Community beneficiaries of the PLEDGE implemented by Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) recently underwent orientation on community financial management on January 8, 2015 at community learning center (CLC) at Brgy. Koronadal Proper, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Purpose of the activity is to capacitate beneficiaries of necessary and basic skills on financial management.

“The orientation is timely since the budget for the community sub-projects was just downloaded to regional management office (RMO) in Southern Mindanao where the project is being piloted,”Julhaina Cadon, PLEDGE Coordinator said.

Accordingly, this orientation shall be conducted prior to the procurement of tools, equipment, and other materials needed by the proponents for the project enterprise.

Participants were members of the people’s organizations (PO) particularly the presidents, treasurers, and auditors. RMO-SouthMin Manager Mohalikin Piang together with some staff also graced the activity.

Among the topics discussed were project financial management and sound financial management. Roles and responsibilities of participants as PO officers and committee members were also part of the orientation.

Other vital financial matters such as funds flow, mode of fund releases and disbursements were also discussed.

Cadon also presented and thoroughly explained to the proponents the procedural guidelines in requesting for fund releases, fundamental principles in fund utilization, disbursing guidelines and other transaction supporting documents.

Brgy. Koronadal Proper is a pilot barangay of PLEDGE. Here, four project enterprises were identified namely; banana processing, home décor and garment making, catering services and rice and corn production.

PLEDGE is the economic and livelihood component of Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) administered by the World Bank with support from various donors such as

International Labour Organization (ILO) is the trust fund recipient of the program.

The program aims to contribute to confidence and peace building efforts through local economic development and sustainable livelihood creation in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.