SOLARES Year 1 officially concludes on December 13, 2019. The SOLARES project management and project implementation team were invited to participate in the Year 1 Annual Review and Planning Workshop cum Project Management Meeting. Together with Mahintana Foundation, Inc., representatives from Peace and Equity Foundation, Dole Philippines, Inc., SOCOTECO II, SUKELCO, Bacbacan MPC, KCOINDECO/KFADMA, Keytodac CGA, KIMEMCO, KPS-SEED, Sta. Cruz MPC participated in the workshop last December 10, 2019 which was held at Dolefil Clubhouse Kalsangi, Kalsangi, Polomolok, South Cotabato.
In order to assess project performance in terms of implementation and fund utilization, Year 1 project accomplishments and challenges were presented for assessments and action and financial plans for Year 2 and 3 were updated. Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, SOLARES Project Director and Mahintana Foundation, Inc. President & CEO welcomed the team with a brief background on how the project started up to the latest updates regarding SOLARES. Mr. Jobe Tubigon followed with an expectation check and workshop overview for the participants. Representing Dole Philippines, Inc. and on behalf of Mr. Nick Yiannakis, Dolefil Vice President and Managing Director, a message from SOLARES partners was delivered by Engr. Wilson Peria, Dolefil plant utility manager. Engr. Peria congratulated the team for its first year and recognized how through the project, Dolefil gained knowledge and experience in solar power. Mr. Tubigon proceeded to discuss the presentation of Year 1 Project Accomplishments and Challenges through the different components: social preparation and community mobilization, capacity building and technical assistance, SHS electrification support, and Mr. Stefan Babera, project officer of Peace and Equity Foundation presented for livelihood and financing support. Ms. Grace Miguel, project bookkeeper updated the team regarding the SOLARES Year 1 project financial performance and budget performance report.
Before proceeding to the open forum, a ceremonial turnover of livelihood assistance to Keytodac CGA was done. Mr. Elmer Jay Seguma, Keytodac CGA was present to participate in the turnover. In the afternoon, a planning workshop was done; different groups in the project developed their action plans and financial plans for Year 2 and 3. To officially conclude the workshop, Engr. Crisanto Sotelo, General Manager of SOCOTECO II expressed gratitude and congratulations to the SOLARES team for their first year.
