On 18 August 2015, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) organized the Graduation and Turn-over Ceremony for the Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE), a flagship programme for economic development at Multi-purpose Hall, Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok, South Cotabato. The event symbolized completion of the five-month on-the-job training and utilization of Transition Enterprise Project (TEP) tools developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) where 82 beneficiaries from people’s organizations (POs) were awarded a certificate of training completion. This event also witnessed the turn-over of the equipment and tools with an exhibition to showcase their products and services offered to the community.

Four enterprise groups were identified, namely: catering services; banana processing; home décor and garment making; and rice and corn production. For each enterprise, the trainees underwent skills training on business planning, procurement, marketing and promotion, and actual operationalization. Of the 12 target barangays, Koronadal Proper serves as the programme’s front-runner, while the remaining 11 sites are currently at the procurement and planning phases. Among Barangay Koronadal Proper’s four enterprise projects, banana processing under the Salam Care Association - a People’s Organization comprised mainly of Muslim housewives - is reaping promising gains as their banana chips, banana fries, banana cakes and banana vinegar have established steady patronage in neighbouring sari-sari stores, the Pablo Valencia National High School and a gift shop in Polomok.

After the graduation, the PLEDGE Community Enterprise Development Officer and the ILO will work with the beneficiaries on product marketing to expand their current business network to private and public enterprises in Polomok, General Santos, and nearby municipalities.

Julhaina Cadon, BDA PLEDGE Programme Coordinator, noted that much work remains to expedite the pace of programme implementation. “The graduation is only PLEDGE’s first step. BDA and ILO need to exert more effort in fast tracking the trainings, particularly in the remaining 11 areas. We are motivated as several People’s Organizations such as Salam Care Group Association and Sukor expressed interest to apply for Department Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bureau of Food and Drug Administration (BFAD) accreditation. This is so they may later sell their products to bigger establishments.”

BDA is the development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It was established in accordance with the Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Aspect of the GPH-MILF Tripoli Agreement of 2001. Formed in 2012, PLEDGE provides business training, market linkages, and business tools and equipment as a means to promote local economic development and create livelihood in 12 conflict-affected communities in Mindanao. PLEDGE is the economic and livelihood component of Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), a fund facility administered by the World Bank.

Salima Sirag is one of the 82 graduates who received a training certificate of completion for undergoing the five-month on-the-job training and utilization of Transition Enterprise Project (TEP) tools

Kalipi Peoples’ Organization members display sewn products and equipment such as sewing machines, thread and other materials in their shop

Salam Care Group Association offer a variety of banana products from chips, fries, ketchup, vinegar and cakes and reported Php17,000 savings and revenue since March 2015

Ezra’s Pasalubong Shoppe is one of two gift centres that sell products from Salam Care Group Association in Barangay Koronadal Proper with an estimated 40 bags of banana chips stocked and re-ordered every month