CHARM 2. Bulletin. The Official Publication of Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project

Transcription

1 CHARM 2 The Official Publication of Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project ISSN: VOLUME 4; ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2012 Bulletin

2 EDITORIAL BOARD Robert L. Domoguen In f o r m a t i o n a n d Kn o w l e d g e Ma n a g e m e n t Co o r d i n a t o r Ed i t o r-in-ch i e f Patrick W. Depolio Michelle C. Mendoza Crislyn F. Balangen Information and Knowledge Management Officers CHARMP2 KEY OFFICIALS Marilyn V. Sta. Catalina Project Director Cameron P. Odsey Project Manager Daniel T. Dalilis, Jr. Administrative Officer Clyde O. Waytan Ac c o u n t a n t Celedonia D. Saldevar Budget Officer Charles A. Picpican Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator Robert L. Domoguen Information and Knowledge Management Coordinator Aida Y. Pagtan So c i a l Mobilization, Participatory In v e s t m e n t Pl a n n i n g a n d Gender Coordinator JR Balag-ey A. Claver Co m m u n i t y Watershed Co n s e r v a t i o n Fo r e s t Ma n a g e m e n t Agroforestry and Land Tenure Improvement Coordinator Leonora K. Verzola Agriculture Agribusiness and Development Coordinator Filemon Salvador Rural Infrastructure and Development Coordinator contents NEWS UPDATES 9 8 CWCFMA fires up reforestation project implementation SMPIP conducts CMOs assessment Benefiting from partnerships: CURE trains selected CHARMP 2 staff and partners on Participatory Process Documentation LGU staff undergoes FS 10 Training for CHARMP2 Luzong is BPMET training pilot area 11 Charm-on-Air launched in 3 more provinces 12 CHARMP2 bridges Apayao s Economic Development 13 4 more batches GIS training conducted Sonny C. Salvacion Assistant Rural Infrastructure and Development Coordinator 2 Rosemarie B. Tesoro Provincial Coordinator, Abra Jerry N. Damoyan Provincial Coordinator, Ifugao Alpha A. Lumetic Provincial Coordinator, Kalinga Digna D. Villanueva Provincial Coordinator, Apayao Gabriel C. Pacio Provincial Coordinator, Benguet Beverly T. Pekas Provincial Coordinator, Mt. Province CHARM-2 BULLETIN is the official publication of the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management project with office address at Baguio Stock Farm, Corner Sto. Tomas Rd., Baguio City Telefax No DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE E X T E N S I O N CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION R E G U L A T O R Y 1988 R E S E A R C H A D M I N I S T R AT I O N The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the CHARM-2 project and its partners. The presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the party of the Project Support Office. Contributors to this publication, however, are encouraged to reflect and honestly present the goals and objectives of the project, issues, concerns and related developments on the project s implementation for the benefit of all stakeholders.

3 FEATURES 14 Reforesting Labaan: LASADA s first move makes it possible 15 TACELA takes the lead 16 Finding ways: the feat of Ganap System The long and winding Cal-owan Road Better late than never The conduct of validation of improvement along Oring Farm to Market Road (FMR) 30 Ups and downs in project implementation Contract vs. Covenant: its s more than a paper Regreening the Kaingin areas of Lacub Dear partners,...sincerely yours, CMO s... Mountain province reforestation committee conducts reforestation validation and survey 32 Kabayan, where are you now? 20 CHARMP 2 revitalizing sugarcane production 21 Footpath project promotes well-being and livelihood in a remote barangay 22 Charming the Ifugao SP 23 Not to get rid of CHARMP2 RID Editor s Note: The publication is open for contributions in either news, feature, testimonials, opinion or photo news that speaks of the CHARM2 Project. All CHARMP2 partners from the provinces including the Project Support Office (PSO) staff are encouraged to send their contributions in our official address at charmp2bulletin@ yahoo.com or directly submit it at the Information Knowledge Management Unit Office - PSO located at Baguio Stock Farm, Cor. Sto. Tomas Rd., Marcos Hi-way, Baguio City. The publication assures that all contributions will be properly credited when published. However, the publication shall have the right to review and edit the articles as necessary. Likewise, the publication encourages all readers to send their comments and suggestions. Be part of the project s development through reflecting and disseminating the Project s various efforts, issues, concerns and related development on the project s implementation. CHARMP2 BULLETIN serves to be the mouthpiece of the Project in presenting the development that the Project has contributed in the Cordillera Highlands and ultimately to preserve knowledge sharing efforts among all stakeholders; and through your continuous conributions, support and participation will this effort be made possible. 3

4 Point of View RED s CORNER MARILYN V. STA. CATALINA, CESO1V We certainly went through a challenging year in But that did not dampen our will. Instead, it made us better in more ways than one, I hope. Under the CHARM2 Project, our experiences highlighted for us the realities we faced on the ground with reference to our objectives and strategies, targets and activities, timetables and processes of operations. We hankered to the most reasonable, appropriate and sustainable ways possible to advance our goals and objectives in project coverage areas. Even with the best of intentions and how well these were thought out, approved and disseminated, our accomplishments did not measure up to the best expectations of all project stakeholders. In the implementation of the project s rural infrastructure development component targets, we encountered a major setback owing to the inability of local government unit (LGU) partners to provide the needed counterpart. The National Government and Local Government Unit (NG-LGU) financing scheme provides a formula in the funding of infrastructure projects based on municipal classification, financial and technical capabilities of LGUs to undertake infrastructure development projects. Under the project and applying the NG-LGU cost sharing scheme, first and second class shall LGUs underwrite 70 percent of the cost of the project. The remaining 30 percent shall be provided as grant. For third and fourth class LGUs, the funding scheme is 60 % LGU counterpart, 40 % grant. Funding for infrastructure projects in fifth and sixth class LGUs follow a counterpart sharing. In the case of the CHARM2 Project, most of its areas are within the bottom fourth to sixth municipal classifications. Our partner-lgus in these areas are dependent on their annual internal revenue allotment (IRA) for their operations; are undermanned and the needy of expertise to undertake infrastructure development projects. In effect, out of the 36 municipalities in the six provinces of the Cordillera covered by the Project, only a handful submitted proposals to implement farm-to-market roads and other rural infrastructure projects following the NG-LGU financing scheme. Responding to the clamour of the LGUs for support in the implementation of rural infrastructure projects under CHARM2 Project, DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala committed the DA to shoulder 30 percent of the LGU s counterpart fund for farm-to-market roads (FMR). The commitment ultimately came with an agreement among major project stakeholders, following the conclusion of the CHARM2 Project Mid-Term Review, allowing the implementation of farm-to-market road projects in coverage areas to be implemented following a 60 % Project grant, 30 % DA grant, and 10 % LGU counterpart regardless of province/ municipality classification. DA Secretary Alcala s commitment is laudable and welcomed by the LGUs and project beneficiaries. Getting this into the scheme of the Project s operations required consultations at the field level and all the way to the Office of the President, who ultimately approved the DA s proposal to exempt the project areas under the NG-LGU co-financing scheme. Along with the President s approval, additional funds committed by Secretary Alcala for the DA to shoulder most of the LGUs counterpart for rural infrastructure projects, particularly FMRs, were also consulted with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the release of the funding requirement. continue to page 34 4

5 Point of View Where the road ends... It is always heart warming to witness the launching of foot trails or road projects in our highlands. Anybody is elated, more than grateful when these projects are completed. MANAGER s DESK CAMERON P. ODSEY Since we implemented the Highland Agricultural Development Project (HADP), followed by the First Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resources Management (CHARM) Project, we have inaugurated hundreds of foot paths and farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in our region. In the hearts and mouths of our constituents, the completion of these projects did not only mean increased income through better transport of goods and people. These projects made their communities accessible as vital parts of the nation. Ultimately, the communities who benefitted from the projects are encouraged to become active partners in nation building. Under HADP, the investments were concentrated in the highlands of Benguet and Mountain. The thrust was expanded to include the highlands of Abra province with the implementation of the CHARM Project. Today, under the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resources Management (CHARM2) Project, some 34 highland municipalities in the six provinces of the Cordillera were included under its coverage areas. Like its two predecessors, the building of FMRs and foot trails continues to be priority projects of beneficiaries under the CHARM2 Project. We have also witnessed the transformation or conversion of HADP and CHARM Project roads into municipal, provincial and even national roads. That means a lot to us. First, it highlights the importance and usefulness of the road projects as proposed. Their upgrade into regular roads also tells us that the local government units and community beneficiaries have kept their commitments during project turn-over. Most of the communities benefited by the construction of HADP roads were isolated, accessible only by foot trails. Under the CHARM Project, the communities benefited suffered the same fate because of the poor and unusable condition of the roads. Under the given conditions, the communities, some as old, still others older than the Philippine Republic endured the difficulties of a road less community living. The roads were rehabilitated and put back to good use. Residents in these marginalized highland communities have better chances when they need emergency health care. The transport of food, farm inputs, and other materials for the building of homes are much easier. The beneficiaries are certainly grateful while we are all heartened. As we look at these developments, we must remember and express our continuing gratitude to all stakeholders; our benefactors, the Government of the Philippines, Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), local government units (LGUs), and all partners in the development of the Cordillera highlands. We certainly look forward to an continuing partnership until this evolving vehicle for the development of the Cordillera highlands has finally reached its destination where the road ends. Where the road ends for us in this frontier of rural development, is where every highland community is enabled to be self-sufficient, self-sustainable actively participating, promoting, supporting and initiating community development and nation-building. That is certainly a long, long way to go from where we are presently are.// 5

6 Point of View EDITOR s NOTE ROBERT L. DOMOGUEN Climbing to the Summit of Mount Pulag on a Limp I had some misgivings now waking up early on a Saturday morning. I wish I did not give my word to climb to the summit of Mount Pulag. I wish I did not ask Charles Picpican myself to hasten the team s three-day planning activities and paper work so we can have time to visit this famous and second highest mountain in the Philippines. Charles brought our unit together in Poblacion Kabayan so we can think through the CHARM2 Project component plans and make our units jointly work together in assisting the synchronous implementations of submitted project plans. Yesterday, I convinced Charles I can climb to Mount Pulag if ever our expected output will be completed in time. Now my feelings tell me otherwise. I had a lot of questions rushing in my mind begging for answers. I know that a diabetic like me can collapse anywhere out there in the mountains due to a lot of factors that relate to nutrition, physical stress and the thinning of oxygen at high elevation. I had no prior conditioning for this activity except sudden and sheer determination. I might as well say, it was an inspiration on my part to be part of this climb and I would gladly do it with this team. These are thoughtful, caring and kind young men and ladies. I wanted to climb too and deepen the lessons we are learning on team building. They knew it or not, my success in this climb is truly theirs more than my own. I will cherish the climb of course if I make it after passing through the peaks of the mountains below the summit. The ranger s office is where we begin our climb. By car, we by-passed the challenging stiff trail that actually start near the Kabayan Poblacion. It takes two days for regular trekkers to complete the climb to the summit of Mount Pulag, if one starts there. At the ranger s office, we plan to climb straight to the summit which is seven kilometres away in three hours and then return on the same day before twilight. We left the ranger s office at 11 A.M. I carried my camera, a bottle of sugared coco water and plain water. All the rest had backpacks. I realized along the trail that Charles processed how the team would stage the climb all the way to the top and back. At a place called Camp 1, we sat and ate lunch. There were rice, cakes, meat and sugared water - all energy food. I thought all we needed in this fast climb and descent was water. I was too grateful lunch was well prepared for and the team brought it all here. 6

7 Point of View The strength of a team or community is best determined and judged by the way it handles the concerns and needs of the poor and weak in their midst... After 45 minutes, my body was actually aching after hiking the stiff trail to Camp 1 for 45 minutes. I tried to be as cheerful as anybody else. After lunch, I noted that we are already deep into the cloud forest starting from the ascent to this place. After lunch we continued our trek. I would have given up and waited for the group to return at Camp 1. I was really tired and my muscles ached. I carried on the hike comforting myself with the many and beautiful shapes and appearances of the trees. I re-introduced myself to the ferns, lianas, orchids, moss and anything to keep myself focus on other things but the growing pain in my body. The team kept pulling me on gracefully. At a time when I told myself I forgot a cane, Charles had it ready and Isabel Tejo, a mentoring member was there with her chocolate and a word, put in some energy, when I was just really wilting out. In this climb, I just feel for this team at work and play. In the middle between Camp 1 and the end of the cloud forest, I admired the team at work in encouraging and cheering each other. Some strong members of the team proceeded way ahead but Charles and a group of ladies lingered behind. I and our guide walked our pace in the middle. In a way, we all controlled the pace of the hike even if we are walking some distances away from those who are way ahead of us and those behind. The guide always shouted when we need to converge in a place. In these convergence areas, energy food and water were offered. Charles carried most of them for me. Hiking the grasslands is quite a challenge by itself. I was feeling dizzy and I had to bend and cough most times to pump oxygen into my brain. The guide was completely assigned to me. At this site, my condition was complicated by vertigo. It comes in my weakened condition and I had a one way vision to where there is a wall of soil, rock or grass. At times the earth seems to be shaking. It is how my weaking body and nerves react to the physical stress of the climb. Looking down on a precipice would surely dizzy me out. At the grassland and on to the top, the thickening cloud was actually a great help in the sense that the clouds covered the deep canyons where it mattered. Still they allowed me to take a photo of some peaks below us or those that have yet to be climbed. At the peak, the clouds enveloped us and did not allow any view of the horizons except the perimeter of grown dwarf bamboos around us. These bamboos are soft and their blades do not hurt. They also do not have those itchy and dusty furs that all other bamboos possess. The clouds up here are wet and you can feel the water splash with the wind. Otherwise, I would say it is gentle cooling rain that one feels. You simply get soaked in the clouds. All these add to the feeling one gets at reaching the summit, the goal. Still it was not the end for me and the team. The descent was actually more challenging for me. The team leader, mentor and core realized that soon enough. The rest of the team rushed back to the base. They perhaps wanted to change their wet clothes right away. Of course they will have to wait until the leader arrives. He occupied the tail until we all safely were back. He came last smiling without any bitter word. We did our talking of course away from the rest. I am glad many in the team learned a lesson or two about living together as a team besides our great and highly esteemed selves for the sake of community and the republic.-// 7

8 News Stories Talifugo CWCFMA fires up reforestation project implementation Padoan The Community Watershed Conservation, Forest Management and Agro-forestry (CWCFMA) component of the CHARM2 Project is set to complete its targets in reforestation projects. An estimate of 60% has already been contracted out through covenants as of July this year from its target of 8,356,530 hectares this On, the other hand, conservation and reforestation of critical watersheds is firmly pushed by the component where 102 Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPOs) are currently implementing the Comprehensive Site Development (CSD) covenants covering an area of 4,554 hectares regionwide. SMPIP conducts CMOs assessment BAGUIO CITY - The Social Mobilization and Participatory Investment Planning (SMPIP) component together with the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) undertook an assessment of As of September, report shows that 165 are operating 109 temporary nurseries and have produced 3,408,415 plantable seedlings while 570,630 seedlings are already planted in community reforestation sites. To capacitate the POs in the six provinces to implement the next batches of reforestation and agroforestry subprojects, a total of 510 PO members were trained on Comprehensive Site Development and Planning, and 34 Agroforestry graduates were trained during a ten-day Reinforcement Training Course for vegetables. Also, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Community Based Mapping training has already been conducted for information and use of key stakeholders in all the provinces.// CMOs of Benguet at Pines View Hotel last October 11, The CMOs of Benguet presented their accomplishments per barangay per component in lieu of the scheduled assessment. In addition, they also presented the backlog activities of Igorota Foundation, Inc. (IFI), that was previously contracted under CHARM2 Project. Tulgao East Upper Uma Validation In the same occasion, the CMOs were tasked to classify their accomplishments using the Area Situationer prepared by the PMEU. This tool consisted of barangays identified within the municipality with sub-projects under each component. Afterwards, status of continue to page 34 8

9 News Stories Benefiting from partnerships: CURE trains selected CHARMP 2 staff and partners on Participatory Process Documentation Today s thorn is tomorrow s flower, says Dr. Digna O. Manzanilla, Associate CURE Coordinator during the Participatory Process Documentation/Systematization training workshop conducted by the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resources Management Project (CHAMP 2) with the Consortium for Unfavorable Rice Environments (CURE) at Banaue Hotel, Banaue, Ifugao on September 18-20,2012. Dr. Manzanilla shared the quote emphasizing the roles of LGUS in the process documentation of the Project where they will soon be enhancing their documenting skills as they continue to exercise the said skill in their jobs. The activity is part of the CURE- CHARMP2 collaboration workplan aimed at capacitating CHARMP 2 Project implementers and beneficiaries. CURE is an IFAD funded grant Project based in IRRI, Los Banos and is tasked by IFAD to provide technical assistance to CHARMP 2 implementers and beneficiaries on identified concern areas. Pilot sites for this collaborative undertaking are: Kadaclan village, Barlig, Mountain Province; Bagtayan, Pasil, Kalinga and Bambang, Hungduan, Ifugao. Dr. Digna O. Manzanilla was the main resource person/facilitator assisted by Ms. Eleanor de Leon, CURE Communication and Extension Specialist. The training-workshop was attended by 17 female and 6 male participants consisting of staff from the CHARMP 2 Project Support Office and LGUs as well as Community Mobilizing Officers and farmers from the pilot sites. The training-workshop covered topics from basic concepts, principles and conditions of participatory field documentation to presenting results of the documentation processes. The participants identified the following topics for process documentation: Pasil- Study on the performance of Unoy heirloom rice varieties under different crop management practices; Hungduan- Promotion of rice production technologies through video documentation of farmers crop and natural resources management practices, and Barlig The impact of new rice technologies promoted through palay check FFS on farmers income and livelihoods. Colin Lumbican, CHARMP 2 staff, is looking forward to applying concepts learned and expects to properly document field experiences for effective sharing with project stakeholders. It is expected that with the training, the participants would be able to better capture and share field experiences and learnings. // Leonora Verzola, Collin Lumbican, Patrick Depolio Process documentation a systematic way to capture field and project experience which aids in decision-making, planning, training, learning and policy formulation. Steps in process documentation Organize available information Analyze in detail to understand what happened Draw conclusions which will help generate new knowledge Present the results in a chosen format Principles and issues to consider Involve as many stakeholders as possible to reflect opinion and experiences Use many visuals Get the context of the process subject to documentation, e.g. time, location, events Get varying aspects: social, economic, environmental, political Include what is really relevant 9

10 News Stories LGU staff undergoes FS Training for CHARMP2 The Second Cordillera Highland Agriculture Resource Management Project (CHARMP2) conducted a two-batch refresher course cum Hands-on Workshop in the Preparation of Feasibility Study Report to Local Government Unit staff in the Cordillera region held in Banaue Ifugao and Mount Data, Bauko, Mountain Province on August and August 27-September 2, respectively. The activity sought to strengthen the capacity of the LGUs in the preparation of FS reports that conform to the new guidelines report of the Mid-Term Review Mission of all infrastructure subprojects. This was aimed to expedite the submission of project proposals and feasibility study reports for infrastructure projects under CHARMP2. Participants came from the Provincial Engineering Offices (PEOs), Municipal Planning Development Offices (MPDOs) and Municipal Engineering Offices (MEOs) of the Project covered municipalities. First batch of trainees are from Apayao, Kalinga and Mountain Province while second batch were from Abra, Benguet, and Ifugao. Prior to the training, list of infrastructure sub-projects were already submitted to the CHARMP2 for fund assistance; thus, the need to conduct such activity was pursued to fast track project implementation, component said. New guidelines in the implementation of infrastructure was incorporated and adopted in the preparation of reports as derived from the MTR Mission. Dr. Walfredo Rola of UP-Los Banos and Engr. Tandy Paquit of the DENR served as the resource speakers. The training also served as a venue for the participants to prepare their project proposals and FS Reports based from the list of sub-projects programmed in their Participatory Project investment Plan (PPIP). From the training, participants were able to prepare a total of 101 FS reports/ Project proposals where one has been prepared by Abra, 4 by Apayao, 49 by Benguet, 19 by Mountain Province, 7 by Kalinga and 21 by Ifugao. The said proposals cover rehabilitation and construction of Farm-to-Market Roads, Communal Irrigation Systems, Domestic Water Supply, Indiegnous People Hall, tramline, footpath, and footbridge. Outputs of the two batches are currently being reviewed and validated by the Rural Infrastructure and Development unit of the CHARM Project.// CFB LUZONG is bpmet training pilot area...the BPMET is formed in every barangay to ensure the success, sustainability, transparency, accuracy, timeliness and quality of all activities... Luzong, Luba, ABRA This barangay served as the pilot area for Barangay Project Monitoring and Evaluation Team (BPMET) training held on October 29 30, The first day was allotted for orientation on roles and functions of BPMET, general provisions of RA 9184 also known as Government Procurement Reform Act which was discussed by Rene Brasuela, a staff of Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government, Inc. (CCAGG), a nongovernment organization with expertise in monitoring and evaluating projects based in Bangued, Abra. Based on the guideline of Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management (CHARM2) Project, the BPMET is formed in every barangay to ensure the success, sustainability, transparency, accuracy, timeliness and quality of all activities, not only those being implemented by CHARMP2 components but of other community projects as well. To be effective, the BPMET members were coached on capability in monitoring and evaluation processes. In this connection, the CCAGG staffs presented to the participants tools on how to compute actual measurements of land areas covered by the project to mention some. Mazshaerra Agosto, a community mobilization officer of Luba, Abra discussed also simple auditing and accounting, while George Magwelang, an assisting professional discussed the continue to page 34 10

11 News Stories Charm-on-Air launched in 3 more provinces The Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management (CHARM2) Project completed the launching of its Charm-on-Air program in the four provinces of Cordillera. After its first launching in Kalinga last August, Charm-on-air was also successively launched in the provinces of Abra, Benguet, and Mountain Province on September 12, September 26, and October 3, respectively. Charm-on-air launching at DZPA-Bangued, Abra on Sep. 12, The project tapped the DZRK-Tabuk radio station for Kalinga, DZPA-Bangued for Abra, DZWT-Baguio City for Benguet, and Radyo Sagada for Mountain Province. Project Manager Cameron P. Odsey encouraged all stakeholders to listen to the program and take part of the undertaking. He added that the program is an avenue to channel issues, concerns, developments and updates on the project for a wellinformed and empowered project implementation among all stakeholders. According to the Project Provincial Coordinators in the abovementioned provinces, the program has been successfully running with positive feedbacks from the listeners. Accordingly, a lot of queries and issues were answered and clarified with the airing of the said program. Charm-on-air launching at DZRK-Tabuk, Kalinga on August 2, Charm-on-air launching at DZWT-Baguio City on Sep. 26, The said radio program is consistent with its functions included in the knowledge management strategy of the Project. CHARM- ON-AIR is a program that aims to inform, educate and help mobilize project stakeholders to actively participate in project implementation. It also tries to help solicit public understanding and support to the project. After three-month general broadcast of the program, the Project will be launching its School-on-Air. The SOA program will be tackling agricultural technologies on the identified major commodities of the covered municipalities. Identified commodities include coffee, root-tuber crops, highland vegetables, unoy rice, sugarcane, ginger, livestock and poultry. Charm-on-air launching at Radyo Sagada, Mountain Province on Oct. 3, The Information and Knowledge Management Unit (IKMU) of the Project is now on their way to preparing the SOA s module. LGU s are tapped to help with the preparation of the said module; thus writeshop will be conducted before the year ends. Likewise, the radio stations are already having their enrolment for the SOA.//CFB 11

12 News Stories The capability building on Fundamental of Research for the CWG (Council of Elders/Leaders) from the Nabbuangan, Apayao Dr. Corazon D. Claveria, the NCIP Provincial Officer facilitates the Capability Building Activity in Conner. CHARMP2 bridges Apayao s Economic Development Economic growth is necessary for human development. But the purpose of development is to help people live a more productive and more fulfilling life. This simple but powerful truth are the strong words binding the working partnership of DA and NCIP as they guide the indigenous peoples (IPs) in formulating their Ancestral Domain and Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP). Under CHARM Project, formulation of two ADSDPP is on-going in the Calaoan region for the Kalinga tribe and in the Nabuangan region for the Isnag tribe, both in the municipalities of Conner. The process of formulating the plan started with the organization of a community working group (CWG) composed of the council of elders/ leaders and a technical working group that involved the NCIP, DENR, LGU, DA, DEPED, DPWH and other partner agencies. The said ADSDPP is a tool for the empowerment of the IPs towards the fulfilment of the general well-being of the current IP formulation of their ADSDPP will help ensure their compliance to their responsibilities in maintaining ecological balance, to ensure the conduct of a Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for all programs and projects that will be conducted in their ancestral domain and this ADSDPP will provide these IP Groups a checklist of the priority projects to be implemented in their domain. With the ADSDPP process the status of the projects is already on the finalization of data gathered by the community working group. It is planned to be finalized within the year.// CORAZON D. CLAVERIA MMG to discuss counterpart issues on rural infrastructure development Last September 2012, the Municipal Management Group members had an emergency meeting to know how much counterpart fund was needed from the municipal LGU to implement the long awaited Chaya and Chumang Farm to Market road (FMR) projects. The total project cost for Chaya is 3,400, while Chumang is 3,020, From the tabulated presentation of the Municipal Engineer the counterpart scheme under the first MOA which was agreed upon between the LGU and CHARMP in early 2010, is 40% CHARMP and 60% LGU s (Provincial and Municipal). Based on this arrangement, LGU (Municipal and Provincial) has to provide P 3, 852, while CHARMP counterpart is P 2, 568, Under the annual budget of Mayoyao the amount of 400, was appropriated for Chaya and Chumang with equal distribution. The Provincial Government on the other hand appropriated 1,000, The Project is still in need of 1,168, With the change of policies from CHARMP the first MOA counterpart agreement was revised to a 60% or 3,852, for CHARMP2; 30% or 1,926, from the Office of the Department of Agriculture-Office of the Secretary; and 10% or 642, for LGUs (MLGU, PLGU). The LGUs were so happy with this new development because their provided counterpart in the first agreement was sufficient. The MMG members in charge in the preparation of FMR project proposals improved on the changes of policies and the required changes in the project proposals. In the meeting, the MMG were inquired from PCO Jerry Damoyan, PMG Hubert Otgalon and Supervisor of SOC MOB Sachico Bulayungan who were present on what scheme to use whether continue to page 34 12

13 News Stories Earlier in June and July this year, GIS trainings were conducted for participants from covered 35 barangays while as of October, 8 trainings were already undertaken for 84 barangays. The training was participated in by the provincial, municipal and barangay local government units, community mobilization officers, National Commission on Indigenous People staff, People Organization and council of elders/ leaders. Participants from Calanasan, Apayao identify, locate & draw both natural & man-made features of their barangay during the workshop.// Elvira Besic 4 more batches GIS training conducted Four more batches of the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Community Base Mapping were successfully conducted leaving six batches more to be completed within the year until the first quarter of The Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management (CHARM2) Project under its Community Watershed Conservation Forest Managemen and Agroforestry (CWFCMA) component and the Planning and Monitoring Evaluation Unit (PMEU) spearheads the said activity. Samoki, Bontoc, Mountain Province while Calanasan and Conner of Apayao had the training last October at Claveria Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Claveria, Cagayan. Moreover, a GIS training was also conducted for participants from Asipulo and Tinoc of Ifugao on October at Ibulao-ibulao, Kiangan, Ifugao. The batches of training were extended to 14 batches from 13 batches to accommodate more participants from Mountain Province. The training is consistent with the Project s goal of generating base maps for each of the barangays. The project visualized Geographic Information System or GIS as an indispensable tool for planning, monitoring and evaluation. Likewise, GIS-derived information will serve as an aide in planning the next step and keeping track of the Project s progress in each of the barangays. The base maps will be prepared by the barangay representatives as analogue maps and will be converted by the MLGU representatives into digital form through GIS. The training will also equip the participants on GIS as part of Management Information System (MIS) build-up and monitoring and evaluation strategy for the implementation of CHARM2 Project.//CFB The batch for the municipalities of Lubuagan, Pasil and Tinglayan of Kalinga were done on July 23-27, 2012 held at Golden Berries Hotel and Convention Center, Tabuk, Kalinga. Bauko and Sabangan of Mountain Province, on the other hand, were done on August at Ridgebrook Hotel, Mountain Province group are being assisted by the youth on the training-workshop. Mr. Reagan Codmos of CWCFMA assisted the participants from Pasil, Kalinga in drawing their map. 13

14 Reforesting Labaan By: Emma Leah Joy B. Andaya (Bucloc) :LASADA s first move makes it possible There were two friends, Fredrick and Jose. One day, while they were walking along the riverbank, they saw a woman drowning and frantically waving her hands. Because of the distance that they could not recognize her but clearly she needed help. They rushed to cross the river but they saw it was deep and tough. So Fredrick decided to ask help from the nearby community and told Jose never to cross the river until he returns. But Jose saw the urgency of the woman s request so he tried all means to reach her. The woman was almost out of sight so Jose bravely dived into the river unmindful of the possible danger. With unwavering strength and a goal to save the woman, Jose rushed to the woman s aid. While he was pulling the woman, there came Fredrick on a motorboat. Together, they worked-out to save the woman; only to find out that the woman who almost lost her life was Fredrick s mother. This is an allegory of how LASADA Farmers Association of Labaan, Bucloc, Abra and CHARM2 are bound in their partnership for the reforestation project in the barangay. Barangay Labaan was among the lucky areas covered by CHARM2 Project. Completely reforesting the denuded forests was among the priority projects identified by the community for CHARM2 s assistance. The 1990 earthquake, subsequent calamities and various human activities denuded the Labaan forests and mountains. Though the barangay was also covered in the CHARM1 Project, a vast area still needs to be reforested. With the coming of the second phase of CHARM Project, the barangay immediately grabbed the opportunity to restore their forests. Therefore, they prepared the project proposal and submitted it for CHARMP2 funding. On November 11 last year, the CHARM2 CWCFMA staff validated the proposed project site which, to the community, was an indication of their proposal s approval. With full enthusiasm and excitement, the LASADA Farmers Association led the community to start their project. Having heard of this, the Municipal Action Officer instructed them to wait for their Notice to Proceed from the Project. But like Jose, the LASADA Farmers Association initiated to start the project even without the notice. We are confident of CHARM2 s commitment. It will assist us, said Mr. Farinas Lomioan, the association president. The project started in January All the activities were done smoothly and ahead of schedules. The progress of activities from the nursery establishment up to the planting stage is an evidence of the community s enthusiasm towards the sub-project. In fact, they were supposed to reforest 50 14

15 hectares but since there were more than enough seedlings, they decided to maximize their resources. Thus, the community extended it to another five hectares. Presently, there are about 10,000 seedlings being maintained in their nursery for replacement of mortalities. The association has just recently received the notice to proceed from CHARMP2 on August 11 while the first release of fund just followed on September 19. But the project has gone far of its implementation and the people were more than happy to have started it earlier this year. For them, it is more than a job but a commitment to save their mountains and regain its beauty and richness. This is not only to benefit them but also to preserve the rich resources for their children and their children s children. LASADA is an acronym of the three sitios of Labaan, Bucloc: Labaan Proper, Sacubuwan and Daldalao. It has 126 members in which every household is represented. As a functional organization, it is actively participating in community development activities. Aside from the reforestation project, they have also implemented other sub-projects under the CHARM2 Project. Now, Barangay Labaan is enjoying the fruits of their labour.// Reforesting the highlands of Abra TACELA takes the lead The Taripan Council of Elders and Leaders Association Incorporation (TACELA), the people s Organization of Brgy. Taripan, Malibcong, Abra has successfully completed its nursery. They are now potting and growing their seedlings for planting in the local community watershed they proposed to be reforested with CHARM2 Project support. The project started in October It took much effort to have the project started but it was made possible despite difficulties. Project activities such as fencing, brushing, weeding, seed bed preparation, and shading including potting have been collaboratively pursued even while waiting for the CHARM2 Project fund. If we push through the nursery project without the fund being released yet, then can we manage it to finish? asked the people. Yet, this question posed by the community paved way to realizing the role of fortitude among the elders and leaders themselves. All activities have undergone consultation among the officers of the association, the Barangay Local Government Unit and the other stakeholders. It was only in March last year that the funds needed in the project was released to TACELA. But it never was a hindrance for them in accomplishing their goal. In fact, it has served as a challenge to them to find ways and actively pour out their support for the common goal of bringing development to their community. The project then continued to flow smoothly and the two months target for sowing has been met while validation took place last June. Transplanting in Balangao, the watershed area of Barangay Taripan have started the following month and was successfully done on September this year. The reforestation project of TACELA is something for the community to rejoice. Thanks to the CHARM2 Project, they found out way where they could work as a community in restoring their deteriorating forests. By the time CHARMP2 step out from our area the farmers would have been harvesting the fruits of their lands and have a sustainable living, said Andrew Salimbay, the president of the people s organization. //Helen Bagwan 15

16 Finding ways :the feat of Ganap system Story By:Loida A. Benido Photos By; Reagan Codmos The Ganap System of the Maeng tribe in Tubo, Abra is marking another milestone as an indigenous community mechanism for development. Under the Ganap System, the municipality of Tubo work together to attin goals that would benefit the community. This system is participatoryobligatory being imposed by the barangay officials. Every household are obliged to participate in any work declared as Ganap like infrastructure activities, tree planting and other community development works. A household member who refuses to cooperate will have to pay the working days he has not attended unless a valid reason is given for the household s failure. Ganap is usually done for emergency activities or for faster utilization and implementation of an activity/ project. One of the highlights of accomplishments wherein Ganap system was effectively practiced is the reforestation project under CHARMP2. The said project was managed by the Lapat di Supo Association officers and members assisted by the barangay officials. This was identified by the community during the Participatory Project Investment Planning (PPIP) last 2010 and was implemented in During the Nursery Site preparation, people started the activity even if the fund was not yet released. They sacrificed their own farm works extending their in-kind counter parts to the said project led by the PO Officers and barangay officials. While waiting for the funds, Ganap system was imposed for the fast implementation of the project. Other reforestation projects under other agencies are also on-going in the community but it did not affect the good implementation of CHARMP2 16

17 Field Stories reforestation project even though the two projects have bigger funds. With the help of CMO, PO Officers, BDC and PMET, competition of the three projects was avoided through proper setting of schedules in a form of focus group discussion. Transparency also was introduced while women and youth became more busy and productive during off-farm season because of their works at the reforestation site. While Ganap system was proven effective and cost efficient, community members became more united. The practice also brought honor to the Supo Nursery Production and Establishment as it was identified by the reforestation validation committee as the best reforestation project among the Pilot Barangays covered by CHARMP2 in the province of Abra. Active participation, cooperation, and respect to this indigenous practice effectively help the local folks cope with the Project timetable while waiting for the fund support from the Project. In the maintenance of the project, PO officers are sacrificing to maintain the said project with the assistance of the community members as the project will be included as their lapat area. In every project or activity of the Barangay, Ganap system is always recognized as their tool to minimize too much expenditure or to solve the unavailability of fund for the projects. Rendering services free to the community is not so easy for them but the residents have seen the good transformation of their barangay. The benefits and timeless unity they earned from the project and by practicing the ganap system is more than a prize for their sacrifices and efforts. Ganap system is being practiced in all barangays of Tubo which made them unique from the other provinces. This is a great inheritance from our ancestors that should be developed and hopefully, will not be forgotten by the younger generations. 17

18 Contract vs. Covenant: its s more than a paper Story by: Melvin C. Poblete The success of a certain endeavour or project can only be determined not only on the processes being undertaken but also on how the community participates, and how the existing culture affects such venture. The implementation of the Community Watershed Conservation and Forest Management and Agroforestry (CWCFMA) is among the best performing component of the project at present in Sal-lapadan, Abra. Setting aside the counterpart sharing issue, this component really addresses the problem that the communities are now facing such as natural calamities brought about by climate change, and the threatening scarcity of water in the watershed areas. At the same time, the peoples organizations and communities who actually dedicate themselves working for the project actually benefits from the small fund of the project. Last September 27, a Municipal Management Group (MMG) Meeting was conducted in the Municipality of Sal-lapadan. Among the issues being raised were the delayed activities and the lacking financial records of the POs. During the discussions and open forum, the issue was thrown back to the elder members of the Lapat Reforestation associations. They were challenged by the MMG members to amicably settle problems among themselves for they are the elders or the lallakay who are expected to settle disputes and problems best as has been practiced in the community. The awarding of the covenant to the Peoples Organizations particularly the Lapat Associations in the province of Abra is among the success factor in the implementation of the reforestation project. The covenant were signed by all parties particularly the Lapat Associations and the elders for they were tasked and trusted as the stewards of the forests and their commitments were tied for the better implementation of the project. Coupling it with the practice of giving the leadership roles to elders, the project will be hopefully implemented harmoniously. With elders serving as the leaders and officers of the said POs, the implementation of detailed work and activities planned in the Work and Financial Plans is expected to be easily done. Elders are given the highest respect in the community as this tradition continues to play a vital role in settling disputes and making crucial decision making within the community. Also, it has been proven effective since immemorial time. Thus, resolution of problems, monitoring and evaluation of the project will always be depending on the hands of the elders who are actually the members of the Lapat associations that ensures the success of the project. The covenant signing then imposed a great role in the implementation of the project. With all the parties and stakeholders united to undertake the project under the agreement they signed, the success of the project is not far from manifesting soonest and who knows, it may even be sustained even after CHARM2 Project ends. The covenant is more than a paper signed for evidence of agreement but it goes beyond the requirements- it is a pledge to do whatever it takes for the success of the activity and the Sal-lapadan Lapat Reforestation Associations will be a proof of this endeavour.// 18

19 Regreening the kaingin areas of Lacub Story and photo by: Jong Bernal Kaingin is a common practice for the Itnegs of Abra to produce food. The practice contributes to the continued deterioration of the forest cover. Through the years, people grow their commodities such as corn, rice, gabi, cassava, squash and others that grow during rainy seasons through kaingin. They burn down forests areas to establish their plantations unmindful of the danger and disadvantages it poses to the environment. What remains on their minds is just the selfish thought of producing crops for their daily consumptions. After the harvesting seasons, a huge portion of the forests are noticeably trimmed with no sign of even a simple rehabilitation activity. Residents do not even try to re-cultivate these areas for fruit bearing trees with the simple reason that astray animals might just destroy it. Year after year, the vacated kaingin areas in Lacub were left abandoned if not re-cultivated. The negative impact of the kaingin practice is evident at Lacub, Abra. The dreadful effects of kaingin started to manifest in the community; and not long after, the effect of drought awakened some of the residents to start planting trees. However, they only did it on their privately owned lots. No one tried to reforest the communal areas believing that they do not have control over it. CHARM2 Project came to their aid. With the Reforestation Project under the CWCFMA, the residents were able to do what they have long been hoping for- to restore their denuded mountains and bring back the richness they have been enjoying before. CHARM2 Project laid the opportunities for them to have the authority and full power to implement, protect and own their reforestation project situated within their ancestral lands. This convinced them to further support the project and revive all kaingin damaged forest along their watershed areas. They too have committed to protect it from forest fire. Now, the people of Sitio Balaoang Lacub, Abra are very confident in saying that they will implement the project as planned to the best of their capacity because they have already understood their rights, opportunities and roles. // 19

20 CHARMP 2 revitalizing sugarcane production Tambingan, Sabangan- Did you know that Sugarcane or the unas is not new to this locality? In the early part of 1960 s, sugarcane is planted and processed as muscovado, commonly called the lokalok or ente using the baliwes driven by the carabao and cook on big vats. On the later part of 1970 s, production stopped and no processing followed. Remnants of the old baliwes are still seen in the area. A few sugarcane remain in the backyard, particularly, the baney or processing variety and the garapong which is common to children for they love chewing it. Sugarcane is good source of natural sugar and vitamins. With CHARMP on its 4th year, component 3 or the AAIGA, sugarcane was a 2nd priority crop identified by the community while banana was the 1st priority in the PIP, later the community changed banana time many bananas are infected with bunchy top disease. The first CMO Mr.Willibroad Manogan facilitated the adoption of the barangay resolution changing banana to sugarcane as the priority thus sugarcane was included on the enhanced PIP. Sugarcane production will be the AAIA priority project. There are six (6) potential hectares of undeveloped areas awaiting for sugarcane production. During the workshop on sugarcane last October 2011,potential growers were told to start planting sugarcane,out of the 27 initial members only 10 adhere the planting of sugarcane, their plants are growing well ahead than the 17 who waited for the approval of techno demo on sugarcane and planting materials were distributed to them last April This techno demo on sugarcane is the 1st approved activity on AAIGA in this municipality, monitoring of the planted sugarcane was done by the team. The current CMO Mr. Archie Likigan who worked closely with the PO organized the sugar farmers LIG as Tambingan Indigenous sugarcane growers. Sugarcane has many by products which through trainings and skills entrepreneurship to be conducted to the LIG s, sooner the LIG s through LAF will have a well packaged muscovado, sugar cane wine and other by products as a community agri-livelihood. The Value chain on sugarcane, the Enterprise Development plan and training proposal on organic sugar cane production was submitted and other interventions stipulated in the plan is now for finalization.// Eveline L. Dalog Like in previous rainy seasons, the foot trails in Pasil are dangerous, scary and slippery. This year was no exception. Everybody threads on muddy trails. On muddy trails we went on to Barangay Bagtayan, a pilot barangay for the CHARM2 Project. We negotiated hazardous trails and tremendous difficulties associated with the slippery trails. We moved on and completed the site validation, survey and validation works required by the Project in preparing this barangay as a pilot site. As a pilot barangay, a proposal for the Bawi-Pua footpath concreting project was finally approved by DA-CHARMP in late 2011, the first under the RID component of the program. Through a percent fund counterparting scheme, the project was started on the 30th of January and completed on the first week of March of the current year. During the implementation phase, momentum for starting the project alone is difficult to attain. A series of preimplementation meetings were conducted to respond to endless querries on project implementation. In one of these meetings, an elder raised the concern on supply and provision of aggregates 20

21 Footpath project promotes well-being and livelihood in a remote barangay for the whole project stretch to be differentiated - the nearer section must have a cheaper price of sand and gravel than that of the farther sections from the source which is the Tabia River. This is to give fair material pricing and also to ensure that the needed quantity of materials will be made available all throughout the project span he said. The suggestion was accepted and noted by the stakeholders as favorable to the project. During the next meeting, the programmed price of aggregates was then carefully computed and adjusted by stations of twenty (20) meters interval from the nearest to the farthest supply point. The costs for the nearer stations were reduced and the corresponding reduction is added to complete the work in the farther stations. The recommended formula was a great help for the realization of the project. Another problem encountered during the construction period was the scarcity of haulers to manually transport hardware materials from the road in barangay Guinaang to the project site. This was resolved by employing people from other barangays to haul these materials. The allotted hauling cost was also favored and acceptable to the stakeholders. The hardware materials therefore, were stack piled at a constructed temporary warehouse at the project site conspicuously available for the construction works. There were other minor issues and concerns regarding the project but were successfully addressed through meetings conducted by the major stakeholders of the project. Construction stage encountered other difficulties associated with the occurrences of natural phenomenon like weather disturbances. Occasionally, even during occurrence of rain, as long as labor force is available, the workers patiently covered the concreted span with improvised materials. They did not like to waste time and took advantage of the availability of laborers for the day. Regularly, onsite supervision of personnel from the Municipal Engineering office of Pasil were undertaken especially when critical construction issues arose. The project was completed on time. At present, the project is serving the people through an improved foot path access. It has reduced travel time to and from the place not only for the direct beneficiary barangay but also for the people wishing to visit the place for various businesses and personal purposes. The foot path project is seen as a blessing- contributing to wellbeing of the local populace and enhancing the people s livelihood all year round.// MMG PASIL 21

22 char ming the Ifugao SP Story By: Sachiko S. Bulayungan Delays in special projects like the Second Cordillera Highland Agriculture Resource Management (CHARM2) Project are unwanted occurrences but people who have been with these kinds of projects understand that delays in project implementation can cause more problems. In Ifugao, delays must be explained to stakeholders, like the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Ifugao and the local executives so that problems could be addressed and goodwill toward the project will be sustained. In the case of the CHARM2 Project, the partners understood its packages of development to mean infrastructure projects. Its other components such as reforestation, agroforestry, agricultural livelihood are overlooked. It is therefore understandable if a delay in the implementation of rural infrastructure projects is met with animosity or resentment from concerned parties. It is also understandable why in spite of the progress in the other components, the people, including the SP, still looked at the CHARM2 Project as one that is delayed or even not moving at all. Delays in RID project implementation have caused some partners to withdraw their support to the CHARM2 Project, while others planned to withdraw. Those who withdrew include some SP members who helped raise the required counterpart for RID projects while one of those who planned to withdraw was the Local Chief Executive of the Municipality of Asipulo. It would be unfortunate if local executives withdraw their support and deny their constituents the benefits of the project. We visited the municipality and consulted the local government unit on September 3, upon request of the Community Mobilization Officers (CMOs) assigned in Asipulo, I went to the municipality with the purpose of talking to the LCE. To my surprise, I met not just the LCE but also the SP, which held their regular session in Asipulo. Before the meeting with the SP, I already heard talks about how cruel the SP members could be, when questioning their guests. In the meeting, questions were all about RID and there were times when they seemed to be so angry when asking questions. As the questioning went on, it was realized that honest, candid and right answers, however, were all it took to pacify their anger and deserve their warm smiles and handshakes. It was not a bad experience, after all. Deserving their approving warm smiles and handshakes at the end of the meeting did not mean that they were fully convinced. They still had to hear from an authority and confirm our discussions. When asked who could still be invited, the answer obviously, was the Project Manager, knowing that with the Project Manager comes the Provincial Coordinator On September 24,, the Project Manager together with the Project Coordinator travelled from Baguio City to be at the SP question hour. The Project Manager patiently oriented the SP about the CHARM2 Project and later on answered their queries. Queries ranged from those that reflect the continue to page 34 22

23 Not to get rid of CHARMP2 RID The Municipality of Lubuagan is one of the municipalities under the coverage of the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project (CHARMP2) in the province of Kalinga. Even with the availability of CHARMP2 funds, submission of proposals for Component 4-Rural Infrastructure Development (RID) was a dilemma. From no project proposal for RID was ever submitted by the municipality due to lack of data, manpower and time. It s only in 2011 that project validation and preparation of Project Proposals started. On June 2011, CHARMP2 conducted Feasibility Study Preparation Workshop in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. This training facilitated the preparation of three (3) project proposals but were later returned for refinement. The proposals were only finalized and submitted to PSO on April These proposed projects are Rehabilitation of Magtilin CIS, Rehabilitation of Upper & Lower Pakak CIS and Rehabilitation of Manangol Waterworks System. However, from the 40% required counterpart from MLGU, only 10% is available due to the limited financial resources of Lubuagan being a 4th class municipality. Nevertheless, the community of Lubuagan, was elated when PSO and PCO informed them that the three proposed projects were included in the list of projects that DA-OSEC will fund to help LGUs in meeting their required counterpart. Sadly, the good news did not last long when Project Manager Cameron Odsey announced on July 31, 2012 during IFAD Midterm Review in Kalinga that this three (3) proposed projects were removed from the listings of DA- OSEC being a non FMR projects as prescribed by DA-OSEC for co-financing assistance. On August 2012 at Banaue Hotel, Banaue, Ifugao, a Refresher Course cum Handson-Workshop on Preparation of Feasibility Study Report for LGUs was conducted by the CHARMP2-RID. Although, the bad news of our projects being removed from DA-OSEC project listings is still fresh, the Local Chief Executive of Lubuagan sent three (3) of his staffs to attend the workshop. As joint effort of the Office of the Municipal Engineering, Office of the Municipal Planning & Development Coordinator, Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, Community Mobilization Officers, RID-PSO/PCO staff and community beneficiaries, the MLGU of Lubuagan was able to complete and submit additional ten (10) project proposals of priority projects from the four (4) CHARMP2 barangays. Memorandum of Agreement between DA-CHARMP2 and MLGU was entered into by both parties and 60% of the project cost was obligated by the Project. With the full support of the LCE and Sangguniang Bayan of Lubuagan, the MLGU was able to appropriate from its Annual Budget a total of Three Million (3,000,000.00) Pesos as its counterpart for the implementation of the proposed projects. With all the joint efforts done, the municipality of Lubuagan looks forward with high hopes for the implementation of the proposed RID projects in Joint efforts for the common good still overwhelm the Municipality of Lubuagan to continue supporting CHARMP2 activities and projects in the municipality. Mayor Johnny A. Dickpus tried to source out funds from other external sources and funding agencies. He also follow up the possibility of the 30% DA-OSEC counterpart.// Aileen Melody E. Alya-on and Engr. Godwin Richard B. Gayagay 23

24 The long and winding Cal-owan Road Balbalan has four zones. Zone 1 is comprised of the PADABAMA barangays, Zone 2, occupied by the Ibanao; Zone 3, the Salegseg Tribe; and Zone 4 otherwise known as the Cal-owan. There are two routes to reach the Cal-owan zone. If you take the route via Pinukpuk Municipality you should cross the Cal-owan River three times using a banca or by crossing the water by foot. You will need to walk six hours to the winding road to be able to reach the first barangay. When taking the route via barangay Gawa-an you have to climb until the highest peak of Mount Makilkilang. That will take you about eight hours to hike until the last barangay. Delivery of basic service to the Cal-owan Zone is very hard and sometimes neglected. In 2009, a foreigner who got married to a certain Eularia Agsib happened to visit Barangay Tawang where his wife hails. Along their way, the foreigner fell down on the muddy and rugged road. His head hit the ground and died on the spot. His dream to see the home place of his wife was not fulfilled. The eagerness of his wife s relatives to welcome him turned into sorrow. They failed to see their relative alive. In 2006, when the LGU started the road opening, the children were amazed when they saw the backhoe doing the earth excavation. They were trying to guess what the big equipment was doing. Some said it is a big crab with horn because of its roaring sounds. The others opined it was a giant when they were told that it is a backhoe constructing a road so that jeepneys can reach their place. The community folks were excited about the development. When one child saw the motor vehicle along the road beside the backhoe he shouted and exclaimed the backhoe gave birth to a smaller one. The child was informed it s a motor cycle. They can ride in a vehicle and go out and see other places when the road is finished. Cal-owan is composed of barangay Buaya, Tawang and Mabaca. Out of this three barangays, two are under the coverage of the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project (CHARMP2) of the Department of Agriculture. The CHARM2 Project is a gift to uplift the living condition of the far-flung and inaccessible barangay of Balbalan. The long dream of the people to rehabilitate and improve the road to convert it to an all weather road will soon be realize through the help of CHARMP2.// Sonia Duggoy 24

25 BETTER LATE THAN NEVER Three years after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Agriculture- CHARMP2 Project and the Provincial Government of Ifugao in 2009, the expected blessings from the project just started. The project was formally launched in the early 2010 with the Ifugao Local Executives charmed with the expected luck they acquired from the implementation of projects during that time. The sad thing is that most chief executives who joined the launching did not feel the impact of the expected services for they lost during the 2010 election. Now, most of them are also seeking a comeback in the upcoming 2013 elections and if they win they will be lucky to implement the CHARMP2 Project which they ve started especially on the Infrastructure Component. The CHARMP2 Project has four major components that are implementing different programs and services. First Component is the Social Mobilization(SOCMOB) and Land Titling, Second is the Community Watershed Conservation(CWCFMA) and Forest Management, third is the Agriculture, Agribusiness and Income Generating Activities(AAIGA) and the forth is the Rural Infrastructure(RID). As to the status of per component program implementation under the SOCMOB component the main accomplishment is the preparation of Project Investment Plans of all the 20 target barangays and the organization of Peoples Organization per barangay who are involve in the implementation of CHARMP2 sub-projects. Component two has the greatest accomplishment among all the other components particularly on the Reforestation project. what is important is it will reach the target beneficiaries in the future whoever the implementer for they say BETTER LATE THAN NEVER To date at least 50% of their target was achieved. In the AAIGA Component they are now done with Value Chain Activities to at least 4 major commodities to be develop in the province which are the coffee, ginger, root crops, and sugarcane all Farmers Field School for these commodities are already completed. The forth and the most awaited component is the RID since almost 70% of CHARMP2 Funds was in this component. It is in this component where most target barangay beneficiaries are longing and the Provincial Government of Ifugao recommended 22 project proposals amounting to almost 170 million and allotted 16 million pesos from their 20% development fund as counterpart to said projects. To date at least three FMR Projects were already bided out ready 4 implementation, another 4 IP Halls proposal approved for implementation and one FMR is published for bidding all of these are expected to be implemented this late 2012 and early The remaining proposals and upcoming proposals are expected to be implemented by 2013 and The status of CHARMP2 Implementation in the province of Ifugao that almost more than half of projects are for implementation it is expected that incoming elective chief executives will enjoy the fruit of hard labour from the present and previous administrations, anyway what is important is it will reach the target beneficiaries in the future whoever the implementer for they say BETTER LATE THAN NEVER but for those elective chief executives who are part in the planning stage in 2009 and early 2010 may say at last the blessings of hard labours flourish in due time.// Hubert Otgalon 25

26 Dear Partners... Story by: Rowena F. Billig Mrs. Crescencia Lozano and Ms. Janice Bawas, both CMOs of Bakun, scheduled focused group discussions (FGDs) with some officers and members of the three People s Organization (POs) in the barangay. The POs concerned were the: KAWLO; KAFFO Kayapa Agro-Forestry Farmers Organization; KASERFAI Kayapa Sericulture Farmers Association, Inc. It was almost 3:00pm on October 19, 2012 when we arrived at Kayapa Barangay Hall, Kayapa Proper, Bakun. We reached the area after more than four hours of travel using the pick up vehicle assigned at PCO Benguet. Hahaayy..., were the sighs I heard while jotting notes during our Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with some members and officers of the Kayapa Women s Livelihood Organization (KAWLO). They re yawning and so do I! I moved forward to have a clear glance of the faces of the two CMOs whom I assisted. They were sleepy, too! Everybody is sleepy since it was almost 12:00 midnight. The FGDs were to profile the POs, prepare initial diagnosis of the POs, and initiate action planning strengthening activities for the POs. Accordingly, Mrs. Lozano agreed earlier with the POs to have the FGDs simultaneously conducted among the three POs on October 19, 2012, 3:00pm at Kayapa barangay hall. While, the presentation of the reforestation validation survey and mapping results will be on October 20, Final agreement was done through text messaging. When we arrived at the Kayapa barangay hall, there were three individuals waiting. We were told that others waited in the morning, while some had just left. Somebody told the early comers that the meeting will be on October 20, 2012, thus they left. It was concluded that many of them were unsure of the scheduled FGDs. However, we waited since somebody recalled their neighbours. The KAFFO was the first to organize for the FGD. In between 5:00pm and 8:30pm, KAWLO officers and members purely women, came in one by one while discussions with the KAFFO is on-going. We rested for dinner before exchanging stories with the KAWLO. Meeting with the 26

27 KAWLO lasted from 9:00pm to almost midnight. Some male members of the KAFFO stayed and participated with the discussions on KAWLO. I thought, they were their husbands but certainly not! Accordingly, they love supporting their women in the barangay. The KAWLO in return acknowledged the support being provided by the males in their community. However, one male member of KAFFO commented that women are ngalawngaw - talkative. He further stressed that because of one female PO member who keeps talking and insisting that today s meeting should be done tomorrow; the scheduled FGD was not fruitful. Indeed, women in the locality are as influential as man. Meanwhile, the POs members & officers expressed that evening meeting in the area is not advisable since they come from distant sitios one to 3 hours walk from the barangay hall. They requested that if possible, activities should be done during the day so as not to disturb or adversely affect their livelihood activities and daily routine. The FGD with the KASERFAI was hurriedly done the following day before the reforestation project presentations. We learned from the POs that all agreements must be written, reminded to them, and notice of meetings or activities must be posted. Though this is not the sole responsibility of the CMOs us the community development workers, but also the responsibilities of the POs, we must practice tasking and reviewing agreed actions before leaving them after a meeting. Text messaging is not reliable since satellite signal in the area is fluctuating. Moreover, few of them have mobile phones. I took that as a reminder for me, being the provincial supervisor of the CMOs of Benguet to keep close coordination with and among the CMOs not just through text messaging or verbal reminders but to maintain written communications. Moreover, this is also a reminder to the MMGs BITs, POs, and other Project partners to submit written reports not on verbal communications via the CMOs. Unwritten reports can be denied, transformed into different words by the channels, thus it may create misunderstanding.//...sincerely yours, CMOs 27

28 Mountain province reforestation committee conducts reforestation validation and survey Mountain Province has 19 reforestation barangays with ongoing activities. At present, reforestation activities are nursery plantations and nursery seedling plantations. Validated reforestation sites- Gatte, Bana-ao and Kakla-ang To complete the reforestation activities, the Reforestation Committee of Mountain Province composed of representatives from the Project Support Office (PSO), Provincial Coordinating Office ( PCO), Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) and Municipal Management Group (MMG) agreed to conduct reforestation validations and survey for the 23 remaining barangays without reforestation projects. On the first week of September, 2012, validations were conducted in different refo sites. The reforestation committee team was divided into three groups to cater the Municipalities of Tadian, Besao, Bauko, Bontoc and Sadanga. Prior to actual validation and survey of proposed reforestation sites, community assemblies were done to inform the community of the activity and to accumulate relevant data on the status of the reforestation site. One of the lakes Pusong as sources of water for rice fields and nursery plantations in the area. As a result of the validation activities conducted, 17 barangays out of the 23 barangays passed the minimum criteria for reforestation. The barangays are scheduled to have their Comprehensive Site Development Training on November 6-9, 2012 to finalize their Work and Financial Plans. DALICAN REFORESTATION VALIDATION Brgy Dalican, in Bontoc Mountain Province was considered as reforestation area. Validation and survey was conducted last September 3, SUNGKHEP KAYO isnan afong tako Come inside our house. This is the statement which came from a community leader from Barangay Dalican. We reached the place after a 4 hours of hiking. The statement from the resident is simple but it is an indirect acknowledgement of the effort exerted by the validating team. 28

29 After an hour of rest and exchange of stories with Barangay leaders and community people, the validating team started hiking upwards the proposed reforestation sites. It took the team to hike for three hours before reaching the proposed reforestation sites. On the top of the mountain is a traditional resting place wherein the team had a bonfire and shared stories with four farmers who happened to visit their rice lands. Beside the resting place are two lakes which the local people call as PUSONG. The said lakes are potential sources of water supply for the rice fields and nursery plantations. After 3 hours of physical validation and survey, the team surveyed 3 proposed reforestation sites namely Banaao, Gatte and Kak-laang with an estimated land area of 25 hectares. FIVE SUGARCANE PRESSERS DISTRIBUTED TO LIGS: AAIGA is now accelerating its pedal in its implementation. This was evidenced by the distribution of five sugarcane juicers and pressers in five barangays in Mountain Province, specifically, Barangays Lubon, Belwang, Demang, Gueday and Mainit.// George Astudillo Jr. The conduct of validation of improvement interventions along Oring Farm to Market Road (FMR) The validation of the Oring farm-to market road in Sablan was done by a team from the PSO, MPDO, MEO, and PMG. The barangay officials, members of the BPMET and community users were instructed to be present at the site. We set the time and place to assemble and where to meet each other for the actual validation. All those invited were instructed to proceed to the field with their vehicle. The municipality of Sablan provided a vehicle for representatives from Sablan. The one way access road of roughly 2.5m width was very slippery. Only 4x4 vehicle can traverse this access road. The road is dangerous and if you are not an expert in traversing this kind of road, your car or vehicle will go down. This access road was given priority to be improved by the CHARMP2 since almost 25 household use it to cultivate their farm or uma with shayote and cut flowers. Most of the household don t own vehicle and only dependent of the public utlity jeepney (PUJ) during summer. During wet season, farmers who are very industrious in order to bring their product to the nearest market carry only what they can thereby their earnings are limited. Barangay Bangbeng recommended the rehabilitation of the road as one of its main priority projects in their PPIP. It was indorsed by the Barangay Development Council (BDC) to the municipality with a corresponding budget counterpart. The municipal local government also favourably indorsed the same with its own counterpart funding. The MEO then prepared the draft POW with the MPDO. We were happy that the proposal was approved for further validation and inclusion in the list of FMR projects to be co-financed by the CHARM2 Project. During validation, almost all the participants were women. They were smiling and welcomed us with hot camote, soft drinks, water to quench our thirst. They were happy that their dream of having a good access road that encourage them to increase their production of vegetables and other products for the market. As a result of the validation, we suggested that the width of the road from its 2.5 meters wing span be widened to accommodate increased traffic. They agreed and hopefully, implementation of the project will start within this month be finished by February 2013.// Sablan-MMG 29

30 UPS DOWNS IN PROJECT REFORESTATION Story by: Connie P. Wangdali As a committed member representative of the Provincial Reforestation Committee, I had gone through the ups and downs in project reforestation especially that all my assignments were located in the far flung barangays from Saclit, Sadanga; Gueday in Besao; and, Maligcong and Dalican in Bontoc. It takes more than much to participate in the community and site validation of proposed refo sites in the CHARMP2-covered municipalities and barangays. One must be committed and devoted to realize and accomplish the work. Community validation is among the challenging activities under project reforestation. During consultations, the communities involved are usually divided on the criteria being presented. There are those that doubted government projects especially in terms of tree planting. Not a few suspected that the land planted will be taken-over by the government after planting. This negative attitude of the people towards government reforestation initiatives hinders the protection and conservation of our diminishing watersheds in the highlands. Watershed protection and conservation in Mountain Province is a must and should be given a priority in development programs because we are nurturing the major rivers and its tributaries within and outside of the regions, particularly, regions lands. In Gueday, Besao, Mountain Province, site validation and survey of the proposed reforestation, project was undertaken even with heavy downpour. The Team went up and down the identified community watershed which was a two-hour trek. The team found out that the proposed site was highly recommended for reforestation because it is the head water of the major river system in Besao, the Layaen River that flows downstream towards the Ilocos Region supplying both domestic and irrigation purposes. The Layaen River irrigates the heirloom rice production Agawa, Besao guided by the traditional Stone Calendar. The validation and survey of the Dalican reforestation site involved a one-hour trekking up the steep mountain slopes. Upon reaching the ridge, a wide sky pond surprised us with its magnificent scenery. The Team surveyed the vacant areas surrounding the bodies of water or sky pond for reforestation, protection and conservation of the watershed. The Barangay Officials who were with the Team acknowledged seasonal burning in this area. But they were quick to say that with the CHARMP2 project, they have to strictly implement their Barangay Ordinance prohibiting and penalizing those caught burning any part of the Barangay forest or tree plantation established. Watershed protection and conservation is highly recommended in Barangay Dalican noting the occurrence of major soil erosion that displaced one-half of the community. They thanked the non-government organization that provided financial assistance for the evacuation of the displaced 30

31 families to a better/or safer area in the Barangay and constructed their houses. Up and down, we trek through the famous Maligcong Rice terraces and tourist destination. The proposed reforestation site was disqualified due to the following reasons: the estimated area is more or less one hectare, the other sites were planted during the CHARMP1 project and other identified sites contain old growth forests that would shed seeds for natural regeneration. However, the Community persisted in the propose for the reforestation of the area. Validation was not only done for proposed sites but also in seedling production and plantation establishment. This phase of validation is the critical stage in the implementation of the Community Watershed Conservation, Forest Management and Agro-Forestry (CWCFMA) component. Critical in the sense that People s Organizations practice managing their resources especially in handling the funds entrusted to them by the CHARMP2 project. On-thespot validation, monitoring and evaluation of the activities of the POs revealed some lapses especially records management by the People s Organizations. My experiences in the implementation of the CHARMP2 in Mountain Province left me insights on refo project implementation as follows: 1. Partnership with People s Organizations must be established from planning stage like in the PPIP preparation especially in the identification of groups to handle specific projects. 2. Participation of all stakeholders in project validation, monitoring and evaluation should be considered an important aspect in any projects success. 3. Transparency and Financial Accountability by all stakeholders so that at the end of the project duration, sustainability will be achieved, thus realizing the Goals and Objectives not only by the component but the whole CHARMP2 project.// BANTEY S PRIDE To date, pilot reforestation projects are facing problems due to the fact that they had been billing the project but fund management was not transparent. A field of Gold, the fruit of a farmer s hard work and sweat. The fruit of the wonderful rice terraces of Barangay Bantey (upper portion of the photo) and neighboring Barangays (lower portion) waiting to be harvested. Barangay Bantey (CHARMP covered barangay of Tadian) is known as the rice granary of Tadian and one of the producers of heirloom rice.//deborah Kedweng 31

32 Kabayan where are we now? Story and Photos by: Julie E. Felix Lack of manpower has continuously hindered project activities in Kabayan, Benguet. It has affected the submission of project proposals, reports and other requirements. Also, the high cost of LGU counterpart under component 4 (Rural Infrastructure Development) delayed the project implementation of Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project (CHARMP2) for the past two years. Considering that the regular functions of personnel assigned to the project, the progress of the work for the past two years is still a success than what has been in the past years. The Participatory Project Investment Plan was already formulated in 2010 in four barangays covered by the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project through the Igorota Foundation spearheaded by the hired Community Mobilization Officer (CMO).There were no project implemented for infrastructure component because no project proposal was submitted. The difficulty of LGU to provide counterpart was mainly due to the high cost equity, insufficient technical know-how on the preparation of feasibility study/project proposals, detailed engineering design based on the standard forms of the project. The tedious process in the preparation of proposals feasibility studies until its approval also contributes to delays. To help solve the problems on project implementation, Hon. Faustino Minas Aquisan, Municipal Mayor and the Municipal Management Group (MMG) proposed the hiring of a staff to handle CHARM2 Project and fast track needed requirements. This was done and the hired staff was sent to attend seminar workshop on the preparation of feasibility study/project proposal preparation, and detailed engineering design (DED) sponsored by the Project Support Office. With all the technical know-how learned, the municipality of Kabayan proposed 1 FMR for 2011 and 27 subprojects for 2012 ; improvement of 10 farm to market road, construction of 7 footpaths, rehabilitation of 4 32

33 footbridges, construction of 1 tramline, 2 domestic water supply, and 4 indigenous Peoples Community hall, all with detailed engineering designs. The 6 footpaths and 4 footbridges that were approved are scheduled for bidding on November 9, Other proposed project were submitted for review and evaluation and for approval. Ten of the proposed projects for bidding will be undertaken on a cost sharing arrangement of 40% LGU and 60% CHARM 2 Project, while the rest is 60%-30%-10%. The source of LGU counterpart is will be from the 20% Municipal & Barangay Development Fund, Calamity Fund and from the Provincial Government Unit of Benguet. Stakeholders are happy with the project. With the roads, the farms are made accessible throughout the year. They can maximize production in their limited but fertile land with a nice climate that has produced tons of cauliflower, potatoes, cabbages, carrots and other kinds of vegetables. The beneficiaries added that the improvement of the farm to market access, rehabilitation of footbridges, footpaths, and construction of a tramline will improve the quality and prices of produce reaching the market. The other benefits that beneficiaries will derive from the rehabilitation of their roads are safety of users, reduce loading workload and improved welfare of women. The rehabilitation of domestic water supply will reduce malnourished children and decrease morbidity related to poor water quality from the taps. According to Hon. Faustino M. Aquisan, Municipal Mayor, and Engineer Berry K. Sangao Jr., improvement of farm to market access and trails will also enhance the town s booming tourism industry. The CHARM covered barangyas are located within Mt. Pulag, the second highest mountain in the Philippines that towers over Northern Luzon at 9,610 feet above sea level. The mountain has numerous lakes and hot springs. The Timbac caves with centuries-old mummies depicting the culture of the Benguet people and their being early civilization, arts, traditions and origins are also found in Kabayan. Hon. Faustino Minas Aquisan, Municipal Mayor has expressed his full support and appreciation to the implementation of CHARM2 Projects in the municipality.// Service area of the footbridge rehabilitation 33

34 RED s Corner. from page 4 As a consequence of this development, implementation of RID projects were delayed and added more work on the part of the Project Support Office (PSO). But on a positive note, more FMR projects on top of those already enrolled in previous years were submitted by our LGU partners for validation and approval under the project. Understandably, that adds more work and pressure for all of us to catch up with the project timetable in the completion of RID projects seeing that we are now in the our fifth year of the CHARM2 Project s severyear lifespan. The other project components are faced with challenges of their own that relates with the realities in the field. These challenges also impacts on the implementation of our regular programs that leaves the project and DA- RFO-CAR operatives no room but to simply undertake their work with best efforts. The rest, we leave in the hands of divine providence. My best wishes for a more progressive 2013 for the Cordillera region and for all of us.// MMG. from page 12 60% for CHARMP and 40% for LGUs. Mr Jerry Damoyan reply was for us to use the 60% CHARMP and 40% LGU Arrangement. MMG members who are members of the Municipal Bids and Awards committee are preparing the BID documents to be submitted to PSO. // Florence Ponchinlan SMPIP...from page 8 activities, accomplishments, hindering factors, facilitating factors and agreed follow-up are also identified. This will simplify the reporting of PMEU to the Project management. CMO assessments of the other provinces are to follow which are scheduled these coming months of November and December. // Nicardo D. Fermin CHARMing... from page 22 SP members doubts that CHARM2 Project funds will really be given to those that had to do with the long-awaited DA counterpart---questions that were already answered during our previous session. The Project Manager s patiently, courageously and in all humility answered the SP body. Patience, in answering questions and explaining the process courage in saying that CHARM2 Project would take full responsibility for things it promised but would not be able to deliver and willingly suffering the consequences for things that the project did not promise but is being blamed about These must have been the things that helped charm (p) the SP, who after the question hour, feared that they might have been too late in giving their full support.// Abra... from page 9 infrastructure and reforestation process. During the presentation, it was discussed that the BPMET is tasked to monitor the performance of PO officers implementing sub projects, the functionality of the association, financial aspect of the organization implementation of the different projects in the community, obtain copies of work and financial plans of the different projects implemented, document findings during the scheduled monitoring and evaluation CWCFMA, AAIGA and RID projects, meet as a team and consolidate its report to the general assembly, submit reports of findings and recommendations to the BIT, MMG and PMG. The BDC should be given a copy for information and guidance and monitor the implementation of the PPIPs and other plans agreed upon during meetings. Engineer Dino Catulia, the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) of this place said, Awan ti transparency nu awan ti PMET, stating in his short speech the importance of forming BPMET in special projects like CHARMP2 to be successful. The second day was allotted for hands-on and a workshop on filling up of monitoring forms. The participants had their on-site monitoring and evaluation, as well as report preparation facilitated by the speakers from CCAGG. The BPMET members visited on-going infrastructure project and nursery site of Luzong, Luba to conclude the two days training activity.// 34

35 The Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management (CHARM-2) Project is the second phase of the CHARM Project, a special porjects of DA-RFU-CAR implemented from CHARM-2 Project is designed to be implemented over a period of seven years with an estimated total cost of USD 66.4 million. Funding for the project comes from loans and grants (71%) from the international Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Fund for International Development (OFID) with the national government providing 8% of the total project cost. GOAL Poverty reduction and improved quality of life for rural highland indigenous peoples communities in CAR PURPOSES Increased family Income of the rural poor in target areas Improved land tenure security Ensured food security Conserved and improved highland forests and watersheds based on sustainable practices IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES Department of Agriculture- lead implementing agency Local Government Units National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-CAR Non-Government Organizations components 1. SOCIAL MOBILIZATION, PARTICIPATORY INVESTMENT PLANNING AND LAND TITLING Aims to promote active participation of the communities including target groups (indigenous people s organization) in planning, implementaion, monitoring and evaluation of community development plans and projects. SUB-COMPONENTS a. Community Mobilization Social Preparation Participatory Project Investment Planning Participatory Monitoring and Evalation b. Facilitation of Ancestral Domain and Land Titling and ADSDPP Survey delineation of Ancestral Land/Domain Registration of Titles ADSDPP Formulation/Enhancement 2. COMMUNITY WATERSHED CONSERVATION, FOREST MANAGEMENT AND AGROFORESTRY Aims to promote the rehabilitation of watersheds in the target areas using sustainable forest management practices tto enhance conservation of major watersheds in CAR and to provide the indigenous communities with opportunities to improve their socioeconomic well-being. SUB-COMPONENTS a. Community Watershed Conservation and Reforestation b. Promotion of Agroforestry c. Development of Innovative Watershed Conservation Mechanism Innovative Watershed Conservation Financing Mechanisms Documentation of Indigenous Forest Management Systems Pilot Community Foresty Management 3. AGRICULTURE, AGRIBUSINESS AND INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES Aims to improve the production of crops through sustainable and ecologically friendly farming systems, promote agribusiness through improvement of value chains, and introduce or improve non-farm rural-small enterprises as income generating activities to increase family income in the target communities. SUB-COMPONENTS a. Value Chain and Enterprise Analysis and Planning b. Value Chain / Enterprise Development c. Monitoring and Evaluation 4. RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT Aims to improve rural infrastructure essential for agriculture development and rural-based livelihood through the mobilization of beneficiaries. SUB-COMPONENTS a. Farm-toMarket Access b. Community Irrigation c. Domestic Water Supply d. Social Infrastructure 5. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION The Project Support Office shall facilitate the project coordination through the following activities: a. Operationalization of Project Management Structures b. Participatory Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation c. Strengthen Capacity and Effectiveness of Project Staff d. Project Administration 35

36 The CHARM2 project is a seven-year ( ) special development project implemented in the six provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with the Department of Agriculture as executing agency; and Local Government Units (LGUs), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP-CAR), and Non-Government Organizations as co-implementing agencies. It is the second phase of CHARM project implemented from in the CAR provinces of Abra, Benguet, and Mountain Province. CHARM2 pursues active partnership with stakeholders in attaining its goal of helping reduce poverty and improved quality of life for rural highland indigenous peoples communities in CAR by supporting beneficiary initiatives on increasing family income, improving land tenure security, ensuring food security, conserving and improving highland forests and watersheds based on sustainable practices. ABOUT THE COVER The heart of the CHARM2 Project is its beneficiaries -the community - the grassroots. The realization of mobilizing the communities to actively take part of the various development projects yields to a meaningful and fruitful partnership among all stakeholders; establishing their sense of ownership and stewardship toward these projects- their project. Residents of Padaoan in Conner, Apayao rekindle their support to the Project through actively participating in the nursery establishment of their reforestation project. Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management (CHARM2) Project Baguio Stock Farm, Corner Sto. Tomas Road, Marcos Highway 2600 Baguio City Telefax: (074) Telephone: Address: charm@mozcom.com Website: The project is supported by the financial assistance of: