Lake Mainit Development Alliance

Lake Mainit FOCAS Gathered on CSO-LGU Meeting and Disaster Preparedness Forum

2009-10-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Various Lake Mainit FOCAS stakeholders from partner Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Local Government Units (LGU) and Government Line Agencies actively participated and contributed to the success of the 9^th CSO-LGU Meeting and Lake Mainit Disaster Preparedness Forum on October 22-23, 2009 with the activity theme “Strengthening CSO-LGU through networking and disaster preparedness”. The CSO is composed of LMDAs partner non-government organizations and people’s organizations. The provincial, municipal and barangay LGUs are invited to grace the activity. (continue)

PACAP Turn-overs FOCAS Projects in Lake Mainit Cluster

2009-09-29T23:35:00.000-07:00

The Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) starts the project turn-over of FOCAS/RAS funded projects in Lake Mainit Cluster. The PACAP officials led by Mr. David Swete Kelly, the Program Director and Ms. Lourdes Marina Padilla, the Program Coordinator successfully turned-over the project (continue)

SURE Project Cacao Exposure Tour

2009-09-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Caraga Consortium for Environmental protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (CEEPSD), the project implementor of Sison Upland Resource Enhancement (SURE) project facilitated the exposure tour to cacao Malagos Farm, Davao City last September 17, 2009. The activity was actively participated by the member beneficiearies of Sison Hungos Multipurpose Cooperative (SIHUMCO) with Ms. Monina Hernandez, the PACAP Project Officer, LMDA representatives and BOD of CCEPSD. (continue)

LMDA Organizes Training on Sustainable Fisheries Management

2009-06-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

By: Gilbert P. Leopoldo
LMDA Admin Staff

The Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) organized 5-day Training on Sustainable Fisheries Management in the Context of Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries on June 15-19, 2009 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City. Said training was funded by Department of Agrarian Reform - International Fund for Agricultural Development Northern Mindanao Community Initiatives Resource Management Program (DAR/IFAD-NMCIREMP) through the Sustainable Fishery Program for Lake Mainit Phase II in collaboration with Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) and MSU-Naawan Foundation for Science & Technology Development, Inc. (continue)

Multi Stakeholders in Lake Mainit FOCAS Gathered

2009-06-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

Thirty-two representatives from different stakeholders in Lake Mainit FOCAS convened at Kapihan sa Mainit Restaurant, Mainit, Surigao del Norte last May 19, 2009. Among the participating agencies actively involved in the activity includes the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-Caraga, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Surigao del Norte, Surigao Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT), Province of Surigao del Norte representing the PPDO, LMDA-TWG especially the action officers/MPDC of the eight municipalities and partner Civil Society Organizations especially representatives from six (6) implementing NGOs and seventeen (17) POs implementing PACAP projects in Lake Mainit. (continue)

PCFMPC Launches its Coco Fiber and Peat Production

2009-04-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

Once more the Paco Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PCFMPC) in Barangay, Paco, Mainit, Surigao del Norte has taken the next steps in modeling a strategy for sustainable upland development through the establishment of a decorticating machine which will help in their solid waste management program and earn incomes for the coop as well. This is a component of the PACAP-assisted project “Increasing Upland Farmers’ Competencies for Sustainable Livelihood” which is implemented by Kasanyangan Rural Development Foundation, Inc. (KRDFI) under the FOCAS Management Committee facilitated by the Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA). This component has a twin target of earning incomes and contributing to the health of the environment by reducing solid wastes. It targets to assist the coop earn P23, 400 per 2-month cycle; and reduce coco husks wastes by 312,000 per 2-month cycle. (continue)

Is Lake Mainit’s Pijanga in Danger?

2009-01-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

Pijanga, local name for fresh white goby is the major fish specie in Lake Mainit. However, the latest report shows that pijanga size is reduced. Is Pijanga now under threat?

Based on the latest study on the Sustainable Fisheries Management Program (SFMP) for Lake Mainit conducted by the MSU-Naawan researchers from August to October 2007, it was found out that there were 27 kinds of finfish species of which some might be temporary (migratory or seasonal); 3-5 kinds crustaceans; 8-10 kinds mollusk; and 14 kinds of aquatic plants. And out of 27 kinds of finfish species, the white goby, locally known as pijanga or pedianga is commonly identified from the catches in Lake Mainit area. (more...)

Assessment Workshop of PACAP Assisted Livelihood/Micro-Enterprise and NRM Projects in Lake Mainit FOCAS

2008-11-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

A total of 22 participants are actively participating to the Assessment Workshop of PACAP Assisted Livelihood/Micro-Enterprise and NRM Projects in Lake Mainit FOCAS. Said activity was successfully conducted on October 29-30, 2008 held at San Lorenzo Ruiz Formation Center, Ampayon, Butuan City. The main objective of the assessment workshop is to capacitate the FOCAS Management Committee and Project Implementers in undertaking analysis of livelihood and natural resource management projects. (Continue)

LMDA – FOCAS Lakbay Aral 2008

2008-10-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

By: Gilbert P. Leopoldo

The FOCAS Management Committee (FMC) team and Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) Project Management Office team have made a successful Lakbay Aral on Lake Management and Development at the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) in Manila last September 16-19, 2008. The said activity was facilitated and funded by Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP). (click here to continue)

Sustainable Fisheries Management Planning Workshop

2008-10-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

By: Gilbert P. Leopoldo

The Lake Mainit Development Alliance successfully conducted a two-day Sustainable Fisheries Management (SFM) Planning Workshop on October 14-15, 2008. This was held at Agricultural Training Center, Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The participants of this training - workshop were the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) Officers, Local Research Person’s (LRP), Municipal Agriculturist (MA), Agricultural Technologist (AT), Academe, LMDA PMO staff and selected Line Agency like NEDA, BFAR, and DA.

The programme was facilitated by the MSU-Naawan Team headed by their Team Leader Dr. Asuncion B. De Guzman. The purpose of the Planning- Workshop is the presentation of Progress Report of MSU-Naawan in their on-going study of the Lake and validation of data by the different stakeholders. The second day of the training was the actual planning-workshop for the formulation of Vision, Mission and Goals of SFM. (click here to continue)

Foundation for the Philippine Environment conducts Strategic Planning for Lake Mainit

2008-08-31T17:44:00.000-07:00

Butuan City – The Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) successfully conducted a three-day Strategic Planning Workshop Part 1 on August 20-22, 2008 at San Lorenzo Ruiz Pastoral Formation Center, Ampayon, Butuan City. It was actively participated with partners’ local government units in four lakeshore municipalities; eight assisted people’s organizations; Indigenous People; Geographic Rediscovery of Endangered Environment and Natural Resources in Mindanao (GREEN Mindanao) Association, Inc., Caraga Consortium for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc., and Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA).

Resource Persons from the Mindanao State University facilitated the said activity. Mr. Armando C. Pacudan, the Regional Operations Manager Mindanao Regional Unit explained the main purpose of the activity which is to formulate strategic development plans for Lake Mainit Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation project intervention as main workshop output of the activity.

The activity was highlighted with the workshops on assessing the Lake Mainit Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation project strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities; crafting vision and mission for Lake Mainit; and presentation of the 5-year indicative development plans which focus on organizational strengthening, environmental policy formulation and implementation, tribal empowerment, natural resources management (NRM), alternative livelihood, linkages/networking, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign, access to basic services/resources, and research and development.

The next step is to present the workshop output to the eight assisted community areas for validation and further enhancement for the Part 2 strategic planning. The following are the agreed dates of workshop presentation and validation to eight pilot communities in Lake Mainit:

August 28, 2008 a.m	Cantugas, Mainit, Surigao del Norte
August 31, 2008 a.m	Tagbuyawan, Mainit, Surigao del Norte
August 31, 2008 p.m	Tapian, Mainit, Surigao del Norte
August 29, 2008 a.m	San Juan, Alegria, Surigao del Norte and San Roque, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte
August 29, 2008 p.m	Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte
August 30, 2008 a.m	Bunga, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte
August 30, 2008 p.m	Poblacion, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte

Result of the validation will be presented and discussed on the Part 2 of strategic planning workshop which will be conducted on September 8-9, 2008.

Hopefully, the final strategic plan will be included in the continues project intervention of FPE in Lake Mainit biodiversity conservation, Mr. Pacudan said.
© By Johny S. Natad
Photos by Caraga Consortium for Environmental Protection & Sustainable Development, Inc.

Lake Mainit FMC attend PACAP RBME Training

2008-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

By: Johny S. Natad

Cebu City – Eleven participants from Lake Mainit FOCAS Management Committee (FMC) attended the four-day training on Results-Based Monitoring & Evaluation (RBME) with Lakbay-Aral held at Richmond Plaza Hotel, Cebu City on July 28-31, 2008. The training was sponsored by the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) and facilitated by Mr. Rodolfo B. Santos Jr. as the resource person of the said training with Ms. Monina G. Hernandez, the PACAP Provincial Project Officer, and Ms. Annabel Naig, the Administrative Staff as the training management team.

Attended on the training were Mr. Alberto M. Garrido, the FMC Chairperson; Mr. Felix P. Maglaque, the People’s Organization Representative for Surigao del Norte; Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr, the LMDA Director; Ms. Ann Jaquilmac, the NEDA Representative; Ms. Josephine Adriaque, PPDO-Agusan Norte Representative; Mr. Jerry B. Acero, of SNCAT; Ms. Glenda A. Plaza, of AADC-Mindanao; Mr. Emelio Pantejo of PPDO Surigao Norte; Mr. Emmanuel A. Miraballes of Alterdev; Forester Omar C. Barillo, the Project Coordinator; and Mr. Johny S. Natad, the Assistant Project Coordinator.

Ms. Hernandez said that there is a need to enhance the stakeholders’ competencies in monitoring and evaluating projects through a more results-focused and impact-driven approach. The RBME Training aims to provide the framework and fundamentals for a systematic and results-based type of M&E that shifts the focus to the benefits derived from the project during implementation and the impact of the project intervention at various levels. The training will also serve as an opportunity for sharing practical knowledge and noteworthy practices among the FOCAS Clusters.

The Lakbay-Aral as part of the training activity was conducted to PACAP assisted projects like the Integrated Micro Watershed and Community Development Project at Barangay Anopog, Pinamugajan, Cebu implemented by Mag-uugmad Foundation, Inc. (MFI) and the Kwarta sa Basura at Barangay Luz, Cebu City, Cebu City implemented by Lihok Pilipina and Local Government Unit of Barangay Luz.

The said training was also participated by the FMCs of Hinatuan Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA) and Siargao Islands Protected Landscape and Seascapes (SIPLAS).
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Photos by Ms. Ann Jaquilmac and Ms. Monina Hernandez

LMDA conducts CSO-LGU Meeting

2008-08-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Jabonga, Agusan del Norte – The Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) facilitated Civil Society Organization (CSO) LGU Meeting on June 25, 2008 held at Sustainable Agriculture Learning and Resource Center, Barangay Cuyago, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. The meeting attended by 51 representatives from partner LGUs, NGOs, POs, Academe and national government line agency.

The LGU and line agency representatives who attended the meeting were Ms. Ybonne S. Buñe of Municipality of Sison; Mr. Emilio Pantejo of Province of Surigao del Norte; Mr. Rollan M. Beronilla of Municipality of Jabonga; Mr. Nilo M. Montaner of Municipality of Mainit; and Mr. Renato Corvera of DTI Agusan del Norte. The Surigao Norte College of Agriculture of Technology was represented by Mr. Carlos Dunque. The following NGOs and POs who participated in the activity:

Associates for Integral Development Foundation, Inc.
Caraga Consortium fro Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc.
Alterdev Services Foundation, Inc.
Agri-Aqua Development Coalition-Mindanao
Kasanyangan Rural Development Foundation
Propegemus Foundation, Inc.
Surigao Economic Development Foundation
San Isidro Upland Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO)
Sison Hungos Multipurpose Cooperative (SIHUMCO)
Tapian Developer's Association
Tagbuyawan Lakeshore Association
Dayano Farmer's Association
Paco Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative
Magpayang Rural Farmers and Producers Cooperative (MARUFAPCO)
Marga Farmers Irrigators Association (MAFIA)
Capayahan Agrarian Beneficiaries Organization (CABO)
San Isidro Lihok sa Kalabuan Inc. (SIKLA)
San Roque Multipurpose Cooperative (SAROMCO)
Bangonay Developer's Farmers Association (BANDFA)
Cuyago Farmer's & Fishersfolk’s Association (CUFFA)
Canaway Farmer’s & Fisherfolk’s Association (CAFFA)
Budlingin Multipurpose Cooperative
Camp Eduard Multipurpose Cooperative
Kahugpungan sa mga Organisadong Katawhan sa Jabonga (KAOSA-KA)

The said meeting highlighted with the sharing of project updates from the Focal Community Assistance Scheme (FOCAS) and Responsive Assistance Scheme (RAS) projects of AusAID-PACAP in 14 communities by the partner NGOs and POs. Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr, the LMDA Program Director presented the highlights on the latest Sustainable Fisheries Program for Lake Mainit inception report of MSU-Naawan and the Solid Waste Management updates. Mr. Pantejo presented the provincial investment updates of Surigao del Norte. Mr. Corvera informed the participants that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Agusan and Surigao del Norte is willing to help partners in project development, trainings and other technical assistance.

The CSO-LGU Meeting is part of the Lake Mainit FOCAS Milestone activity. The activity will provide periodic coordination among Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) regarding development efforts and environmental intervention for Lake Mainit particularly on the project implementations. The activity will further give significant information to the concerned people and offices with a purpose to encourage them participate in discussion, planning and advocacy promotion for Lake Mainit.

PLEASE Project Launching deemed successful

2008-08-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Alegria, Surigao del Norte - Project launching ceremony of PACAP-funded project “People’s Livelihood Efforts in Agro-forestry and Sustainable Environment” (PLEASE) was successfully conducted on July 21, 2008 at Barangay Budlingin Multi-Purpose Hall, Barangay Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao del Norte. The ceremony started with unveiling of project signage and ceremonial planting jointly exhibited by project partners who were in attendance. (Read more)

SIUFMULCO, National Nominee for outstanding MSME of the Philippines

2008-06-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

By Leonora A. Mila
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SIUFMULCO’s victory came from a very challenging opportunities and struggles. It started with ISFP of DENR, followed by CBRMP of LGU Santiago, DTI and DOLE. Now with the intervention of PACAP who give the coop a big break – giving trust to manage a Php 4.8 million project with Php 3.2 million of PACAP grants. And after several years of struggle, the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) finally found its destiny, the fulfillment of its goals and vision.

The Small and Medium Entrepreneur Development Council (SMED), a group of the Government Agencies, NGOs, and Private Sectors in partnership with GLOBE will give an award to the 2008 Outstanding Small and Medium Entrepreneur (SME) in the entire Philippines as part of the SMED week this coming July 9, 2008. This will be for the Provincial, Regional, and National Level.

SIUFMULCO nominated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office as an outstanding SME for the provincial level won automatically since no competitor rises. In the Regional Level, there were five (5) SMEs competing and SIUFMULCO garner the award. Thankful to have been chosen as the regional awardee and now we are the contestant for the National Level.

The objectives of the 2008 Outstanding SME award is to give recognition to the outstanding enterprises which may either be Micro, Small or Medium (MSME) and to recognize programs and services that best served the MSME’s sector. There will be three winners per Island of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. From the three winners, a Masigasig awardee will be chosen.

The conferment of the awardees will be done during the SMED Week celebration at SM Mega Trade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong this July 9, 2008, hoping to win the prizes of National Outstanding MSME and Masigasig Awards.

Just being the provincial and the Regional awardee marks our greatest achievement since we cannot believe we have gone this far. We have now met our vision of becoming one of the MODEL COOPERATIVES in the country. This coming July 16, 2008 at Luciana Convention Center will be the awarding ceremony for the Provincial MSME. © Leonora A. Mila
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Leonora A. Mila is the Manager of SIUFMULCO and the Project Area-Incharge of PACAP Project

PACAP-KRDFI Project Launching and NRM Symposium in Mainit

2008-06-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

By: Dir. Rowena D. Yumol, Kasanyangan Rural Development Foundation, Inc.
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The PACAP assisted project “Increasing Competencies of Upland Farmers for Sustainable Livelihood” for Barangays of Paco, Bobonaon and Binga in Mainit, Surigao del Norte has conducted a project launching ceremony on March 27, 2008 at the Mainit Gymnasium at 9:30 am. This activity was followed by the conduct of NRM Symposium which featured the larger picture of sustainable community development to which the project aims to achieve.

The Office of the Mayor and the SB was represented by Ms. Tessie Paz, SB Secretary and TESDA point person of the municipality. There to grace the occasion were PCA Provincial Coordinator, Mr. Zosimo Paniamogan, Ms. Susan Baguio from the MPDO, Ms. Virgentina Garrido, the Municipal Agriculturist, Engr. Kaiser Recabo, Jr., the Program Director of LMDA and Ms. Virgenita Garridao, MAO.

The ceremony climaxed in the unveiling of the symbolic signage of the project. Barangay Captains and Presidents of the coco farmers organizations from the assisted barangays, Ms. Baguio, Ms. Paz, Ms. Virgentina Garrido, Ms Ann Jaquilmac of NEDA 13 also a member of the FMC, Engr. Kaiser Recabo, Jr., Program Director of LMDA and Rowena Yumol, Executive Director of KRDFI led the unveiling ceremony.

The NRM Symposium featured presentations on Philippine Biodiversity, the LMDA FOCAS Strategy and the Municipal’s program thrusts on sustainable livelihood, agriculture and environment. Mr. Zosimo Paniamogan, PCA officer, presented opportunities for farmers on increasing their coconut stands and access to farm inputs.

An open forum followed the presentations. Questions were raised by participants on the coconut development program, the problem of impassable road network, technology of banana production and the need for soil analysis, counterpart of farmer organizations, the status of ordinance passed on the Lake Mainit development and protection, and how to avail of the development fund of the municipality to enhance their farms.

A call for stakeholders to be serious in the implementation of the project was sounded out by the project coordinator so that the resources used will be optimized and achieve the goals of the communities to improve their quality of life. He expressed gratitude to all participants, the LMDA and LGU for their support. Ms. Jeannie Pagas led the closing prayer.

Propegemus starts PLEASE project in Alegria

2008-05-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

By Bernard L. Orquina
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Implementation of the PACAP approved project named People’s Livelihood Efforts in Agroforestry for Sustainable Environment (PLEASE) with implementing partner NGO Propegemus Foundation, Inc. (PFI) jumpstarted with a courtesy call paid to Hon. Dominador G. Esma, Jr., the Municipal Mayor of Municipality of Alegria and to the Barangay Officials on May 14, 2008. Along with the PFI Executive Director Arnold L. Tapere who led the courtesy call were the Project Implementing Team, PACAP-FOCAS Assistant Project Coordinator Johny S. Natad, and LMDA Administrative Staff Jonathan M. Natonio. The Project Implementing Team composed of Judith S. Santillan, the Project Officer; Winston S. Salvador, the Community Organizer; and Ana G. Dapal, the Environmental Officer.

The project’s area beneficiaries are the Barangays of Budlingin and Camp Eduard of the said municipality. Its major project components are Agroforestry, Enterprise Development, and Capability Building for the sixty beneficiaries from the two barangays. The project is now in its initial phase of the project implementation with the nursery establishments and area validations.
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By Bernard L. Orquina is the Technical Writer of Propegemus Foundation, Inc.

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Multi Stakeholder and PACAP Project Year End Assessment

2008-03-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

In line with the transparency mechanism of the Lake Mainit FOCAS area in the PACAP project implementation, the Lake Mainit Development Alliance and FOCAS Management Committee conducted a Multi-Stakeholder PACAP Project Year End Assessment on February 28, 2008 at Kapihan sa Mainit Restaurant, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

Attended by partner LGU representatives, implementing partner NGOs and POs, the activity discussed relevant issues and problems arising in the project implementation and resolved it with sincere recommendation from the stakeholder. This is also to encourage the beneficiaries and other stakeholders involved in the project and to establish partnership among the stakeholders in the project implementation especially beneficiary and implementer.

Presentation of updates of the ongoing PACAP projects implementation by the implementing partner NGOs and POs, presentation of the updated Lake Mainit FOCAS Strategy; and identification of hindering and facilitating factors highlighted the multi stakeholder and PACAP project year-end assessment. jsn

TWG conduct its regular meetings

2008-02-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

By Gilbert P. Leopoldo
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The LMDA Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted its first meeting of the year on February 13, 2008 at Kapihan sa Mainit Restaurant, Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The TWG members were very efficient and effective in the delivery of basic services particularly in the protection and conservation of natural resources of the Lake Mainit. In fact, during the meeting the members proposed to have an authority to widen the protection and preservation of the lake ecosystem.

The highlighted agenda of the said meeting was the prioritization of programs of LMDA. The members of the TWG agreed to prioritize the data banking, which includes the Natural Resource Data Banking (NRDB) and GIS Mapping. Sustainable Fisheries project and strengthening of IFARMC’s in the Lake Mainit areas also discussed on the meeting.

In addition to, the TWG met on April 10, 2008 to initiate and finalize the LMDA Action Plan and Financial Budget Plan of 2008 for the BOT presentation. Highlighted also on the meeting was the presentation of the proposed Hydro Power Project of First Gen Renewables. The members of the TWG discussed and deliberated the said project proposal. Mitzi Pollisco, the representative of the project invited the members to attend the Public Consultation for the said hydro project proposal at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on April 15, 2008.

Ms. Grace Harting, NEDA-13 representative conducted an evaluation and assessment to LMDA during the meeting. She emphasized that LMDA was their choice as respondent due the unique implementation of the projects even of the limited funds available. She added that they were amazed the way LMDA does in the program management. ☻ Gilbert P. Leopoldo

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Gilbert P. Leopoldo is one of the Administrative Staff of Lake Mainit Development Alliance. He is also the data banking and over-all computer maintenance in-charge

FAO 196 Orientation to FARMC

2008-02-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

In cooperation with the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Lake Mainit Development Alliance successfully facilitated the orientation on the Fishery Administrative Order 196 series of 2000 or Guidelines on the Creation and Implementation of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMC’s) on January 28, 2008. This orientation supports the program of the national government “to empower the fisherfolk and to achieve sustainable of fisheries and aquatic resources, attain food security and eradicate poverty among the coastal and inland fishing communities and pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No.8550 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998”. The Lake Mainit FOCAS in its aim to strengthen the FARMC also supported the said activity.

Mr. Martiano D. Yandra, the BFAR-13 Regional FARMC Coordinator presented and explained the FAO 196 to participating FARMC representatives coming from Municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, and Tubay. © jsn

PACAP approves new projects for Lake Mainit

2007-12-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

Ms. Monina G. Hernandez, the Provincial Project Officer for Surigao del Norte announced that Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) has approved another FOCAS or Focal Community Assistance Scheme projects during the PACAP Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting last December 13, 2007. This project entitled “People’s Livelihood Efforts in Agroforestry and Sustainable Environment” will be implemented by Propegemus Foundation, Inc. to Barangay Camp Eduard and Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

The PAC also approved last September 21, 2007 the project of Kasanyangan Rural Development Foundation, Inc. entitled “Increasing Competencies of Upland Farmers for Sustainable Livelihood” which will be implemented to Barangay Paco, Binga and Bobonaon in Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

These two projects shall fully start its implementation by 2008.

Gov. Amante, the New LMDA Chairperson

2007-12-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) proclaimed Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante, the Provincial Governor of Agusan del Norte as the newly elected Chairperson of the LMDA Board of Trustees (BOT) after unanimously chosen by the BOT members during its 11^th BOT meeting last September 12, 2007.

The BOT members are composed of the Municipal Mayors of Sison, Tubod, Mainit, Alegria in Surigao del Norte; Municipal Mayors of Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay in Agusan del Norte; Regional Directors of NEDA, DA, DENR, BFAR, DOT and PIA.

Meanwhile, the BOT elected Regional Director Carmencita S. Cochingco of NEDA Caraga as the Vice Chairperson. Mayor Aristotle E. Montante of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte was proclaimed as the Treasurer since the Municipality of Kitcharao has been the host municipality of the LMDA Project Management Office.

The newly elected officers of the board shall serve for the duration of their current term in the case of the provincial Governors and Municipal Mayors and three years in the case of the Regional Directors.

Vice-Governor Catre Launches SUREP II

2007-12-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Sison Upland Resource Enhancement Project (SURE II) was successfully launched at the Municipal Gymnasium of Sison, Surigao del Norte last August 15, 2007. SURE II is a 2-year project funded by the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte implemented by the Caraga Consortium for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (CCEPSD) in partnership with the Local Government of Sison, Lake Mainit Development Alliance FOCAS Cluster and the Sison Hungos Multipurpose Cooperative (SIHUMCO).

Vice-Governor Noel P. Catre of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte led the project launching with the presence of Ms. Monina G. Hernandez, PACAP Provincial Project Officer; Hon. Leicester Fetalvero, the Municipal Mayor of Sison; Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr, LMDA Project Director, Ms. Gilda P. Villalba, BOD Chairperson of CCEPSD; Municipal Officials, Barangay Officials of the project areas and the SIHUMCO.

FMC and Partners attend Training on Project Monitoring and Evaluation for Lake Mainit FOCAS

2007-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Twenty-four participants from PACAP project implementing partners, LMDA Technical Working Group of eight municipalities and FOCAS Management Committee members and Secretariat attended the three-day Training Workshop on Project Monitoring and Evaluation for Lake Mainit FOCAS. It was held last August 16 – 17, 2007 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City.

The main objective of the training is to come-up with the M&E tool to be used in the field monitoring & evaluation activities of the FMC and the partners. The training-workshop provided the participants with basic knowledge and practical skills in project monitoring and evaluation; helped formulate and enhance appropriate, effective and efficient M&E tool for LMDA FOCAS projects; understood the principles and procedures for effective project monitoring and evaluation; learned methods to evaluate project effectiveness, outcomes and impact.

Project Mid-Term Assessment to PACAP funded projects in Lake Mainit FOCAS

2007-07-31T05:13:00.000-07:00

The Lake Mainit Focal Community Assistance Scheme (FOCAS) Management Committee conducted the Project Mid-Term Assessment to four PACAP funded projects in Mainit, Sison Tubod and Santiago. The purpose of the activity is to evaluate the measure of project attainment vis-à-vis with the project design and milestone activities and to assess the collaboration efforts of the major partner stakeholders of the project. The activity conducted to the Mainit Community Based Resource Management Initiative (Mainit-CBRMI) on July 13 at Mainit, Surigao del Norte; to Sison Upland Resource Management Project (SUREP) on July 18 at Sison, Surigao del Norte; to Enhancing Upland and Lowland Farming Systems and Strengthening Local Organizations (EFASS) on July 19 at Tubod, Surigao del Norte; and to Enhancing and Protecting and Agroforestry Area thru Abaca Fiber Production on July 20 at Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

Courtesy meeting with the LGU especially the newly elected officials; actual field visits to project areas; and focus group discussions with the partner proponent NGOs and direct beneficiaries were the major significant parts of the project assessment.

Associate for Integral Development (AID) Foundation has been implementing the Mainit-CBRMI which has three assisted barangays in Mainit like Tapian, Tagbuyawan and Dayano. Recently, the project has already dispersed livestock like hogs and goats to the beneficiaries. Communal and individual agroforestry farm have been maintained by the assisted beneficiaries.

Likewise the Agroforestry projects of SUREP have been properly maintained by the individual beneficiaries. The Caraga Consortium for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (CCEPSD) implements the SUREP.

Capability building trainings related to sustainable agriculture and to community planning; production of Nature Farming Technology System organic fertilizers and fermentations; and income generating activities of the beneficiaries are some of the major project interventions of EFASS. The ALTERDEV Services Foundation, Inc. is the project proponent of EFASS.

San Isidro Upland Farmer Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) has just started implementing the Enhancing and Protecting and Agroforestry Area thru Abaca Fiber Production last March 2007. SIUFMULCO has able to conduct relevant trainings; established abaca nursery; and purchased desktop computer and vehicle truck for the project.