As the Program for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) currently implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) focuses on enhanced community ownership for sustainable livelihood, the development of human resources is also targeted. Recently, PLEDGE Coordinator was invited in a 5-day workshop on entrepreneurship on 11-15 November 2013, at the ILO-International Training Centre, Turin Italy.

The training entitled Value Chain Development for Descent Work: Reaching Scale, Fostering Sustainability and Promoting Equity aims to empower small enterprises (SEs) to sell to more stable, higher volume or higher value markets. The activity was conducted through series of lectures and workshops. The course teaches the participants on the significance of linking SEs with the range of businesses in the value chain and with support service providers and other stakeholders to increase the competitiveness of the industry and increase the benefits for low-income SEs.

“We have recently conducted values chain analysis for PLEDGE program in BDA and this training is very useful for the implementation of this program, said Julhaina Cadon, PLEDGE Program Coordinator. According to Ms. Cadon, the workshop enables participants to share knowledge with partners and stakeholders about the value chain development principles and applications.

Participated by value chain development practitioners coming from different countries in the world, the activity likewise provides venue for the participants to exchange experiences with and be part of a peer network. This contributes to the design and implementation of market driven value chain development projects using a participatory approach.

“We at BDA, we of course were able to share our experience here at BDA. We were able to share with them our PLEDGE program and how it differs given that we are serving communities that are conflict-affected, especially our context here in Mindanao”, related Ms. Cadon.

PLEDGE is one of the components of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP) administered by the World Bank, and ILO as its trust fund recipient (TFR). The program is aimed on the creation of sustainable livelihood in communities enhancing community ownership through participatory approach and with enhanced support networks and services.

Anchored in its “Building People who will Build the Nation”, BDA continues in providing support for its staff, for capacity building in becoming well developed agent of change. This is in partnership with other organizations both local and international in enhancing its networks and linkages worldwide.

Photo during the 5-day International Workshop on Entrepreneurship Training Methodologies

Ms.Julhaina Cadon, Program Coordinator for PLEDGE receives certificate of participation during the 5-day workshop activity.

Participants to the workshop listening to the lecture given during the activity