FCF revitalizes POs’ livelihood activities

By Jan Mikhael Pating & Judy Ann Romero

After developing a strategy called Community-Driven Sustainable Livelihood Development Program, the Livelihood team of the Community and Social Development Department (CSDD) jump-starts its plan through the conduct of livelihood suitability and training needs assessments (TNA) to 13 of the 15 organized People’s Organizations (POs) or community-based associations in Barangay Runruno last November 2015.

According to Mr. Marcelo Samaco, Livelihood Coordinator, the suitability assessment is aimed to revitalize and re-direct the livelihood activities of the associations based on their capacity to implement area availability in conformity with existing laws/ordinances, and; accessibility/availability of inputs and materials.

Results of assessment showed that there are certain gaps identified in terms of technical, product development and marketing aspects that needs to be addressed, including project management skills that have to be put in place as part of the revitalization of the livelihood programs being implemented. 

The immediate goal of the Livelihood Program is to provide the support for capital assistance in order to establish regular supply in the market and outlets.

For beneficiaries living within the centers of population convergence, micro-enterprises  like sari-sari store, vending  of dry goods and agricultural products, and eateries or restaurants are among the viable livelihood options than can be considered.

The Training Needs Analysis, on the other hand revealed a need to identify the level of technical, social and management know-how and capacities of the beneficiaries so that the appropriate training programs will be packaged for concerned beneficiaries.

Trainings will be conducted in sequential bases which can be started right after identifying the communal and individual livelihoods projects that will be implemented in 2016.

Priority training programs on livelihood and business management are now being conceptualized to be followed by technical trainings based on the kind of  livelihood projects  that the beneficiaries will have decided on.

There is also a need to conduct refresher trainings on the technical aspect of  agri-based projects,  skills training for skills-based livelihood such as dress making,  meat processing and camote chips production.

Organizational capacity building particularly on Value Orientation, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Leadership, Organizational Management, etc. will be conducted while implementing the projects.

Mr. Samaco observed that the beneficiaries have the eagerness to learn and embrace the revitalization of the livelihood programs that should result to the sustainability of the projects in the longest-term possible until they are able to govern their own affairs in a manner that should be advantageous to the greater majority of the stakeholders. 

Among the plans identified by Mr. Samaco are the following: Implement Communal and Individual livelihood/business enterprises; Strengthening the community organizations; Linkaging with various markets; Develop value addition on products, and; Accreditation with concerned government agencies to ensure sustainability and ownership of the livelihoods programs through the community associations.