Exploring Partnerships in the Calamianes
Convened by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), the local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and peoples organizations (POs) in the Calamianes joined hands together on 19 June 2008 and explored partnerships in implementing poverty reduction programs in this scenic group of islands in Northern Palawan.
The rare gathering was attended by representatives from the three (3) local government units (LGUs) of Busuanga, Coron, and Culion (Linapacan had no representative). Also present were seven NGOs currently implementing projects in the area namely; Center for Community Transformation (CCT), Culion Foundation Inc. (CFI), Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), Palawan Center for Appropriate Technology (PCART), Project Development Institute (PDI), Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI), and Tulay sa Kauswagan Inc. (TSKI). 2 indigenous POs, the Saragpunta and the Tagbanwa Tribe of Coron Island Association (TTCIA), likewise participated.
PEF presented the Poverty Map highlighting how its mapping results consistently
pointed to the Calamianes as priorities for interventions. A signifi cant highlight in the
gathering was how the participants discussed the development problems in the area and
explored opportunities for addressing them. Among others, they identifi ed potable water,
education and alternative livelihood as common to all four municipalities.
The meeting of minds among participating organizations was facilitated by the
presentations of their respective goals and projects and further discussions on how they
could complement one another. From here, an NGO-LGU partnership was conceived.
For a full coverage of this activity, please download the PDF file.