3rd Bicol Community Based Inclusive Development Congress

Program implementers and stakeholders of Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID)  gathered together for the 3rd Bicol CBID Congress on December 14, 2017 at The Oriental Hotels and Resorts in Legazpi City, with the theme: “Enabling Persons with Disabilities, Engaging Communities”.

 

The event was jointly hosted by Simon of Cyrene and the Bicol CBID Network. It drew a total of 188 participants from the Disabled People’s Organizations, Local Government Units, government agencies and non-government organizations across the region.

 

Ms. Amable M. Bolinas, BOT President of SIMON, welcomed the guests and participants. She briefly traced the history of the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program and SIMON’s pivotal role in its implementation in the Bicol Region and the subsequent formation of the Bicol CBID Network.

 

Mayor Eulogio Rodriquez of Bato, Mr. Jeffrey Nicero of Polangui and Mr. Marlon Belaro of Goa gave testimonies on the emerging growth of the CBID Program in their municipalities and its life-changing ripple effect on the lives of persons with disabilities and the community. On the other hand, Mayor Sandy Ondis, Sr. welcomed the inclusion of Siruma in the CBID Program in 2018.

 

In response, BOT Vice President Ms. Mary Mediatrix  Villanueva and BOT Member Dr. Sabas Loriaga lauded the local chief executives – calling them “the Dreamers’ Heroes” – for recognizing the urgency in providing access to services for persons with disabilities through the institutionalization of the CBID Program and appropriation of funds for rights-based activities and awareness campaign.

 

Representatives from SIMON’s funding partners were also on hand to provide support for the congress.

 

Ms. Theresa Nuqui, Executive Director of Norfil  Foundation, presented the backgrounder and accomplishments of the Philippine CBID Association. She divulged their plan to organize regional associations and send out invitation for membership. She was quick to point out though that, thanks to SIMON’s initiative, Bicol is one step ahead of the others since it’s the only region in the Philippines with an organized CBID Network.

 

On her part, Ms Erly Ocasiones, the Program Manager of CBM, provided updates on CBID Guidelines and talked about CBM’s own programs and initiatives that are geared towards fostering inclusive and resilient communities.

 

Other event highlights include partnership initiative with SEDP on Livelihood and Social Security programs, presentation of results of the 2017 CBID Program Appreciative Review, updates on the  direction and thrusts of SIMON (2018 to 2022) and the roles and responsibilities of Bicol CBID Network.

 

Towards the end of the Congress, Mr. Edwin Vales, the President of Bicol CBID Network, laid down their Plans for 2018, to wit: 1) Lobby for the establishment of PDAO in every city/municipality; 2) Strengthen the Disabled People’s Organizations in the expansion areas; 3) Generate livelihood opportunities for the DPO members; 4) Conduct accessibility audit in schools and business establishments; 5) Process SEC Registration of the Bicol CBID Network and; 6) Carry out resource mobilization activities for sustainability.

 

The congress drew to a close with the signing of Renewal of Commitment – a gentle reminder that in an inclusive society, each one has a role to play and a role to make it work.