Annual Institutional Review

Debates, arguments and notions were presented as participants in the Annual Institutional Review of the DMSF-IPHC gathered together on  three day activity started on March 26, 2015. This will give every units of the institution an opportunity to present the accomplishments for the whole fiscal year . With 46 people in attendance, the activity started at exactly 8:45 am at 3rd Floor,AVR, MTRC Building 1.

Reports from CSU, MTRC, Admin, PDE, Finance, SEED, ED/MC and PDE were presented. Discussion on project development and efforts to delivering 2 major domains was emphasized. The topic in Finance unit was thoroughly discussed though. However, different topics were discussed accordingly. Every topic are sensitive. Indicators and other concerns were also discussed. Participants from every unit have raised concerns. Objectively, the purpose of the activity was successfully delivered. Issues were brought out that resulted to the development and progress of the institution.

A number of ice breaker was conducted by the Relational Committee responsible for the activity's  technical aspect. Participants enjoyed not only the dances but the discussions as well. The activity commenced exactly 12:00pm, February 28, 2015. The activity was made possible with the collaborated efforts of  every units. The activity commenced after a sumptuous lunch shared by everyone.

A Day with the IP Leaders

My sleeping position caused muscle pain and that woke me up around 6:18 am. This day I woke up late. However,I immediately prepared myself for another say of learning as an OJT. Around 8:00 am we went to  the activity area where we bring with us hundreds of calendars which will be distributed after the activity. Participants from every barangay came. Tha participants were the chieftains of the IP (Indigenous Pople) and IMPR. Attandance, registration and greetings were the first scenario.

Together with the team, we prepared the area. We started to post the visuals. People kept coming in. When everyone was settled, my teammate started to talk and did the preliminaries followed by the introduction and finally the presentation of PORAS (Peoples Organization Rating Assessment System). In this activity, our task was to assess them. We need to identify what is the present status of the organization, how they do it and what are the things to improve as an organization.

At first, participants kept on raising concerns. They kept on raising their hands while our Team Leader thoroughly explained the objectives up to the first part. Things were clarified as to what are the purpose of the assessment. As the activity progresses, participants became more vocal and inquisitive. They kept on asking questions and pushed their notions. The discussion became out of pace. The speaker then explained and reminded the participants. Together with the project manager, Maam Mila, who was present during the activity, helped us emphasize the true meaning of the assessment.

I learned that an organization should know what is its status, what are the things an organization should have. One of the most discussed topic was the Mission, Vission and Goal of the organization that have been debated by the members as a long due issue. I also appreciate how the team leader, Maam Ruth, emphasized the main purpose of the activity.

First Activity: Participatory Rapid Assessment/Appraisal

Activity:Participatory Rapid Assessment/Appraisal

Date: Feb. 16, 2015

Venue: Brgy. Hall, Banglasan, Montevista, ComVal Province

                Before the activity I saw the CO’s prepared. After we filled our empty stomach we went to the terminal. The idea of riding a “skylab” was one thing that filled the excitement. It was my first time. We left the Poblacion area around 8:00 am. The weather wasn’t good though. Light rain was pouring. We came down the road and the rain inked the streets. Mountains were covered by white smoke. At first it was a smooth ride until it turned out bad.

                Before we reached the place I saw how people lived their lives. Simple. I saw how they cultivated their crops, how they raised their animals. We crossed a river, schools and other existing projects of the NGO's. I learned that it is not easy to reach a certain place just to give them education and technical support. It takes passion.

                Together with the midwife who happened to conduct the immunization that day, we were welcomed by the barangay captain. We started the assessment immediately. I was task to facilitate the introduction of participants. The activity was attended by the Barangay Captain, BHW’s, a Midwife, BNS, Tribal Chieftain, pastor and representatives from Senior Citizen and the barangay Secretary. I really appreciate the warm welcome of the participants. After that, the background of the project and PRA tools were presented.

                Participants were actively participating. Issues and other medical concerns were raised. The interaction was good. They were assessed in a collective and participatory manner. Some topics were deeply discussed and argued. I saw the problem of the barangay and I was moved by the fact that the activity affects them as to how they view on health.

                The PRA in Banglasan was the first exposure for me. It introduced me into a perspectivewhere I can feel belongingness. The roadtrips, budgeting, ambiance, my team mates, the interactions of the participants and the warm welcome of the people are things that lived my expectations.