The project titled Enhancement of Community Capacity for Sustainable Ecological Protection and Economic Development (ECOSEED) – Phase 2 conducted a capacity-building and training activity with emphasis on Project and Financial Management. The training was participated by representatives from six (6) Indigenous Peoples Organizations in Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon. The ECOSEED-2 project is implemented by Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Forest Foundation Philippines.
The two-day training program was designed to accommodate two batches of participants in observance of the mandated minimum health protocols. The batches were composed of IPOs from Pangantucan/Maramag and then Valencia City. With still the risk of the COVID-19 virus, the activity was further scheduled as follows: CALUDA on July 8-9, PTTA on July 10, and NAMAMAYUK on July 11-12. The following month, IPO from Valencia were trained on August 6-7 with TUMINDOK and MANTALA, then on August 10-11 for BLLUPENTTRAS.
This training aims to capacitate the partner IPOs in managing and sustaining their organization, especially with their finances. Although, the training only covered the basic topics, it provided them knowledge and skills to enhance their organizational management practices and explore opportunity to collaborate with respective agencies to further support their development plans for their community. In total, there were 87 key IPO officials and members who have attended the training with representatives from the youth and women sectors.
The Training Program
In the module for Project Management, discussion on its definition, functions, and goals including the processes, tools with the roles/responsibilities of managers in running a project were shared.
“Narealize nako na dako og responsibilidad labi na sa atoa na naay katungod. Kailangan nato iappply atong natun-an gahapon. Like sa BOD. Naa dapat kay panlataw labi na sa sunod na mga henerasyon, sa kabatan-onan.” – Ara Ecat, MANTALA
The Financial Management module on the other hand undertook discussions on the methodology of auditing, record keeping, and bookkeeping. Standard financial forms were also presented where the participants had a hands-on experience of solving, and doing calculations as well as data entry.
“Dako kaayo kog pasalamat labi na sa paghandle, pagmanage. Akong nakita, dili lang na pinansyal atong lantawon, labi na ang pag-atiman sa kinaiyahan. Duna kitay umaabot na mga umaabot na project, makita nila na gialimanhan gyud nila ang ilang tanom/project.” – Gilbert Caidic, Vice President, TUMINDOK
The whole training program was done based on the needs of the IPOs as they progress on managing more projects within their organizations as well as improve their management strategies for the development of their members and the entire community. ###
