Analysis and recommendations on the looming food crisis

April 15, 2008

A global crisis in the supply of rice supply is happening, and the Philippines, the world’s number one rice importer, will be adversely affected by the crisis. In 2006, every Filipino consumed 118.7 kilos or 2.4 sacks of rice a year, which amounts to a daily per capita consumption of 325.21 grams. Thailand, Vietnam, India and other rice exporting countries have declared to prioritize internal demand than exports thus compounding tight supply.

The country produces 90% of the rice it needs, but it needs to import 2.1 million metric tons to be able to maintain a 2-month inventory. For the last three months, the country’s inventory has thinned by 20%. Present rice inventory is at 1.68 million MT which is lower that the 1.8 million MT desirable inventory.

In 2007, the country imported 1.8 million tons of rice, or 16% of its requirements. This year, the government announced that it hopes to buy 2.2 million tons, on top of its production target of 17.3 million tons, which should increase self-sufficiency to 92%. Last year, we produced 16.2 million MT of palay or around 10.56 million MT of milled rice. Filipinos eat at least 11.9 million MT of milled rice.

The imminent rice shortage is taking place despite the relatively good performance in the country’s rice production, which has grown from 6.09 million tons in 1990 to 10.02 million tons in 2006, or about 2.45 percent per year on average.

So what accounts for the shortage? The first is the decrease in the world’s rice stocks, which have dipped to their lowerst level in 25 years. Projections put it that it could go down to 70 million tons, or half the total world inventory in 2000. Demand, on the other hand, is growing – according to the US Department of Agriculture, the world needs 423 million tons of rice for 2008, but this year’s harvest is estimated to be 420 million tons only. This gap has led to an spike in the price of rice worldwide, the highest in 20 years. In 2001, the price was slightly above $300 per metric ton; in the recent months, it has increased to $500 to over $700 per ton. Recently, Thailand’s Jasmine rice spiked to $1,400 per metric ton in the commodities market.

Second is the failure of government policies in developing our agricultural sector especially that of equating food self-sufficiency to importations under a “cheap foods regime;” prioritizing land conversion for real estate development, golf courses, and industrial estates; exempting coverage from CARP reclassified agricultural lands, pasture lands, unused school lands, military reservations, etc. which would account for over 200,000 hectares of prime agricultural lands. Lastly but most importantly, the rice and corn industry has been a neglected sector of government.

The other factor is the exponential growth in the country’s population. The growth in the domestic rice production could not cope to the growing demand for rice. The country’s population has increased from 60.7 million in 1990 to 88 million in 2006 to an estimated total of 94.03 million by 2010.

For a rice importer like the Philippines, a shortage means a higher cost in importing rice. Early this year, the country imported rice at $474.4 per ton. Two months after, the price has increased by 43%. At present, imported rice from Vietnam costs the government P29.40 per kilo while selling it at P18.25 per kilo.

The main response of the government to the crisis is to increase imports in rice and to spend an additional P2.85 billion to boost rice and corn production. In a government to government deal, GMA asked Vietnam to sell 1.5 million tons of rice to the Philippines. Vietnam has so far agreed to supply 1 million, including 700,000 tons that were covered in an earlier contract. The Philippines ordered 876,700 tons in the international market.

Importation from Asian sources is not sustainable. Due to the decrease in regional and global supply, many rice-producing Asian countries have curbed rice exportation to sustain their domestic consumption.

The current price of commercial rice range from P30 to P40 a kilo, but it is expected to rise to around P50 a kilo. NFA sell rice at P18.25 a kilo. Imported rice now costs P29.40 a kilo, which means that the government would subsidize P10.90 per kilo if NFA continues to sell rice at the current rate. In total, the government would shoulder as foregone subsidy P21.7 billion this year alone.

Based on DA’s projection, the government would spend P58.7 billion in rice imports. This is roughly equivalent to the revenues it would get from VAT on petroleum. Further, with a rising fiscal deficit and weak revenue generation, rice subsidies are just ‘stop-gap measures’ to mitigate a looming rice and food crisis.

The spike in palay prices is due to a host of factors --- dramatic increase in cost of petroleum-based inputs like fertilizers and pesticides; high price of rice in world market; tight supply crunch. On one hand, increase in prices of palay is beneficial to rice farmers but the spiraling cost of basic commodities and rising inflation will negate such gains.

What needs to be done? Clearly, rice importation is not a sustainable solution. Factors such as climate change, rising price of crude oil, and similar factors would continue to push the global supply of rice downwards. The government announced, too, that it would increase the amount of land devoted to rice production, but even with the rising local harvests, the output is not enough to keep up with the country’s population growth.

The crisis is a wake up call – economic policies have to be based on the principles of sustainable development, and food security can only be attained if we recognize that the earth’s resources are finite. Production of rice can only meaningfully increase if we empower our farmers by giving them land to till and resources to support rural development. There should also be a concerted and sustained policy shift to organic agricultural systems and farming practices. On the demand side, the country’s exponential population growth has to manage by giving families the power to control reproduction. Without these measures, expect poverty and hunger to worsen in the country.

Specific policies to address the rice and food crisis are: a) moratorium on conversion of irrigated and irrigable lands into non-agricultural use; b) immediate coverage under agrarian reform of reclassified lands as well as other exempted lands and distribution to farmer-beneficiaries for food production; c) immediate release of some P200-million in the Department of Agriculture’s 2008 budget for organic farming to small farmers and LGUs; d) release of P400-M in DA budget for 2008 to organic fertilizer production and processing to small farmers and LGUs; e) creation of a DA oversight body over such funds with civil society representation; f) utilization of the AFMA budget for irrigation, warehouses, and other post-harvest facilities. Most of these recommendations have been cited before the crisis but government failed to respond effectively.

NGO wants denorado rice planted to fight climate change

January 2008

In a bid to help stem the expansion of banana plantations in upland areas and loss of biodiversity that contributes to global warming, the NGO network Siad in Mindanao Convergence for Asset Reform and Regional Development (SIMCARRD), is pushing for the cultivation and cooperative marketing of upland aromatic rice. Also known as Denorado rice, this aromatic, round-shaped and red colored rice is known to be indigenous to many upland communities in Mindanao.

“Upland communities have a gold mine in their midst, the denorado rice, that fetches the highest market price among aromatic and fancy rice varieties,” declared Tom Villarin, executive director of SIMCARRD. “Compared to the rest of the country, Mindanao still have these upland rice variety that could cover around 7,000 hectares combined with a potential of 4,000 hectares more,” he added.

Other known aromatic and fancy rice varieties in the Philippines are Sinandomeng, Sinampaguita; Milagrosa; Maligaya Selections 3, 6 and 8; College 22; UPLB Rice 5 and 7. However, it is only the upland Denorado variety that is naturally grown without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Mindanao has other aromatic rice varieties not found in the rest of the country like Banay-banay, Cawilan, Bordagul, Tanguiling, Luneta, and red CRL.

In Metro Manila, Denorado rice retails for P3,000 to P3,200 per 50-kilo bag; Sinandomeng, P2,500 to P3,200; Jasmine, P3,500 to P4,300; R64, P2,600 to P3,300; and Whole Grain Super Laon, P2,700 to P3,300.

SIMCARRD is directly buying from upland farmers’ group, preferably cooperatives or marketing associations, their supply of Denorado that it sells now to Rustan’s and Shopwise stores in Metro Manila under the brand Healthy Choice. Upland farmers usually cultivate Denorado once a year as this variety is mainly a food crop and is harvested after at least 120 days. Conventional and hybrid lowland rice varieties are harvested in 90 days. Denorado thrives even without irrigation and is highly resistant to pests. It has an average yield of 80 cavans per hectare and needs no chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

By creating a demand for Denorado rice, upland communities are encourage to produce surplus for the market and fend off advances made by banana plantations who are now going upland because banana is sweeter if grown in the highlands. With the farmers having additional income, they also won’t be tempted to sell or lease their lands to plantations and mining companies. It will also preserve their indigenous farming systems and preserve biodiversity to arrest climate change.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte has introduced a bill seeking to promote the cultivation and export of aromatic and fancy rice varieties so that the country can tap aggressively the rapidly growing world market for the high-priced commodities.

Under House Bill 4339, it would be declared state policy to advance the production and sale abroad of aromatic and fancy rice varieties. This, on top of the public policy to achieve national self-sufficiency in the production of ordinary, hybrid and other rice varieties for domestic consumption.
Villafuerte pointed out that aromatic and fancy rice varieties, particularly those grown organically, are now highly favored abroad not only in the preparation of specialty rice cuisine, but also for daily consumption in rich markets.

"The growing popularity of aromatic rice dishes in Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe, has sparked a huge demand for the Jasmine rice of Thailand, the Basmati rice of India and Pakistan, and other varieties that produce a natural fragrance when cooked, such as those already locally developed," he said.
By supporting the local production and export of the special rice varieties, Villafuerte said the country could once again emerge as a major player in the world market for the staple.#

Security sector reforms to be piloted in Mindanao

2007 December 04 Mindanao Times

CIVIL society organizations, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police have joined hands to undertake security sectoral reforms in pilot areas in Mindanao and replicate it in other parts of the country, an officer of the a non-organization said yesterday.

Tom S. Villarin, Sustainable Integrated Area Development Initiatives in Mindanao Convergence for Asset Reform and Regional Development (SIMCARRD) executive director, told the media that they will tap the Peace and Order Council of the provinces and the regions for the project.
He said the project will start off by partnering with the local government unit of Misamis Oriental by next year.

“We will mobilize the peace and order councils where community dialogue will take place, making the security sector more accountable,” he said.

Villarin said during the council meetings that will be attended by all stakeholders including the police and the military, issues like agrarian reform, ancestral domain and other security concerns will be discussed.

“Dapat maintindihan ng security forces na hindi porke ang farmers ini-organize ay mga komunista. They will educated from the perspective of civil society organizations,” he said.

Villarin said they will also institutionalize the mechanism in the provinces as soon as the pilot project is evaluated. He said they have yet to come up with a terms of reference which will be the basis in implementing the project.

Villarin said Misamis Oriental, under the leadership of Gov. Oscar Moreno, was picked to be the pilot area due to a big number of land disputes and controversies there and also due to the cooperation shown by its leaders.

He said the project will also be implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao particularly in Jolo, Sulu where armed conflicts always happen.

Akbayan Citizens Action Party Chair Emeritus Loretta Ann Rosales said the move is an offshoot of the Extra-Judicial Summit.

“We want to project security sectoral reforms in the larger picture on the culture of impunity and violence,” she said.

He said to reduce the number of extra-judicial killings in the country which has caught international attention, civil society organizations should open their doors to talks with the military and the police. The killings have been blamed on the country’s security forces.

She said she has met with Police Director General Avelino Razon and other high-ranking military officials who expressed optimism to the plan.

“They are hungry for dialogue. And in fact, they are starting it with liaisoning and other front works with the CSOs (civil society organizations),” she said. A one-day seminar-workshop on peace and security sector reforms was held in Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterdayDecember 3, 2007 attended by about 50 stakeholders.#

GO Organic Mindanao coalition formed

October 2007

Nongovernment organizations, farmers groups and policy advocates in Mindanao have formed the Go Organic Mindanao coalition in response to continuing threats caused by expanding monocrop plantations, intensive promotion of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically-modified organisms (GMOs).

“We want to put forward a viable and existing alternative to government’s promotion of agribusiness plantations and mining in Mindanao, “ explained Tom Villarin, one of the group’s convenors. “Despite the passage of Executive Order 481 creating a national organic agriculture board that sets policy directions for promoting organic agriculture, such mandate is not backed up by funds and institutional mobilization of line agencies involved in agriculture and industry,” declared Villarin who is the Mindanao representative to the recently formed National Organic Agriculture Board directly under the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture Arthur Yap.

The coalition held a series of Mindanao-wide forums celebrating World Food Day from February 16-18. In Davao City, some 78 NGO-PO/LGU participants coming from Caraga and Davao region participated while some 100 participants attended the Marbel forum for SocSargen areas. In Kidapawan city, 85 participants attended the forum-celebration.

Dr, Emerlito S. Borromeo of the UP Los Banos and known expert on biotechnology was one of the speakers in the series of forums. He provided a lecture on the ill-effects of GMO and warned that established scientific and technical data showed that GMO is harmful to both humans and the natural environment.

Dr. Borromeo said that unintended effects (desirable or not) happen in both conventional cross breeding and genetic engineering of crops. Unintended effects resulting from natural breeding is unknown only to man, but is already known to nature. Much of the unintended deleterious effect of natural breeding must have already been corrected or eliminated thru crop evolution and by nature’s own preventive mechanisms. Plant breeders often see much deleterious effects of jumbling of genes only when plants that would not readily mate in nature (i.e. can still be mated but natural barriers to mating are already building up) are forced to mate. No one can be more precise than nature. When plants are cross bred, genes are exchanged only in very specific locations, with its own specific pair.

“In contrast, unintended effects caused by genetic engineering are unknown both to man and to nature. There is no evolutionary history or evolutionary correction to speak of. Everything is new. Thorough testing for unintended effects need to be undertaken. That is why GMO’s are highly regulated. If they are very precise as claimed by Dr. Barzaga, why are they highly regulated?, he further explained.

Participating organizations in the coalition are SIMCARRD, Third World Network, Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), Masipag-Mindanao, SEARICE, Don Bosco Foundation, Metsa Foundation, Katakus, Social Action Center-Marbel, PPRDI, MFDC, MASA-Mindanao, Kinaiyahan Foundation Inc., and several partner people’s organizations coming from Caraga, Southern and Central Mindanao.

The coalition plans to organize provincial level networks to promote and consolidate organic agriculture practitioners and advocates, including local government officials. It will also help facilitate farmer-to-farmer exchanges and promoting the local market for organic agricultural products. For 2008, the group plans to hold a Mindanao Organic Agriculture trade fair and exhibit in October 16-18 in Davao City.#

5th Street Cafe. Your neighbohood coffee shop

27 July 2007

Tired souls and plain lovers of peace and quiet can now find solace in a newly opened café bar just a stone’s throw away from bustling SM. Imbedded in a quiet neighborhood, this joint boasts of home-style espresso and coffee blends roasted by coffee farmers of Mindanao. It also serves hot meals on a plate from gourmet recipes developed by the owners themselves. Listening to the soothing sound of bossa nova music while sipping hot coffee or drinking ice-cold beer is a way to wind up one’s hectic day with an intimate friend or with the barkada. Food in the café is reasonable yet classy. It has its own distinct presentation comparable to fine dining servings at first-class hotels! The fish croquettes in pink panther dip and blue marlin in oyster sauce are the hottest gourmet meals, garnished with fresh tomato and lettuce salad topped with a healthy cup of organic rice. Slices of fresh fruits go with the meal. For the more daring, you can try their dalag or mudfish in spicy coconut milk! To quench your thirst, another healthy offering for gourmet lovers is their sambong iced tea. Made from fresh granulated sambong leaves mixed with calamansi and muscovado sugar, it definitely is a must-have drink.

The café boasts of serving only healthy and safe food. Before or after your meals, one must definitely drop buy in the organic store. They have at least four varieties of rice – unpolished brown, red, premium white and denorado packed in different weights. There is also muscovado sugar from Agusan and Sultan Kudarat, Organic rice is produced by local farmers in conflict-afflicted areas and marketed through the Healthy Choice brand name. Thus, aside from enjoying healthy food in the café, its patrons are also indirectly helping build peace in former conflict areas now venturing into sustainable farming.

For coffee connoisseurs, 5th Street Café offers various blends of coffee coming from its partner people’s organizations all over Mindanao as far as Basilan.

So how did this new café came about?

“We came up with this idea of a neighborhood store for organic products but ended up managing a café at the same time,”enthused Tom Villarin, manager of 5th Street Café. “Actually we are NGO workers involved in sustainable agriculture and now venturing into a social enterprise project as a means for sustaining our work with farmers and marginalized communities,” explained Villarin who is also the executive director of the NGO called Siad Initiatives in Mindanao Convergence for Asset Reform and Regional Development or Simcarrd, the actual owner of the cafe.

It all started out as a project of the NGO to promote organic products like rice, muscovado, coffee, and mudfish from the Agusan marsh. Initially a part of its office was turned into a display shop for farmers’ organizations that wanted to sell their products. The idea to venture into a café soon followed given the area’s proximity to SM, government offices, schools, and numerous NGO offices in Juna and Ecoland subdivisions that usually need space for small group meetings. With its wifi hot spot, the café definitely answers the need for doing work while having fun at the same time.

“We also want this to be a gathering place for organizations – NGOs, student groups, artists, activists, gays and lesbians, etc.”, said Mr. Villarin. “Here they can engage in good banter and serious discussions without feeling the rush of urban traffic. With our wi-fi hotspot, they can easily be connected to finish some important business matters that can’t wait the next day,” he added.

Mindanao 5th Street Café is owned and operated by SIMCARRD Enterprises, a social enterprise wholly owned and operated by Simcarrd, Inc. Aside from the café, SIMCARRD Enterprises also owns the Healthy Choice Marketing outfit for organic rice, muscovado and other products and the Topsoil Bio-fertilizer Plus.#

Organic rice marketing project

February 8, 2007

The project, Healthy Choice organic rice production and marketing, is a social enterprise component of a SIAD Program promoted by SIM-CARRD. It is a strategic approach employing sustainable and integrated intervention to improve the economic condition of marginalized agricultural communities in Mindanao. The intervention seeks to address the entire range of issues adversely affecting the economic capacity of communities in major crop production areas. The project is being supported by the One World Action of the United Kingdom and the Philippine Development Assistance Program (PDAP) which provided a loan for palay buying. SIM-CARRD has initiated the SIAD Program in various parts of Mindanao through its local partner institutions. Major rice producing areas in Mindanao have been selected as initial coverage areas. Other areas such as those devoted to banana, pineapple, coffee, sugar cane, vegetable, and others are soon to be covered.

In 2003, SIMCARRD started its sustainable agriculture program supported by Bread for the World focused in four provinces: Maguindanao, South Cotabato, Agusan del Sur and Davao Oriental. Organic rice production became its main crop-specific commodity with around 1,200 farmers cultivating 1,500 hectares. In 2005, it started organic rice marketing in Davao City averaging 60 bags/sacks per month mainly through retail among NGOs, cooperatives, and individual buyers with its main office in Ecoland Subdivision acting as the marketing outlet. It also participated in organic trade fairs sponsored by the city government as well as NGO networks like the Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan.

The SIAD Program promotes sustainable agriculture as an ecologically sound and economically rewarding alternative to conventional farming. Conventional farming uses costly non-regenerative hybrid planting material and synthetic inputs that are toxic and degrade the natural fertility and condition of the soil. Sustainable agriculture prescribes the use of regenerative indigenous planting material, ecological pest management, and natural farming practices. A shift to sustainable agriculture immediately lowers production cost. It also provides the long-term benefit of restoring the natural fertility and condition of the soil that translates to higher yield.

Among others, major factor contributing to the poverty of rice farmers is an inefficient multi-layered trading system. It protects the margins of intermediaries at the expense of farmers. The project seeks to bypass this onerous trading system by providing a direct farm-to-market link for rice farmers.

The project is going to adopt a market-based pricing system for palay or unmilled rice to be procured from farmers. A standard marketing cost is to be established in a dialogue with farmers. Any upward movement in the market price of milled rice, which is usually the case, immediately accrues to farmers. Currently, for instance, the project is expected to increase the price of dried palay from a low of P9.00 per kilogram to P12.00 per kilogram, a significant 33% increase.

A total of 218 farmers are directly involved in this project tilling 248 hectares with its own irrigation system. On the second year, another 300 hectares will be targeted as expansion areas within the same municipalities/barangays involving around 300 additional farmers. At present, farmers household income is around P21,000/annum and way below the poverty threshold. Under this project, farmer-household income will directly increase by 33% by using a preferred market, value-added marketing strategy of the organic rice (ROR is 20 percent at P35/kilo suggested retail price). By buying palay at a fixed, higher prevailing rate, it provides a direct-incentive scheme to farmers to install, maintain and consolidate their internal control systems to pass stringent quality control measures (e.g. only 10% broken rice, maximum drying to minimize broken rice, etc.). Otherwise, farmers will just sell to traders their stocks at prevailing market prices plus incentives of direct and easy credit access for production loan, emergency loan, etc. that traders also provide (which many alternative trade and marketing groups don’t provide).

Crucial to this strategy of preferred market selling is the advertisement and promotion of the product as the best and healthy alternative. The promotional activities of the project are expected to raise the level of awareness of consumers of the health benefits of organic foods. It is also expected to create more demand. Greater demand for organic foods is expected to encourage wider acceptability and application of sustainable agriculture as a sound and rewarding alternative to conventional farming.

Mudfish processing and drying facility launched

November 6, 2006

The indigenous peoples of Agusan del Sur living off the bounty of the marshland finally will have their own mudfish processing and drying facility located in barangay Mambaliling, Bunawan municipality. Mudfish is a delicacy and sought-after fish in Davao city, Metro Manila and in Muslim communities. Most of it is sold live which fetches a high price but due to the distance from source to market, there is high incidence of death. The 330-square meter center assists organized IP groups in processing and marketing both the marinated and dried fish. Established by the local NGO Heed Foundation, the center has both mechanical and air-drying facilities for marinated and dried mudfish. Aside from the facility, the project also has a pioneering mudfish fish cage component which seeks to breed wild mudfish on steel cages in the marshland. Mudfish are predator-type fishes and are known to eat its own or other living freshwater fishes. The project was financially supported by One World Action of the United Kingdom. Likewise, the center is also identified as a sustainable livelihood project of the municipality under its eco-livelihood programs.

Municipal government passes fisheries ordinance

October 18, 2006

After more than five years of waiting, coastal fisherfolks in the municipality of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental can finally claim victory. A comprehensive ordinance on coastal and fisheries resource management was passed last February 13, 2006 but became enforceable only after six months due to opposition from commercial fishers. The ordinance is considered the first in the whole province and probably in Davao region. In 2001, the incumbent Mayor Jerry dela Cerna vowed to enact an ordinance to protect the municipal waters from over-fishing by commercial fishers but only succeeded only this year. Under the ordinance, a Fisheries Resource and Environment Management and Development Office (FREMDO) created with 14 out of its 20 members coming from fisherfolk organizations deputized as bantay-dagat. The FREMDO is directly in charge of the ordinance’s implementation and is under the supervision of the mayor.

Among the provisions of the ordinance is the ban on mangrove conversion, strict prohibition of commercial fishing in municipal waters, prohibition in the use of push nets, beach seine and harvesting in payaws or FADs using poisonous substance and palaran (stealing of fish), etc. It also imposes a strict closed season for fishing between the months of April to September and established a marine protected area/eco-tourism zones. The ordinance provided for the zonification of the municipal waters that encompass some 90,000 hectares stretching along 14 of its 20 barangays. Fisherfolk organizations have also formed their federation called Pamasigg which are all active in the FREMDO. In a related development, SIMCARRD has entered into an agreement with Pamasigg to develop the latter’s marketing of the member’s fish catch direct to Davao City. In a meeting last September 8, 2006 SIMCARRD will provide enterprise development training and capitalization for marketing activities.

Sustainable organic farming systems trainers’ training held

September 30, 2006

For almost a week, farmer trainers from seven different provinces in Mindanao converged at the Metsa Training Center in Los Amigos, Tugbok district for a hands-on training on organic rice production, integrated pest management, developing indigenous/effective micro-organisms, upland farming, etc. Mr. Dante Delima, SIMCARRD’s SusAg technician was the main resource person and facilitator in the trainer’s training attended by 25 participants held September 23-27, 2006. After the training, the participants were tasked to make a 6-month action plan. The farmer-trainers came from Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Zamboanga. Among the identified activities by the farmer-trainers was the setting up of demonstration farms on organic rice farming in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, the training of vegetable farmers in organic farming in Misamis Oriental, and muscovado production in Zamboanga city. The farmer participants were identified by the local NGO partners of SIMCARRD in said provinces. SIMCARRD plans to hold another farmer trainers’ training early next year to address growing need to shift to sustainable organic farming systems.

Experience and lessons on local autonomy through ARMM

August 26, 2006

With the prospect of the government signing a peace agreement with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Mindanaoans should take stock of the lessons and experience gained on local autonomy through the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. This was the gist of a workshop discussed by the Mindanap People’s Solidarity last August 19-21, 2006 in Marco Polo hotel, Davao City highlighted by the upcoming 10th year anniversary of the GRP-Moro National Liberation (MNLF) Final Peace Agreement. The workshop is supported by a grant from the Netherlands Embassy. It will be recalled that the MNLF under its chairperson Prof. Nur Misuari agreed to renounce their armed struggle and embrace autonomy under the ARMM. The Moro people’s quest for self-determination is once again brought to fore with the proposed peace agreement highlighting government’s recognition of the Moro’s ancestral domain and right to self-governance through a Bangsamoro juridical entity, an “expanded form of autonomy.” Given this context, the conference tackled insights into how the ARMM fared since its inception in 1989, the integration of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Peace Agreement into the Organic Act, and its future given the impending GRP-MILF peace agreement. Government, MNLF, and representatives from civil society under the Mindanao Peace Solidarity network attended the two-day workshop to discuss their insights into the peace process, the grant of autonomy, and the continuing struggle for self-determination in an era of globalization and renewed threats of terrorism. Among the conference highlights were the passage of a resolution urging the government to free Prof. Misuari, a resolution calling the MPS to call for a Mindanao Summit to discuss a Mindanao Agenda, and a resolution calling for a review of Philippines-Bangsa Moro relations by Congress.

Agusan farmers win Supreme Court case

26 August 2006

After suffering major reversals in court cases, agrarian reform advocates had a reason to be happy with when the Supreme Court declared last July 2006 that farmers possessing land titles given through land reform programs and laws have acquired rights over it. The SC decision stemmed from a case involving farmers in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur who were awarded lands under PD 27 under then President Ferdinand Marcos’ land reform decree. After having fully paid for it, the former landowner filed a case with DAR insinuating that his land should have not been covered under PD 27 as this was not a rice or corn land which was the only scope of such decree. He wanted his land to be covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 where all agricultural lands regardless of crop are covered (and perhaps get a higher valuation). His argument was supported ironically by the Department of Agrarian Reform. The farmers contested this move by DAR with the help of KAISAHAN and Balaod-Mindanao, alternative law groups fighting for farmers’ rights. They also conducted mass actions and lobby work together with national agrarian reform networks. When the farmers’ lost their case with DAR, they elevated it to the Supreme Court (see www.supremecourt.gov.ph ). With their win, the farmers in the 500-hectare former Hacienda Maria covering barangays Awao and Angas can finally proceed in fully developing their lands. They are now into organic rice farming, muscovado, organic banana and vegetable production assisted by their local NGO partner, HEED Foundation, and SIMCARRD. Samuel Estribillo, farmer-leader that filed the case, said that their victory is also a victory for thousands of farmer-beneficiaries.

Dutch embassy extends grant to SIMCARRD

25 August 2006

The Dutch embassy through its Small Projects Program provided support to SIMCARRD for the latter’s peace and development interventions in Mindanao. A grant agreement was signed between Mr. Marcel van den Bogaard, embassy Third Secretary and head of the small grants project, and Mr. Tom Villarin, executive director of SIMCARRD, last July 20, 2006. The project involves the conduct of a series of Mindanao-wide conferences and forums as well as community dialogues involving a total of P1.6M for one year starting August 2006. The grant was extended in recognition of the efforts of SIMCARRD to promote peace-building through community dialogues and establishing a multi-stakeholder network under the Mindanao Peace Solidarity (MPS). The MPS is a regional peace advocacy network promoting participatory governance, economic integration, peace and human security, and sustainable development. One of the forums to be conducted under this project is titled “Road to Peace: Insights and Learnings on Muslim Mindanao Autonomy” to be held August 31 to 01 September 2006 in Davao City. The forum is timely as September 2 marks the 10th anniversary of the GRP-MNLF final peace agreement signed by former Pres. Fidel Ramos and MNLF chairman Nur Misuari.

Ban on aerial spraying in Davao uplands pushed

23 August 2006

Environmental groups and NGOs in Davao City are supporting upland farmers pushing for a ban on aerial spraying in Davao’s plantations saying that toxic chemicals used are health hazards and kill micro-organisms that maintain balance in the ecosystem. Of some 5,300 hectares of agricultural plantation in Davao city, around 1,000 hectares used aerial spraying method to control shigatoka virus, a common problem among banana growers. In an August 23 public hearing in the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Davao, two well-known toxicologists testified to the adverse effects of chemical fungicides causing inflammatory skin diseases, abnormalities in growth hormones, and can be cancer-causing. Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, M.D. of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in UP Manila, testified that Dithane (Mancozeb), a common fungicide used in aerial spraying, is a cancer-causing chemical according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Another toxicologist, Dr. Lyn Panganiban, M.D. also testified that other chemicals like ethylene thiourea (ETU) have also been scientifically proven to cause birth defects, tumors, and thyroid problems.

Councilor Leo Avila, chairperson of the city council committee on environment, is pushing for a ban on aerial spraying starting next year. His bill was certified as urgent by no less than Davao city Mayor Rudy Duterte who has thrown his full support to the measure. Public pressure has been mounting against banana growers who still use aerial spraying despite other alternatives like boom spray which is less likely to cause drift and can be controlled. Lia Esquillo, executive director of the Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) which has been leading the campaign, expects that an ordinance will be passed soon by the city council.

Case study research on MDG localization

21 August 2006

A case study research on the extent and impact of localization of the Millennium Development Goals in Muslim Mindanao was conduced by SIMCARRD from February to July 2006. With funding support from the German Technical Cooperation, the research focused on 8 municipalities in Maguindanao, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi. The criteria used in selecting the areas were the following: a) conflict-afflicted areas; b) high incidence of poverty; and c) active presence of development interventions from NGOs, donor agencies, and the national government. Highlights of the study showed that while funds poured into the ARMM, the region still lags critically behind in meeting the MDGs. While LGUs are aware of the MDGs and are recipients of anti-poverty programs from national line agencies and donor organizations, such projects have not made an impact at the household level. Most of the interventions are project-driven and don’t have built-in mechanisms for sustainability. Health, education and livelihood are the critical areas where the MDGs have not made a dent. While considerable infrastructure projects were undertaken, the delivery of basic services is still wanting in many respects.

SIMCARRD joins annual Kadayawan festival

14 August 2006

SIMCARRD in partnership with the Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan-Coalition for Mother Earth is setting up a booth between August 14-19, 2006 at the Matina Town Square for Organic Products. The booth will have as display organic produce from people’s organizations and NGOs like organic rice, muscovado, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables. Likewise, the event will also be the product launching of the Topsoil Biofertlizer Plus, an organic fertilizer, produced and marketed under the Topsoil Organic Technologies, Inc. a corporate entity organized by SIMCARRD (see separate story). The organic trade fair is by far the third event participated in by SIMCARRD under the Panaghoy coalition. The other two fairs were held last April during Earth Day and in December 2005 in celebration of the World No Pesticide Day.

Cordaid sponsors fund-raising seminar

11 August 2006

As part of its capacity-building support to local NGO partners, the Cordaid-Netherlands sponsored a series of fund-raising seminars implemented by the group, Venture for Fund Raising under Mayan G. Quebral, its executive director. An orientation seminar was held last April 2006 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. This is followed by a basic orientation course on fund-raising held August 9-11, 2006 in Tagaytay City to be attended by short-listed NGOs from the Visayas and Mindanao. SIMCARRD was chosen as one of the NGO participants for the course as well as a spotlight presenter on the topic “devising strategies/steps in mobilizing the board and staff for fund-raising.” SIMCARRD’s fund-raising strategy basically focused on developing a social enterprise along sustainable integrated area development approaches. It will be using fund-raising strategies on earned income as well as on capital campaigns that would target a medium to long-term period. As a follow-up to the basic orientation course, a planning-workshop for sustainability will be conducted by Venture sometime in November 2006 or in the first quarter of 2007.

Gender mainstreaming

04 August 2006

The Women’s Institute for Sustainable Economic Action, Inc. (WISE ACT, Inc.) with support from Bread for the World is implementing phase 2 of the project “Capacitating NGOs in Gender Mainstreaming.” WISE ACT will provide technical assistance intended specifically for the development or enhancement of the partner’s existing institutional strategy(ies), programs, policy(ies) or mechanisms to effectively integrate gender perspective through facilitation work, workshops, focused group discussions, coaching, cliniquing and mentoring. It will also conduct a gender audit of the participating NGOs and assist in a gender planning workshop with the local partner NGOs sometime in September 2006. In a related development, Cordaid is likewise doing a gender quickscan and gender inventory for its local partners. The Cordaid project is being undertaken by Sarilaya through Ms. Aida Santos and Aleli Marcelino.

Anti-PIG provincial forums held in Mindanao

22 July 2006

Opposition to the so-called “people’s initiative ni Gloria (referring to Mrs. Arroyo)” or PIG snowballed in Mindanao with the holding of provincial forums from May to June 2006 in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, General Santos city, Cotabato city, Iligan city, Davao city, and Zamboanga City. Said forums were led by local NGOs and people’s organizations with the support of the church and school officials. Invited guests and speakers include Prof. Randy David of the University of the Philippines, Atty. Tanya Lat of Far Eastern University College of Law, Mr. Ronald Llamas of the party-list group Akbayan!, Rep. Mario Aguja, and local NGO personalities. Most of the participants came from the basic sectors who expressed their opposition to the planned deletion of many progressive provisions of the 1987 Constitution especially on the national economy and patrimony. The participants also questioned the haste and the high-handed manner by which some LGU officials and the Department of Interior and Local Government in getting signatures from local communities without the people knowing what they were signing. In the Cotabato city forum, a barangay official accused the DILG of being behind the signature drive. In General Santos and Iligan cities, many participants who had unwittingly signed the so-called people’s initiative initiated their own version of “bawi-pirma.”

SIMCARRD joins sustainable agriculture coalition

03 July 2006

For its sustainable agriculture program, SIMCARRD is actively participating in the Movement for the Advancement of Sustainable Agriculture or MASA which is composed of NGOs-POs in Mindanao, Negros island, and Palawan. The MASA network is supported by the Bread for the World. Its Palawan partners include the Palawan Center for Appropriate Rural Technology (PCART) and IDEAS. In Negros Occidental or so-called “organic region”, its partners are Alter Trade, NCPERD and NIRD. The Mindanao members of MASA are Farmcoop, KFI, Mincode, COIR, etc.

SIMCARRD is also active in the network of Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan, an environmental advocacy group in Davao that seeks a moratorium on expansion of plantations in critical watersheds and recharge areas. Panaghoy has also hosted several organic trade fairs of which SIMCARRD has participated selling some of the products of the local POs from Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato.

Cooperative bakery set up by NGOs-POs

18 June 2006

Early in June 2006, a cooperative bakeshop organized under the Kalamboan sa Mindanao multi-purpose cooperative or KALAMI (tasty in the local dialect) opened at the back of the Ecoland bus terminal, Davao City. Some 30 local NGO workers and PO members from the women’s group Makalaya are the main cooperators of said enterprise. The group received a grant from the countrywide development fund of Rep. Mario Aguja of the Akbayan!Party-list organization that they use to purchase the bakery equipment and materials. Members also had an initial capital build-up of P40,000.00 used as capitalization for the bakery’s operations. The cooperative is planning to expand its members in the whole of Davao city to include more members coming from people’s organizations. For its part, SIMCARRD provided training and other technical assistance for said project.

PRIME project in organic rice

11 June 2006

The Philippine Development Assistance Program supported by the Canadian International Development Agency recently embarked its project dubbed Promoting Rural Industries and Market Enhancement (PRIME) which is geared towards supporting the organic rice, muscovado, and seaweeds industry. As part of its program, PRIME engaged the services of local institutions involved in such industries like rice to mobilize local people’s organizations doing organic rice farming and muscovado production. Under its regional cluster approach, SIMCARRD was one of the institutions selected to support organic rice farmers in North Cotabato-Liguasan marsh and in Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental. The support is timely as SIMCARRD is into intensive organic rice production in Sultan Mastura and Pigcawayan, North Cotabato areas covering some 600 hectares. In Banay-Banay, the organic rice production area covers at least 50 hectares and expanding. It also facilitated the establishment of a rice mill for the Lake Tapayan multi-purpose cooperative in the Liguasan marsh area for organic rice processing/production.

Guernsey supports fishing project in Davao Oriental

01 June 2006

Guernsey, a fishing town in England through its local government, provided funding support to SIMCARRD for its fishing project in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Earlier, an alternative livelihood project under the municipality of Governor Generoso’s coastal resource management program was supported by SIMCARRD. The project involves the setting up of fish aggregating devices or locally known as payaos. The payaw device is an anchored floating raft which supports submerged bamboo and coconut fronds or other appendage that attracts small fishes to nest. This in turn would attract large pelagic fishes such as tuna. Due to the project’s initial success, SIMCARRD plans to invest the Guernsey grant to help the fisherfolk POs engage in the marketing of their fish catch direct to Davao City. It will involve the setting up of a fish processing area for class “A” fishes, purchase of a vacuum sealer and freezer, etc. In Davao city, SIMCARRD will engage the support of the KALAMI cooperative for its outlet as well as the women’s group Makalaya for direct marketing to consumers.

Olof Palme International Center establishes local office

25 May 2006

The Olof Palme International Center of Sweden recently established its Philippine-Southeast Asia desk in Cebu City early this year. Olof Palme is a Swedish international solidarity organization that promotes initiatives in peace-building and conflict transformation, cooperative formation, and human rights. Mr. Alvin Dizon, former executive director of the Center for Participatory Governance (CPaG) based in Cebu, was hired as the country representative of OPIC. Last March 4-5, 2006 SIMCARRD gave a briefing on the Mindanao situation to OPIC’s visiting program manager, Jan Hodann, who also expressed support to the initiatives of SIMCARRD and its peace network, the Mindanao Peace Solidarity.

Assessment conference on Muslim Mindanao autonomy held

02 March 2006

At the height of the proclamation of the state of national emergency in February 24, 2006, a group gathered in Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City to quietly assess the impact and significance of Muslim Mindanao autonomy since the 1976 Tripoli Agreement was signed between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front. It also tried to look into what transpired within the 10-year period since the 1996 Final Peace Agreement was signed by the two parties. The vital statistics of autonomy showed that for the past 15 years, P55-billion had been released to ARMM (P3.2-billion average/annum). Currently, the budget allocation for the region is around P8.3-billion, although it is still less than 1% of total national budget of P1-trillion plus. Growth of expenditure is 3% in ARMM while other regions are at 10% growth rate. Of the ARMM budget, 68% goes to personal services, 15% MOOE and 17% capital outlays (compared to national average which is less than 10%). In terms of Internal Revenue Allotment to the regional government, more than 90% go to PS alone. The regional government has a 24,000-strong bureaucracy serving 3.4million population. Of these figures, almost 21,000 are teachers. The economy of ARMM is basically agricultural (47%) and service at 45% while the remaining industry at 11% goes to manufacturing (but government is a significant contributor, which does not reflect therefore true output of private businesses). In terms of education, only 2 out 10 children that enter grade 1 eventually finish high school.

Participants to said conference-workshop came from the ARMM Regional government headed by Executive Secretary Atty. Oscar Sampulna, Speaker of the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly Hatimil Hassan, ret. Maj. General Ramon Santos, member of the GRP-MILF panel, Congressman Mario Aguja, resource persons from national line agencies, 14 NGOs, local government officials, and observers from the Spanish, Canadian, and German embassies. The activity was sponsored jointly by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the German Technical Cooperation project. A 200-page documentation of the results of said workshop-conference was produced highlighting the participants’ insights into the state of autonomy in Muslim Mindanao.

Mindanao Peace Solidarity tackles GRP-MILF peace talks

27 November 2005

Last November 22-24, 2005, the peace advocacy network called Mindanao Peace Solidarity with SIMCARRD as secretariat held a three-day roundtable conference on the status of the GRP-Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace process. Guest speakers to said conference was Prof. Rody Rodil, a member of the GRP-MILF peace panel, and Rep. Mario Aguja, of AKBAYAN! party-list group. Prof. Rodil shared his insights and optimism in the peace process as both the government and the MILF panel were really working hard in achieving at a final peace settlement. Prof. Rodil confided that the ancestral domain question was the most contentious. Government is proposing that barangays having a population of 50% Moro would be part of the ancestral domain territory but such piecemeal approach was rejected by the MILF. In said conference, the challenges posed were the following: how can the peace process resolve the historical injustice done to the Bangsa Moro people? How can it be utilized for the empowerment of the Bangsa Moro people? For fighting the war against poverty and finally, for constituting a power block that would advance the aspirations of the Bangsa Moro? The conference was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City and was sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.

Municipality of Governor Generoso wins international award

01 November 2005

For implementing an innovative community based ecological enterprise through participatory governance of municipal waters, the coastal town of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental won 3rd prize in the 2004 international Toolkit Citizen Participation Award, a web-based international award on participatory governance (see www.toolkitparticipation.org). Out of 11 finalists, the top prize went to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan City, South Africa for their project on HIV/AIDS and the second prize to the City of Blacktown, Australia for their community awareness project against racial and gender discrimination.

Under the leadership of Mayor Jerry dela Cerna who first assumed office in 2001, the municipal town of Governor Generoso implemented a ban on commercial fishing within its 15-kilometer (90,000 hectares of) municipal waters. In partnership with a strong network of people’s organizations and NGOs, the municipal government implemented a project wherein fish aggregating devices (FADs), known popularly as payaos, where deployed as markers of the municipal waters. They also designated the 5-kilometer boundary from the shoreline as exclusive fishing grounds for marginalized fisherfolk using non-active gears. A total of 825 fisherfolk will directly benefit from the project and indirectly, some 3,000 coastal community households who are earning an average income of P1,850.00/month.

The project was made possible because of a strong network of people’s organizations, NGOs, civil society, mass movements, and political movement like Akbayan! Citizens Action Party that backed the reform agenda of the mayor. The award entitled the municipality to a cash prize of Euros 500,00 but more importantly, gave distinction to the Philippines and to the small fishing community of Davao Oriental.

Cordaid supports SIMCARRD’s peace advocacy through community dialogues

15 June 2005

The Catholic Organizations for Development Aid or Cordaid, a merger of three Catholic funding agencies of the Netherlands, provided a one year grant to SIMCARRD to help the latter pursue its peace advocacy through community dialogues in conflict-afflicted areas. Under the grant, a series of community dialogues will be held among LGUs-NGOs/POs in Iligan City, a forum in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi areas called the Sangsa forum, a central Mindanao forum under the Iranun Development Council, workshops-dialogues in General Santos City, and a series of peace forums in Davao City and Davao provinces. Last December 2004, SIMCARRD with the support of Cordaid, became the secretariat of the 2nd General Assembly of the Muslim League of Cities, Municipalities, and Communities of the Philippines. The league is an independent initiative of Muslim mayors all throughout the country which is around 136 mayors from Mindanao, Palawan and Luzon. The league’s objectives are to develop solidarity among Muslim local chief executives, explore opportunities for cooperation among municipalities and Muslim communities, and develop a policy advocacy program for Muslim-led LGUs.

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung to support BBGC-SIMCARRD in Mindanao

04 February 2005

The German social democratic foundation, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, expressed its interest to fund activities of the Barangay-Bayan Governance Consortium (BBGC) specific to Mindanao starting in 2005. This was expressed by FES country representative, Dr. Heinz Bongartz, in a meeting with Tom Villarin, executive director of SIMCARRD last October 2004 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City.

FES’ major areas of work in the Philippines are on trade unionism, democratization and human rights, and political reforms. BBGC is considered a major, strategic partner of FES in the area of democratization and political reforms. The support to BBGC in Mindanao will be coursed through SIMCARRD.

SIMCARRD joins Sustainable Agriculture Network of BftW

03 November 2004

Last October 29, 2004, SIM-CARRD formally joined Bread for the World’s network of Sustainable Agriculture practitioners from all over the country. During the closing ceremonies attended by SIMCARRD’s Cristina Delima and Tom Villarin, the group affirmed its commitment to promote sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices. The BftW-supported network earlier had a workshop-conference held at the Eden Nature Park and Resort in Toril, Davao City from October 25-29, 2004. The workshop served as a venue for discussion among SA practitioners on issues relating to food security and sustainable development which is part of BftW’s Asia-Pacific strategy for development in the region.

Last April 22-23, 2004, Bread for the World’s new country representative, Claudia Hinderer visited project areas of SIM-CARRD and its local NGO partner, the People’s Alternative Development Center (PADC) in Davao Oriental. She had a chance to talk to POs in the municipalities of Governor Generoso and Banay-Banay, including women’s organizations.

SIMCARRD and partners’ hold strategic planning workshop

15 October 2004

Last September 27-29, 2004, SIM-CARRD together with five local NGOs namely the Heed Foundation of Agusan del Sur, Building Alternative Rural Resource Institutions and Organizing Services (BARRIOS) of South Cotabato-General Santos City, PADC of Davao Oriental, Institute for Strategic Initiatives (ISI) of Maguindanao, and the Alternative Center for Organizational Reforms and Development (ACORD), held a strategic planning workshop in Lantaw Bukid, Calinan district, Davao City.

The main objective of the workshop is for SIMCARRD and its partners to draw up a project design on sustainable agriculture and enterprise development as part of its 2nd generation programs built on participatory governance initiatives. It was also a process of leveling-off among partners their concepts and approaches of doing sustainable agriculture, local enterprise, and so-called public enterprise programs focused on delivery of basic social/infrastructure services. The outputs of said workshop were later consolidated by SIMCARRD to produce a project proposal to be submitted to Bread for the World and Cordaid for possible funding.

IPG executive director moves to SIMCARRD

03 August 2004

In August 2004, Mr. Tom S. Villarin, executive director of the Institute of Politics and Governance since 2001, formally resigned his post and assumed the leadership of the SIAD Initiatives in Mindanao-Convergence for Asset Reform and Regional Development. Mr. Villarin has been in NGO work since 1986 where he worked with the Center for Education and Research for Government Employees and the Caucus of Independent Unions. He moved on in 1990 to work with the Agrarian Reform Desk of the National Federation of Labor and was based in Basilan and later, moved back to Manila where he took on the job of organizing construction workers. In 1993, Kaisahan took him as education officer and later, assumed the position of executive in 1997. He moved to IPG in 2001 where he became the co-convenor of the Barangay-Bayan Governance Consortium (also known as Batman consortium).

Tom was born in Bislig, Surigao del Sur and finished high school in that town. He graduated AB Economics from the University of Santo Tomas in 1981. He has written numerous books and articles on agrarian reform, participatory local governance, and sustainable integrated area development. Now, he brought his family back home to where he belongs – Mindanao.

Mayors win re-election in areas doing participatory governance

22 July 2004

Results of the May 2004 local elections showed that in Mindanao, some 14 mayors who are implementing participatory governance initiatives in partnership with the Barangay-Bayan Governance Consortium and SIMCARRD have won re-election. Other newly-elected mayors, who are also strong advocates of participatory governance even before their election, also add up to a stronger network of progressive local government officials.

The set of mayors is led by Mayor Jerry dela Cerna of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental; Mayor Apolinar Ruelo of San Isidro, Davao Oriental; Mayor Romulo Solivio of Surallah, South Cotabato; Mayor Basilio M. Salif of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Mayor Isidro Janita of Banga, South Cotabato; Mayor Alexander Tomawis of Barira, Maguindanao; Mayor Nasser Imam of Matanog, Maguindanao; Mayor Alonto Sahiron of Sumisip, Basilan; Mayor Gilbert Elorde of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur; Mayor Glicerio Monton of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte; Mayor Renerio Rosales of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; Mayor Pendatun Salih of Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi; Mayor Albert Que of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; and Mayor Lawrence Cruz of Iligan City.

One of the new mayors, former vice-mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz of Iligan City, dumped the incumbent Mayor Franklin Quijano including his vice-mayor and 7 of 10 city councilors. Quijano was touted to be an advocate of participatory governance and awarded as best city mayor in 2003. Some LGU officials who are partners of the BBGC and SIMCARRD like Mayor Jordan Reyes of Polomolok, South Cotabato and Ramon Bagayas of Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental lost in the mayoral race.

FSSI provides support to payao project

15 April 2004

The Foundation for Sustainable Societies, Inc. (FSSI), a local funding NGO, granted last April 2004 a recoverable grant of P900,000.00 to support the establishment of payaos in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Under the grant, SIMCARRD in partnership with the municipal fisherfolk federation, municipal government, Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council, and local civil society network will implement the project through the construction of some 48 payaos within the municipal waters of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. SIMCARRD will oversee the project’s implementation through a Project Management Committee and will ensure that the payao will generate income equivalent to the money invested in the payaos within a 2 ½ year period starting in October 2004. Proceeds from the project will be plowed back to construct payaos until the target of 48 payaos will be completed.

Kaisahan taps SIMCARRD for ASDA transition in Mindanao

18 March 2004

In March 2004, a national NGO, Kaisahan, inked an agreement with SIMCARRD to help the former in implementing the last year of its Area-Specific Development Assistance (ASDA) in three project areas in Mindanao. Under the agreement, SIMCARRD will provide technical assistance and project development support to the three local NGOs which are its ASDA partners: BARRIOS in Surallah, South Cotabato, PADC in Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental; and HEED Foundation in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur.

Kaisahan’s ASDA program started in 1996 and eventually covered the three areas later. Its focus is on agrarian reform implementation, promotion of participatory governance initiatives, paralegal formation, and policy advocacy support. SIMCARRD’s transitory role will help the local NGOs and communities prepare for a new program which it will develop together with the local community stakeholders. It was projected that by December 2004, all Kaisahan-funded activities with the local NGOs will be terminated.

UK’s One World Action extends support to Mindanao NGOs

21 January 2004

One World Action, an NGO based in the United Kingdom, entered into partnerships with the Heed Foundation of Agusan del Sur and SIMCARRD to implement agriculture-based enterprises in Mindanao especially among marginalized farmers and indigenous peoples. In 2003, OWA provided a tractor and a floating corn mill to indigenous farmers living along the rivers of the Agusan marshland in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. The project impacts on the income of the farmers as transport costs to mill their corn will be cut drastically thereby generating savings for them. For 2005, SIM-CARRD will implement a payao project in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental to complement the ongoing initiatives of the municipal-based stakeholders. It will also assist in the marketing of the surplus (fish produce) to a women’s group in Davao city called Malayang Kababaihan Mithi ay Paglaya or MAKALAYA. Makalaya has a membership in Davao city numbering to about 600 urban poor women.