PLEDGE beneficiaries undergo skills training on food processing
Three people’s organizations (POs) in Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok, South Cotabato recently underwent skills training on food processing on February 9-12, 2015 at the community learning center in the barangay.
The training is part of the livelihood support of the Programme for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) implemented by Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
In the training, participants learned the proper usage of the cooking equipment provided to them by the program. Trainers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) South Cotabato introduced them of modern process of food preparation, new recipes were introduced in the training.
This training is under the catering services enterprise of the program participated by the members of the peoples organization (POs)in this barangay.
Through the acquired knowledge and skills, it is expected that the PO will produce quality food products to the consumers. The PO is already selling products in their locality, they are already providing catering services to local events in their community.
According to Julhaina Cadon, PLEDGE coordinator, the group divide the income based on the internal market system promoted by PLEDGE. In this system, members of each enterprise are grouped into three clusters: a) manufacturer, b) processor, and c) marketer. The group agree on certain amount based on the roles and tasks of each member.
Brgy. Polomolok is the pilot site of the program. There are four enterprises identified in the barangay which the PLEDGE is supporting. These enterprises are catering services, banana processing, home décor and garment making, and rice and corn production.
Skills training for the other enterprise is also set this quarter.
PLEDGE is the economic and livelihood component of Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP) administered by the World Bank with support from various donors such as the European Union (EU), DFAT Australia (then AusAID), Canadian International Development Agency, New Zealand Aid for International Development, Sweden International Development Agency, United States Aid for International Development and the World Bank.
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.