The Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ SEA-K Association, Inc.
Weekly Update
February 4, 2008
Introduction
Sometime in June 2007, Asst. Secretary Ma. Theresa M. Alano of the Department of Social Welfare and Development introduced SEA-K to the Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. Knowing how the Peacemakers’ work for the Muslims and Christians on the ground the DSWD found the Peacemakers’ Circle to be the perfect ally for some of their project. The Peacemakers’ Circle had laid the ground work for the SEA-K program to commence. Several meetings were held and finally the training was conducted. The members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ were divided into groups of 6 composed of 5 members hence the first batch.
SEA-K Program is the Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program designed to build local capability building in order to enhance the socio economic skills of the local communities. This program was introduced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units in response to the alarming poverty situation of the country. SEA-K has a program component. It prepares the “would be” members of the association socially to enhance their sense of volunteerism, leadership qualities, self confidence and self reliance.
Formation of groups and associations involves organizing of 5 or 6 groups compose mainly of 5 members per group to form a SEA-K Association. The organization should have a total of 25 or 30 members. It provides capital assistance to each members of the association as the seed capital amounting to a maximum of P150,000 (5,000 per member) , which will give the members the opportunity to jump start their own business at the micro level. The capital needs no collateral and its interest free.
Likewise, members of the association are encouraged to save a little amount of money regularly for them to enable to assist selected community members.
Who can benefit SEA-K? It is available to any individuals who are economically disadvantaged in a depress communities who possess the following qualities:
16 years old and above
with a monthly income of not more than P6,958 for a family of six
without access to any formal lending institution
physically fit
resident of the community for the last 6 months and intends to stay for the next 2 years
in good relationship with his community and family
with a positive work attitude
concerned with the welfare of his/her community
On the Account of Bank Processes
January 14, 2008 Bank requirements for the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’
SEA-K Association, Inc was submitted to the Land Bank Katipunan Branch for evaluation purposes. It was no less than the Operation’s Manager of Land Bank Ms. Delma O. Bandiola who attended the evaluation process. In the agreement between DSWD and Land Bank it is required that DSWD personnel should be represented as one of the signatories of the account for the association to safeguard and protect the investment made by the government to the members of the association - in this case, it’s no less than the person in-charge of livelihood training Mr. Ernesto J. Adriano Sr. is acting as the official signatory. Resolution from the Muslim-Christian Peacemaker’s SEA-K Association, Inc. is required to formalize the entry of DSWD representative. The association is also required to secure letter of endorsement from the DSWD prior to the opening of the account.
DSWD is apprehensive about making the deposit in the name of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association, Inc as these funds might be used by the members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association, Inc. and not by the SEA-K members themselves. The Muslim-Christian Peacemakers Association, Inc. agreed to change the name of the bank account as soon as the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ SEA-K Association, Inc. gets their registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. is in the forefront of monitoring the members’ activities every step of the way.
Finally, the Letter of Endorsement from DSWD was signed and made available for pick-up last January 31, 2008. Coupled with this, was the resolution to designate bank accounts and signature authorizing Macklis R. Bala, Loreta P. Borlongan and Ernesto J. Adriano as the SEA-K representatives. After further evaluation of the documents the association is scheduled to open their account on February 5, 2008 at Land Bank Katipunan Branch, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Friday February 1, 2008 the members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ SEA-K Association, Inc. agreed to hold a separate meeting prior to the release of funds. The meeting was called for to discuss issues such as length of payment, contributions to the association, meeting attendance, reimbursement of expenses to the Peacemakers’ Circle, etc. The members also suggested that a separate meeting should be held separately for the Peacemakers’ meeting purposes only.
Issues and Challenges
The fact that most members of SEA-K don’t have enough valid documents to present for bank processing is already a challenge in itself. Having to meet all those rigid requirements deprived these people to access the services of the government institution such as bank processing, registration to the securities and exchange commission and tax income number application. Not to mention of course the financial aspect of the whole process the technical know-how of the members also complicates the process.
Equally more noticeable also is the behavioral reactionary attitude of some members of the association. Since some of those who were in the first batch were not the actual members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association the value of patience, perseverance, self-sacrifice and volunteerism is often less appreciated. Asking for some financial contributions for instance for the processing to proceed often invites negative reaction. Hence, the possibility of conflict between the “new” and the “old” members of the association is most likely possible and real. By personally taking the processes to proceed the threat of indirect confrontation among members of the same association becomes less apparent.
Giving them the chance to improve their economic conditions through government loans will not always make them a better person. Most often than not, others have decided to join the association for economic reasons and others for personal protection. But the idea of making them into an association is for them help and support each other individually and the community socially. Social values need to be developed alongside with personal values.
Plans and Recommendations
1. On-going Community Organizing
Membership of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association is expected to grow in numbers precisely because of the positive result happening in the ground. The livelihood aspect of the association is attracting more and more people which can be a potential source of members for the association.
2. Continues Monitoring
Members of the SEA-K have to be monitored constantly. Weekly dues should be strictly in forced and approved business proposal should be followed faithfully. Any intention to change business line other than what was approved by DSWD should be reported to the agencies concern immediately for approval.
3. Periodical Review of SEA-K Policies
Most often than not, policies are taken for granted by members of any association when nobody will constantly remind them. Periodical review of SEA-K policies by qualified DSWD personnel will make sure the policies are strictly observed and carefully followed.
4. Application for SEC Registration, TIN and other Personal Documents
Time is of essence! Application for SEC registration and TIN should be done in the earliest and shortest time possible. Releasing of seed capital depends not just on how fast the association can get its registration but what personal documents are presented for the purposes of bank evaluation. Members to do this are those that have experienced in the processing of SEA-K documents during the first batch. The Peacemakers’ Circle should only come in as guide and adviser.
5. Open Communication with Partners
Maintaining an open line of communication with partners will help reduce the risk of loosing the capital investment of the association. Barangay officials can help remind the members of the association to pay their weekly obligation to the DSWD. Delinquent members of the association can be summoned by the barangay officials in order to meet their obligation. Having done this, the image of the SEA-K Association and the Peacemakers’ Circle would be protected and the success of future transactions for other Muslim-Christian communities can be ensured.
6. Continues Workshop
Workshops such as those that were given to the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association, Inc. should also be given to the new members of SEA-K Association. Relationship between the old and the new members is expected to become more fraternal when the new ones are form according to the Vision and Mission for which the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association was created. Better appreciation and understanding of the role as a member of the association happens only when values formation is given.
7. Self-Initiated Community Project
Self-initiated community project by members of the association is expected to deepen the bond that ties them. These are community projects that are to be undertaken by the group as a whole. Projects that are visible and have higher impact in the community have to be carried out side by side with barangay officials and DSWD. Members of the SEA-K Association in particular and the community in general should work together to improve their community.
8. Regular Business Evaluation
Preventive measure is deemed necessary to ensure business activity will proceed as plan. To protect the investment, Regular Business Evaluation has to be conducted both by DSWD personnel and Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation. Intervention has to be under taken by line agency if necessary. Instruments that will be use to determine the success or failure of business has to be provided by DSWD. The evaluation has to be conducted individually for members of the association.
9. Length of Payment and the Assumption of Obligation
Returning the seed capital doesn’t have to take long. For the whole members to avail of the next loan (which is far bigger than the previous one), the association will have to agree on when and how long the seed capital would be return. In some cases where other members failed to meet their obligations the association would have to be ready and willing to assume the obligation of that delinquent members of the association. In this case, those who failed to meet their obligation to the satisfaction of the association would be strike out from the membership roll of the association.
Weekly Update
February 4, 2008
Introduction
Sometime in June 2007, Asst. Secretary Ma. Theresa M. Alano of the Department of Social Welfare and Development introduced SEA-K to the Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. Knowing how the Peacemakers’ work for the Muslims and Christians on the ground the DSWD found the Peacemakers’ Circle to be the perfect ally for some of their project. The Peacemakers’ Circle had laid the ground work for the SEA-K program to commence. Several meetings were held and finally the training was conducted. The members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ were divided into groups of 6 composed of 5 members hence the first batch.
SEA-K Program is the Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program designed to build local capability building in order to enhance the socio economic skills of the local communities. This program was introduced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units in response to the alarming poverty situation of the country. SEA-K has a program component. It prepares the “would be” members of the association socially to enhance their sense of volunteerism, leadership qualities, self confidence and self reliance.
Formation of groups and associations involves organizing of 5 or 6 groups compose mainly of 5 members per group to form a SEA-K Association. The organization should have a total of 25 or 30 members. It provides capital assistance to each members of the association as the seed capital amounting to a maximum of P150,000 (5,000 per member) , which will give the members the opportunity to jump start their own business at the micro level. The capital needs no collateral and its interest free.Likewise, members of the association are encouraged to save a little amount of money regularly for them to enable to assist selected community members.
Who can benefit SEA-K? It is available to any individuals who are economically disadvantaged in a depress communities who possess the following qualities:
16 years old and above
with a monthly income of not more than P6,958 for a family of six
without access to any formal lending institution
physically fit
resident of the community for the last 6 months and intends to stay for the next 2 years
in good relationship with his community and family
with a positive work attitude
concerned with the welfare of his/her community
On the Account of Bank Processes
January 14, 2008 Bank requirements for the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’
SEA-K Association, Inc was submitted to the Land Bank Katipunan Branch for evaluation purposes. It was no less than the Operation’s Manager of Land Bank Ms. Delma O. Bandiola who attended the evaluation process. In the agreement between DSWD and Land Bank it is required that DSWD personnel should be represented as one of the signatories of the account for the association to safeguard and protect the investment made by the government to the members of the association - in this case, it’s no less than the person in-charge of livelihood training Mr. Ernesto J. Adriano Sr. is acting as the official signatory. Resolution from the Muslim-Christian Peacemaker’s SEA-K Association, Inc. is required to formalize the entry of DSWD representative. The association is also required to secure letter of endorsement from the DSWD prior to the opening of the account.
DSWD is apprehensive about making the deposit in the name of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association, Inc as these funds might be used by the members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association, Inc. and not by the SEA-K members themselves. The Muslim-Christian Peacemakers Association, Inc. agreed to change the name of the bank account as soon as the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ SEA-K Association, Inc. gets their registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. is in the forefront of monitoring the members’ activities every step of the way.
Finally, the Letter of Endorsement from DSWD was signed and made available for pick-up last January 31, 2008. Coupled with this, was the resolution to designate bank accounts and signature authorizing Macklis R. Bala, Loreta P. Borlongan and Ernesto J. Adriano as the SEA-K representatives. After further evaluation of the documents the association is scheduled to open their account on February 5, 2008 at Land Bank Katipunan Branch, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Friday February 1, 2008 the members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ SEA-K Association, Inc. agreed to hold a separate meeting prior to the release of funds. The meeting was called for to discuss issues such as length of payment, contributions to the association, meeting attendance, reimbursement of expenses to the Peacemakers’ Circle, etc. The members also suggested that a separate meeting should be held separately for the Peacemakers’ meeting purposes only.Issues and Challenges
The fact that most members of SEA-K don’t have enough valid documents to present for bank processing is already a challenge in itself. Having to meet all those rigid requirements deprived these people to access the services of the government institution such as bank processing, registration to the securities and exchange commission and tax income number application. Not to mention of course the financial aspect of the whole process the technical know-how of the members also complicates the process.
Equally more noticeable also is the behavioral reactionary attitude of some members of the association. Since some of those who were in the first batch were not the actual members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association the value of patience, perseverance, self-sacrifice and volunteerism is often less appreciated. Asking for some financial contributions for instance for the processing to proceed often invites negative reaction. Hence, the possibility of conflict between the “new” and the “old” members of the association is most likely possible and real. By personally taking the processes to proceed the threat of indirect confrontation among members of the same association becomes less apparent.
Giving them the chance to improve their economic conditions through government loans will not always make them a better person. Most often than not, others have decided to join the association for economic reasons and others for personal protection. But the idea of making them into an association is for them help and support each other individually and the community socially. Social values need to be developed alongside with personal values.
Plans and Recommendations1. On-going Community Organizing
Membership of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association is expected to grow in numbers precisely because of the positive result happening in the ground. The livelihood aspect of the association is attracting more and more people which can be a potential source of members for the association.
2. Continues Monitoring
Members of the SEA-K have to be monitored constantly. Weekly dues should be strictly in forced and approved business proposal should be followed faithfully. Any intention to change business line other than what was approved by DSWD should be reported to the agencies concern immediately for approval.
3. Periodical Review of SEA-K Policies
Most often than not, policies are taken for granted by members of any association when nobody will constantly remind them. Periodical review of SEA-K policies by qualified DSWD personnel will make sure the policies are strictly observed and carefully followed.
4. Application for SEC Registration, TIN and other Personal Documents
Time is of essence! Application for SEC registration and TIN should be done in the earliest and shortest time possible. Releasing of seed capital depends not just on how fast the association can get its registration but what personal documents are presented for the purposes of bank evaluation. Members to do this are those that have experienced in the processing of SEA-K documents during the first batch. The Peacemakers’ Circle should only come in as guide and adviser.
5. Open Communication with Partners
Maintaining an open line of communication with partners will help reduce the risk of loosing the capital investment of the association. Barangay officials can help remind the members of the association to pay their weekly obligation to the DSWD. Delinquent members of the association can be summoned by the barangay officials in order to meet their obligation. Having done this, the image of the SEA-K Association and the Peacemakers’ Circle would be protected and the success of future transactions for other Muslim-Christian communities can be ensured.
6. Continues Workshop
Workshops such as those that were given to the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association, Inc. should also be given to the new members of SEA-K Association. Relationship between the old and the new members is expected to become more fraternal when the new ones are form according to the Vision and Mission for which the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association was created. Better appreciation and understanding of the role as a member of the association happens only when values formation is given.
7. Self-Initiated Community Project
Self-initiated community project by members of the association is expected to deepen the bond that ties them. These are community projects that are to be undertaken by the group as a whole. Projects that are visible and have higher impact in the community have to be carried out side by side with barangay officials and DSWD. Members of the SEA-K Association in particular and the community in general should work together to improve their community.
8. Regular Business Evaluation
Preventive measure is deemed necessary to ensure business activity will proceed as plan. To protect the investment, Regular Business Evaluation has to be conducted both by DSWD personnel and Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation. Intervention has to be under taken by line agency if necessary. Instruments that will be use to determine the success or failure of business has to be provided by DSWD. The evaluation has to be conducted individually for members of the association.
9. Length of Payment and the Assumption of Obligation
Returning the seed capital doesn’t have to take long. For the whole members to avail of the next loan (which is far bigger than the previous one), the association will have to agree on when and how long the seed capital would be return. In some cases where other members failed to meet their obligations the association would have to be ready and willing to assume the obligation of that delinquent members of the association. In this case, those who failed to meet their obligation to the satisfaction of the association would be strike out from the membership roll of the association.
