NEWS: BMG takes part in the CAPDEV Expo 2010

Organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government in Northern Mindanao, the CapDev Expo 2010 was attended by almost 300 participants from the local government units, private sectors especially NGOs and academe of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental. Some mayors and vice mayors from these provinces were also present in this regional meet.

They were welcomed by Cagayan de Oro Vice Mayor Ian Ascenas while Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno delivered the keynote speech. The Governor proudly shared the province’ gains, challenges and plans beyond 2010. Moreno especially mentioned the efforts being done by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) whereby they were already handed over the conduct of the Internal Security Operations (ISO) from the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. This way, the PPOC will lead the province in pursuing peace and development initiatives, particularly conflict management and prevention efforts as well as facilitation of proper community reintegration of the non-state combatants, with the support from the military, police and civil society groups as well as government line agencies which are members of the PPOC. As stated in the agreement recently signed by PPOC and the Army, “this program is designed to address the causes of conflict and the grievances of the past and to promote long-term stability and justice.”

Moreno’s clear message was “bring the local government closer to the people” and serve them faster and better like never before. This way, the people can and will win peace even in their local processes as well as resources. Setting up a functional PPOC in every province and MPOC in every municipality was encouraged by the Governor.

The Regional Capacity Development Agenda of Region 10 was also presented. Next was the presentation of service providers from the government, NGOs, private sector and the academe, introducing their respective programs and services that hope to address the gaps identified in the CapDev Agenda of the local government units.

With BMFI’s new Executive Director Paul RA Paraguya as the Master of Ceremonies, the Balay Mindanaw Group has showcased a summary of the capacity development activities and other products and services that the members of the group can offer to the local government units and to the communities as well. These are grounded on the lessons and experiences of the past years that the group is continuously innovating and improving.

In a nutshell, these are:

1. CAPACITY BUILDING (Local Governance Seminar, Barangay Peace and Development Planning and Budgeting through Participatory Rural Appraisal, Transparency and Accountability Governance Trainings, Strategic Assessment and Planning Workshops, Financial Literacy, Para-Legal Training and Formation, Social Enterprise Seminars and Community-based Peacebuilding, Business Planning and Budgetting, among others)

2. PUBLICATION AND PRODUCTION (A Facilitators’ Guide to Barangay/ Local Governance, Guide to Actual Participatory Rural Appraisal, Panday Kalinaw: A Peace Resource Book, Soldiers for Peace: A collection of Peacebuilding Stories in Mindanao, Lawig Kalinaw: Peacebuilding Stories in the Community, Defining Success: Stories of 50 Farmer Entrepreneurs, Production of Barangay Development Plans, Peace Course Manual, Other Documentation of Success Stories, Trainings and Dialogues, Production of other Reference/Promotional Materials)

3. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT (Business Enterprise Projects, Capability Building Development Programs, Joint Ventures and Partnerships, Market Development, Micro-Finance Projects, Peacebuilding and Conflict Management Program, BTTAG Project, etc.

4. EXPOSURE AND EXCHANGE (Peacebuilding and Development Initiatives – community-based, camp-based exposure with key people and institutions doing actual SIAD, conflict management and peacebuilding, PeaceEXPO, Social Enterprise Tour: Backyard Broiler Production Project, Youth Internship and other Local and International Exchanges)

5. INTERNATIONAL PEACE CENTER (Venue for trainings, conferences, seminars, workshops, with board and lodging facilities, wi-fi ready, with peace room (internet-research area, mini-library, space for dialogue, local and international peace books and peace films)

With the above presentation, Balay Mindanaw has offered to the audience its sincere partnership to groups and institutions who believe (and even to those who seem not to believe) in the dream of making poverty, underdevelopment and unpeace a history among deprived peoples and communities of Mindanao.

Focused on the theme “Creating Synergy in Local Governance,” the CapDev Expo2010, held at Grand Caprice Restaurant in Limketkai Center, was indeed a “venue of information sharing and strengthening linkages for good local governance,” said DILG Regional Director Loreto T. Bhagwani.

In a simple exhibit, BMG promoted its products and services through the dissemination of packaged brochures, display and sale of published books and resource materials, video showing and for-sale items like peace shirts and mugs.

For Balay Mindanaw, the CAPDEV Expo 2010 was one opportunity of building partnerships – capitalizing on process and the partnership where the local governments and civil society groups can jointly make way to plan the best service delivery towards peace and development in the region. To date, discussions between DILG and Balay Mindanaw are in progress for possible partnership.

Helping Build Empowered and Sustainable Communities in Mindanao. Helping Build Peace.