Program for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) kicks off its pilot implementation. A courtesy call to local government units and other stakeholders at Polomolok ,South Cotabato was held on June 4, 2014.

The activity is conducted for preliminary entry and coordination to the pilot community chosen for the program which is the Barangay Koronadal in the municipality of Polomolok. It is also aimed at seeking initial support from the local government as key stakeholders and partners in the implementation of the program.

During the courtesy, the team introduced BDA as implementing agency of the PLEDGE. The team likewise discussed the Program and its objectives.

Lobbied during the activity was the reactivation and possible upgrading of the Municipal Technical Team (MTT) membership focusing on economic development, the possible external linkages of the community market and highlighting that the PLEDGE, unlike other community-based projects requires no financial counterpart however is open for monetary support if available.

The courtesy call was spearheaded by Julhaina Cadon, Program Coordinator for PLEDGE. Together with her were the staff for PLEDGE based in BDA Central Management Office (CMO). The team also included staff from Regional Management Office of Southern Mindanao led by the Regional Manager Mohalikin Piang, Arvin Nait, Community Enterprise Development Officer (CEDO) and two volunteers Nadzman Hassan and Jennah Hassan.

The local government of Polomolok commits their full support to the program. The Municipal Administrator expressed thanks to BDA and to the Program for choosing one of their barangays as pilot community for the project. They mentioned about Mahintana Foundation- right arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) providing technical trainings on livelihood that accordingly can be a partner in implementing the program.

In Brgy. Koronadal Proper, local officials were very glad of the program. “We are very happy that our Barangay is chosen for this program”, the Brgy. Captain said. “We are very excited to inform our constituents of this good news,” the Brgy. Official further stated.

Brgy. Koronadal is selected based on the criteria set by the program that includes: preferably Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP) site, with high potential for markets and with high potential for job/employment. The process of selection includes conduct of validation of the submitted sites by the Regions of BDA and of approval of the Management of the agency.

Brgy. Koronadal has various local products potential for economic development such a cardava banana, cassava, pineapple and others.

PLEDGE is the livelihood sector of MTF, a multi-donor fund facility administered by the World Bank. It centers on creation of transition enterprise project following some processes. PLEDGE has an open menu wherein the community shall identify the project to be supported by the program. Supports from other entities are not only limited to government agencies but also open to private institutions.