ABM’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VISITS IFI-VIMROD

by: Analie Tandog

The Executive Director of the Anglican Board of Mission–Australia visited IFI-VIMROD in Cebu for the first time. Rev. John Deane, in his visit to the Philippines, allocated three days from March 9 to 11, 2010 to meet IFI-VIMROD which is among their new partners in the Visayas. IFI-VIMROD’s project endeavor with the ABM is on Knowledge Enhancement on Gender Development and Leadership Capability Building a project which started in February 2010 and will conclude on January 31, 2011. This project is aimed at enhancing the knowledge and appreciation of the federation officers and members on gender and development. At the same to to enhance the leadership capability of the officers of the federations and KKKs. The activities to be conducted under this project are seminars on Gender and Sensitivity, and the Facilitating Skills training.

On the first day, Rev. Deane was shown some of the historical sites in Cebu City. The tour was purposely included in the itinerary to give him a background on Cebu’s history and socio-cultural situation. The second day was his meeting with the entire regional staff of IFI-VIMROD. The staff presented to him the nature of IFI-VIMROD as a development program. Video documentaries showing IFI-VIMROD in action were also viewed.

The regional staff at the same time had a chance to personally give an update on Gender and Sensitivity Seminar conducted in the areas of Cebu and Negros Oriental. Male and female leaders of PENAMMA (Pederasyon sa Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda sa Alcantara) and PENAGMATTA (Pederasyon sa Nagkaiusang Mag-uuma, Mangisngisda ug gagmay’ng Tigpatigayon sa Tayasan) were the first recipients of the ABM-supported activity.

The staff described to Rev. Deane their methodologies and approaches for the seminar. They also conveyed their personal insights and reflections to have acted as facilitators of the activity. A synthesized report based on the participant’s evaluation and recommendations was also presented during the meeting. The input/discussion took one whole day.

On the third day, Rev. Deane travelled with the staff to Alcantara to acquaint him with their new partner peasant organizations. Alcantara is located south-west of Cebu and can be reached at 2 to 3 hours ride.

Barangay Manga was the meeting place with Rev. Deane and the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Manga (NAMAMA) and the officers of PENAMMA. PENAMMA is the umbrella organization of the IFI-VIMROD partner KKKs in Alcantara.

PENAMMA prepared a short program for Rev. John Deane. Women officers and members actively ensured the arrangements and the conduct for that day. The meeting was filled with fruitful sharing of experiences and ideas. One PENAMMA woman leader relayed to Rev. Deane the learning they have acquired from the Gender and Sensitivity Seminar, and how it has able to develop their confidence in taking part in their organization’s endeavor.

Rev. Deane, during his short stay in Alcantara, expressed his appreciation for the active women’s participation in organizational activities. According to him, women must be developed because they are one of the productive forces in the economy.

Mr. Aquilino Panoril, NAMAMA Chairperson, had no qualms in sharing the development intervention of IFI-VIMROD until their organization was formed. Speaking in the vernacular, he als mentioned the positive effects of the Small Project Funds such as Sustainable Agriculture, Hog-fattening and the Water Project given by the EED.

The PENAMMA leaders later guided Rev. Deane to their water-project. They gave him an overview of the construction process and how they came about some mechanisms to maintain the project. Rev. Deane said that it is also necessary for the organization to plan the sustainability of their water facility, most especially, on how it can cater to the needs of the community’s increasing population in the years to come.