In order to empower and enhance capacity and skills of microfinance institutions (MFIs)/coops/people’s organizations (POs), Mahintana Foundation, Inc. through the SOLARES project and its livelihood component conducted the 3-day Training on Leadership and Financial Management, facilitated by Peace and Equity Foundation. Two resource speakers shared their expertise on their respective topics; Ms. Mary Luzviminda ‘Dayluz’ Herezo for leadership, and Ms. Phoebe Montefalcon on financial management. Keytodac Coffee Growers Association (KCGA), KFADMA, KIMEMCO, KPS-SEED, Sta. Cruz MPC actively participated in the training.
For the first day, Ms. Dayluz covered various topics on leadership, mainly starting with the self and gradually progressing to roles, leadership, and management. She engaged the participants with different activities involving situational problems solving, group dynamics, as well as pre- and post-tests for participants to self-evaluate and be aware of their progress throughout the training. Such activities prompted the participants to reveal their innate leadership skills, and also improve and develop them from then on.
On the second day of the training, Ms. Montefalcon discussed the module entitled Accounting for Non-Accountants which covered most topics that would be expected of a personnel assigned in finance. For the participant MFIs/coops/POs, it was most helpful for them to identify ways and means to improve their overall financial management. The financial management assessment tool became one of the highlights for the participants. Mahintana Foundation, Inc., Peace and Equity Foundation, and Ms. Montefalcon and her staff were present to directly assist in their checklist and output. The participants made and presented their action plans and Ms. Montefalcon was generous with her professional advice regarding improving the current situation, to any questions, and with implementation hurdles the participants may face after taking home their learnings to their respective MFIs/coops/POs.
Ms. Liza Hora, Admin and Finance Officer of Mahintana Foundation Inc., Mr. Dennis Oman Salvo, PPU Manager of Peace & Equity Foundation, and Mr. Martiniano L. Magdolot, President & CEO of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. were present to warmly welcome and give recognition to the participants from several areas such as Lebak, Kalamansig, Kiamba, and Maasim.
