Joseph “Ka Boyet” Ongkiko started his field work in his new capacity as PBCI Executive Vice President for Institutional & Program Development. This position involves developing and sustaining the organizational structure and expanding the stakeholder base of PBCI. He is now beginning to seek partnerships with other organizations, and keeping abreast of the latest developments in peacebuilding. Soon, his team’s tasks would include leading periodic reviews of institutional strategic plans, developing inclusive programs for the coconut industry, and institutionalizing a school of inclusive development. Ka Boyet and his staff will also be responsible in solidifying the sustainability and communication strategies at PBCI.
Last 23-27 June 2023, he travelled to the Eastern Visayas to renew our relationships with the leaders of Peace and Reconciliation (PAR) Communities there. He met with the leaders of the organizations who were trained by PBCI in the area of PAR-framed Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.
With the approval and support of the PBCI Management Team, Ka Boyet formulated a comprehensive plan to realize the following objectives: (1) to enhance the organizational strength and sustainability of our organization; (2) to develop the Coconut for Peace initiative; (3) to establish IncluDev — the School of Inclusive Development and Leadership: and, (4) to establish the Institutional and Program Development Staff.
Initiate Organizational Strengthening and Sustainability
1. Expand and Deepen Stakeholder Base
- Conduct sustained advocacy and educational initiatives to engage potential stakeholders at various organizational levels, including the Board, staff, and volunteers.
- Develop an advocacy program to generate interest and encourage entry-level participation, such as through donations.
- Provide ongoing education to stakeholders to foster volunteerism, participation in program development, and potential roles as staff members or board members.
- Implement actions such as identifying and listing potential stakeholders, clustering stakeholders for diversity, prioritizing stakeholder invitations, developing stakeholder education programs, and formulating volunteer care policies.
- Organize regional PBCI clusters for community building, fellowship, and potential local peace projects.
2. Organize General Assembly
- Establish a General Assembly for qualified stakeholders, including corporation members.
- Conduct annual meetings where the Board of Trustees and staff present reports, provide an overview of the organization’s direction, and outline deliverables for the upcoming program year.
- Allow the General Assembly to respond to presentations and demonstrate support for the institutional direction.
- Facilitate the selection of new Board of Trustees members from the General Assembly.
- Foster a sense of national community and strengthen solidarity among stakeholders during the annual gathering.
Design, Develop, and Operationalize Coconut for Peace
1. Transition Marginalized Coconut Farmers
- Shift the mindset of economically marginalized coconut farmers from copra-based mentality to high-value coconut products.
- Integrate the Coconut for Peace initiative with existing IP communities engaged in Coffee for Peace, leveraging the seasonal product to create additional economic activities.
- Utilize savings-based groups as a foundation for community organizing, ensuring communal capital for funding emerging enterprises.
- Seek funding support from a philanthropic businessman to determine the project scope.
- Identify potential implementation areas, including Mansalay, Mindoro Occidental; Laguna; Quezon; Albay; Pigkawayan, Cotabato; and Mt. Apo.
2. Project Implementation Activities
- Determine the amount of funding support on a yearly basis and establish quarterly releases.
- Define program parameters, scope, deliverables, and timeline.
- Establish Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with funding groups, LGUs, and other relevant organizations.
- Develop program design, including budget considerations.
- Organize staffing requirements and ensure appropriate orientation and training for staff and volunteers.
Develop IncluDev: The School of Inclusive Development and Leadership
1. Institutionalize Leadership Training
- Recognize the strength of PBCI’s leadership training and extend its benefits to other organizations.
- Identify certificate programs for the PBCI School of Leadership.
- Develop curriculum and learning modules for each program.
- Identify qualified faculty members.
- Market and promote the certificate programs to attract participants.
Form the Institutional and Program Development Team
1. Hire an Executive Assistant
- Employ an Executive Assistant to provide support to the Executive Director.
- Assign the Executive Assistant as the program coordinator for the stakeholder-base initiative, Coconut for Peace, and School of Leadership.
2. Form the Institutional and Program Development (IPD) Staff
- Employ specialists needed to accomplish the objectives of IPD
- Establish field volunteer corps to help implement IPD objectives on the ground