South Cotabato locals receive PLEDGE support
People’s organization (POs) in Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok in South Cotabato have much to expect for better income as they received livelihood support from Programme for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) implemented by Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
The provision of the support was in January 2015 after the approval of the project proposals submitted by the people’s organizations.
Livelihood support provided were based on the enterprises identified in the community as a result of series of community workshops conducted using the tools and methodologies promoted by the program.
On catering services and food processing, cooking materials were purchased and were already being used by the members of the POs under this enterprise.
Group under the rice and corn production enterprise received set of farm equipment that are helpful for better farming activities of the locals.
For banana processing enterprise, POs received set of equipment that includes oven, blender, mixers and others.
On home décor enterprise, equipment such electrical sewing machine, double thread and edging machine are provided to POs.
“All these equipment are already functional and are helping our beneficiaries to produce better products that they can sell for income. Part also of the support is the skills training provided for them with support from our training providers identified by our people’s organizations,” PLEDGE coordinator Julhaina Cadon said.
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.