According to a survey conducted by the Philippine Cooperative Authority in 2020, majority of the cooperatives in the country were adversely affected by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including reduction of their employees, decline in productivity, and decrease in production.[1] Despite the huge impact on their services, cooperatives are continuing as usual, and […]
The UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies through its “Escaping the Middle-Income Trap: Chains-for-Change” or EMIT C4C, has shared findings on their study of the fisherfolk organization Kapunungan sa Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC) in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The action research, in partnership with Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), aims to understand the key […]
In a follow up to the webinar, “Collab Works,” social enterprise partners of the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) shared their experiences in dealing with the local government to foster collaboration towards a common agenda. Kauyagan Savers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Manager Imelda Esteban and Bayanihan Millennium Multi-Purpose Cooperative Manager Leonila Secadron told stories about their engagements […]
A sector crucial to promote development and economic growth has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 99.95% of the businesses in the country are MSMEs[1]. When the enhanced community quarantine began in Metro Manila and other parts of the country in March […]
Yunie Kusin Labi’s dream is for families in their village to light up their homes. As the barangay captain of Upo in the municipality of Maitum, Sarangani, Labi has seen his community suffer from lack of electricity. “Sa siyam na sitio sa Brgy Upo, tatlo lang ang may access sa kuryente,” Labi said. From behind […]
Asipulo, Ifugao – Coffee farmers of Hojap Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Hojap MPC) will soon yield higher coffee quality and boost production with the newly constructed Ifugao Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise Center. In partnership with the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and the provincial government of Ifugao, the processing center will help Hojap MPC expand its […]
Carlos Barsicula, manager of Chokolate de San Isidro (CSI) in San Isidro, Davao del Norte produces one of the best cacao beans in the world, according to the Cocoa of Excellence (CoEx) Programme. A renowned global competition, CoEx Programme is an entry point to participate in the International Cocoa Awards this coming October 2021 at […]
Due to the economic downturn from the pandemic, poverty and unemployment rates continue to rise. With no jobs and incomes to provide for their needs, families, both in urban and rural communities, are forced to rely on government subsidies and relief packages. One organization has stepped up, seizing the opportunity to make an impact. The […]
As PEF pursues its strategic directions in the next three years, collaboration with different stakeholders, particularly the local government, will be vital for the success of its mission. In a webinar held on May 21, 2021, former Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero and former Kalamansig Mayor Ronan Eugene Garcia discussed how […]