released a memorandum on the implementation of Citizen-Voter Education as part of the NSTP. The NSTP groups started to be invited to stakeholders summits and fora on electoral reform issues, and expressed their commitments in the implementation of citizen-voter education. In the succeeding semesters, under her leadership, the NSTP groups organized fora on the role of educators in the general voter education campaign and trainings on voter education. They see these as necessary in preparing themselves as educators for the voter education campaign. With the commitment from their part and the use of voter education materials developed by IPER, the NSTP implementers enthusiastically undertook citizen-voter education as a component of NSTP. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The direct impact and relevance of citizen-voter education to the people in the academe, particularly the educators, was seen as important in the campaign for electoral reforms. The storyteller affirms that being implementers of voter education, they were given a chance to fulfill the true meaning of their vocation. Their participation in this undertaking will surely educate the next generation of citizen-voters in the proper democratic perspective. She also sees the youth s important role in nation-building, especially in the exercise and protection of rights of sovereignty and suffrage. The youth, being the larger portion of the voting population, is also seen as crucial in the turnout of elections. Contribution By The Project During the previous stakeholders summits co-convened by CER, voter education was declared an essential component in developing a matured and responsible electorate. Several activities were implemented as part of the campaign module building, production of other voter education materials based on the module, network-building, planning workshops for conducting voter education, trainings and actual voter education trainings. One of the able networks tapped in the network-building was that of the formal education, particularly in the NSTP. They are currently active in the campaign for citizen-voter education in their respective schools. They are organizing and encouraging other schools to join them in promoting citizen-voter education. It may also be worthy to note that the NSTP group has a substantial number of female professors. 93

94 Teachers who took part in the trainors training felt that they can be instruments in developing the youth to be good citizens in the development of the country and in the exercise of rights of suffrage and sovereignty. The storyteller, together with another LTS implementer and their LTS students, has recently participated in the voter-education video produced by IPER and CER. They spoke on their roles in voter education and election and in the whole democratization and nation-building efforts as well as on their call to action to their fellow youth and educators. The video was shown in several NSTP trainors training seminars recently and got an enthusiastic response from the teacher-educators. Also, their group of NSTP educators is planning to develop modules that would cater not only to the college level but also to the grade school and high schools students as well. They maintain coordination with the citizen-voter education efforts and electoral reform advocacy of IPER and CER. One topic of interest to them is the plight of teachers in their duty to serve during election period. Added Value By Diakonia Diakonia s partnership has been most valuable in IPER and CER secretariat and networking activities which made possible the expansion of network to cover formal education sector in the electoral reform advocacy. Continuing network-building which is usually not funded by other projects, was made possible though this institutional partnership Diakonia s core programs of democratization and human rights also offer a similar framework within which these voter education efforts are carried out. Lessons And Recommendations The voter education campaign is a continuing process which requires continuing linkage and networking with various sectors and in the same civic education advocacy. The continuous efforts may open new opportunities, new linkages, new possibilities and new commitments which may be vital in the eventual realization of the advocacy. Project Title: Enhancing Democracy through Electoral Reform ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter: Domain 2: Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) National Female educator/nstp implementer Edsil V. Bacalso and Rosa Bella M. Quindoza IPER Program Officers Changes in nature of peoples participation in developmental activities 94

95 MSC Stories Domain 3 Change in people s and organizational capacity Individuals and organizations confronted with a challenge tend to develop their capacity to either confront or overcome the threat or exploit the opportunity presented by the challenge.

96 We Said No!!! To Coal-Fired Power Plant An organized citizenry actively opposed the government-sponsored project. The project proponents blinked. The year 2003 was a year of fear and apprehension for many residents of Banate, about 50 kms north of Iloilo City. The same fear was also felt by other people in the towns around Banate from the last town of Estancia and Carles in the north and other towns going to Iloilo City in the south. In Barangay San Salvador, Banate, a 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant was set to be built by a multi-national, Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The plan to build the coal-fired power plants in the municipality was approved by the mayor and the municipal council. It was part of the electrification project signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she visited Korea in The Secretary of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, the Senate President and the Governor of the Province of lloilo have endorsed the coal-fired project. We know this is not good for the people. But what shall we do? Our churches, with other NGO s and people s organization saw the project as hazardous to people s health, the environment, and Banate Bay, source of fish as livelihood of the people. Banate Bay will be polluted by the operations of a coal-fired power plant. It will suck to death millions of fish larvae every year. It will deplete the sea of fish between Panay and Negros Islands. We have to mobilize our people to oppose the project. National and local government officials pushed the project because it will provide jobs for people. They said more electric power would be needed the next 10 years. But study by environmentalists showed that there was misinformation. There is no immediate shortage of power in Panay. The existing energy source is capable to meet the need of Panay the next decades. The government was challenged to work for hydroelectric power as this is cleaner than coal-fired power plants and the existence of rivers capable of driving hydro power. People also believed the strategic power industry must not be handed to foreign corporations but must be owned by the government as essential service to the people. Together with pastors and church leaders of Baptist and Evangelical churches in Banate, Barotac Viejo and San Rafael, we have participated in the leadership training political and electoral education, environmental protection and advocacy works --by Alternative Resource Development Center and Hour of Discovery the last three years, from 2001 to The trainings were held in 11 barangays (villages) where there were Baptist and Evangelical churches. We also attended a radio broadcast training by Hour of Discovery, with the plan of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) to open community radio station in Banate. They have already opened stations in Barotac Nuevo, 96

97 Estancia and Passi. Our training will be helpful if our church decide to start a radio ministry broadcast later. These trainings have contributed in my development as a pastor enriching the spiritual life of people and commitment for advocacy work for change. The studies gave me new perspective for my ministry. From our study of history and current events I learned the major reasons for our people s poverty concentration of the country s lands and wealth in the hands of the few and continued control by foreign powers of our country s government and resources. These challenged me to participate in the work for social and political transformation. These trainings prepared me to participate in the ecumenical efforts in the years 2003 when our municipality became the seat of a controversial project we believed must be rejected and opposed the coal-fired power plant to be built in San Salvador, Banate. A wider ecumenical movement rose to oppose KEPCO. We in the Baptist and Evangelical churches joined in opposition with the CPBC Development Ministries. The Catholics and Aglipayans (members of Inglesia Filipina Indepiendente [IFI]) were mobilized by their priests and church leaders. Sectoral organizations BAYAN-Panay, Madiaas Ecological Movement, A practical radio broadcast training at the HoD/ARDC office with Pastor Roger Esclares, second from right, Pastor Randy Mahilum and Pastor Paolo Baluyo (left,with microphone) and Iloilo Code NGO and RISE mobilized their groups. Banatenhon Against Coal-Fired Power Plant rose to oppose KEPCO. We mobilized several rallies in Banate to raise and sustain the people s opposition. A Congressional Public Hearing was made in Banate, made thru the recommendation by Partylists congressmen. So that our voices will be heard more, we helped mobilize people in 34 jeepneys, trucks and buses from Banate and Northern Iloilo to join the Human Rights Day Celebration in December 12, 2004 at the Provincial Capitol. 97

98 Why Selected As The Most Significant Story The united voice of the people against coal-fired power plant was raised across the nation. The Governor of Iloilo and the Senate President heard the thundering voices of the people through the media that carried these across the nation. In Malacanang, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo heard the strong voices of the people of Banate. She was pressured to withdraw support for KEPCO in Banate. Likewise the governor of Iloilo; hearing the demand of the people, the Iloilo Provincial Board passed a resolution rejecting KEPCO s coal-fired power plant in Banate. Democracy works when the people fight for their rights! But both the President and Governor, pursued the plan to establish not only one but two coal-fired power plant in the municipalities of Barotac Viejo and Concepcion. But the people in the two municipalities have prepared to oppose coal-fired power plants in their town, even if President Arroyo and Governor Niel Tupaz were pushing it. They have to protect their environment, their health and the sea, source of their livelihood for all the years of their lives and the future generation. Added Value By Diakonia The support of Diakonia enabled ARDC/HoD to finance the educational and advocacy seminars in eleven barangays with Baptists and Evangelical churches providing food for snacks and lunch, educational materials, transportation costs and honorarium for resource persons. These made it possible for me and my partners to take part in advocacy work and be part in the people s struggle for change. Thanks to Diakonia. Lessons Learned And Recommendations A wider ecumenical advocacy work was behind the success of the people s opposition to KEPCO. The greed for profit by transnational corporations, supported by local elites was revealed in the struggle. The elitist democracy showed its ugly face through the project that does not care for the people s health, source of people s livelihood, the environment and the future of next generation. The success of the people s opposition was possible because of people s unity social, sectoral, religious and ideological barriers were broken in the fight against KEPCO and its allies among the powerful. 98

99 Project Title: Implementing Partner: Place where the story happened: Date when the story happened: Storyteller: Storywriter: Consolidated Educational and Advocacy Works with Tri -Media Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Banate, Iloilo December 8, 2004 Rev. Roger Esclares Hesther Bernal Written: December 18, 2004 Domain 3: Changes in people s and organizational capacity 99

100 Journey With My People A leader and her tribe went through changing their lives through a program on literacy, health, farming and advocacy on ancestral domain claim but kept their traditional ways and culture as the latter define their selfesteem and dignity. Lolita Tizon or Vangie as fondly called by all is a tribal leader of the Bukidnon (people of the mountain or highland), a group of indigenous people in Lambunao. She lives in the highlands of Agdalusan, a sitio of Barangay Jayobo, municipality of Lambunao, province of Iloilo. The Bukidnon are also known as Sulodnon (from the hinterland). These groups of people are situated in the highlands of Lambunao and Calinog municipalities in the province of Iloilo, and in the hinterlands of Tapaz municipality in the province of Capiz. Tama gid kaathag sa akon panghuna-huna and pagbisita ni Day Feraz sa amon lugar didto sa bukid sang Agdalusan. (It is very clear in my mind, the visit of Day Feraz to our mountainous place in Agdalusan). We had a meeting where we shared so many of our problems. So many of us coming from eight tribal communities Agdalusan, Agsirab, Malsan, Magdalo, Tabugon, Tagbacan, Cabatangan and Budian attended the meeting. Except for Agsirab and Malsan, these places were seldom visited or not even reached by outsiders because aside from being steep, high cliffs and slippery paths that are too dangerous and risky, it will take long hours or even a day, like Cabatangan and Budian, to reach on foot. If your commitment is not that strong and you don t have a heart to serve, I m sure after your first visit, you will never come back. But, I am so thankful for the dedication and commitment of Day Feraz that we were known by Diakonia and after the visit of Ms. Els-Marie Carlbacker, we were able to have the project and I was assigned as Field Coordinator. Our problems on livelihood, health, illiteracy and land were addressed by the project. My people were so happy to share that they were able to write their names through the adult literacy program. Before the literacy program, we just sign with our thumb marks, but now, we can already do sign our name and we can never forget it as long as we live. We also learn how to read. The health program strengthened our indigenous way of healing and learned many aspects of health education. We were able to practice proper sanitation and hygiene. We also have latrines that minimized the spread of diseases and sickness. Our livelihood has improved especially our farming methods and techniques, which before we do it manually by using spade, tagad (trowel), bara (crow bar) and bolo. Through the project, some were able to have carabaos (water buffalo) and others go a little high-tech using kuliglig (power tiller) and mini rice mill. Improvement of our farming system made our work in the farm easier and lighter but we kept our traditional practices using our traditional tools in farming. The advocacy program especially in knowing our rights as indigenous people helped us a lot in struggling to keep our claims to our ancestral domain. 100

101 On behalf of the Bukidnon tribal people, we are one in expressing our deepest thanks to Diakonia that through the Development Ministries with the sincere commitment and good heart of its Director, we were reached in this far-flung area and given the opportunity to discover our potentials and our rights that enabled us to live in dignity. In our wildest dreams, we never expected that our voices would be heard from the wilderness. We know that being Bukidnons, we are also God s children and proud to be such. The blood that runs in our veins is the blood of our ancestors that we pay respect. Thank you for giving us such respect. Our journey will go on so that our future generation will continue to embrace our culture and tradition. Why Selected As Most Significant Story Changes in the quality of people s lives are evident in their livelihood, health practices, illiteracy to literacy that contributed much in developing self-esteem and dignity. Affirming their cultural values is also very important to sustain the indigenous people s communities. They have proven leadership capacity and potentials as shown by Vangie where they have strengthened their organization, the Bukidnon Tribal Association (BUTA) and developed network with the Panlipi an organization working for the indigenous peoples rights and ancestral domain s claim. They have also developed and strengthened their relation with the National Council for Indigenous People (NCIP) that provided assistance to the indigenous people especially on scholarship program and medical assistance. They have also Vangie and husband Ati on their way back home from the lowland. strengthened relation with the local government unit (LGU) where elementary school has been started in Tagbacan and Day Care Center in Agdalusan, the children s program of which was started by the project. Vangie has also developed network with Indigenous Women s Alternative Leadership for Transformation (IWALT) of the Christian Conference of Asia. The direct project assistance of CPBC-DM ended in 2003, but CPBC-DM continue to do regular monitoring. They continue to participate in the DM programs and activities like annual assessment 101

102 and planning and in capacity building programs. Development activities are ongoing in the Bukidnon tribal area. Contribution By The Project Ang programa nga ini nagsabat gid sang amon kinahanaglanon kag kakulangan. Sa amon gid ini naghalin kag salamat nga nagbalik kamo kag nagpatigauon sini sa amon. (The program was based on and addressed our needs and limitations. This came from us and we are thankful that you facilitated this with us.) The project components on livelihood, health, adult literacy and children s classes and advocacy on Indigenous People s Rights are addressing the needs and geared directly towards empowerment of the indigenous people. The livelihood assistance enabled them to acquire carabaos and other animals to raise and have helped them with their farming needs and income generation. The adult literacy program developed self-esteem among the Bukidnon tribal people as they learned basic reading, writing and arithmetic. The children s pre-school classes have developed the value of education among parents and children with possible bright future for the following generations. The health program improved health condition and promote sanitation among these tribal communities. Through the advocacy program, network and linkages were developed for support in their efforts on ancestral domain claims and their other rights. The capacity building developed their leadership capacity for recognition from other organizations both government and non-government. They have accessed resources, one of which is the Bukidnon Tribal Center in the heart of Barangay Jayobo, the lot of which is donated by Mayor Ignacio Ramirez, Jr. This was inaugurated in 2001 with Ms. Katinka Levin, Diakonia Representative to Philippines that graced the occasion. This also served as center of their Bukidnon Multi-Purpose Cooperative having consumers store where members come during market days and get their one-week supplies of sugar, salt, oil, dried fish, soap, detergent and other basic commodities. The cooperative has a satellite in Malsan, one of the Bukidnon tribal communities. Added Value By Diakonia The indigenous people is a priority target group of Diakonia and the visit of Ms. Els-Marie Carlbacker to the Bukidnon tribal communities opened the opportunity for this project. We learned through Ms. Els-Marie Carlbacker that indigenous people are one of their target groups and the possibility of such project was explored and later a cooperation project was approved. The Training of Trainers on Health for Bukidnon tribal women facilitated by Ms. Lilian Thybell brought so much learning and reflection from the staff and the women participants. The staff recognized the vast indigenous knowledge on healing practices and methods in which the women participants were so glad to hear affirmation of their indigenous knowledge and tradition. 102

103 We are so thankful for Lilian, we could not believe that she could come and be with us in our mountainous place for three days, eat with us, learn with us and not only to teach us. Even with our little learning in reading and writing through the adult literacy program, we learned a lot on health and sanitation especially in taking care of the sick like those with fever and diarrhea that may sometimes result to death. Also we learned the importance of latrines. Through Lilian, we were able to reflect on our own potentials and our rich indigenous knowledge and tradition. The activities with capacity building components sponsored by Diakonia where Vangie was able to attend specifically, Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), Project Midterm Review, Terminal Evaluation strengthened her leadership and task. Lessons It is important that cultural values be strengthened to support indigenous people in knowing their potentials and affirming their rich culture and tradition. Capacity building strengthened the commitment and enabled Vangie to develop and strengthen network to support the cause of her people. Closer monitoring and coaching especially in recording and reporting equipped them with the management functions and document their achievement and experiences. Recommendations Support should be provided to indigenous people for their empowerment so that they can develop and strengthen their self-confidence to shape their own context of development and live a life in dignity. Continue monitoring and documentation of the development of Bukidnon tribal people like area visit, and involving them in capacity building and development activities of CPBC-DM. Strengthen and expand networks and linkages especially with other indigenous people s groups for solidarity support and mutual sharing. Project Title: Bukidnon Tribe Empowerment Program ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter: Translator: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 3: Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) 8 tribal communities in the mountains of Lambunao municipality Lolita Vangie Tizon Lolita Vangie Tizon & Feraz Legita Henna Caipang (Original story written in Ilonggo dialect ) 29 January 2007 Change in people s and organizational capacity 103

104 Out From My Nutshell The potential of a woman leader was realized when she led their livelihood association through its inception, growing pains and becoming a registered cooperative that actively participated in the community and local governance. Though I am considered as a woman pastor, I felt insecure and lack of confidence in meeting other people outside of our small church because my pastoral training was only through a nonformal Theological Education by Extension, a special project of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) and later by the College of Theology, Central Philippine University. I felt shy and very insecure when I joined other church groups and when I was asked to lead some programs or activities. Meeting people from other church denominations, NGOs or LGUs (local government units) were very strange to me. I only moved within the circle of my small church and family. I am so glad to share the most significant change in my life. In 1996, the Development Ministriesfacilitated series of meetings and consultations resulted to the organization of our cooperative. During the initial stage, I was challenged to lead our cooperative. The capacity building provided by the Development Ministries like preparation of plan of action, facilitating our assessments, conducting Evelyn Abeco confidently works with men coop leaders in Northern Iloilo during their annual planning workshop meetings and other organizational development improved my capacity in leading our association and enabled me to discover my potentials. I was doing well with my responsibility, but in 2000, a new male chairperson got elected and unfortunately, we experienced some problems and conflicts. In 2002, because of my good performance earlier, I was again elected back to my position as Chairperson and the recognition of a woman leader was appreciated. A year after, we got our registration with the Cooperative 104

105 Development Authority, that enhanced our participation and involvement with the community and LGU. In 2005, we got accredited and have a seat in the municipal cooperative development council. These are the best years for me, as I was able to develop my self-confidence and gain respect as an able woman leader. Now, I am so proud to be a woman. I am so thankful for the Development Ministries and Diakonia, acting as nutcracker for opening the opportunity of leadership to a woman like me. I was able to rise and lead our people towards the fullness of life. This has brought challenges to me to encourage more women leaders. Ms. Evelyn Soberano s husband is also a pastor and both of them are members of North Iloilo Baptist Ministers Association where Evelyn had served as Secretary for 3 years. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The change in the capacity of a woman from insecurity to self-confidence and the respect attributed is noteworthy. Contribution By The Project We, members of Hope MPC, are so thankful to CPBC-DM and Diakonia that we were able to establish our cooperative that is helping us so that we can have our produce to meet our basic needs. Rice is very important to us and other root crops, as well, like cassava, camote (sweet potato) and banana. They are our staple food. The project was able to strengthen the organizational capacity and the women empowerment component. It was through the project that Hope MPC was organized. It started as a small credit program of San Diego Baptist Church in the hinterland community of San Diego, municipality of Lemery, Iloilo. Small loans of Php1,000 (equivalent to USD20) are provided to the poor church members who are farmers which they used either to augment capital for their farming or family needs. Later, it became a registered cooperative with members who are both church and nonchurch members. Their cooperative developed a special credit program with financial assistance from the project where members can avail of bigger loans amounting to Php5,000 to Php8,000 (equal to Usd ) for farm production or small business. They also developed a rice trading project. The capacity building provided Evelyn with skills, capacity, membership support and confidence in leading their cooperative. She represented the coop in the village development council, municipal cooperative development council, other churches and government and non-government organizations. Through their cooperative, the members were able to access credit facilities for their farming needs. Before they were dependent to moneylenders with high rate of interest that nothing was left 105

106 for them during harvest because most of the their proceeds from the sale of rice was paid to the moneylenders and sometimes the amount was not even enough. They were also able to develop other income-generating projects like pig, goat and native chicken raising that augment the family s income. Added Value By Diakonia It was in 1998 when through Diakonia, Professor Per Axel Sverker came to CPBC and led lectures on gender issues from a Biblical perspective. It was a good learning for me that I was able to understand the relationship of man and woman based in the Bible, that both men and women are given the authority to spread the good news. This has strengthened the gender education component of the project in Hope MPC and in the CPBC-DM organized cooperatives in North Iloilo area. Lessons Women, like men, are successful leaders and have the capacity for leadership position if given the needed opportunity and enabling support. Recommendations Open opportunities for women in the cooperative, church and community, and help them develop capacity in leadership positions like Chairperson of the Board of Directors of a cooperative, President of the Church, Barangay Captain or Barangay Councilor. Women can be good and effective leaders as men do. CPBC-DM should devise mechanism of monitoring all its organized cooperatives. Conduct an intercooperative meeting and consultation for sharing of experiences and resources. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Story writer/recorder: Translator: Original story written in: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 3: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education and Cooperative Program (Phase III-VI, ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) Iloilo Evelyn Soberano Filomeno Mosquera & Feraz Legita Henna Caipang Ilonggo dialect January 18, 2007 Change in people s and organizational capacity 106

107 Women Can... A proof that a woman who goes through capacity building and supported by her husband become good leader of their cooperative Angela Dajay is the chairperson of Kaisahan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Central Negros since Her husband, Norman is working as a deliveryman of LIBCAP, a courier service. Though the income is not much, it can provide the family s basic needs of food and schooling of their children. Norman s understanding and support gave Angela the time to attend to programs and activities related to the development of their cooperative. Her dedication and commitment have made their cooperative expand its members and services. In the past, since the cooperative s organization in 1998, it was headed by men and it was only recently in 2003 that Angela became the first woman chairperson and more ably led the cooperative. She was able to strengthen the cooperative. The cooperative operational and management systems have been developed and effectively installed. Her story below, has proven Angela during cooperative meeting and visits in Capiz cooperatives that women have lots of potentials and capabilities when given the chance and opportunity. I was still very young when I started to get actively involved in church activities. There I learned and developed good values in life, which I imparted to my children so they may become sensible and better persons when they grow up. While doing outreach work, I saw people outside of our 107

108 church struggling to earn a living for their families. I often asked myself what life would be tomorrow. The answer to my question became clearer when the Development Ministries of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC-DM), through our church, Antipolo Evangelical Church, helped organized our cooperative to address the basic needs of the majority of its members who had no regular income. Most were dependent in the seasonal work as laborers at the sugarcane plantation and sugar central. Negros is a sugar producing island with vast sugarcane plantations owned by few rich hacienderos. Our cooperative started with only 18 church members. It operated a consumers store where members can purchase the basic commodities like rice, sugar, salt, oil, soap, and other items for the daily needs of the family. It was good that our consumers store offered credit to members, payable bi-monthly, i.e., during payday in the sugar central and sugarcane farm, where mostly of the members work. Later, it grew into a community cooperative with many non-church members joined. We were also able to expand our coop service to members by starting a credit program where members can avail of small loans that can be used for farm needs and small business like sari-sari (variety) store, native coffee shop and vending cooked food and vegetables. The members can also avail of loans for emergency needs. The Kaisahan MPC got registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Membership is growing, as many are still interested to join. Applicants are accommodated as long as they attended the pre-membership education seminars and complied with the requirements of being a member. Examples of these requirements are building up of capital share and participation to cooperative meetings and programs. Through the years, we experienced many problems in our cooperative, like delayed payments of loans, but mainly because members run short of their budget for their families daily subsistence. But, we did not stop, instead we earnestly find means to continue serving our members and we got their cooperation and support. I am thankful that the Development Ministries provided capacity building that enhanced my potentials and developed my capacity and confidence, as a woman leader of our cooperative. Through my representation to the municipal cooperative development council, our cooperative gained recognition from the municipal and provincial governments where they provided us with technical and financial assistance that enabled us to expand our services and membership. It was in coordination with Board Member Ike Barredo and Governor Marañon that we were able to access of the 10 sow-2 boar project from the provincial government, and this started our 108

109 cooperative s piggery project. The Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC), a government agency, provided us with technical assistance in piggery and swine raising and marketing. The piggery project provided livelihood to Nong Nestor and Nang Tessie being the caretakers. It is also the source of our animal dispersal to members and community people to augment their incomes. Doing concrete things directly making people s lives better, is for me, the meaning of the mission of the church. Why Selected As Most Significant Story Our cooperative gives me hope, that a woman can be a successful leader if given the needed skills and opportunity. I am thankful that my husband gave me such opportunity. A challenge to us, women, is that there are many opportunities of service where we can use our potentials and capacity, not only as mere followers but taking a lead in the effort to change people s lives for the better be in the church, organization and community. Let us be open to these opportunities and show that..... WOMEN CAN. The cooperative through its various services brought significant change in our lives. In our consumers store, coop members can purchase the basic commodities either in credit or cash at a cost lower than the regular store in the community. The credit program provided loans for livelihood needs and income-generating projects. The coop piggery project serves as source of the swine dispersal for members and community people to start up their own family piggery project to augment income especially when it is not the season for work in sugarcane plantation and sugar central. The coop piggery project also benefited directly our caretakers in providing their family daily subsistence having three children that are still living with them and two grandchildren. These are all good things that happened to us. We were also able to network and availed of loan at a very minimal interest from the Ecumenical Church Foundation (ECLOF). We used the loan as capital for the coop special livelihood project in farm production and trading sugarcane, rice and palay (unhusked rice). The open membership in the cooperative and not limited to church members alone, gave opportunities for other people in the community to share the benefits of the project. The organizational capacity and the woman in leading position, support of husband for wife s development and women empowerment, values and commitment, reflection and analysis on the mission of the church these are all components of organizational stability and project sustainability. For all of these, we are always grateful to the CPBC-DM and Diakonia. 109

110 Contribution By The project The seminars and trainings on gender, environment, biblical reflections widened our perspectives on the mission of the church relating these to the issues and challenges faced by our communities and country. The values of cooperation, stewardship, sense of responsibility, sharing and concern for one another, and the capacity building especially in organizational development enabled us to develop and strengthen our network both in the local government units and non-government organizations. All these were facilitated to us by CPBC-DM." Although, the initiative to start a development project was undertaken by the church in 1995, it was through the CPBC-DM s project that the processes were put in place. Needs consultation, meetings, organizing and organizational development was done by the project. It was a good cooperation between the local church and the CPBC-Development Ministries. The cooperative was organized through the CPBC-DM. Like all the cooperatives organized through the CPBC-DM, seed capital assistance of Php20,000 (equivalent to Usd 400) was provided to Kaisahan MPC that in addition to their own capital share served as start up capital of the cooperative. The project provided financial counterpart in the construction materials of the piggery project while the members provided labor. The provincial government provided 10 sows and 2 boars. In the initial stage of the operation, the project provided assistance for feeds. Added Value By Diakonia The visit of Ms. Els-Marie Carlbacker in 1997 sharing us about Diakonia and its work together with Ms. Feraz Legita brought the challenge to our church, Antipolo Evangelical Church, so that our development project should not be limited to church members alone but open to the community people. Angela was able to participate in capacity building program facilitated by Diakonia specifically on the Participatory Learning and Action, Project Midterm Review Workshop and in Terminal Evaluation. Lessons And Recommendations Women can be successful leaders if given the opportunity and support from the family especially by the husband. Capacity building gave confidence to the leader and is very important in organizational stability and sustainability. The church having a wider mission perspective can be an effective agent in transformation and community development. Networking and linkage building especially with the government and non-government organizations are important for financial and technical accessing to strengthen the organization. 110

111 Continue with capacity building to develop other potential leaders equipping them in the task of management of their cooperative. Strengthen relations with networks for resource accessing. Encourage men s support to develop women leaders. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Story writer/recorder: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 3: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education and Cooperative Program (Phase I-VI, ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) Central Negros Angela Dajay Henna Caipang and Feraz Legita January 18, 2007 Changes in people s and organizational capacity 111

112 A Versatile Woman In Cooperative Development A young would-be city girl returned to her hometown and there performed the different roles of a community organizer, project officer and bookkeeper in her way to maturity and versatility. As Year 8 of the Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles ended, I could say that Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) made a world of difference for me. My name is Antonia Rexy P. Bucayan, 31 years old, married with two children. It was in 1997 when I was employed by Carles MPC as community organizer. I was 22 years of age and single then. I was a college undergraduate. I had worked in a department store as cashier. I came home because my mother was living alone in our house. I am the only daughter. My father was not living with us. I left my work in Bacolod City due to my mother s situation. I stayed in Carles and worked with Carles MPC. I was assigned to different villages in our town of Carles. I gathered baseline data on the community, organize them into groups, interviewed people and oriented them of Carles MPC programs and projects. Initially, I was so shy and hesitant to face groups of older people. Later, I got courage to perform my task. I encountered difficulties in my work as I was not a teacher or college graduate. Having limited knowledge in organizing, I did not know how to start community organizing or facilitating a seminar. During meetings I would hear comments like ngaa nauna pa sila sa duyan, haw? (are they more knowledgeable than us?) * ; basi ibaligya pa nila sa kita iban nga pungsod. (they might sell us down the river) *. Some of the groups I organized would usually laugh at me. I was uncomfortable and unhappy. I could not help but cry sometimes. Later, I learned to simply ignore their comments and to just continue on my work. Upon returning to my office, I gave feedback to my co-staff and sometimes to the members of the Board of Directors and to the Education Committee members. I received proper coaching and tutoring from them. I read some books on community organizing taken from Carles MPC office to equip me for the work. During year III ( ) of the project, I was designated Project Officer as Carles MPC. My role as Project Officer was to take charge of the day-to-day activities of the project participants and to oversee the daily operations of the projects. Most of the time I also stayed in the island communities. Included in the project coverage are the three big islands of Carles in addition to the * Figurative translation 112

113 mainland villages which I helped to organize two years ago. I shared my life and experiences with the community people. In 2003, I became the Bookkeeper of the Carles MPC after I completed a college degree in Bachelor in business Management at the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College in the nearby town of Estancia, Iloilo. While working with Carles MPC as Project Officer, I was encouraged by Ms. Elvira C. Bernal, the Carles MPC Chairperson, to attend the afternoon classes, for which I am very grateful to her. I learned a lot. I became an accomplished community organizer who had an improved behavior, proper character traits and a strong value system. I grew up matured as a responsible mother to my children and a good wife to my husband. I am happy whenever I can help other people. I have discarded my immature ways, bad temper, and have become more patient and accommodating as I am always ready to accept my fault when I m wrong. I have enhanced my knowledge, skills and attitude, gradually developing my confidence now to speak and write in English. I can say that Carles MPC is my life. Rexy attended various trainings like the Goal-Oriented Project Planning (GOPP) conducted in Carles, Iloilo. Why Selected As Most Significant Story All these things will not be forgotten in my whole life. I am very, very grateful to God and to Carles MPC for giving me a chance to improve myself, and to serve other members of the community. Whatever and wherever I am now in my own simple life, I owe it to Carles MPC and other people behind the organization, and of course, Diakonia as Carles MPC partner in community development. 113

114 Limited financial resources could not hinder people in attaining certain goals, as long as they have self-determination, commitment and dedication towards their work. Contribution Of The Project Having played different roles in Carles MPC, improved my work habits and relationship with community people. The project made me pro-active and civic spirited community organizer. I learned not to discriminate against people, regardless of race, color and religion. I have mastered the art of communicating well with the people. I am tactful now in conversation. As a Project Officer, I become more democratic in dealing with people, allowing them to be on their own. I became a Bookkeeper due to the generosity of time of Carles MPC to allow me to finish my college schooling. Carles MPC had also sent me to relevant leadership seminars, trainings and hands-on-experiences in connection with my work. The trainings given me by several Carles MPC development partners equipped me with the skills and knowledge I need in my work. I am happy now in my work and feeling secured. Added Value By Diakonia The special trainings in Goal Oriented Project Planning (GOPP) and the Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), the Report Writing, and the Monitoring and Evaluation using the Most Significant Change Technique, directly sponsored by Diakonia thru its Development Consultant Ella Arao Jordan made me more knowledgeable in my varied roles in Carles MPC. Lessons And Recommendations Experience is the best teacher. The greater good for the greater number of people is one principle on which we anchor our actions in working for the welfare of people. There must be a strong grassroots leadership in training the villages to prepare them to lead village cooperative activities. Project Title: Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles, Phases I-III ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter/Recorder: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 3: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 Mainland and 6 Island Villages of Carles, Iloilo Antonia Rexy P. Bucayan Elvira C. Bernal/Telly Ladiao December 15, 2006 / January 13, 2007 Change in people s and organization s capacity 114

115 Go Where There Is No Path And Leave A Trail! A high school teacher who became a pioneering and empowered community development worker Coming from the greener pasture of a city, I returned to my hometown Carles to teach at its barangay (village) high school in From a vantage point, the view of life around became much clearer to me. Squalor, deprivation, having a from hand to mouth existence and the need to work tooth and nail just to survive constitute a condition that could easily melt one s heart in pity, upon seeing this plight of my beloved townspeople. One can easily perceive a situation of extreme poverty in Carles without looking at the economic dynamics. The grinding poverty is wrought by poor education or the lack of it, and harsh economic condition, lack of opportunities for employment that stems from lack of industrial, commercial activity, lack of technology transfer on some livelihood entrepreneurship and lack of formal credit facilities. Due to the situation, the poor are seemingly oppressed and exploited as they move around ignorant of their rights and the protection of the laws. Specifically, while I was in Carles, I saw children died every week due to pneumonia, gastroenteritis, dehydration and a host of children s diseases for lack of medical assistance. They even have no decent burial. I saw children drank coconut flower juice (coconut wine) during nighttime to solve their pangs of hunger as their parents put them to bamboo bed to sleep. Parents especially fathers do not like their daughters to go to school because they will simply marry at early age of 16 for the boys and 14 for the girls. And who would benefit from their education except their husbands? In Casimero Andrada National High School which I manage as School Principal, I saw some students while standing and singing in the beat and rhythm of the national anthem were slumping on the ground, fainting, almost lifeless because they had not eaten their dinner a night before and had not taken their breakfast before coming to school. More so, that some of these students walked seven kilometers just to reach school. I told the students that they must not worry now because we will find ways and means to solve this food crisis. I prayed and asked guidance from God, what to do and where to go. A week after, my good friend Dr. Jesse Dago-on gave me a listings of NGOs worldwide. After a short briefing, I started fund sourcing. God was so good to me. I also observed my teachers almost worried everyday due to financial constraints. This was caused by a very low salary for teachers. Thus, they go to usurers to find money for the tuition fees of their children and they became poorer and poorer. 115

116 All of these happenings were contributing factors that caused me to change the direction of my professional life. So that I could help wipe out this malady in Carles, I did not leave my school. Instead, I trained my faculty and staff to internalize our added vision, mission and goals for the betterment of the community. Sensing that one cause of abject poverty is lack of education, and that education is precursor of development, as their school principal, I organized the school faculty and staff into Carles Multi- Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) as an extension arm of the school in community development on September 8, All of us became members of Carles MPC. Immediately everybody contributed his or her money as capital build-up. After raising Php23,000.00, we started to revolve the money to our co-teachers who were in dire need. The establishment of the Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, Province of Iloilo. We set the cooperative objectives and had it registered on December 8, On September 30, 1991 its registration was confirmed by the Cooperative Development Authority. Carles MPC Chairperson as resource person in the educational trainings in the villages I spearheaded the work because I believed this is one of the solutions to our problem in Carles. Furthermore, when my brother Pastor Rudy Bernal came back home from Manila after staying for quite a number of years there in the late 80s, I was given an opportunity to talk and converse with him informally. Our topics were on students social unrest, political and economic situation of the 116

117 Philippines, extreme poverty, bureaucracy, red tape, and the need for social transformation. All these ingrained and instilled in my mind that I resolved to do also my little share so that I could contribute to the progress of my ailing society. This highly changed my perspective in life and my perspective in community development. Before, I managed the cooperative in the same way I manage the Casimero Andrada National High School (DCANHS), a government school. I applied top-down management approach. I was quite autocratic. Through continuing participation in developmental trainings, I changed my management style. Now, I use participatory approach. I realized the beauty of participation and partnership in development work. It is also applicable in school management. These experiences helped transform me from a typical teacher to a pioneering and empowered community development worker. My enhanced knowledge and capabilities help develop and improve the operations of the Carles MPC. I became a good manager of the Carles MPC Bank, a good advocate and mobilizer of the Member Savings Operation (MSO) program, a good steward of the Credit Program, a good service provider of the Literacy Program, a good fund sourcer. I was able to increase my capacity to institutionalize and to replicate programs and projects. I was able to establish the organizational and project management system in Carles MPC. At present, the programs and projects of Carles MPC are sustained. The continuing assistance of the local government and other foreign donor agencies expands the outreach work of Carles MPC. Why Selected As Most Significant Story This is the story of my obsession -the ruling passion and joy of my life - to help improve the quality of life not only of my poor family, but also of the underprivileged poor of Carles. Providing my destitute townspeople with quality, relevant and equitable education and livelihood assistance was not just a dream. It is the story of my life. It is also the story of the accomplishment of Carles MPC with Diakonia as its development partner in changing the sad life of the community people of Carles from the despair of grinding poverty to one full of hope and improve quality of life lived in dignity. I became an agent of change and a catalyst of community transformation. Contribution Of The Project After eight years of project implementation, there were significant changes that occurred in Carles MPC. Carles MPC was able to acquire a continuing assistance from Diakonia. Carles MPC received Php10 million more or less as financial support for three phases of the project starting June 1997 to December I was able to establish the Carles MPC Bank, the first ever in Carles and the Credit and Savings Program. 117

118 There were mushrooming of informal organizations in the villages and establishment of one village cooperative in the island. The series of seminar-workshops and literacy classes were highly organized for the participants. Skills trainings, community education, savings and income generating projects helped improved the situation of Carles. Carles MPC Chairperson joined the conference with the NGO Indian leaders in India The literacy projects integrated in community programs of Carles MPC which was supported by Diakonia gave several recognition to Carles MPC. It was awarded third place in 2000, fourth place in 2004 and second place in 2005 by the National Literacy Coordinating Council of the Philippines and the Department of Education for its Most Outstanding Literacy Program the Philippines. In implementing tree planting, waste paper recycling and implementation of other green initiatives in the communities of Carles, Carles MPC and I were awarded the LIKAS YAMAN AWARD in Carles MPC has produced an official Administrative and Operational Manual as guide for management, staff and members in performing their functions. Its organizational set up follows the requirements of the law. Carles MPC observes the Code of Ethics of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Carles MPC has produced local government leaders like municipal mayor and village council members. Others became village chairpersons, secretaries, treasurers and village health workers. Added Value By Diakonia Diakonia directly funded series of special trainings for the Carles MPC stakeholders by consulting Ms. Ella Arao Jordan, an independent Development Consultant, as resource person/trainer. The trainings were on Goal Oriented Project Planning (GOPP), Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), Project Cycle Management (SAPIME), and the most recent monitoring and evaluation using the Most Significant Change Technique. These series of trainings armed and clothe me with necessary skills and knowledge in performing my work in Carles MPC. 118

119 I was able to join the Asia Regional Gender Conference What Is It For Men in Chiang Mai, Thailand in In 2000, I attended the International Language in Education Conference (ILEC) on adult education in Hongkong. In 2006, I joined the team for a Study Visit in India on sustainable development and strategies. One telefax unit was purchased courtesy of Diakonia thru Laila Stenberg. Lessons Learned Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. It is of common knowledge that development must be a shared responsibility coupled with a shared accountability. It was realized that there is joy and fulfillment in genuinely working with people, listening to their experiences and also sharing our ideas with them. Recommendations It is good to apply participatory approach that is anchored on partnership and participation in order to promote ownership and broad-based stakeholdership. LGUs-NGOs Private Sectors must collaborate to generate resources and must strengthen advocacy strategies to generate increased awareness among people. Apply social mobilization to strengthen participation among stakeholders, then build stakeholdership by always enhancing team spirit. Social marketing is a solution to limited financial resources. Optimize the municipality s matrix of organizations that cut across various groups of people, associations, organizations, establishments, agencies and barangays who have their own resources and unique capabilities. If we are determined to know where we are going a strong program on Monitoring and Evaluation is the name of the game. Project Title: Development Project for Peace and Progress in Carles, Phases I-III ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Translator to English: Date of Recording/ Completion of the story: Domain 3: Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Carles MPC) 7 Coastal villages of mainland and 3 big islands of Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Elvira C. Bernal Ernesto L. Lasafin IOriginal story was written in the Ilonggo dialect) December 14, 2006 / January 6, 2007 Change in people s and organization s capacity 119

120 Doing Something To Do More A pastor humbly accepted his lack of knowledge and skills in governance and learned all he can on the subject in a scholarship in the School of Governance. He came out with a school-required but officially approved and funded poverty reduction plan for his village. When ICODE began the School of Governance program in 2003, I was among the first batch of ICODE scholars who successfully completed the course. Since then, I became the designated point person for the program. My job was to facilitate the application of interested scholars, help with the interviews and make sure the students that we enroll are development-oriented and committed enough to finish the course and apply their lessons to their respective communities. 50% of what LGU and CSO leaders enrolled learned in the School of Governance comes from exposure trips to best practices. In here, they are busily taking down notes on renewable energy from coconut-based products, hoping they could replicate it to their own communities. The School of Governance is a capacity-building program of ICODE in partnership with Central Philippine University, which hosts local governance practitioners coming from different local government units and non-government organizations as scholars. The program offers two courses: Certificate in Participatory Local Governance, which allows governance practitioners who are high school graduates but were not able to enroll into or finish college to participate; and Diploma in Local Governance, which only practitioners with bachelor s degrees can enroll. Both courses offer 120

121 adequate knowledge about governance theories and aim to enhance the skills of the practitioners in their work through actual applications of their lessons learned as a requirement. To date, more than a hundred local governance practitioners have enrolled in the School of Governance since it started in Melchor Lariza, Melky, as he is fondly called enrolled in the Diploma in Local Governance in 2004 and graduated in During the PLG Program Assessment last September 2006, he shared his inspiring story about self-discovery, thirst for changes, hard work and using the School of Governance as his tool to help his people. For more than five years, Melky, as a pastor, represented his church in the Barangay (Village) Development Council (BDC) of Olaga, Sibalom town, Antique province. He regularly attended meetings and sometimes played the role of an adviser for infrastructure projects and minister of the community, leading them into prayer, until he saw the opportunity to do more and actually contribute to change and development. Melky, learned about the School of Governance from Feraz Legita, the director of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) in Iloilo City. One day in June 2005, Melky visited the CPBC office. Feraz informed him about the opportunity for scholarship in the School of Governance offered by Diakonia through ICODE and asked him if he was interested. Melky was fully aware of his own limited understanding in the realms of governance and with helping his community in mind, he decided to give it a shot. Kulang gid ang akon naintiendehan sa governance, ti daw nami man kon maka-eskuela ko eh. ( I have minimum knowledge about governance so it would be good and helpful for me if I could study about it. ) He took the qualifying exams, passed and later became one of the most diligent scholars in the School of Governance. He became like a sponge, learning all the concepts on leadership, planning and the functions of the Barangay Development Council. Obsolete theories on barangay development were replaced by good governance tools and mechanisms. He improved as a leader, and paved way to also create more leaders. Through the increased knowledge on networking and linkaging, he was also able to help improve the processes of resource mobilization of his barangay and allowed them to realize that the answers to their poverty concerns are in their very own hands. Why is this change significant? This change is very significant to Melky because it has also improved his role in development as a BDC member. In the past, considering his previous employment with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), he only served as an adviser for infrastructure projects, which was the only concept of development of the barangay then. Later, applying what he learned from the School of Governance and from other local government units during the exposure trips, he has already contributed much to the improvement of the systems on development planning as well as 121

122 the involvement of his fellow BDC members, most especially, the barangay officials. He now gives advice not only for infrastructure projects, but also for the other development aspects of the community, most especially, for the reduction of poverty. Melky, through the help also of the BDC, has produced a Poverty Reduction Plan for his barangay as a requirement in school. This was required not only for academic purposes, but for the use of the barangay as well. He submitted the document to the BDC, was able to have it approved and more importantly, was able to influence the same body to appropriate funds to materialize the plan. Now, he serves as the barangay secretary of Olaga. Equipped with knowledge and skills on preparing project proposals, barangay resolutions and ordinances, he is now one of the indispensable members of the Barangay Council. Melky writes his reflections on how the School of Governance increased his knowledge and improved his attitude and skills and as a public servant Added Value By Diakonia As a full scholar, ICODE, through the support of Diakonia, paid for Melky s tuition and fees, sponsored his exposure trips as part of the learning methodologies in the School of Governance. He was very fortunate and grateful enough for the privilege as a CPBC minister and the opportunity to advance himself as a public servant. The Poverty Reduction Program Curriculum under the School of Governance was inspired by the Rights-Based Approach to Poverty Program Strategy learned by the Executive Director of ICODE in the Diakonia-supported Educational Trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, April

123 The curriculum helped enhance the Localized Anti Poverty Program (LAPP 2) Tools of World Bank - CODE NGO, which adopted the Rights Based Approach to Poverty Reduction Program Management, which was used nation-wide in Lessons Learned As a public servant, sincerity towards your mission is a critical factor to be effective in what you do. Melky has showed this character by humbly accepting his lack of knowledge, understanding and skills as a member of the BDC and stepped up to do something about it by studying in the School of Governance. Learning is a constant process and Melky did not hesitate to grab the opportunity to increase his knowledge that would be very helpful in his desire to serve his community. He, among other scholars who has applied theories into practice, will always serve as a noteworthy example and model of sincerity to his fellow public servants. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Date of completion of the story: Domain 3: Participatory Local Governance Modeling in Selected Sites in Iloilo, Phase III (Extension, Jan 2002-June 2006) Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. ( Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc.) Iloilo City Xenia Socorro M. Barrios, ICODE- PLG staff January 10, 2007 Change in People s and Organizational Capacity 123

124 The Power of Partnership Partnership with ICODE and the Local Government Unit allowed a youth leader and his group to be revitalized and came to be largely recognized in their municipality. Mr. Elphin Celeste, commonly called by his friends as Didoy or Dids, is the President of Bingawan Working Youth Federation (BWYF). He leads his organization in the promotion of transparency and accountability in local governance thru the program Pamangkutanon Sang Banwa (Queries of the People). Didoy is also an active member of their church organization at Bingawan Baptist Church. Among his social obligations, Didoy is also a responsible father to his 2 hyperactive sons. This is his story. I was a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Coordinator before, serving at the same time as president of Bingawan Working Youth Federation in our municipality. Sangguniang Kabataan means Youth Council. BWYF was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment in As the tasked president of the organization, I regularly report at the youth center and facilitate youth concerns especially those coming from the barangays (villages). BWYF contributes to electoral reform by joining hands with multi-sectoral groups in assuring platform based elections with a series of voters education and facilitating the Candidates Forum When ICODE came into our place with their Participatory Local Governance (PLG) program, I was able to know about the stories and their experiences from the other barangays and municipalities and these have inspired me. During that time, BWYF was inactive and my leadership seemed to be ineffective. I was very lenient in managing our organization but through our linkage with ICODE we 124

125 were able to revive our federation. It was the beginning of my involvement with ICODE and the birth of my renewed commitment to service. ICODE conducted a lot of trainings and BWYF members and I attended some of them. Sometimes, they also gave us opportunities to generate income by tapping us to cater food in their seminar workshops. Through this, our members were slowly reunited. Incidentally, the Municipal LGU (Local Government Unit) through Mayor Ted Peter Plagata provided us with livelihood assistance for our Native Chicken Project and this has strengthened our organization s involvement. Why Selected As Most Significant Story With the PLG project of ICODE, I was able to represent the youth sector in the Municipal Development Council. BWYF was recognized as one of the Peoples Organizations in the Municipality of Bingawan. Another opportunity came in to me as a leader. I became a delegate to the International Leadership Development Course of Asian Health Institute (AHI) in Japan through the efforts and facilitation by June Jordan, who was the Program Coordinator of ICODE during that time. I had no financial capacity for the training in Japan, but Nong June encouraged me and helped me to facilitate my financial requirements. Didoy shares Pamangkutanon sang Banwa to his fellow participants during the International Leaders Development Course in Japan During the training, I have realized that I was indeed not able to perform very well in the past as a leader. I overlooked my responsibilities, and I disregarded my organization and other obligations in the community and I was guilty! Since then, I started to fulfill my duties with the very best I can. Despite my hectic role as a father and a leader, I gave time to my organization and other engagements. My critical thinking has improved. This change is significant to me because it has changed my personality and my style of 125

126 leading. I learned to reflect and overcome my shortcomings. As to our organization, I have noticed openness developed among our members. We are more expressive and united. In the Development Innovations Marketplace Panibagong Paraan, a national competition of development innovations by the World Bank, we were awarded as one of the winners and were able to access funds from the USAID through The Asia Foundation. The fund is now being used for the public feed-backing program of our municipality in which the BWYF manages. This program is called the Pamangkutanon sang Banwa (Queries of the People), a regular performance-evaluation and feed-backing mechanism of the municipality wherein the townsfolk may raise their questions on significant issues affecting the performance of their local officials and the development programs of the local government. Because of our achievements and milestones, we are highly motivated to make something for the development of our community. I wanted also to do something for our local governance. Fortunately, we have a transparency program-pamangkutanon sang Banwa. At least with this initiative, we could see some changes in terms of leadership and performance of our local elected officials and government service providers. Currently, we have a good relationship and communication with the local government and the barangay people. We were invited in every meeting and they acknowledge our participation in their social related activities. Bingawan Working Youth Federation is now largely recognized in our municipality. Added Value By Diakonia I was able to attend the International Leadership Development course through ICODE and Diakonia, which subsidized some of my expenses for the course. I was very thankful and I really appreciated it. Through this training I was able to improve my leadership and values. Lessons Learned And Recommendations As a leader, I could say that open-mindedness is important because other ideas might help us to improve ourselves. A good working relationship and partnership is a powerful tool to achieve something new and a good outcome for our organization. Different styles of training with ICODE on Participatory Local Governance project are also significant as to why we were encouraged to rebuild our organization. I really appreciate the teamwork among the members; I think it s the key ingredient for our being. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter: Domain 3: Participatory Local Governance Modeling in Selected Sites in Iloilo, Phase III (Extension, Jan 2002-June 2006) Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. ( Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc.) Iloilo City Elphin Didoy Celeste Rosanna M. Pandes Change in People s and Organizational Capacity 126

127 Moro Advocates For Electoral Reform (The Formation of ARMM Civil Society organization for Electoral Reforms) Organizing meetings, gatherings, conferences, summits, and the citizen-voter education campaign have been part of my work in the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) since One particular activity that IPER, in coordination with the Consortium on Electoral Reforms (CER), conducted back-to-back were the Electoral Stakeholders Conference on the 2005 ARMM Election and the ARMM Citizen-Voter Education Trainors Training. The conference-training was held on June 13 to 16, 2005 in time for the 2005 Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) election. We started the project three months before the actual date of election. A series of consultations with the members of CER were conducted. After the CER-level meetings, the next step was to organize the local contacts---local Moro civil society organizations (CSOs) which will act as the core convenors of the conference. Most of the Moro people are Muslims (those who believe in Islam). Being predominantly Muslims, their religion greatly influences all aspects of life including culture, election, and politics. Aside from the reality that the Moro people have their own distinct culture, it was not that easy to organize a conference in the ARMM because there are no existing network organizations yet in the region. Despite all these, we were able to coordinate with different Moro organizations with common advocacies for the Moro people, for peace and development, and for electoral reforms. These organizations were Sindaw Ko Kalilintad (Alliance for Peace Advocates, Inc.) and Mindanao Integrity of Muslim Association Inc. in Maguindanao, Maranao Peoples Development Center (MARADECA, Inc.) in Lanao del Sur, Professionals Women Association (PWA) and Maharlika-PMC in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan Women Initiative Foundation, Inc. in Basilan, and Muslimah Resource and Development Center, Inc. in Sulu. The Moro stakeholders conference turned out to be a breakthrough within the ARMM. More than 60 local organizations participated. It essentially gives hope to the Moro people, that electoral reforms and citizen-voter education are possible in this war-torn land. During the consultations with ordinary people in the ARMM, they said that development in their area is impossible. The political situation is very critical and some of them had given up hope. But realizing their power as a people, CSOs enthusiastically participated in the conference. This resulted in the formation of a new network the Citizens Coalition for ARMM Election (CCAE). They were determined to organize themselves and stand as the Commission on Elections 127

128 (COMELEC) citizen arm in ARMM. Indeed, just before the 2005 ARMM election, CCAE, with the help of CER and IPER, was able to get their accreditation as citizen arm of the COMELEC in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi. They also carried out the work of giving voter education and monitoring the 2005 election. They also advocated for amendment measure to Republic Acts 6734 and 9054 or the Muslim Autonomy Law. Why Selected As Most Significant Story This breakthrough experience is changing the political arena in the ARMM. It has empowered the people to engage in important political exercises. For them, CCAE and the regional government of ARMM are not the only solution to the century-old problem that the Moro people have been fighting for but it is a stepping stone towards their end-goal. They view that voter education improves a person s critical thinking and a progressive mind which can make a difference, but the change should still be complementary to their culture and traditions as a people. Key persons of CCAE lay down inputs on vision and mission of the organization and their role in voter education and election monitoring Contribution By The project The project has defined the importance of political and electoral participation in making necessary change in the society by tapping and organizing the Moro people and organizations for electoral reform advocacy. Although the Moro people involved in CCAE know that it would be a long process, but continuing citizen-voter education and engaging in democratic processes will ensure their 128

129 children s future. Making the Moro people appreciate the value of their choice in selecting leaders and in participating in democratic processes is one step to this long-term goal. On the part of CER and IPER, a specialized citizen-voter education module was written after workshop-consultation with representatives of the Moro people and organizations to suit their culture, language, tradition, and regional government structure. Voter education using a specialized Moro voter education module and the monitoring of the 2005 ARMM elections by a COMELEC-accredited Moro organization were two immediate accomplishments of the CCAE. It is noteworthy that there are various women organizations that served as pioneering members of CCAE and women in the leadership of CCAE. After the ARMM election, CCAE has evolved to being Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reforms, Inc (CCARE) with the goals to be self-sustaining, to strengthen the organization s capabilities, to establish linkages to gain recognition and support from other stakeholders and to institutionalize voter education. Added Value By Diakonia With the institutional partnership with Diakonia, the Institute was able to catch up with the timely political schedules of ARMM. Even as IPER as the secretariat of CER was able to get funding for the project, it was limited compared to the actual activity that has to be done. Core funding from Diakonia made possible the networking and organizing work needed particularly in the early period of the formation. Lessons And Recommendations One particular lesson of this project is the importance of knowing the distinct culture of Moro brothers and sisters and that recognizing their capability in democratic processes will surely encourage them to be part in establishing democratic governance. This is empowerment for the Moro people in particular and for the Filipino people in general. Project Title: Enhancing Democracy through Electoral Reform (2005) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Domain 3: Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Edsil V. Bacalso, IPER Program Officer Changes in peoples and organizational capacity 129

130 Revitalizing Advocacy For Electoral Reforms Consortium on Electoral Reforms and its work represent the people s democratic participation in both governance and in the electoral process. It reflects the vibrancy of Philippine democracy. This is about the revitalization of the Consortium on Electoral Reforms (CER) and its central role in broadening and strengthening civil society advocacy for electoral reforms. CER was actually initiated by IPER in 1993 in order to advocate for the passage of the amended Omnibus Election Code. Though this initiative failed, CER developed through the years into a coalition for electoral reforms. CER was instrumental in harnessing civil society support and government action on the passage of the Party-List Law of It was also active later in various advocacies for specific electoral reform laws. CER holds the first batch of trainors training for its citizen voter education campaign However, by 2001, CER was basically inactive. It had neither the resources nor the core organization to maintain even secretariat functions. IPER was not in a position to provide these because its focus by this time had shifted to local governance work its own resources and staff were devoted to it. 130

131 However, the events of 2001 specifically the ousting of then-president Joseph Estrada through a second people power and the advent of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration opened the opportunity for wide-ranging political and electoral reforms. The new administration promised these reforms to the people on its inaugural. The advocacy for political and electoral reforms became an immediate priority. Due to these changed circumstances, IPER decided to shift its own priority to electoral reforms. As part of this decision, IPER decided to revitalize the Consortium. The 2002 Electoral Reform Summit was jointly convened in April 2002 by the Commission on Elections, the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Laws, and Electoral Reforms, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, and the CER. One of the more significant resolutions of the Summit was the establishing of a civil society network for electoral reforms. In October 2002, the CER held a general assembly. The assembly decided to be active on a continuous basis. It elected its National Council and designated IPER as its secretariat. IPER Executive Director Ramon Casiple also assumed the CER chairmanship. From 2002 onwards, CER proved its worth. It successfully lobbied in the 2002 Philippine Political Parties Conference for the adoption of electoral reform bills. It appeared before Congress hearings and participated in technical working groups on electoral reform bills. It is also undertaking a longterm program of citizen-voter education covering the formal educational system, communitybased education, and the mass media. CER is already recognized by both government and non-government stakeholders in electoral reform as the voice of civil society. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The revitalization of the CER with more than 40 national organizations and its active advocacy for electoral reforms afterwards, succeeded in bringing electoral reforms into the center of national political consciousness. CER represented civil society in every summit and conference on electoral reforms, in relating with government, political parties and the international community. It is among those in the forefront of the work in passing electoral reform bills through congress. CER, with IPER as secretariat, now serves as the center of civil society initiatives on electoral reforms. It performs a key role in advocating for and developing national consensus on the need for and actual work for reforming the Philippine electoral system. It is now inspiring other civil society organizations and committed individuals to participate in the field of electoral reforms. 131

132 Contribution By The Project The project Enhancing Democracy Through Electoral Reform basically involved IPER partnership with Diakonia on the whole IPER program on electoral reforms, including its work in relation to CER. The project enabled IPER to round out the work in this field and provide additional support to specific projects funded by other partners. The project was invaluable in providing support to all the activities of IPER on electoral reforms. In relation to CER, the project enabled IPER to bridge gaps in coalition activities between major initiatives such as summits and voter education. The project provided the flexibility and wide latitude for IPER to handle its CER secretariat work. It provided for the regular appearances of CER leaders in Congress and meetings within and outside the coalition. It also answered for the administrative overhead of maintaining the CER secretariat. Through the project, IPER was able to conduct various staff development initiatives, maintain a regular office and regular staff, and conduct the day-to-day activities of the Institute. This regularity enabled IPER to maintain the continuous development of its advocacy and lobby work, as well as maintain its regular networks, and maintain its participation in various political and electoral reform works. This is done with or without major project funding from other partners. Added Value By Diakonia The institutional partnership with Diakonia means that the latter supports the major or the whole of the work of IPER. Consequently, the funds provided by Diakonia proved most useful in the dayto-day work of IPER as secretariat of the CER coalition. Daily activities such as meetings, transportation and reproduction of materials are not normally funded by project- or activityoriented partners. This proved most useful in CER dealings with Congress, the Comelec, and other government agencies. Diakonia s network in the Philippines also became involved in electoral reform work and particularly, Iloilo Caucus of Development NGOs (ICODE) attends CER activities and is a CER network in the Visayas. In various partners meetings, IPER has shared national and political situationer and electoral reform news to the rest of the Philippine partners. IPER and CER representatives were also able to interact with Diakonia network organizations from India and Cambodia in study tours and dialogues on experiences in legislative lobby and gender advocacy works. Lessons The CER revitalization and functioning as an electoral reform coalition harnessed the latent energies of civil society stakeholders. The unification of almost all electoral reform stakeholders 132

133 has greatly contributed to the current high profile of the issue. It also put pressure on government, political parties and other stakeholders to seriously confront the necessity for electoral reforms. CER and its work represent the people s democratic participation in both governance and in the electoral process. It reflects the vibrancy of Philippine democracy. While Diakonia was still around in partnership with IPER on the project, the work in CER easily adjusted to the constantly changing political environment. When the project ended in 2006, the vacuum was greatly felt in the loss of flexibility and the reserve provided by Diakonia CER and IPER were obliged to work within strict limitations of available project-oriented or activity-oriented funding. Recommendations The basic recommendation is for IPER to continue its work in the CER and support to the utmost its important role and work. This entails that IPER develop similar partnership with other partners that it has with Diakonia. The easier alternative, of course, is for Diakonia to once again consider the Philippines, IPER, and its unfinished work in strengthening Philippine democracy as its own priorities. Other Diakonia partners who have electoral reform advocacies and those who may want to participate in this work may also work with IPER based on their situations. Project Title: Enhancing Democracy through Electoral Reform ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Domain 3: Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) National Ramon C. Casiple, CER Chairperson and IPER Executive Director Change in peoples and organizational capacity 133

134 134

135 MSC Stories Domain 4 - Change in democratic governance at all levels The ballot box symbolizes the democratic process

136 Winning Methods To Fight Corruption Creative mechanisms of social pressures are changing the behaviors and attitudes of citizens and politicians Mayor Pedro Alarcon of the poor 5 th class town of Batad in northern Iloilo (5 th district) is very proud of his tag as the Transparency Mayor of the Philippines. In 2002, he received an award from the Galing Pook Foundation, the most prestigious awards -giving institution for Local Government Units (LGU) in the country as one of the Best Trailblazing Innovations on Transparency and Accountability. Mayor Alarcon attributes his success in this relevant and meaningful program to Iloilo CODE NGOs (ICODE) who is the partner institution in Participatory Local Governance (PLG) program piloted in Batad LGU as the model. He was very grateful that the ICODE has introduced a mechanism that improved the efficiency of the use of the limited LGU resources and rationalized public expenditures. Before Mayor Alarcon s term started in 2001, the Fiscal System of the LGU was topsy-turvy. The employees complained of non-payment of their GSIS and occurrence of other anomalous practices in fund disbursements to development projects for the barangays. Because of the Transparency Program called Pahayag sa Banwa (Report to the People) the LGU was able to redeem the LGU from being a cash-strapped municipality to having a net positive savings by the yearend of The 3-million peso savings realized that year was used to improve the LGU service equipment with the purchase of new dump trucks, an ambulance and fire truck. The Batad PLG experience was replicated in the town of Bingawan (3 rd district) in the year 2003 under the administration of Mayor Ted Peter Plagata. This time, ICODE partnered with the local CSOs and the LGU in which institutionalized the Transparency in Governance Program in the form of Pamangkutanon sang Banwa (Citizen s Query). The pride of ICODE really rests on having trained local partners in making successful grant-generation project proposals. Their capacity was proven and highlighted by the attention-getting project Kwentahan, Hindi Kwentohan (Accountability, not Lip Service) that won a one-million peso grant for the Bingawan Working Youth during the World Bank, 2 nd Panibagong Paraan last May Likewise, in the same event, another PLG partner in Sibunag, Guimaras won for a PO led Seaweeds Project Post Harvest Facility. (The Guimaras CSOs and LGU partners of LAPP 2 were among the secondary beneficiaries of the School of Local Governance which is an expansion of the PLG Modeling Program co-sponsored by the Diakonia). The cited models were standouts among the many PLG Project Interventions of ICODE. Basically, ICODE was successful in enhancing the Knowledge, Attitude and Skills (KAS) of stakeholders on Participatory Local Governance. The School of Governance: Capacity Development of partners 136

137 strategic interventions enabled our client s capacity to develop innovation projects, and inculcate in them the principle of citizen s participation. This is evidently manifested in participatory development Planning, Programming, Budgeting, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBIME) Processes. Why Selected As the Most Significant Story When the Philippine Daily Inquirer (the largest Philippine newspaper in terms of readership) came out with a full page article that featured outputs of the Learning Forum on Social Accountability in Western Visayas, ICODE felt so proud. The news story was supplemented by very telling action photos showing how citizens participation in infra-project inspection can become effective safeguards to prevent public funds from lining the pockets of politicians and abuse of public officials. Authored by Ma. Diosa Labiste, which was appropriately entitled: Winning Methods to Fight Corruption cited six models of good governance in Sagay City; Sigma Capiz,; Sibunag, Guimaras; and three Iloilo municipalities of Batad, Bingawan and Miag-ao. All the showcases of different elements of Good Governance and Social Accountability in Western Visayas have common association with the ICODE PLG Program. The innovations contain SA elements such as citizens engagement, access to information, public disclosure, assessment tools and continuous applications have been part and parcel of ICODE s training content. With these unique innovations, which is seldom heard in governance parlance, the media was enamored by giving it a special place it its online posting under the Good News section of the The inspiring stories of LGUs are considered by the media as significant examples of the islands of good governance in the sea of massive graft and corruption. All these were geared towards making services and community demand driven projects work for the poor and transform peoples political behavior. The communities have valued these exercises that the LGUs were obligated to institutionalize and regularize these through municipal ordinances. Contribution By The Project The creative participatory governance approaches of ICODE have significantly changed the behaviors of the politicians and citizens alike. The institutionalized SA Mechanisms in Batad and Bingawan where public officials (at the municipal and barangays) were dutifully subjecting themselves yearly performance accounting in the town plazas is a solid proof the power of social pressures in exacting accountability from public officials. The citizens, through their participation in local development council and special bodies, have been proactive and critical. They have become empowered to assert their rights as well as confront the politicians and public officials on public issues. As a result, the politicians are more 137

138 careful in their actions and in carrying out their responsibilities. Voters in the last two elections were bent on electing based on their campaign platforms and track record. Visitors from LGUs as far as Mindanao have come to Batad and Bingawan to observe the process they have replicated the PLG experience other LGUs/Barangays in congressional districts of Iloilo such as (New Lucena, 2 nd District) and Banate (4 th Distrcit) and New Corella in Davao del Norte. Overall, ICODE has succeeded in its aim in developing and institutionalizing barangay and municipal models of participatory governance. This is affirmed by the results of the Project Exit conference, (held August 16-17, 2006) where the project partners verbalized their strong appreciation of ICODE s comprehensive and popular capacity-building interventions. The School of Governance has enabled the key leaders to acquire skills and confidence to do proactive works that addressed the core problem of inefficient and ineffective governance at the barangay and municipal levels. On the account of CSO-LGU partnership, the Best Practices on localized Social Accountability were showcased by ICODE s at various national fora. The championing of transparency in governance in the region, recently segued to a World Bank service contract to ICODE as the convenor of the Regional Social Accountability Learning Forum on November 27-29, 2006 in Iloilo City. Enthused by the glorifying experience, I was able to convince the ICODE Leaders and the Regional Development Council to support the hosting of the regional conference. Without hesitation, the PLG Partners (Bingawan, Batad and Sibunag, Guimaras) were tapped to be presentors of Good Practices in SA. They packaged their Localized SA Programs in power point presentations and alluded the contribution of the ICODE CPU School of Governance and the PLG Program. Through the ICODE network, we also generated the commitment of other sectors such as the LGUs/CSOs and government agencies like DAR and DSWDs who have undertaken community demand-driven development (CDD) projects to Best Alternatives in Social Accountability. Again ICODE was very successful in advocacy for SA. We were able to convene 70 SALNet leaders in the region, as well as delegates from WB-Indonesia, the Australian and British Embassy representatives and the Asia Foundation. Six PLG partners in Region VI presented their Best Practices in various forms and expressions of SA that awed the local and international organizers. Our innovations in Western Visayas were at par with the best practices in Social Accountability (SA) in the world: (Porto Alegre, Brazil Citizens Budget; Bangalore, India s Citizen s Report Card). I believe that the biggest influencing factor was a strong demand for setting up SA mechanisms in this country. Rocked by horror stories of graft and corruption scandals, the public is so outraged by cases of public funds and resources ending up in the pockets of the politicians or captured by the elite. (e.g. fertilizer funds for farmers and relief goods diverted to political vote-getting schemes). 138

139 There was an immediate response as the good governance stakeholders from the CSOs, Academe, LGUs, CDD implementors and the Media committed themselves to form SALNet (Social Accountability Leaders Network) with ICODE as the Coordinating / Information Center for Western Visayas Area for info-sharing and accessing partners and members to development opportunities for SA and transparency and accountability in governance (TAG). Added Value By Diakonia The openness of Diakonia to allow the leveraging of its program support on Capability Building project intervention is key in attracting complimentary support from other Resource Agencies. But this assumes that the project is a proven good innovation and the implementing organization has maintained a good track record in the delivery of its services. The inputs provided by Diakonia to Philippine Partners such as the GOPP Training, Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation, and the International Leadership Training Support were contributory to developing staff capacity, appropriate tools and result-oriented proposals that were fitting to the requirements of the resource agencies. Diakonia s relatively liberal program and administrative policies also allowed local partners to develop creative expressions and local innovations which are not being restricted by other donor biases and stringent regulations. Lessons Learned SA is in demand but Institutionalization of SA mechanisms must be done through strategic advocacy with local champion legislators Inter-agency support for the Formal and Non-Formal Education. More Schools of Governance as Training Ground of SA Trainors and Advocates. Importance of hands-on curriculum and learning approaches such as exposures to best practices SA institutionalization is very challenging but winning methods can find many other profound support from various donors for Social Accountability. However, there is an assumption of good Project Documentation and Networking. Without such support, they go unnoticed Recommendations SA Promotion, Advocacy and Knowledge Sharing Establishment of Social Accountability Leaders (SAL) Network with ICODE serving as the regional network communications/information center In the light of the forthcoming 2007 elections of public officials, maximize SA as an election issue to include covenant signing during candidates forum Advocacy within institutions and provincial anchors (Leagues of LGUs) in order to formalize the institutionalization of SA through legislations, resolutions or the likes 139

140 Integration of SA in the character building program at all academic and local government levels Appropriate technical inputs or training on case documentation (e.g. most significant change stories) for promotions and resource generation. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Date of completion of Story: Domain 4: Participatory Local Governance Modeling in Selected Sites in Iloilo, Phase III (Extension, Jan 2002-June 2006) Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. ( Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc.) Western Visayas Emmanuel Areno February 19, 2007 Change in democratic governance at all levels 140

141 Transparent Changes Transparency program of the LGU has improved its constituents way of life The Municipality of Batad is a 5 th class local government unit (LGU) located in the northern tip part of the Province of Iloilo. It is a small town, used to be so timid and quiet, yet it now boasts with a loud vigor as its people assert their claim in what their local government has to offer. Their transparency and accountability program called Pahayag sa Banwa (Report to the People) has put the town in the development map. In 2002, it was awarded as one of the Best Trailblazing in Innovations in Good Governance by the Galing Pook Foundation, a national award-giving body on best practices in governance. Its Local Chief Executive, Hon. Pedro Alarcon, holds the tag as the Transparency Mayor of the Philippines. Other than its recognition, the town is enjoying a more meaningful reward as the local government became more responsive towards the issues and concerns of the people and improved the delivery of its basic services. Pahayag sa Banwa was initiated by the Local Government of Batad and Iloilo CODE NGOs, through the Participatory Local Governance (PLG) Program led by Mr. June Jordan and Mr. Ramon Moleño. The PLG Program began in During the National Elections in 1998, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in partnership with ICODE and other Civil Society Organizations (CSO) facilitated the Candidates Forum sponsored by the Evelio B. Javier Foundation (EBJF). In this forum, commitments were made to conduct a reporting and feedbacking mechanism. Immediately after the Elections, the new set of officials of Batad LGU decided to banner Transparency and Accountability as its new program thrust. The LGU conducted its first and second Pahayag in February 1999 and June 1999 respectively. It was inspired by the transparency program called Report sa Banwaan, (Report to the People) held in the Municipality of Camalig, Province of Albay. The Evelio B. Javier Foundation, another NGO operating in Batad, sponsored an exposure visit to the said municipality in December 4, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Moleño, Sangguniang Bayan member Abner Rubrico and Mr. Renato Ablona of the Batad Cooperative joined in this exposure trip. Report sa Banwaan is conducted wherein the local officials report their accomplishments to the public regularly. Inspired by their visit, the group from Batad decided to adopt the said program and replicate it in Batad. The Pahayag became the venue for the people to validate the status of the programs and projects implemented in their community. Electorates, students and different church groups became excited to know their political leaders and department heads perform and deliver its services. As they listen to the reports and give their feedbacks, trust slowly manifested towards their leaders 141

142 and a harmonious working relationship grew between the people and the local government. More importantly, awareness of their community s issues and concerns allowed the people to take a more active role towards development. The performance of the municipal officials has also improved through time. The fear of being embarrassed in front of hundreds of people during the Pahayag has made them more conscious to do their responsibilities well. As a result, services were improved and issues and concerns raised during the Pahayag were given priority. In response, one of the notable changes for the people was their attitude towards choosing their leaders. The turn out of the following elections showed that the people voted for those who have indeed performed and was transparent in their responsibilities. The 2001 Elections was a landslide win for the administration candidates! The Batadnons as a whole now see and enjoy transparent and valuable changes especially in those affecting their socio-economic aspects as services from the local government improved. For example, the income of marginalized fishermen increased since illegal fishing was minimized. The government has also implemented an artificial reef project, which contributed much to the increase in income of the fisherfolks. Improved linkage and networking with national government agencies likewise added support to inland water fish production in the barangays. The transparent utilization of public funds also developed a sense of consciousness of the taxpayer s trust. Payment of Community Tax Certificate increased at the rate of 18% per Annum. The Pahayag also resulted to proper expenditures and legislation on public funds and resulted to cash savings and surplus. The capital build up also increased every year and the LGU now has a more concrete direction on how to allocate funds for priority projects and issues raised during the Pahayag. The barangays, after having made aware of their roles in terms of innovative fund sourcing, as a result of the Pahayag, were able to access alternative sources of funds for projects. And as the people were able to clarify the roles of different sectors and their contribution to development, the true sense of participatory governance was put in place. Why Selected As The Most Significant Change Story The Pahayag changed the lives of the people in Batad. From timidity to vigilance, the people have enjoyed the fruits of their voices. The LGU has improved its services, increased its income as the transparency program encouraged more taxpayers to pay their dues. The town has incurred savings enough to purchase equipment necessary to improve their deliver its services more effectively. As people empowerment grew, so does the performance of the LGU. The Pahayag, through Resolution no , was conducted regularly every 2 nd Monday of June and December. An ordinance though changed its schedule to be held once a year every December to consolidate the total accomplishments for the year. 142

143 It has already been replicated in Bingawan, Iloilo, among other local government units. Contribution By The Project The Participatory Local Governance project has contributed much to this change in the Municipality of Batad. Strengthening the role of the Barangay Development Councils, continuous voter s education, and further capacity development of the civil society groups, popularization of participatory practices in development planning, local legislation and monitoring and evaluation were critical factors in institutionalizing the Pahayag. Through its advocacies towards transparency and accountability, mechanisms such as the Pahayag were realized and have produced meaningful results not only for the LGU of Batad, but for the people as well. Added Value By Diakonia The partnership between ICODE and Diakonia opened a new window for the Pahayag to be promoted, institutionalized and be replicated. Diakonia came at the very opportune time when the assistance from EBJF ended. Its support to democratic mechanisms has widened the opportunities for ICODE to promote transparency and accountability in Batad. Moreover, Diakonia has allowed and guaranteed staff development that resulted to award-winning innovations. In effect, it broadened the opportunities of its LGU-NGO-PO democratic space. Lessons Learned Transparency and accountability is a very sensitive issue for local government units. People rarely demand out loud that their local leaders report their accomplishments and government s expenditures and they settle to kumod-kumod (silent clamor), not knowing that they could affect more change when they allow themselves to be vigilant in demanding for a transparent government. It is easy to integrate transparency and accountability in governance mechanisms and new innovations if local government leaders are transformative in thinking. The Pahayag cemented ICODE s commitment to change the culture of silence of communities and people can effect transformation even in the midst of the grip of power-holders. Lastly, having a transparent government and an empowered community changed the notion that the government is owned by politicians and elites as well as the poor people s attitudes Bahala na, wala naman tayong magagawa. (Leave it as it is, we can t do anything anyway). Recommendations The Pahayag sa Banwa is worth promoting so that other LGUs may learn from their experience and also improve their governance practices. However, the LGU of Batad lacks the proper documentation for which their program may not be promoted to a broader range of practitioners. It would expand to more LGUs if only there was a document where others can learn from. 143

144 Government should not be afraid of transparency mechanisms because this is the way to gain back people s trust towards the government. Social accountability and transparency should provide the local governments a new theme in their service. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storytellers: Storywriter: Date of completion of Story: Domain 4: Development of Institutional Mechanisms for Participatory Local Governance through Strengthening of Barangay Development Councils, Phase I-III ( ) Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. ( Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc.) Municipality of Batad, Province of Iloilo June Jordan, PLG Program Coordinator Rosanna M. Pandes, ICODE TAG-ME Coordinator Abner Rubrico, former Sangguniang Bayan member of Batad Xenia Socorro M. Barrios, ICODE-TAG Coordinator February 22, 2007 Change in democratic governance at all levels 144

145 The Fruit Of Labor In Struggle For Effective Local Governance This story is about the learning and real manifestations of good governance as results of the Participatory Local Governance (PLG) project implemented by ICODE in four barangays (villages) at Bingawan, Iloilo in year 2001 to It was a rainy day in July 2001 when we went to the municipality of Bingawan to conduct the ocular survey and Rapid Field Appraisal (RFA) *. These are the processes in selecting barangays as pilot areas for the said project. Five field staff were mobilized (June Jordan, Eduardo Dorde, Rosanna Pandes, Xenia Socorro Barrios & Lailanie Vocales) to facilitate the RFA and come-up with the result at the soonest time so the project will take-off base on the target period. In our ocular survey, we have noticed that almost all barangays were left behind in terms of infrastructure development projects. Their road networks are undeveloped and very difficult to pass through especially during the rainy season. Most of the trails may only be passed by carabaos (water buffaloes) and people just walked barefoot on the muddy road. During the Rapid Field Appraisal, the barangay people mentioned and indicated that the problem with the road network is just one of many issues that they are confronted with. The more serious ones were the absence of basic health facilities and services; lack of energy and water system; and limited agricultural and livelihood support programs. That was the real picture of inequality and inequity in the distribution of governments programs and services. It was then said by the local folks that they have struggles in pursuing local development because they lack knowledge and skills in effective local governance processes. Long years ago, there were other NGOs who assisted the barangay (e.g. Kahublagan sa Panimalay Inc.) in environmental protection program and gave also infrastructure project but in terms of local governance the people are thirsty and craving for new ideas. In August 2001, ICODE launched the Participatory Local Governance Project and a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Iloilo CODE and the Local Government of Bingawan represented by the Local Chief Executive, Hon. Ted Peter P. Plagata. Four barangays were officially announced as selected pilot areas: Brgy. Quinangyana, Tubod, Guinhulacan and Agba-o (expansion area). The project, through the assigned staff (Rosanna and Lailanie) initially focused its capacity building activities on the members of the Barangay Development Council (BDC), a multi-sectoral group represented by women, farmers, elderly, children and youth and the local officials. The BDC has the * Rapid Field Appraisal (RFA) is a tool to account the human resources and service facilities in a community. 145

146 power to formulate the development plans of the barangay and monitor and evaluate its implementation. However, before the PLG project, this significant function was not claimed and peoples participation was very minimal. ICODE provided the technical support to strengthen the BDC. Trainings and orientation on Barangay Administration, Local Special Bodies and participatory planning were given. Several interventions were done based on the needs of the local partners. Actual experiences were shared for them to study and learn from. ICODE wholeheartedly gave its effort in developing the competency of leaders and strengthen sectoral organizations into an empowered and participative actors in local governance and development initiatives. Why Selected As Most Significant Change Story The changes brought about by the PLG project revolved not only within the local government, but the community as a whole. Since people have been empowered, people s organizations are now active partners of the local government in development planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Specific sectoral concerns were integrated in the development plans of the village and some were even upscaled to the municipal level. Their confidence and self-esteem has improved. Realizing their roles and their capacity to contribute to development, they can now create an influence in the decision-making of their elected leaders. The enhanced leadership of the four barangay captains (Hon. Freddie P. Felarca of Quinangyana, Hon. Ana Amie Carumba of Tubod, Hon. Nemesio Cachite of Guinhulacan and Hon. Noel Pendioday of Agba-o) made them more democratic and assertive in claiming their rights for better government services for their constituents. With their active leadership and the community s involvement, they are now considered as stakeholders and not just beneficiaries waiting to be fed. Barangay and organizational leaders have improved their leadership and have increased their capacity and skills in local legislation, and in project and fund management. Mechanisms on Participatory and Transparent Accountable Governance was also practiced and adapted. Without the PLG intervention, people empowerment may still remain yet to be realized and the voice of common people might not have been heard by the government. Contribution By The Project The components of the PLG project like participatory development planning, electoral education, values formation and leadership trainings contributed to the holistic development of society. The project produced meaningful results as it provided capacity building activities to strengthen the development councils and other structures in the barangay and in the municipal level. 146

147 The trainings on alternative resource accessing allowed the barangay to be aggressive in tapping other fund sources and agencies. Basic facilities such as water, health and nutrition services and other development projects are now present and available at the village level. This has great effects on the lives of the people, especially for the women and children. Through massive advocacies, participatory development processes were institutionalized and the involvement of the people was maximized to its fullest potential. People Power has now become a reality. Added Value By Diakonia Through the fund support of Diakonia, ICODE was able to implement the Participatory Local Governance project. With the established partnership, the essence of participatory governance, local autonomy and people power was shared to the community and the true meaning of democracy was finally given justice. Field visits of Diakonia representatives and partners to pilot villages in Bingawan have also inspired the local people and triggered them to be more sophisticated and innovative in their governance as compared to other villages. They enjoyed having foreigners as visitors and had developed a sense of pride realizing that their small place and the development programs that they do are considered as learning avenues. Lessons Learned And Recommendations People s participation is essential towards effective local governance and empowering the people to realize their roles towards development that will allow them to contribute much to reaching their objectives as a community. Good barangay governance initiatives should be recognized, acknowledged and be promoted to other areas for replication so as to maximize the value of democratic processes. Previous intervention of other development partners contributes on the smooth organizing and implementation of PLG project Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/Writer: Date of completion of Story: Domain 4: Participatory Local Governance Modeling in Selected Sites in Iloilo, Phase III (Extension, Jan 2002-June 2006) Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations, Inc. ( Iloilo CODE NGOs, Inc.) Iloilo City Rosanna M. Pandes Community Organizer Supervisor ( ) TAG-ME Project Coordinator ( ) February 23, 2007 (Story was based on the result of project assessment with our partners from the barangays) Change in democratic governance at all levels 147

148 The Summit That Binds The stakeholders summit launched firmed-up legislative and electoral reforms action agenda accompanied by commitments drawn from the participating stakeholders. I was tasked to be a part of the documentation team for the National Electoral Reform Summit in It was a first in a series of several other summits convened by civil society and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) network of the Consortium on Electoral Reforms (CER) and government entities such as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the two legislative houses. The summit offers great expectations apart from the previous consultations, discussions, and fora that I have participated in, one way or another, as a participant, facilitator, or documentor. It may seem a long shot to invite representatives from both non-government and government sectors in one venue, in one activity. The 2002 summit was a first in a series of gathering of electoral reform stakeholders. Shown are some of the convenors from government and non-government sectors there too. However, leaders and representatives of NGOs, people s organizations, churchbased organizations, political institutes, international organizations, academe, and the media attended. No less than the chairpersons and other key officials of the COMELEC, Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment, Revision of Codes and Laws, House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms were If only for this objective, the summit was successful. But, more importantly, the summit resulted in much more than that. Representatives were able to present their respective electoral and reform issues and concerns. From the dialogue among political and electoral stakeholders, the summit came up with legislative and action agenda for electoral reforms. A network of government and non-government stakeholders was established. Initial commitments were also taken. Areas of coordination on different reform measures were identified. The Institute was recognized as civil 148

149 society partner of different legislative committees and offices in the issue of electoral and reforms. IPER was invited to legislative committee hearings on various electoral reform measures, some of which I have participated in. Between 2003 and 2004, three other fora have been convened by CER, a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to strengthening Philippine democracy through electoral and political reforms. IPER is one of the lead organizations of the CER and has been doing secretariat work for the CER especially during these summits. Voter education was identified as one of the electoral reforms in the first summit. Thus, in 2003, a national voter education summit was held. Its immediate target is to prepare the voters for the 2004 national and local elections while its long-term goal is to develop a critical mass of mature and discerning voters. At that time too, IPER was pilot testing the citizen-voter education module it prepared. During the 2003 summit participants were divided into workshop groups to discuss and formulate reform agenda on various electoral reform issues voter education summit, IPER presented the module which was then adopted by the summit body. The partnership of CER, COMELEC, Senate and House Committees, in 2004, convened the second electoral reform summit. This second summit aimed to assess the implementation of the various legislative and action agenda agreed upon by the first summit and to identify new measures and activities to be undertaken. In 2004 too, the CER established coordination with the COMELEC, and academic organizations, like the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) and University of the Philippines Asian Center (UP-AC) in convening the Asian Conference on Democracy and Electoral Reforms. This time, the dialogue is among representatives of election administration, civil society, and the academe from 13 Asian countries, with the general objective to share and learn from various election experiences of Asian democracies. 149

150 Looking back at that small task of documentation during the 2002 summit, I never thought that an innovation is unfolding before the whole electoral and electoral reform stakeholders. Indeed, the summit approach is not only a string that binds various electoral reform stakeholders and commitment, but one that pulls the stakeholders towards the commitment and advocacy, and one that weaves the changes needed in the electoral arena and the society. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The stakeholders summit approach is seen as a breakthrough for establishing relations between and among the government, non-government organizations, and the rest of the civil society to come together, discuss reform issues and agenda, and draw commitments. And this breakthrough is a step towards using and widening the available democratic avenues. Sure enough it brought about other opportunities for the Institute s electoral reform advocacy, which I find most relevant in the implementation of projects and activities towards this same advocacy. Contribution By The project The summit strategy to bring together non-government and government electoral reform stakeholders has, so far, been effective in pushing for these reforms. The first summit found necessary a number of electoral reform measures mandated by Constitution. Concretely, the summits produced declarations and resolutions that highlight the legislative and action programs that the stakeholders intend to work on. The legislative measures include the passage of enabling laws on overseas absentee voting (OAV) system, amendments to the party-list law, election modernization, local sectoral representation, and political party reform and campaign financing. The action agenda called for citizen-voter education, election administration reforms, constitutional reforms through a constitutional convention, and building of a strong civil society electoral reform stakeholder coalition network. Most of IPER programs and activities focused on these legislative and action programs. Some have been accomplished, others are ongoing, and still some are lined up in the legislative mill. The OAV law was passed in Measures on party-list law amendments, electoral modernization and political party reform have gained substantial legislative attention. The local sectoral representation bill has yet to gain support. IPER and CER members have a continuing citizen-voter education campaign since The subsequent summits identified new and continuing agenda, network, and stakeholders. In the process, IPER has strengthened coordination with the House of Representatives and Senate and other stakeholders. The summit then becomes a means to and a part of the advocacy and democratization process. 150

151 Added Value By Diakonia In all these stakeholders summits, the institutional partnership with Diakonia had been valuable. Another Diakonia s Philippine partner, Iloilo Caucus of Development NGOs (ICODE), has attended these summits and has been a regional network for implementation of summit resolutions, particularly voter education. Also, one of core priorities promoted by Diakonia that of democratization has been a parallel route for the Institute s mandate of democratic governance and citizen empowerment. Through the summits, stakeholders have the opportunity to organize themselves, express and exchange ideas for reforms, get commitment from and influence decision-makers and, in turn, decisionmakers have the opportunity to hear out and their constituencies and give their commitment. These are the basic thrusts of IPER as an Institute which also form part of Diakonia s priority programs. Lessons And Recommendations One important lesson to a successful political and electoral reform program, or any other reform program, is to identify and bring stakeholders from all sides closer to the agenda and the agenda closer to the stakeholders for desired commitment and action. More importantly, an allstakeholders forum is one strategy to engage the government in a dialogue with and, possibly, in a commitment to civil society advocacy. However, the stakeholders forum is not the be-all and end-all. There is a larger political and electoral situation which influences the actual action and commitment of the government to the reforms identified. Some reform measures are realized immediately while others take a slower pace, and there are some which face political obstacles. These are some of the realities in our electoral and political system which the advocates have to recognize and to deal with. Thus, there is the need for IPER and CER to continue electoral reform work and advocacy. Project Title: Enhancing Democracy through Electoral Reform ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Domain 4: Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) National Rosa Bella M. Quindoza, IPER Research Program Officer Change in Democratic Governance at All Levels 151

152 New Heroes Are Voters Too! Two decades of advocacy paid off when overseas Filipino workers were allowed to vote under the absentee voting system implemented in the It was in the second quarter of 2002 when I involved myself again in non-government organization (NGO) work through the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER), after two years of working as an owner/driver of a taxicab. Although previously, from , I was a staff of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights advocates (PAHRA). My work centered in promoting and defending human rights (HR) of the different sectors of our society. As campaign liaison officer of the alliance, I worked for the campaigns for the promotion, protection, and respect of civil-political rights, economic, social and cultural rights in coordination with various PAHRA member-organizations. At that time, campaigns against political repression and TOTAL WAR policy were some of the highlights of our struggle for human rights. In late 1990 s, NGOs intensified discussion and advancement of political and electoral rights and reforms. One particular aspect was the right of suffrage of all Filipinos, here and abroad. This universal right is enshrined in Article 2, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. However, a law on the overseas absentee voting was not put in place since the ratification of the Constitution. In 2001, IPER identified the absentee voting system for qualified Filipinos abroad as one of the five priority legislative measures for its Advocacy and Lobby Campaign. At IPER, I became a part of the team for the First National Electoral Reform Summit. Held on April 29-30, 2002, this summit was the start of other fora that identify and actually work for political and electoral agenda of different NGOs involved in electoral reform. Despite the on-going campaign and lobby of relatives of Filipinos overseas, most of summit participants were not very familiar of the issue. It helped a lot that the issue on 0verseas absentee voting (OAV) was raised and presented as one of the legislative and action agenda in the resolution and declaration of the summit. Local organizations of relatives of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) like Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-Anakan ng Migranteng Manggagawang Pilipino, Inc. (KAKAMMPI) and Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) who participated in the Summit took lead in this particular campaign/lobby for its implementation. IPER and the Consortium for Electoral Reforms (CER) closely coordinated with them in this particular struggle to pass a bill for overseas absentee voting system. CER is a network of civil society organizations and individuals working in the political and electoral reform advocacy. KAKAMMPI, CMA, and IPER are all members of the CER. IPER became a member of the global alliance which pushed for the bill. IPER also took part in the negotiations in Congress and in drafting process. 152

153 Information and lobby work were essential to the passing of the bill. Involvement of incumbent legislators at that time was crucial. Advantages and disadvantages related to their political ambitions were the primary basis of their vote whether for or against the OAV. Debates on the process of registration and actual voting led to their own calculation of actual votes for their interest vis-à-vis their capability of funding campaigns. Less concern was paid to the true reason for implementing OAV-OFWs right of suffrage. Advocates of the bill had to tread this minefield of self-interest in order to reach consensus on the final version. In the end, after 19 years of advocacy, an absentee voting system for overseas Filipinos was signed into law on February 13, It was first implemented in the May 2004 presidential, senatorial, and party-list elections. In one of the Summits convened by CER-IPER, CMA Executive Director Ellene Sana discusses the overseas absentee voting system. Why Selected As Most Significant Story Such story of successful advocacy for the advancement of the right of overseas Filipinos to vote affirmed not just the person s basic right to suffrage, but answered the call for widest participation in our democratic system as well. It is of most significance to me in my personal and the institutional human rights and electoral reform advocacies. Contribution By the project The intensive lobby and advocacy of the civil society for an OAV law paid off with the support of other concerned individuals and progressive legislators. After the bill was signed into law, the information campaign for the registration was done in full scale. With the help of other electoral stakeholders, a total of 364, 187 voters registered about 37% of the 975,000 projected registrants. 153

154 As a result of the never-ending struggle of NGOs and other stakeholders, 19 years after the 1987 Constitution, the Overseas Filipino Workers and other Filipinos abroad were able to exercise their right of suffrage. For decades they have been contributing to the Filipino economy. Time and again, governments have regarded them as the NEW HEROES. They have anchored governments and different administrations to withstand the economic crises; it is but necessary that their right to suffrage be respected. Added Value by Diakonia During the time that advocacy for the electoral reform agenda of the Institute was implemented, IPER has very few project-based activities and with no continuous and regular funding particularly for administrative and coalitional activities. But seeing the need for immediate and continuing advocacy, IPER through CER still pushed for the legislative measures. The institutional support of Diakonia or support for the general work of the Institute was most valuable in its secretariat work for CER and its legislative advocacy. Lessons and Recommendations As the CMA reports during the 2 nd National Electoral Summit in September 2004: R[epublic] A[ct] 9189 despite its flaws and limitations, for now, is a positive little step for the democratic participation of the overseas Filipinos in the country s political and electoral processes. Indeed, this experience is a clear political empowerment of the overseas Filipinos and a positive step towards our electoral reform program. An overseas worker can then proudly refer to their sector: We, the New Heroes are Voters Too! Advocacy of as much sectors and organizations for needed reforms in the society is important to realize these changes. Indeed too, much still needs to be done: continuing advocacy and vigilance in the implementation and development of the law and continuing citizen-voter education are some aspects that can be developed for future efforts to create a mature electorate from the ranks of our kababayans (compatriots or fellow citizens) abroad. For its part, IPER will continue to monitor the implementation of law and will work for proposed amendments to connect the gaps of the law and to respond to the changing situation of overseas Filipinos. IPER should also maintain international networking in the monitoring work. Project Title: Enhancing Democracy through Electoral Reform ( ) Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Domain 4: Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) National Edsil V. Bacalso, IPER Program Officer Change in Democratic Governance at all Levels 154

155 A Touch Of Faith From an eight-page photocopied pamphlets beginning, ARDC s books continue to enrich ecumenical literary horizon I am a layperson in the Iglesia Filipina Indepiendente (IFI). I am happy I got involved with the ministry of Hour of Discovery of Alternative Resource Development (ARDC) especially with its publications and its radio broadcast ministry. I was invited as guest speaker on the second Sunday of October I was interviewed on my views on the Anti-Terrorism Bill pending in Congress that time. I was provided with pamphlets after the bill s publication. We were also given several copies of each volume of the books published to share with some IFI laypersons and young people. ARDC, I think, is doing a unique ministry writing, compiling, editing, printing and publishing books with materials from ecumenical sources sermons, articles, poems, songs, portraits of people and public statements coming from personalities, different churches and faiths, institutions and people s organizations here and from other parts of the world. These reading materials are very helpful for us young laypersons in pushing for a strong ecumenical ministry. The ARDC books show the experiences and involvement of different ecumenical personalities who are working to build churches that are responsive to the need of the wider community and people of God. Brother Paul is a young layperson of the IFI in Iloilo. He is involved in an ecumenical ministry helping build a fellowship among laypersons and young people of different churches and schools in Iloilo be they Aglipayan (members of IFI), Baptists, UCCP and Roman Catholics. He helped distribute a number of free ARDC /HoD books and pamphlets to IFI laypersons and youths. A small group of ecumenical and interfaith people has suggestions in selecting some of the stories and provided help in editing. Individually, they provide suggestions while the preparations of the books were ongoing. Why Selected As Most Significant Story Speaking of ARDC /HoD latest book Personalities in Our Time: Ten Portraits, he said: I think the book is very helpful. It has wider ecumenical perspectives. It paints portraits of some well-known and less known people. Valeriano Tay Valer Caro, a peasant from Iloilo and a committed leader in the struggle for genuine land reform, was assassinated by military officers after they picked him up from his home. In the book, he stood side by side with world known leaders as Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Fr Jerzy Popieluszko, 155

156 Polish priest and martyr; Jovito R. Salonga, prominent Filipino politician; Martin Luther King, Jr., human rights fighter; Astrid Lindgren, Swedish author and Raben and Sjogren s Best Children s Book Prize winner; and Bishop La Verne Mercado, the great Filipino ecumenist. It is rare that a poor peasant s contribution to his people s work for change is shown together with renowned world leaders. ARDC /HoD made that possible. I think one of the weaknesses of our ministry, Protestant ministries in the country, was few wrote and published books. During the last one hundred years, very few books have come out from Protestants pens on important issues and concerns affecting our religious, social, economic and political lives. We did not give much importance in putting our ideas in printed words. Today, our seminaries are full of Western books; lots of it do not speak of our own problems and are irrelevant to our needs. I am challenged with ARDC books, seemingly insignificant to look at, but have some surprises inside. ARDC book, FROM MY PLATFORM AND PULPIT was published in It was printed with funds for materials and labor by friends in Sweden through Rev. Olof Lindstrom and printed in the printing machine provided by Diakonia to ARDC. I appreciate the coming out of From My Platform and Pulpit. The book carries view from both the pulpits and the platforms. It brings to us thoughts of well-known authors as well as fiery platform speakers. The writings of advocacy articles like Coal-fired Power Plant and Privatization of the Power Industry show the people s struggle against dangerous coal-fired power project pushed by top government leaders. Flesh Trade: the Last Option for Filipina to Survive shows how prostitution operates in Iloilo City almost legalized by the government. It reveals deep poverty pushing women to sell themselves. The article questions concentration of the country s land, wealth and resources in the hands of a few causing deep poverty and sufferings among the many. The books, in their little way, strengthen our ecumenical lives and the religious literary horizon in Western Visayas and some parts of the country. Contribution Of The Project I learned from Pastor Bernal that the small publishing work started as a touch of faith, one that continued to touch ARDC soul. He told me that the first printed work came in an eight-page pamphlet, printed in two short bond papers through a copier. He showed it to Ms. Lilian Thybell, 156

157 then Diakonia s representative in the Philippines and asked her if Diakonia could help ARDC buy a small printing machine. She looked at it with interest, You have some skills in book projects. Why not put that in a proposal for a future project and we ll see what will happen? Diakonia s openness and encouragements and a small Risograph machine made possible the publications that reached the hearts and minds of our people. Lessons Learned/Recommendation Things are done if we have the faith. Start doing it with whatever tools and resources we have in hand. We can be like Moses, the man in the Bible who started his mission for the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptians slavery with only a cane in his hands and the words of God in his heart. And things happened. Under limited resources, we hope ARDC will continue to do the task it has started task that people and God calls her to do. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Consolidated and Educational Works for Political, Electoral and Social Reforms with Tri-Media ( ) Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Place where the story happened: Iloilo City; October 2004 Storyteller: Storywriter: An IFI Layperson Rudy Bernal Written: February 2, 2004 Domain 4: Change in democratic governance at all levels 157

158 Participatory Process Enriches Political and Electoral Education Works Starting this February 12 until May 12, 2007 we will again be on the road all over the barangays (villages) of the Municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo to pursue the electoral and political education processes we always do during campaigns in the local and national elections in the country. We will pursue what we have been doing the previous elections campaigns in 2001 and 2004, helping educate our people to participate actively in the political and electoral processes in our town this Our electoral education group is composed of Catholic and Aglipayan priests, Baptist and Evangelical Pastors, officers of sectoral groups of farmers, small fishermen and women s group in the municipality. We join hands in the task of educating our people to demand services and An ecological and environmental seminar among church and village leaders in San Geronimo, Barotac Viejo, in Iloilo accountability from people whom the people put to government offices. We go to the barangays and hold political fora, involve the people in studying the commitment, qualities and qualifications of candidates, challenge the youths to serve as volunteers in watching 158

159 the election polls and counting of election returns. We organize fora so candidates can come and participate in the political forum where they can present their party s platform of governance and answer direct questions from the people. Through participatory electoral process, we help educate candidates to listen to the people, and be held accountable to them, the real source of power for their offices. We educate and mobilize people to demand services and accountability from officials whom they put to office. Government officials must be treated not as lords but servants of the people who pay their salaries. Pastor Steve Leysa is the pastor of Dumangas Baptist Church, one of the three big churches the Roman Catholic, Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and the Baptist in the municipality. He said he was involved in the electoral and political education as part of his mission as pastor of the church. It is during the political campaigns that they could speak and have bigger chance of influencing the minds of people to work for change. Their ecumenical group of pastors, priests and sectoral leaders are committed in the mission educating people on electoral processes and peaceful, free and honest elections. Our political and electoral processes in the barangays had helped much in raising the consciousness of the people so that elections both national and local in Dumangas were maintained as they were before, not as violent or fraud-ridden as in other municipalities in Iloilo, despite moneyed people that came to run for public office in the town and district. Why Selected As Most Significant Story "We produce our education curricula, with materials coming from different ecumenical bodies - the PPCRV and from materials that were produced by ARDC and HoD. I use in my lectures the materials for electoral education produced by ARDC known as "Pahanumdom sa mga Botante" (Reminders to Electorates). The study includes: Ang Maayo nga Pangulo (The Making of a Good Leader), a Biblical reflection based on the Bible Deuteronomy 17:14-17 and Exodus 18:7; Ang Kahimtangan sang Politica kag Election sa Pungsod (Philippine Political and Electoral Situation), an analysis of the stand of senators and congressmen on very important legislation in congress. Panganinawan sang Politica sang Pagbag-o kag ang Hangkat saang Partylist System (The Politics of Change and the Challenge of the Partylist System). Contribution By The Project My involvement in the political and electoral education in our municipality was made possible with the wide training and exposures given me by ARDC and HoD. The training were comprehensive 159

160 and have given many needed knowledge and skills including the confidence in political and electoral education - study that were not provided to us in our theological studies. Through the Project, I learned that much of our people's poverty and weakness were caused by powerful social, economic and political forces that were weaved by the elite leaders of our country, who worked with foreign power and interests against our people. The Philippine elites have buried millions of our people in poverty through laws and policies that are against the poor peoples interests. Since 1989, I have listened to HoD lectures and Bible reflections over the radio. There I learned many things which opened my mind on the political and economic situations in the country. I learned from the broadcast the relationship between feudalism and extreme poverty of majority of our peasants in the barangays. I also learned how democracy was controlled by the Philippine elites who had buried millions in poverty through laws and government policies that are against Political awareness forum at the Polytechnic College, Concepcion in Iloilo poor people s interests. I hope through people s organized efforts, change will come gradually and transform our country s evil economic and political system. ARDC also involved me in other trainings. When MBC (Manila Broadcasting Company) opened a community radio station in Barotac Nuevo, a town next to Dumangas, ARDC provided training on practical broadcast journalism encouraging us and our churches to open radio broadcast to reach out wider communities. Pastor Bernal believes in the power of mass communication to influence 160

161 people s thinking. MBC opened its network in Estancia and Passi. We were involved, too, in gender sensitivity and how pastors can help women in their struggle to change their situations both in the church and communities where many remains victims of inequality and mental and physical violence. Later I was involved as resource person in different trainings of ARDC in schools, communities and churches. I was involved in environmental education among students in Concepcion Polytechnic College in Concepcion, political and electoral education in Patlad and Bantud, Dumangas, leadership training for Barangay leaders in San Geronimo, Barotac Viejo and some other places where ARDC held its training. These trainings and serving as resource person prepared me for leadership and involvements in ecumenical efforts in Dumangas where I serve as Pastor of the church now for 18 years and Director of our school until two years ago. We are grateful to Diakonia that enable HoD and ARDC to provide us with training and skills in development education and advocacy. Lessons Learned Change process in the country is slow. Development workers and advocates must learn to be patient and always be with the people. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Place where the story happened: Consolidated Political Education & Advocacy Work with Mass Media Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Iloilo City Date when the story happened: February May 2004 Written: December 18, 2006 Storyteller: Storywriter: Domain 4: Steve Leysa Steve Leysa with Rudy Bernal Change in democratic governance at all levels 161

162 Crossing Boundaries Nong Dan s leadership of a cooperative allowed him opportunities of self-improvement and economic advancement that transformed him and his family leaving behind their ordinariness and poverty. As a Field Coordinator of CPBC Development Ministries assigned in Negros Island, one of my functions is organizing cooperatives of which the Paghugpong Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Himamaylan City, southern part of Negros Occidental was organized in It all started when a handful of Baptist men regularly met every Sunday afternoon for Biblical reflections. What Paghugpong MPC is today can be attributed to its leadership, commitment and dedication. One person worth mentioning who had crossed boundaries in his life is Danilo Banaglorioso. He is just a common man born in a poor family of eight children who had hardly finished his elementary education. But since he is active in the Baptist Men Organization of his church, he was elected President. Through his leadership, the cooperative was made possible among 16 members who are all Baptist men and later attracted women and young adults. Now, they have a total of 98 members. Dan with other cooperative leaders during a workshop in Iloilo City As Chairperson of the Board of Directors for three consecutive terms, a period of six years brought me many opportunities for learning and exposure conducted by the Development Ministries that developed my KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitude) and enabled me to develop network and 162

163 linkages with other government agencies and non-government organizations that enhanced development of our cooperative. With Nong Dan s leadership, the Paghugpong MPC started with a credit program serving the members through loans for their income-generating projects and emergency needs. With the members cooperation and continuous members capital build-up, steadily, their cooperative improved and expanded its projects and services. Among these ventures were rice and sugarcane production, trucking service, and pig dispersal for breeding and fattening. Being Chairperson of the Board, he represented the cooperative in the Himamaylan City Cooperative Development Council and got elected as Treasurer of the Council. Through the Council, the city government allocated annual budget for the cooperative development in the area. With Nong Dan s leadership, the cooperative was able to network with the provincial government where Paghugpong MPC has a seat in the Provincial Cooperative Development Council. Both from the Himamaylan City Cooperative Development Council and the Negros Occidental Provincial Cooperative Development Council, the Paghugpong MPC have accessed technical and financial assistance. They were also able to avail financial assistance from the Congressional Development Fund (CDF) of their Representative to the House of Congress. Paghugpong MPC together with other CPBC-DM organized cooperatives in South Negros showed good performance and record from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in the province of Negros Occidental and they were involved in the processes to be the founding members in setting up of the Cooperative Bank, a joint project of the Negros Occidental Provincial government and Land Bank of the Philippines. To date, Nong Dan is testifying how grateful he is for the experience he had with the cooperative. Never in his life, had Nong Dan thought of having such experience going beyond his boundaries as an ordinary person that brought significant change not only for himself and the cooperative but also for his family. His welding and repair shop was improved and their economic needs were met especially the schooling of their children. Now, his two children were able to finish college and both are now working. Because of the benefits that the cooperative brought to the life of Nong Dan s family, three of his children joined the Paghugpong MPC. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The meaningful experience of Nong Dan as an ordinary person brought big accomplishment and development to the cooperative and improving the quality of their life where the children have graduated in college and have work. The network and linkages that the Paghugpong MPC developed with the local government units (LGU) and other government agencies that enabled them to access financial and technical 163

164 assistance, and allocated regular budget for the cooperatives in their area, is very significant and important in the life of their cooperative Contribution By The Project The cooperative was organized through the project in Like all other CPBC-DM organized cooperatives * in partnership with Diakonia, a seed capital assistance of Php20,000 was provided and in addition to members capital share was used to start a small credit program. The capacity building in organizational development and governance enabled them to network and access resources especially from the government. The organizational strengthening, regular monitoring and coaching done by the staff of CPBC-DM and the regular annual assessment and planning with all the cooperatives in a centralized and localized levels both in Panay and Negros areas enabled them to develop and strengthen their operational management and financial systems. Provision of the post harvest facility enhanced development of their projects and services and serving the other CPBC-DM organized cooperatives in the area. Added Value By Diakonia Our meeting with Diakonia representatives gave us inspiration and motivation, because through their visits and meeting with us, they know our actual situation, monitor our accomplishments and developed our self-confidence that we can be trusted of the resources they shared with us. The visits of Diakonia Country Representatives/Program Officers, especially Ms. Lilian Thybell in 2003 opened the cooperative s perspectives on the challenges for self-reliance and sustainability. Ms. Kanlaya Chularattakorn in 2005 provided them with inspiration for the affirmation of their achievements in making their situation better through effective management of their cooperative. The previous Diakonia representatives Ms. Els-Marie Carlbacker, Ms. Laila Stenberg and Ms. Katinka Levin also visited Paghugpong MPC in Himamaylan Baptist Church and have also met with the cooperative leaders in Negros Island. The capacity building for the last project phase that enhanced knowledge, skills and attitude both of cooperative leaders and CPBC-DM staff are the seminars and workshops in Logical Framework Approach (LFA), Project Planning (also known as Goal Oriented Project Planning- GOPP), Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation, Needs Assessment, Participatory Learning in Action, Report Writing and the Project Midterm Review and Terminal Evaluation. Through the terminal evaluation, we were able to develop new project cooperation with the Bread for the World as follow-up of the next level of our project after We are thankful to Ms. Ella Arao Jordan, * For the whole duration of the Diakonia and CPBC-DM partnership program in Panay and Negros, a total of 67 cooperatives were organized, 27 of these are in Negros where 8 got registered with the CDA. 164

165 for sharing with us her expertise being facilitator of most of these capacity building, giving her all that enabled us to discover our potentials and capabilities. We are together both in the learning process and fun! Exposure and study visits, one of which is the Study Visit to India where we learned the similarities of India and Philippine situation related to poverty, population, food security, trade policies, even HIV/AIDS and the response mechanism of our organizations in addressing such issues and problems through organizing cooperatives and self-help groups with integrated development components like in the areas of health, literacy, education, environment and governance. Earlier, in 2004, the Diakonia Partners in India also came here and met with the cooperatives in South Negros and the Himamaylan City LGU. This study exchange program enhanced learning of Diakonia partners from both countries. Our attendance to the Asia Regional Planning Meetings (ARPM) of Diakonia since 2004 is so significant and meaningful in the life of CPBC-DM as it widened our perspective on development issues relating such issues in our communities, country, Asia and the global context, thus updating our strategies and effort in meeting the needs of our people in the target areas. For all of these, we are thankful and grateful to Ms. Yvonne Dahlin for opening the opportunities and equipping us in our tasks, developed and strengthened our self-confidence and making us better persons. There are other Diakonia sponsored activities attended by the CPBC-DM that enhanced our KSA in our gender program. The Regional Gender Conference in Bangladesh (1997), Gender Issue from the Biblical Perspective in Chiang Mai, Thailand (1998) where it was followed-up by a visit of Prof. Per Axel Sverker to the Philippines. A series of lectures on gender issues were conducted in the different CPBC churches, seminary and Bible School and we came out with his lectures in booklet form that became a good resource material for our gender education. Another seminar-workshop was the Gender Issue, What s in it for Men in Chiang Mai, Thailand (1999). All of these added values by Diakonia are contributory to the development of the cooperatives organized by the CPBC-DM, most especially the Paghugpong MPC that reached to this higher level of self-reliance and sustainability. Lessons An ordinary person when given the opportunity has the potentials and can develop into a good leader so that the organization can be self-reliant and sustainable. Leadership is not only for professionals and those with college degree. Commitment and hard work are important to have good results. Transparency and accountability are important and good stewardship of resources will benefit many, develop trust and confidence and gain support and cooperation. These are good values to have self-reliant and sustainable cooperatives and organizations. 165

166 Networking and linkage building especially with the LGU and government agencies is very important to access resources because these resources are really intended for the people. Capacity building is an important component in equipping leaders in organizational development and sustainability. Recommendations Strengthen capacity building and leadership development. Develop and strengthen the second-tier leaders to sustain the good initiatives. Continue and strengthen the existing networks and develop potential ones. CPBC-DM should facilitate regular meetings with its organized cooperatives for sharing of experiences and resources, with proper documentation. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter/recorder: Domain 4: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education and Cooperative Program (Phase II-VI, ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) South Negros Dan Banglorioso Ernie Arroz & Feraz Legita Change in people s democratic governance at all levels 166

167 Organized, Hinterland Villages Got Needed Bridge, Roads, Utilities from the Government A pastor helped hinterland villages to get them organized and collectively demanded from the government a bridge, roads, drinking water system and electricity. They got their demands. Domingo Bernal is a Baptist church pastor. He pastored several Baptist churches in Aklan and served as provincial minister in Aklan in the 70 s. He saw the difficult life of the people of the hinterlands. Government services do not reach the people because of distance and accessibility. Government people find it hard to walk mountain trails to serve the barangays. The people live a very hard life. In 1998 the bridge that connects Barangay Rosal and four other barangays near it to the town of Libacao was finished. It was built by the national and provincial government after years of lobbying by the barangay councils and the people of the mountain with Rosal-Ortega Farmer s Multi- Purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC) serving as conduit. Thru many resolutions from the barangays, inspired and guided by the cooperative, the government responded and built the bridge. The years of crossing the river from the Poblacion to Barangay Rosal through bamboo rafts were now over. The efforts to build the bridge and rebuild some roads were done by the government thru the lobbying of the people, which was strengthened with the assistance of the cooperative. The mind and spirit behind the people s Transportation before 1998 in Rosal and other upland barangays of Libacao uses bamboo raft (balsa) to bring farm products to the market. Now with a bridge, Rosal and Loctuga can be reached with jeepneys and motorcycles. accomplishment is Pastor Domingo Bernal, also an officer of Rosal-Ortega Farmer s Multi-Purpose Cooperative. He helped in educating, organizing and mobilizing the people for change in Rosal and other hinterland villages. They trained the people to lobby and demand from government much needed services like the bridges and roads needed to bring people s product to the market. 167

168 ROFMPC, through its educational program has instilled in the minds of the people that development of the hinterland villages would not be possible without roads that will enable them to bring their products to the market. The farm-to-market roads were a necessity for hinterland development. Other pastors are involved in development works. The extreme poverty suffered by the majority of the Filipino people has challenged some pastors to engage in development and advocacy works for social change. These are part of their ministry Bringing merchandize from the town is harder upstream as the bamboo raft is pulled by one man up front and pushed by another at the rear. Contribution By The Project The government responded to the lobbying of the people and ROFMPC for the bridge and roads. Now the barangay has a bridge and an all-weather road with available transportation like motorcycles. Now, a road is being built from Barangay Manika to reach the other hinterland sitios, including two barangays at the boundary of Capiz and Iloilo, new development will come affecting the lives of people. Through the cooperative and farmers associations, they were able also to lobby for a sanitary drinking water system. They built a solar dryer for grains with assistance from government with the people providing labor. They have electric power, first through a mini-hydro electric plant but now Aklan Electric Cooperative provides it. Added Value By Diakonia The cooperative, organized with earlier financial assistance of Bromma Baptist Church in 1985, undertook training on ecological farming, encouraging multi-crop system and animal raising for people s sustained sources for food. They held environmental protection studies and started collective efforts to prevent soil erosion and landslides, since their barangay is at the foot of the high mountain. 168

169 With Diakonia assistance starting 1996, the people strengthened and expanded their lobbying works -- to request and demand services from the government s local, provincial and national offices. They studied people s rights guaranteed in the Constitution to protect themselves from repressive authorities, known to have very low respect for uneducated people s rights in the mountains. Bamboo raft is still the major means of transportation to upland barangays of Libacao. Here, ROFMPC officers accompanied Ms. Laila Steinberg (Diakonia Programme Officer/Manager) crossed the river using a bamboo raft during here visit to Barangay Libacao. During those times, people use mostly primitive methods of farming. They produce crops barely enough for their subsistence. They do not practice new farming methods. The soil often erodes. When typhoon comes, often their there are landslides. Lessons Learned And Recommendations The government has technical and financial resources to provide services to the people. The people must ask and demand the services of government leaders and employees. They are there and paid to serve the people. But the people do not demand the services. They individually request and wait---for these services that often do not come. Organized, they can demand the needed services. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Consolidation and Expansion Project for Development Education & Economic Activities ( ) Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rosal, Libacao, Aklan Storyteller/writer: Domingo Bernal & Rudy Bernal; January 28, 2006 Domain 4: Change in democratic governance at all levels 169

170 170

171 MSC Stories Domain 5 - Change that reflect an area for improvement Individuals and groups look for areas to improve their capacities in attaining their objectives.

172 Institution-Building Towards Being A Catalyst For Electoral Reforms A think tank specializing on political and electoral reforms rebuilt itself after going though its own organizational crisis. It likewise revitalized a coalition with aims similar to its own. While IPER is now a major player in its area of advocacy, it recognizes that advancing political and electoral reforms is a continuing job requiring its institutionalization. The Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) was established in 1991 in order to advocate for political and electoral reforms in the aftermath of the People Power in However, it was mandated to do more than public information and lobby work. It was conceived to play a catalyst role in bringing about these reforms. In the whole decade of the 1990s, it laid the groundwork for its work by developing and training the staff, both program and field level, developing various education and training modules, developing the required local, national and international networks, and advocated for passage of appropriate electoral reform laws. In 2001, the country had just undergone the second People Power which forced President Estrada to leave the presidency on the issue of corruption and mismanagement. New opportunities for political reforms opened. The Institute, to some extent, was already poised to intervene as a major player on the issue for electoral reforms. It had a foothold in the House of Representatives through the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms. It had also good relations with then COMELEC (Commission on Elections) Chairman Alfredo Benipayo. The Consortium on Electoral Reforms (CER) though inactive still has the network for broad electoral advocacy. IPER basically played the secretariat role in the coalition. However, IPER itself was not prepared organizationally for the opportunities before it. It had just undergone an organizational crisis when mismanagement led to the resignation of its executive director and the temporary retrenchment of much of its staff. Its financial resources also suffered when one partner-agency decided to shift its priorities outside the country. The Board nevertheless decided to frontally tackle the problems given the necessity and opportunities of the post-people Power 2 situation to pursue reforms. A new executive director from the Board was appointed, financial and organizational situations straightened, and new plans came into being. IPER took the initiative to revive the CER coalition, strengthened its links to COMELEC and the House and opened new links to the Senate, political parties, and the Executive. Through CER, it initiated 172

173 the first-ever stakeholders summit on electoral reforms in April It also participated in the first-ever national conference of political parties as a resource institute, and participated in the high level workshop on political party reforms and campaign financing as well as in the study tour on campaign financing to Germany and Belgium. IPER president Loretta Ann Rosales was elected as a vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms. In October 2002, the CER held its revitalization general assembly. IPER executive director Ramon Casiple was elected CER chairperson. In 2003, IPER Board of Trustees started to implement its five-year strategic plan, centering on achieving its mandate as a catalyst for social change in the field of rights-based political and electoral reforms. It seeks to develop as a national player in realizing critical electoral reforms. IPER Executive Director, Ramon Casiple serve as resource person in one of the workshop groups for electoral reforms. To be able to achieve this, it strengthened and reorganized its staff and local networks, published the 2003 psychographic study of the Filipino electorate, drafted core modules for citizen-voter education, and strengthened the CER coalition. It also participated in the congressional hearings and technical working groups on the electoral reform bills and helped shepherd the passage of the Overseas Absentee Voting Law. In the 2004 elections, IPER tested its newfound strength by undertaking major initiatives in citizenvoter education and in the CER-led Compact for A Peaceful Elections. The latter succeeded in getting the presidential and vice-presidential candidates to sign an agreement against electoral violence. 173

174 The crisis surrounding the results of the presidential race led to the gridlock on all governance reforms. This prompted IPER to temporarily shift in 2005 its emphasis to initiatives at the civil society level. It prioritized the citizen-voter education campaign and this led to various breakthroughs as wider and wider sections of the people participated in the campaign. By 2006, IPER has already achieved a major role in the electoral reform field, along with the CER coalition. It is often sought by the major mass media outlets for political analyses and positions on various political and electoral issues. It is widely recognized by peers in civil society as a leader in electoral reforms. It earned a certain level of reputation among Asian democracy advocates. The Institute pioneered in the human rights approach, based on the right of suffrage, the right of people s participation in government, and other human rights, in its work. It participates in major national civil society coalitions such as the CER, the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), the Citizens for A Constitutional Convention (C4CC) to pursue political reforms. In the process, its network grew downwards to the local levels throughout the country and upwards to the Asia and international levels. It sits in the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and participates in its work of election observation missions to various Asian countries. It participates in various Asia-level democracy work and conferences such as the World Forum on Democracy in Asia (WFDA), the International Conference of New and Restored Democracies (ICNRD). It partners with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in the Philippines and in the Asia level, on its work on electoral reforms. Why Selected As Most Significant Story IPER institution-building played a critical role in the overall development of the issue of electoral reforms in the Philippines. Strengthening IPER immediately benefits this reform advocacy by strengthening the CER coalition and the engagement with government and non-government stakeholders. Without this institution-building, the capabilities of the electoral reform advocates would have suffered. IPER, up to now, remains the only independent think tank specializing on political and electoral reforms. Contribution By The Project The project Enhancing Democracy Through Electoral Reform basically involved IPER partnership with Diakonia on the whole IPER program on electoral reforms, including its work in relation to CER. The project enabled IPER to round out the work in this field and provide additional support to specific projects funded by other partners. 174

175 The project was invaluable in providing support to all the activities of IPER on electoral reforms. In relation to IPER institution-building, the project enabled IPER to provide the necessary administrative support so necessary for all projects and activities. The project provided the flexibility and wide latitude for IPER to face the ever-changing political situation, even amidst the crisis of legitimacy surrounding the presidency since Added Value By Diakonia The institutional partnership with Diakonia means that the latter supports the major or the whole of the work of IPER. Consequently, the funds provided by Diakonia proved most useful in the dayto-day work of IPER. The administrative overhead of the Institute such as salaries of administrative personnel, office requirements, daily expenditures on meetings, transportation and communication, and additional support for key projects and activities were drawn from the Diakonia funds. Diakonia basically filled in the gaps in the project funding provided by other partners. In so doing, it proved the most useful and the most valued in IPER partnership relations. Diakonia-sponsored trainings form part of IPER staff development. Exchange of practices and experiences is made available through the study and exposure trips of Diakonia network in Cambodia and India. IPER was able to share practices, experiences, and challenges in legislative advocacy and lobby work to the foreign delegates. And in turn, IPER learned from the exchanges too. Lessons IPER institution-building has proven to be the key factor in developing the capability of the Institute to face the challenges in its advocacy for political and electoral reform. This should be pursued and put on a stable basis. IPER and its work require a whole generation or even more generations of effort. Building Philippine democracy is certainly a long-term and difficult road to take. Advancing political and electoral reforms is a continuing job requiring its institutionalization. While Diakonia was still around in partnership with IPER on the project, it easily adjusted to the constantly changing political environment. When the project ended in 2006, the vacuum was greatly felt in the loss of flexibility and the reserve provided by Diakonia CER and IPER were obliged to work within strict limitations of available project-oriented or activity-oriented funding. 175

176 Recommendations The basic recommendation is for IPER to continue its institution-building work. This entails that IPER develop similar partnership with other partners that it has with Diakonia. The easier alternative, of course, is for Diakonia to once again consider the Philippines, IPER, and its unfinished work in strengthening Philippine democracy as its own priorities. Project Title: Enhancing Democracy through Electoral Reform, Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller/writer: Domain 5: Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) National Ramon C. Casiple, Executive Director Changes that reflect an area for improvement 176

177 I Will Paint Portraits Of People s Simple Lives A student priest is inspired after reading the lives and works of shining personalities that he resolved to write portraits of people s simple lives. He also knows the big difference in what he reads (and what he will eventually write) and what he does but inspired nonetheless to do his part without hesitation as called by people and God. As I read the pamphlets and books published by Alternative Resource Development Center (ARDC) and Hour of Discovery (HoD), I begun to see that an ordinary life of a man and woman in the churches, people s organizations and communities participating in the work for social, political and economic change are stories that are inspiring when told and written. For every life is enmeshed in work, dedication, struggle, conflicts, failures and triumph. Our lives reveal the daily struggle faith and hope, dreams, failures and success, risks, dangers and the unfading visions for a new tomorrow. Reading portraits of people s lives in ARDC pamphlets and books, I resolved that part of my ministry will be recording and writing events of people s simple lives. I will start painting the simple lives of people around me through the written words, said Brother RC Gumban when interviewed what he thinks of ARDC published books and pamphlets. The book, PERSONALITIES IN OUR TIME was published in ARDC books reach out to ministers and priests, church lay leaders, seminary students and leaders of people s organization in Western Visayas and other parts of the country Why Selected As Most Significant Story Brother RC Gumban is a student at the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) seminary in Iloilo City. He wants to build a ministry that is ecumenical and interfaith one that crosses denominational, religious and ideological boundaries. In his wide and dynamic perspectives, he sees God s image in people of different faith be they Baptists and Protestants, Aglipayans (members of the IFI), Roman Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists. He sees God working in political and economic systems in socialist, communist and democratic systems if they work in service of the people. For all people are created in the image of God. There are God s people in every social, political and economic system today. I am a student of social ministry. Reading the pamphlets and small books published by ARDC/HoD has made a strong impression and impact in my life and ministry. It had widened my ecumenical 177

178 perspectives and strengthened my determination to pursue a ministry for structural change social, economic and political. It gave me another inspiration. It serves as additional guidepost for my ecumenical ministry and new involvement. Looking at my present life and work and comparing it with the lives painted in the book, Personalities In Our Time: Ten Portraits, I realized that my life, experiences and resolve pale in comparison with the lives portrayed in the book. There is a big difference on what I read and what I do. Reading the lives of the people in the little book made me firm in my purpose to do what they did. I must not hesitate to do my part, whatever work our people and God call me to do. Contribution By The Project I was informed by Pastor Bernal that the books were published as joint effort with Rev. Olof Lindstrom, who compiled and wrote some of the articles and portraits, shot and preserved pictures, and help edit the books. He also solicited some funds from his friends for the materials to buy paper, ink, master copy and cost for page sorting and binding. The book was printed with the printing equipment provided ARDC by Diakonia. The book projects show how joint efforts can go a long way forward, even when Diakonia has phased out of partnership way back in Brother Gumban said, it is rare that a book carries thoughts of wide ecumenical perspectives Baptist pastors, Lutheran, Catholic and Aglipayan priests, a Catholic sister, UCCP and Methodist theologians, preachers, poets, politicians, militants, music composers, human rights advocates, freedom fighters, peasants leaders, environmentalists and women political workers as seen in the pages of ARDC books. These made the books good resource materials for students from Baptist, UCCP, PIC and Catholic seminaries that organized themselves in an Ecumenical Fellowship. The books have shown me that whatever system of government the country has, when the people are abused, their rights are curtailed and trampled, their lives are endangered and truth is manipulated, the people of God must not stand alone in the sidelines as silent observers. They must stand together and resist oppression and injustices. Their voices must be proclaimed strongly from the rooftops as they have the mandate from God to preach the gospel of liberation, truth and justice. I am happy that now, in some way, I am part of ARDC. I helped in research and in writing some articles in ARDC s new book Personalities In Our Time: From Asia and Europe, with Rudy Bernal and Olof Lindstrom as Editors. The book will be launched April 16, It will share the portraits of men and women who have shaped or are helping shape the social, economic, religious, literary and political horizons of their countries. I am co-writer with Pastor Bernal of the portrait of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento, our Bishop in Tarlac who was killed in his bedroom in the convent of our church. We believe he was assassinated because of his prophetic stand and condemnation of extra judicial political killings in the country. 178

179 Lessons Learned/Recommendations Brother Gumban also said the book, Personalities In Our Time: Ten Portraits, taught him what is good leadership. There is no fixed qualification for a good leader. A farmer and a second year high school committed to the cause of his suffering and struggling people for genuine land reform that will give them small piece of land so his family could eat is a good leader. He has the right to stand side by side in history with international leaders as the great Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary-General of the United Nations, a leader who worked for international peace and help small nations stand the pressures of big powers for justice, peace and equality. ARDC made these possible. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Place where the story happened: Consolidated and Educational Works for Political, Electoral and Social Reforms with Tri-Media ( ) Alternative Resource Development Center, Inc. Iloilo City Date when the story happened: From 2003 to 2004 Storyteller: Storywriter: Domain 5: Brother RC Gumban Rudy Bernal Change that reflect an area for improvement 179

180 From Cooperative To The Town s Planning Council The president of a cooperative active in promoting the cultivation of abaca (manila hemp) was appointed to the town s development and planning council. There, he contributed his experiences when the council drafted the town s comprehensive plan. My name is Giovanni Iguiz. I am the President of Rosal-Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ROFMPC), a former government employee who resigned and dedicated my life in farming. I plant abaca, fruit trees, bananas, timber trees, beans, root crops and rice in our own small farm. ROFMPC has helped farmers in Barangay. (Village) Rosal, Libacao, Aklan, develop a well rounded farming system, practicing multi-crop methods in the their upland farms - planting abaca, fruit trees, bamboos, coconuts, banana, beans and vegetables to provide them with food and other necessities of life. Cooperative members practice Integrated Pest Management System, as a way to minimize use of expensive and hazardous use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in farms. Lands owned by coop members today are now productive. As Chairperson of the cooperative, I saw the potentials of extensive abaca farming in Libacao, with its cool climate and thousands of vacant, uncultivated and unproductive lands in the mountains. Abaca was planted in Libacao for more than a hundred years, but lack of initiatives both from the government and the private sectors was not able to motivate landowners to plant abaca as a commercial crop. No pilot farms were established where people can learn the technology of planting abaca. And the backbreaking method of hand stripping that was practiced one hundred years ago has not changed making large-scale production difficult. There are three kinds of vacant and uncultivated lands in Libacao. The first are the big lands owned by private landowners that are subject to land reform. The problem is that these lands are offered for sale at very high prices and beyond the capacity of poor farmers to buy. The second kind of vacant lands are those owned by the government. These lands may be utilized by organized groups as tree farms on a stewardship basis and these are what the cooperative is negotiating for its members. There are also lands presently occupied by indigenous people that are in danger of being claimed and titled by influential people. Here the cooperative is helping the indigenous people to have the land declared as ancestral domain and be titled to the tribe, so that it could not anymore be taken by people with money or corporations. It was ROFMPC that introduced the first mechanized abaca fiber stripping machine in Libacao, in 1992, when Leyte and Bicol provinces, abaca producing provinces and region have been using fiber stripping machines for nearly 40 years already. Some of our members experimented planting 180

181 Hawaiian pineapple, both for fruits and fiber. And we discovered Hawaiian pineapple fibers are as good as fibers of native pineapple. Diakonia assisted us in purchasing our second fiber-stripping machine. When Charito Navarosa, a development oriented person, was elected mayor in May 2001, with only three votes margin over his opponent, he took the leadership with decisiveness. He directed government employees not to sit in their offices but go and serve the people in the mountain barangays. He spearheaded the campaign for peace and order and settled disputes in a family rivalry that killed about 40 members from each family the last 15 years. He believed only by making the mountain barangays productive, giving income to poor people would the problems of thief, robbery and cattle rustlings, which were rampant in the hinterlands, be addressed. As a friend, he asked me for counsel. We talked about his visions and plans and decided the Municipal Planning and Development Council (MPDC) be re-organized and formulate a comprehensive development plan. Giovanni Iguiz, ROFMPC Chairperson and member of Libacao Municipal Planning and Development Council, discusses the potentials of Libacao for abaca, fruit trees and vegetables production. Here with Katinka Levin, former Diakonia Programme Officer/Manager. Why Selected As Most Significant Story In planning the MPDC, decided focus of developments will be on the following areas peace and order, economic development through strong agricultural activities, infrastructure building and inland tourism. I am part of this vision and development plans of the Municipality of Libacao as member of the Municipal Planning Development Council. The MPDC is the lead group in the formulation of the comprehensive plan of the municipality. It sets the vision and role of the municipality, chooses strategy to pursue and prioritize programs and projects to realize everything. 181

182 I was appointed by Mayor Charito Navarosa to the MPDC, by virtue of my being Chairman of Rosal- Ortega Multi-Purpose Cooperative, representing the NGO S in the planning board. In the MPDC, the experiences and expertise of ROFMPC in abaca farming, ecological and environmental protection, advocacy works were shared and made part of some plans of the council. When mining operators entered Libacao for mining explorations, the leaders and people immediately rejected it. Libacao is planned as a tourist destination in Aklan. This will complement the white beaches of now world famous Boracay Island. Libacao s tourists inland attractions includes traipsing in green valleys and virgin forests, swimming in wild rivers and creeks, climbing and trekking mountain ranges, bamboo rafting challenges, kayaking, mountain biking, rough riding and air gliding, the first of its kind in Panay Island. Libacao with its cooler weather, beautiful natural scenery consisting of verdant valleys, upland farms, springs, rivers, tropical flora, fauna and wildlife, numerous waterfalls, natural springs, mountain ranges that include Mt. Nangtud, the highest peak in Panay will soon make Libacao a major tourist destination, leading producer of abaca fiber in the Western Visayas and producer of different kinds of fruits, high value crops, tropical flowers and vegetables. The building in Barangay Oyang ang Dalagsaan, the farthest barangay that can only be reached now through a one -day hike, of the California Hydro Electric Power Plant, will provide electric power to the hinterland barangays to propel their development. Libacao mountain villages, now considered the repository of Aklan s ethnic culture, will become alive with economic activities, educational works with tourism the kind known as alternative tourism that are environment friendly activities. Contribution By The Project The project has contributed to my development as leader of the cooperative, leader of the barangay and now leader in the municipality. Through the project and the different training and exposures, I gain knowledge, skills and management capacity that help much in my work as member of the municipal planning and development council. Added Value By Diakonia Diakonia s assistance to the cooperative enabled us to develop skills in the practical and scientific way of abaca farming, provided us an opportunity to make a pilot farm, where we learn and taught abaca planting, shading, fertilizing, disease prevention and control and drying of abaca fiber. It helped us to introduce the first abaca fiber stripping machine, encouraging more farmers to plant more abaca in their farms due to easier fiber stripping and quality fiber. 182

183 Lessons Learned/Recommendations Participating in the MPDC enabled me to enter the life of the municipality, helping formulate a comprehensive plan. It is important that non-government organizations voice be recognized in the formal body of government, in terms of policies, priorities and directions on implementations. Here the collective experiences of NGO s will be of great help to the government s formal bodies. Every NGO must learn how it can enter government bodies and push forward the experiences learned in improving the lives of people specially the poor. Our experiences in the development of vacant and unproductive land formerly owned by the big landowners that were never developed since time immemorial now were fully developed. These mean if the vacant lands owned by big landlords be land reformed now and given to landless farmers, three to five hectares each, the unproductive lands in the country will be transformed and made productive. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Consolidation and Expansion Project for Development Education & Economic Activities; Rosal Ortega Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rosal, Libacao, Aklan Giovanni Iguiz Storywriter: Rudy Bernal; February 1, 2006 Domain 5: Change that reflect an area for improvement 183

184 184

185 MSC Stories Domain 6 - Other changes Six more most significant change stories that were not classified as belonging to the previous five domains.

186 Sense Of Responsibility A man in tight financial situation finds answer in his cooperative s lending program, responsibly pays for the loan and keeps his dignity intact. Mr. Jacinto Fabellore, Jr. or Jun, as he is commonly called, is considered as the longest staying employee of the CPBC (Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc.). Leadership changed from time to time, but yet, Jun is still there. He worked as a janitor of CPBC for more than 35 years, starting at a young age of 17 years old. His salary is just enough to support a family with three children having provided with housing by the CPBC. His daughter with three children, and the son with one child are living with him all having no fixed income, Jun takes the responsibility for their needs. Oftentimes, he ran out of cash because his salary cannot meet their daily needs. Besides, he has another son who is a student. He has no option but to advance his salary and this is the cycle of life for him. Jun with three grandchildren Year 1995: the CPBC employees met and organized themselves into cooperative. Jun was one of the founding members of Binhi sa Kauswagan Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC). Binhi sa Kauswagan means Seed of Development. Jun availed of the credit program of the cooperative and it was a big help to him. He said, To borrow money is not easy especially when one does not have the collaterals. In our cooperative, we can avail of the loan without collateral. One good thing about our cooperative is that, it provided special credit program wherein we can borrow money for special projects payable in one year s time which I can afford to pay. I was able to buy a trisikad 186

187 (pedicab) for my son-in-law that provided him with income to feed his family. During our annual general assembly, I am assured of my dividend and patronage refund since I paid my loans regularly. Jun developed the sense of responsibility of paying his loans regularly as he felt ownership of the cooperative. I do not need to roam around anymore every time I need money like paying for my son s school needs or some emergency needs. Our cooperative is very significant in my life for I was able to develop my self-respect and confidence that I can discipline myself to pay my accountability on time. I am thankful that we have Development Ministries and there is Diakonia that we are able to have this cooperative that is helping us so much and I am much benefited. Why Selected As Most Significant Story The values of sense of responsibility, self-respect and confidence that developed with Jun and his realization of these values within him are very significant aside from addressing their financial needs. Contribution By The Project The project, specifically the credit program, responded to the economic needs that led to the good values that developed within Jun. It was in 1988, when the CPBC employees started with a savings & loan association that tried to address the financial needs of the staff. With only 14 staff members, the service was very limited because at the end of the year, contribution of members as savings were returned including the interest so loans can only be in small amount based on contribution collected for the year. It was in 1991, when the Development Ministries adopted the cooperative concept and practices and functioned as such until it got registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in It was through the cooperation project with Diakonia that the cooperative was strengthened and now having 35 members that are employees and former employees of CPBC having total assets of nearly Php 1 million. Membership is now opened to spouses and friends of the CPBC staff. One policy on membership is that a member has own responsibility and benefit to the cooperative. Each one is entitled to all the services, benefits and responsibility of being a member both for a husband and a wife member. It is one of the active cooperatives in Iloilo City having good record from CDA. The Binhi sa Kauswagan MPC served as model to other CPBC-DM organized cooperatives in Panay and Negros especially that members capital build up takes bigger share of our total assets. 187

188 Added Value By Diakonia I am thankful that through Diakonia, our cooperative was strengthened. Diakonia s importance on human dignity helped us develop within the members, sense of responsibility and accountability as these values are discussed in our educational programs and meetings. Lessons When the project is responding to the concrete needs of a person to survive, the members feel the ownership and develop discipline and sense of responsibility, just like Jun. He showed full cooperation and support to the cooperative, as the organization is one where he can run to in times of financial needs. Savings and members capital build up are important factors to a cooperative to serve best its members and the cooperative to maintain stability and self-reliance. Recommendations Strengthen the cooperative ownership of the members. Programs and services should continue to address the concrete needs of members. Develop feasible plan for income generation to maximize wise use of financial resources. Continue and strengthen the savings and members capital build-up. Facilitate meetings for sharing of best practices among Diakonia partners to enhance learning and mutual development. Project Title: Implementing Partner: Project Location: Storyteller: Story writer/recorder: Date of recording/ completion of the story: Domain 6: Panay-Negros Integrated Development Education and Cooperative Program, Phase I-VI ( ) Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries (CPBC DM) Iloilo City Jacinto Fabellore, Jr. Henna Caipang and Feraz Legita January 18, 2007 Other Changes Developed values 188

189 Please Reply ASAP This story relates to the Project Administration of Diakonia Asia Regional Office in Chiang Mai, Thailand during the period August Our roles has very much been related to Project Administration. There has been less direct involvement in visits to partners offices and to the project sites of the primary stakeholders. We have been very much dependent on the correspondence with the partners. This worked in some cases but for some partners it was very difficult to communicate. Letters got lost, no Internet connection, no working telephones, etc. This also led to the dialogue related to the narrative reporting being very limited. This was frustrating to us and it was probably the same for the partners with our limited feedback. This also led to the communication being more on the missing reports and deadlines and not so much as a dialogue on project implementation and project outcome. Even so, there was always the kind understanding, patience and good cooperation of all partners. However, the capacity building related to Project Cycle Management (including reporting) showed a development in partner s reports. We saw that some of the reports became more linked to the proposals including the results, indicators and strategies presented there. We have relied a lot on the kindness of Feraz (and her CPBC/DM colleagues) who has acted as mediator between Diakonia and partners. This cooperation was never formalised. Feraz first started to assist with the planning for the visit by the Swedish staff in the 1990 s and later on this also included coordination for partner meetings, partner reports, etc, etc. It would have been very difficult to do our work during the last years without the support of Feraz and her team! Yvonne, Diakonia Asia Regional Manager reminisce with Feraz the significant events that took place during the Diakonia cooperation in Philippines, as part of collecting and writing Diakonia MSC stories. 189

190 Why Selected As most Significant Story Project administration has been a big part of our work with the Philippine Programme during the past three years. This is one aspect of the partnership between Diakonia and partners. Lessons Capacity building leads to development of the projects and organisations. (Here we would like to quote our colleague in Bangladesh who has said that if we would like to build a country we must start with the people and not with buildings.) It would have been very difficult to manage without the assistance of Feraz and her CPBC/DM employer and colleagues. The Philippine Programme has not been a failure despite there was no Country Representative. There were other ways and models to handle the situation. This can be a learning experience for Diakonia. Recommendations Yvonne and Kanlaya took turns to share the most significant stories of Diakonia to the Philippine partners during the Diakonia Philippine Programme Final If there is no Country Representative Diakonia should find a local partner to act as a linkage between Diakonia and partners, but in a formalized way. Project Title: Implementing Partners: Project Location: Storyteller /writer Date of recording/completion of the story: Domain 6: Diakonia Philippine Programme Diakonia Philippine partners Philippines Ms Yvonne Dahlin and Ms Kanlaya Chularattakorn (Ms Yvonne Dahlin was the Programme Officer/Manager and Ms Kanlaya Chularattakorn was the Project Officer during August 2004 to 2007.) February 19, 2007 Other stories 190

191 Memories That Makes Life More Interesting And Fun Ms Lilian Thybell recalls the time when she was the Programme Officer/Manager for the Philippine Programme during August 2002 to July 2004 based at Diakonia Asia Regional office in Chiang Mai, Thailand. By writing my stories it brought me back to the Philippines and I realize that I have a bit of my heart left there! First of all, it is a good and innovative idea of doing an evaluation by story telling, by partners as well as by target people. As a Programme Officer/Manager it is not relevant to follow the same structure as partners and target people, mainly because we cannot see the real changes, but we can write about our own experiences. I am happy to be part of the story telling and I will tell from my point of view, and the assignment given to me, between August 2002 and July One of the most significant changes was initiated during my time and that was the decision to initiate a phasing out plan from Diakonia funding. This was not an easy task! But, it finally turned out to be a good lesson learned for partners, Diakonia and me. Partnership is not only funding. Already in my first meeting with partners I initiated the discussion about a phasing out plan. The first step agreed upon was to do an evaluation of the project interventions and to find out where each partner were and what were the specific needs for a final project period and how long would it need to be. As a visitor for some days, even weeks and as an outsider from another culture, speaking another language, it is impossible to have a clear understanding of the real situation. I introduced the idea of using a local consultant for an evaluation and partners did not have any person to suggest. Mrs. We decided to focus on the need for capacity building for partners and to strengthen the independence and self-reliance of target groups. 191

192 Ella Arao Jordan was introduced to Diakonia and partners in the Philippines. Ella, I believe has supported the partners and Diakonia a lot since then. We decided to focus on the need for capacity building for partners and to strengthen the independence and self-reliance of target groups. This helped me in the discussion with partners as it was for a good purpose, benefiting both partners and target groups. Following were the initial steps: 1. Evaluation of all partner projects, but different timing according to where they were in their implementation. 2. Revise project proposals and intervention or prepare new project proposal and include the phase-out strategy, with the assistance from Ella as facilitator. 3. Capacity building of partner project staff in identified areas. 4. Participation by target groups and building up independence and self-reliance in the cooperatives and community groups. 5. Networking and sharing among partners in the Philippines and in the region. The HIV/AIDS knowledge summary from the pilot project year was shared to all partners in Boracay, April PLWA (People Living With AIDS) took part and told their stories in the meeting and for many it was the first time to meet someone affected by AIDS. Looking like you and me! The last point was introduced during my time and it was so nice to meet all partners, as they had so many experiences to share and some similar projects and interventions. Also, the sharing of experiences in the region was a positive development and I started the planning for some Indian partners to visit the Philippines and vice versa. The partners appreciated this initiative very much as they felt they got so much out of it in new learning and experiences. HIV/AIDS knowledge was identified as an area every partner needed more capacity building and we started to support a pilot project with Iloilo CODE NGOS, implemented by PROCESS, CPU-KCI and Family Planning Organisation in the Philippines (FPOP). The summary from the pilot project year and sharing for all partners happened in Boracay, April The pilot project I believe was useful and gave possibility for all partners to learn from it. PLWA (People Living With AIDS) took part and 192

193 told their stories in the meeting and for many it was the first time to meet someone affected by AIDS. Looking like you and me! My funny memory from this seminar is the selection of the site a remote beautiful beach but very primitive, open space meeting place, no electricity, huts to climb and sleep on the floor! Common toilets outside to find in the darkness! I stayed there one night on my own before the others arrived and could not sleep the whole night, due to the heat and also because of the hard bamboo floor. Later when other participants came, they refused to stay in this place and urgently another place was selected. The seminar ended with a nice beach party, singing, dancing and eating Philippine style. I would like to continue to tell some specific memories from meetings with partners, as this is also part of our work and relation to each other. ILOILO CODE NGOS I remember the breakfast meetings with good local food and very relaxed information about the latest developments in the project implementation. But, I remember more the food than what was said, sorry! And Boyet will always be Emmanuel for me! I also remember the dedication among staff and the main change I think that took place during my time was to move from piloting to Model development for Good Governance: Hopefully the Model now can be used all over the country. And Boyet will always be Emmanuel for me! ARDC-HOD/PEEP Dear Pastor Rudy Bernal and his lovely wife Hesther and the good meals in their home. I was tough with Pastor Rudy, but he handled it with dignity! The two projects merged to one during my time to avoid overlapping and also to make it easier for reporting. First time we met, I was interviewed about my experiences in Vietnam, etc. and he asked many difficult questions, more suitable for a president of a country! When it was over, he told me he had forgotten to put the button on for recording! We had to do it all over again and the second time he asked completely new and even more difficult questions. No more interviews during my time! 193

194 CARLES MPC According to my understanding, most changes may have taken place in the CMPC project for the empowerment of target groups. It was difficult discussions, but finally I must say, I admire Ms Elvira Bernal. She could cope with organizational changes as well as changes in the community approach. They moved away from doing for community to doing by the community. I think their motivation was to see a change in the poor communities. I also remember the fiesta in Carles and in the evening we had to go home early as there may be shooting and fighting. We stayed at the beach and there it was quiet, peaceful and beautiful. IPER I remember the high level of knowledge and the capability to work from lowest level to highest level in society. I also remember the visit to MP (Member of Parliament is Representative in Philippine context) Mrs. Loretta and that she gave her time for a meeting. That is typical for the Philippines, that we should always pay a visit to the VIPs and the mayor of the town and other leaders when we visited the project area. PAHRA Sorry to say that I remember mostly the conflicts between staff and how this affected the individuals as well as the program. PAHRA was an established institution with good reputation in human rights, but had problems to find its new role. But, I remember good and open discussions in the office in Quezon City. ROSAL ORTEGA MPC I think of the remoteness of some of the target groups. We went by car, crossed the river by boat, and took a motorbike up the mountains on slippery road to reach the community. Then suddenly there was an abaca stripping machine and cultivation of abaca (manila hemp). The main changes were the introduction of making the community groups and cooperatives self-reliant and also to increase the rate of paying back some old loans. It is very difficult to get repayment, if this is not a condition from beginning. Also, to move the project management from Iloilo to Rosal Ortega to avoid delays in implementation and follow up. CPBC CPBC is the organization that has got support from Diakonia the longest. From beginning, as all other Programme Officers/Managers, I requested Mrs. Feraz to function as a coordinator for the travel program in Panay and Negros areas. Mrs. Feraz also played the role of an advisor, assisting 194

195 in taking note and sometimes for translation, very valuable help at the meetings with partners for better interaction and understanding. CPBC was also the organizer for the first ever Networking meeting between partners and it was in Punta Villa outside Iloilo. I believe Mrs. Feraz has been of very good support to Diakonia in the planning process for the program in the Philippines. Some of the cooperatives were very strong and independent. During my time we agreed that CPBC should do their own evaluation to categorize the cooperatives based on criteria for the steps to become self-reliant. Then to focus on those who were weaker and needed more support to become independent. I also remember all the singing pastors/social workers and especially the training we had together in Bukidnon. In Bukidnon we stayed for three days; some stayed in the church and some were camping. We had training of trainers in methods on how to train the illiterate. During one session the trainers did a role-play on diarrhoea and played sick and the other should advice what to do. One older lady from the community fainted, because she thought it was real! The pastor being so sick! The lesson learned is that role-play and drama can give a very strong message. It needs to be introduced and later to have a follow up discussion. This is my contribution to your write up of the experiences of Diakonia in Philippines. Thank you to all for all the memories, which make the life more interesting and fun. I did not mean to hurt anyone and if I have done so, forgive me! God s blessings for the future! Partnership does not end when financial support ends! Why Selected As Most Significant Story We wanted to give the former Diakonia staff who has worked with the Philippine Programme a chance to share their stories when the Programme is being evaluated. Lessons Documentation by Diakonia staff is important, especially in regard to the high turnover of Swedish staff. Project Title: Implementing Partners: Project Location: Storyteller: Storywriter/recorder: Date of recording/completion of the story: Domain 6: Diakonia Philippine Programme Diakonia Philippine partners Philippines Lilian Thybell, Diakonia Programme Officer/Manager (August 2002 to July 2004) Lilian Thybell/ Yvonne Dahlin February 7, 2007 Other stories 195

196 I don t remember as it was so long ago, but Reflections by former Diakonia staff In preparation for the Write Shop, the staff at Diakonia Asia Regional Office in Chiang Mai contacted the former Diakonia staff * who had worked with the Philippine Programme asking them to write their story. All replied but expressed their difficulty to write a story as a long time had passed and details had been forgotten. The exception was Ms Lilian Thybell who was the Programme Officer/Manager during August 2002 to July Her story will be presented separately. The former Diakonia staff referred to reports that were written during their time in the office. Unfortunately it was not possible to go through every staff report for the past years. However some input was given that will be shared below. Visit to a Cooperative in Capiz by Ms. Katinka All pointed out the importance of partner visits and visit to partner s target groups and meetings with people on all levels (partners, grassroots level, etc.). There are also the individual meetings where people are mentioned like Feraz, Rudy, walking up to a Bukidnon village, going by boat to Carles island projects, fishing crabs, sharing laughs and thoughts with CPBC staff etc, etc. * Ms Els-Marie Carlbäcker was the Programme Officer/Manager during August 1995 to July Ms Laila Stenberg was the Programme Officer/Manager during August 1998 to July Ms Katinka Levin was the Programme Officer/Manager during August 2000 to July

197 There is also the worry that the working style of Diakonia has changed over the last years which means that visits like the ones mentioned above are not carried out by Diakonia staff anymore. Someone pointed out that she was told that most work was carried out by local staff these days. The distance between the projects and the Swedish staff seem to have become larger which she says can be questioned. Ms. Laila met with members of Rosal Ortega Multi-purpose Cooperative Someone reflected on the projects and target groups. Most of the projects did continue after the Diakonia staff left. The target group would to a large extent be the same. Many of the projects supported by Diakonia were small-scale projects and could therefore reach the local target group well and be followed up well by the partners. Ms. Els Marie having time with children in Capiz The former staff all expressed how much it had meant to them to have worked with the Philippine Programme and how much it had touched their lives and that they had many stories left in their lives from these days even if they were not easy to share at this time. 197

198 Why Selected As Most Significant Story We wanted to give the former Diakonia staff who had worked with the Philippine Programme a chance to share their stories at this time when the Programme is being evaluated. Lessons Learned One person commented that during her time many of the projects were small-scale projects and could therefore reach the local target group and be followed up well. Documentation by Diakonia staff is important especially in regard to the high turn over of Swedish staff. All documents should be done in English. How do we remember and save the stories in our organisations? The distance between the projects and the Swedish staff seem to have become larger which could be questioned. Project Title: Implementing Partners: Project Location: Storytellers Storywriter/recorder: Date of recording/completion of the story: Domain 6: Diakonia Philippine Programme Diakonia Philippine partners Philippines Ms Els-Marie Carlbäcker, Ms Laila Stenberg and Ms Katinka Levin Ms. Yvonne Dahlin January/February 2007 Other stories 198

199 Learning From Each Other This story relates to the Capacity Building of Diakonia Asia Regional Office in Chiang Mai, Thailand during period Aug From 2002/2003 there was a focus on capacity building for partners in the Philippines. The capacity building was based on the needs of the partners but facilitated by Diakonia. The first Partners Meeting took place in 2003 where all partners were invited to come and share about their work, experiences as well as challenges faced during the year. The outcome of the Partner Meetings is networking, to learn from each other as well as to focus on a particular issue for capacity building. Diakonia has also sponsored a series of trainings for partners in the Philippines on relevant issues based on their needs: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Goal Oriented Project Planning (GOPP), Project Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) and Report Writing, etc. Diakonia Philippine partners meeting in 2005 In 2004, Diakonia organized a training on Octagon (organizational assessment tool) for the partners in the Philippines. This was done with the facilitation of Dr K.S Moharana, Diakonia Country Representative for India. Also in 2004 some Diakonia partners from India together with Diakonia Country Representatives visited the Philippines with focus on Democracy, Governance and Cooperatives. The participants expressed the following after the visit: 199

200 Capacity of an NGO to intervene at the national level to bring about electoral reform with serious research, publication, networking and liaisoning even at the political party level is a great success. On top of that, their ability to influence policy level decision to bring about electoral reform is great. That they are able to float a political party, which has caught the imagination of the nation, is something great. The experiential learning of ICODE that NGOs to be effective should look for ways to improve its capacity instead of just being stagnant doing the same things. It would increase the impact and effectiveness at the horizontal and vertical levels. Thus, the idea of a course where NGO workers are trained on local governance at the University level. Government recognizes involvement of NGO in politics, but it requires high degree of professionalism in form of network, advocacy, research on issues and linking micro and macro issues. In October 2006, five staff from three partners made a visit to Diakonia partners in India. The focus of the visit was on self-help groups and income generating activities. Legitimacy of any organization depends upon its style of functioning and organizational culture/values in terms of transparency, accountability. High level of literacy (93%) in Philippines is one of major factor for high level of awareness among community. Women empowerment is clearly visible in all spheres of life. 200

201 It is worth mentioning and unavoidable to see joint venture between NGO and University in running need based courses (a mixture of community need, NGO experiences and academics efforts). Decentralization, participation and governance are crucial ingredients witnessed in the local government level in one of the village/barangay due to hard efforts of concerned NGOs with the community. National level networks of NGOs are also very illustrious example. Management of successful micro finances among poor section of the society with high percentage repayments is also a very important example to emulate. Cooperatives indeed are the most important alternatives for marginalized people as economic institutions, if managed by trained staff and its principle and values are imbibed well by members. This was a burning example of hard efforts taken up jointly by CPBC and the churches in both rural and urban area. A number of successful multipurpose societies indicate the power and relevance of such economic institution for marginalized groups specifically in Indian context. There was also the component of experience exchange for Diakonia partners in Asia to the Philippines and also from the Philippines to other countries. During February 2005 more than twenty people from Diakonia and Forum Syd s partner organizations in Cambodia went on a study tour to the Philippines meeting with several local NGOs including some Diakonia partners (ICODE and IPER). The purpose of the tour was to meet with Philippine organizations to learn from their experiences. In particular, Diakonia wants to support the creation of strong, responsible Boards, a problem for some organisations, where organizations usually are controlled by the Directors, sometimes with the assistance of a management committee comprising other staff. The study tour was successful and the Cambodians took the opportunity to ask their Philippine colleagues many questions; about volunteering Board members, networking, division of responsibilities and about how to deal with conflicts within a Board. This study tour was part of Diakonia s cooperation with Forum Syd in the area of organisational development. In particular, Diakonia wants to support the creation of strong, responsible Boards; a rare feature in Cambodia, where organizations usually are controlled by the Director, sometimes with the assistance of a management committee comprising other staff. 201

202 The Cambodian participants were inspired by the strong commitment of Philippine organizations. While popular movements and volunteer work are uncommon in Cambodia, and most of the organizations still are young, people in the Philippines have for a long time organized themselves into non-profit organizations to promote changes in society. Over time, these organizations have developed strong structures as well as good capacity. In 2005, NGO Forum, Diakonia partner in Cambodia went on a visit to the Philippines on Gender Issues. During October 2006, five staff representing three partners (CPBC, ICODE and Carles MPC) in the Philippines made a visit to Diakonia partners in India. The focus of the visit was on self-help groups and income generating activities. It was found during the discussions that there were many similarities between the self-help groups in India and the cooperatives in the Philippines. Visit of Diakonia partners in India to Philippines. The focus of the visit was on Cooperatives and Local Governance During the visit, the partners from the Philippines got a chance to meet with a group of students at the Xavier Institute of Management (one partner of Diakonia in India). The issues discussed were related to Good Governance and many relevant questions raised by the students to the team from the Philippines. The discussions and interactions continued during the visit also with other partners. Apart from the Philippine team, two staff of Diakonia also joined in the visit (Dr Moharana, Country Representative for India and Ms Kanlaya, Project Officer at Asia Regional Office). By taking part in the discussions it gave them a better understanding about the two countries. In conclusion in must be said that not only the partners benefited from the exchange but also Diakonia s staff We are learning from each other. 202

203 Why Selected As Most Significant Story We wanted to show the importance of capacity building and experience exchange as part of developing as an organization. We want to maintain Philippine partners as learning organizations for Diakonia partners to learn from when dealing with similar issues. Lessons It is important and necessary to get training in order to grow as an organization. Experience exchange is the base for dialogue, inspiration and widening of perspectives of the people involved in development work. Generally, people involved in development work are very committed and they need to get exposure and input to be able to keep the inspiration and drive for the work that they are doing. Partners have expressed the importance of the trainings and capacity building. They have equipped the partners on organizational and individual levels. Changes have taken place after the capacity building and were seen in report and proposal writing, etc. Recommendations Diakonia should include Philippine partners in regional meetings on relevant issues. To maintain Philippines partners as learning organizations for Diakonia partners to learn from when dealing with similar issues. For example the clear organizational structures of Philippine organizations, the role of board in management and policymaking and good governance. Project Title: Implementing Partners: Project Location: Storyteller /writer/recorder Date of recording/completion of the story: Domain 6: Diakonia Philippine Programme Diakonia Philippine partners Philippines Ms Yvonne Dahlin and Ms Kanlaya Chularattakorn (Ms Yvonne Dahlin was the Programme Officer/Manager and Ms Kanlaya Chularattakorn was the Project Officer during August 2004 to 2007.) February 19, 2007 Other stories 203

204 Phasing In Is Easier Than Phasing Out The sharing of Kanlaya and Yvonne who is responsible for the Philippine Programme since August 2004 at Diakonia Asia Regional Office in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We took over the management of the Philippine Programme when the decisions had already been taken for the phasing out and when the phasing out plan had already been prepared and finalised. It was our responsibility and duty to carry out what had already been decided. This was not an easy task especially when partners requested continuing support from Diakonia. Phasing out is difficult and painful... Yvonne, Asia Regional Manager and Kanlaya, Project Officer gave their thanks to the Philippine organizations for the partnership and cooperation... That there was no need for partnership and project support to the Philippines was not the basis of the phasing out. The phasing out was part of the following: concentration of support, geographic and thematic focus and limited resources. The discussion regarding phasing out of Philippine Programme started at Diakonia already during 2000/2001. The Diakonia Board took a formal decision during December It should also be noted that Diakonia did not have a Country Representative in the Philippines like we have in the other countries. There has been a high turnover of Swedish staff responsible for the Programme and there was not much involvement of local staff in Chiang Mai in the Programmes before Already in 2002 the partners were informed about the phasing out plan and needs assessments were conducted in order to support capacity building for identified areas. Different consultants were involved in the various capacity building activities. The phasing out led to our involvement on project level becoming limited. Not as much involvement and follow up were done as before by former Programme Managers. No regular visit 204

205 to partners and visit to partner s project sites were made. We were more concerned with partner reports and the implementation of the capacity building activities. It was decided that the phasing out be finished by December During the phasing out period Diakonia should continue to give project support to partners but also increase capacity building activities. There should be a Final Evaluation after the phasing out in order to learn from this experience. There is a sad feeling to close relationships that have been there for many years. There is the history of Diakonia based on the long cooperation with partners in the Philippines. There is also the close connection between the SBU and the CPBC. It is easy to phase in but difficult to phase out. When there has been a partnership, it is like separating or a divorce. Even worse, this separation or divorce is not based on disagreements or difficulties but for other reasons where one partner is setting the agenda and where the other partner has no possibility to say NO or no possibility to make the other partner change their mind or decision. It is not an equal separation! It is important and necessary to document not only the technical part of the phasing out but also the part related to partnership and cooperation. Country partners and Diakonia representatives discussed and analyzed the MSC stories they shared during Diakonia Phil Programme Final Evaluation Writeshop in February There are the concerns related to partners sustainability for them to find new funding sources, the continuation of the projects and the worries for partner s staff and the primary target groups. Why Selected As Most Significant Story It is important and necessary to document not only the technical part of the phasing out but also the part related to partnership and cooperation. Lessons Phasing out is difficult and painful. Clear information is important when making big changes. 205

206 The partners were informed about the phasing out and during the phasing out period there was capacity building for sustainability. Recommendations Find other/new ways for cooperation that do not necessary involve project support. If there is no Country Representative Diakonia should find a local partner to act as a linkage between Diakonia and partners, but in a formalised way. Partners don t expect Diakonia to stay in the Philippines forever, if so it will not be development. However, the partners will miss the meetings, sharing and dialogue It is easy to phase in but difficult to phase out... when there has been a partnership. The Philippine partners gave their heartfelt recognition and thanks to Diakonia representatives: Yvonne and Kanlaya during the Diakonia Philippine Programme Final Evaluation Writeshop in February 2007 in Philippines. Project Title: Implementing Partners: Project Location: Storyteller /writer/recorder: Date of recording/completion of the story: Domain 6: Diakonia Philippine Programme Diakonia Philippine partners Philippines Ms Yvonne Dahlin and Ms Kanlaya Chularattakorn (Ms Yvonne Dahlin was the Programme Officer/Manager and Ms Kanlaya Chularattakorn was the Project Officer during August 2004 to 2007.) February 19, 2007 Other stories 206