15 Barangays in Central Mindanao Convene to Fight Poverty

Kidapawan City -- Barangay officials including its People’s Organization representatives from 15 barangays in Central Mindanao shall hold its 8th Learning Resource Communities Network Conference this June 14-16, 2005 in Barangay Kibudoc, Matalam, Cotabato to discuss food security measures and the network’s development plans.

Invited speaker Dr. Edwin Hondrade, Pagkain Para sa Masa (PPSM) Project Coordinator, shall give inputs on the “Bahay-Kubo” concept or backyard gardening. PPSM’s self-help food security program for the upland and war-torn areas of Mindanao gained positive feedbacks from some partners of the LRC Network during their exposure trips to the demo area. This time, the Conference provides these 60 barangay officials and PO representatives the opportunity to listen, exchange thoughts and learn simple yet effective means of having food readily available at home.

There will also be project demonstration on handicraft making by selected skilled residents from Barangay Kibudoc whose good practices are looked up to by the community and is now the engagement of women to alleviate their poverty-stricken lives.

In learning from each other through leader to leader and people to people exchanges, social and personal growth are achieved making them able and empowered individuals and leaders. These are the goals and thrust of the LRC Network. This conference is one of its activities that promotes and goes by people-driven learning exchanges that transpire on the ground which actually aims to build social cohesion by putting greater emphasis on improving the relational dimensions of the social order.

The LRC Network is composed of 15 barangays that have shown resilience and adopted good practices in facing socio-economic adversity especially poverty and are willing to share their experiences to others as well as willing to gain knowledge of other communities’ learnings and experiences. (MinLand/jmo)