Seven (7) farmers’ associations under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program MIMAROPA in the province of Romblon underwent Capability-Building on Organizational Strengthening and Training Workshop on Organizational Improvement, Resolutions, and Amendments held on April 15 and 21 to 23 at the Municipal Hall of Santa Maria and Harbour Chateau, Odiongan, Romblon.
Led by Social Preparation and Program Management (SPPM) Sub-unit Lead Jea Anne G. Yase and Associate Project Officer I Jercel N. Catubig, members of the Concepcion Norte Farmers and Fisherfolks Association participated in the organizational strengthening session, which focused on improving organizational performance through a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each member and officer. The activity emphasized the importance of cooperation, trust, and accountability in building a strong and sustainable organization.
Aside from the discussions, a workshop was also conducted where participants identified the current issues and challenges of their association and formulated concrete goals and plans for more effective and successful operations in the future.
The conduct of the training is in adherence with the recommendations from the Social Preparation Assessment (SPA) conducted last year.
Meanwhile, participating associations in the Training Workshop on Organizational Improvement, Resolutions, and Amendments included the Agnocnoc Communal Irrigators System Association, Claro M. Recto Corn and Cassava Farmers Association, Tubigon Planters Association, and Tubigon Vegetable Growers Association from the municipality of Ferrol; and the Bonlao Corn Growers Association and Calagonsao Corn Growers Association from the municipality of Alcantara.
The discussion focused on crafting resolutions and amendments, parliamentary rules and procedures, as well as their principles, purpose, and types of meetings. It was facilitated by Dr. Joemar F. Manzo, Associate Professor IV from Romblon State University – College of Arts and Sciences, who served as the resource speaker, together with Dr. Orfelina Manzo, faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Edna M. Sixon, Chairperson of the AB Political Science program, who also served as facilitators.
Following the discussion, participants engaged in workshop activities where they simulated meetings and practiced the proper order of business. They were also tasked to draft their own resolution following the step-by-step process of resolution-making.
Juana Briones, Treasurer of the Bonlao Corn Growers Association, expressed her gratitude to the SAAD Program for its continued support and training initiatives that benefit their organization.
“Sa SAAD, maraming salamat po dahil mula noong una pa hanggang ngayon [ay] marami na talaga kaming natutunan at gusto namin na ‘yung aming samahan ay maging enterprise,” she said.
[To SAAD, thank you very much because from the beginning until now, we have truly learned a lot, and we hope that our association will grow into an enterprise.]
The training aims to strengthen the capability of organizations in policymaking, resolution development, and overall organizational improvement.
