In Tboli, ProPEACE programme local sub-recipient Tribal Leaders Development Foundation supported a three-day Barangay Development Planning (BDP) Workshop on April 21-13, 2021. One of the beneficiaries, Geraldine Lambong is a community day-care worker from Sitio Bakngeb, Brgy. Laconon, Tboli, South Cotabato. Ms. Lambong expressed her concern with the underwhelming actions by local officials in her experience of 20-year service. Despite her willingness to serve, she faced setbacks: lack of funding and structural support.
Now, with the programme’s support, she has shifted her perspective on local governance. Through the workshop, she was able to participate in the crafting of the programs and projects to address her community’s prevailing issues. Ms. Lambong shared, “I am grateful because, with my 20 years of service as a daycare worker, this is my first time to join a BDP workshop. It helped me understand clearly what BDP is, how the budget is allocated, and where to lobby our concern for guided actions.”
More guided and motivated, her attitude towards local officials improved. “Through this BDP workshop our situation was discussed and taken into consideration, I hope that within five years our concerns will be addressed,” she said.
The five-year Barangay Development Plan (BDP) sets strategic activities that should be implemented to address relevant issues and concerns within a barangay and provide direction for its growth. During its sectoral planning, the sub-recipient seeks to identify areas of complementation with the programme’s framework.
With support from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, the Promoting Peace Engagements and Community Empowerment (ProPEACE) programme is currently being implemented in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani by the Mahintana Foundation, Inc. through a consortium with Kasilak Development Foundation, OND Hesed, Maguindanaon Development Foundation, and the Tribal Leaders Development Foundation.