Apart from pioneering the utilization of renewable energy in Mindanao, Yamog Renewable Energy and Development Group, Inc. also introduced a nonconventional approach to rural community development. The multidimensional strategy’s success lies in community participation and empowering social processes.
In this strategy, the communities we serve are not only our beneficiaries—they are our partners towards sustainable development.
Rigorous consultations, zealously organized Energy Users Associations (EUAs), and an organized mobilization—Yamog kindles the community’s pride and sense of ownership towards the project by taking them right at the heart of the action.
Although the volunteers are already working, it is imperative to ensure that these emergent leaders are well-equipped to manage and sustain the project and organization.
How? By having them take part in a series of capacity-building activities.
Leading Leaders: Capacity-Building in Action
Yamog designed workshops to produce efficient and multifaceted community leaders.
Organizational Development, Leadership & Conflict Management, Gender & Development Mainstreaming
Social Infrastructure Building Officer (SIBO) Ivan Sarangsang served as one of the resource speakers during the training.
Through a mix of lectures and fun activities such as games and role-playing, participants of this three-in-one training learn more about the purpose, responsibilities, and functions of their Energy User Association (EUA) as an independent unit and in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Association members discussed how they would go about the challenge at hand.
Community Organizer Mikael Pizarro discussed the importance of knowing the EUA members’ respective roles and responsibilities.
This training will yield the following outputs:
- Vision, Mission, and Goal (VMG)
- Organizational Policies and Action Plans
- Responsibilities of the members and involved local government unit representatives
An EUA representative presented the roles and responsibilities of her association.
Moreover, this training should end with participants striving to develop an equitable, empowered, harmonious, and gender-friendly EUA.
Financial Management
Bookkeeper Marylou Balunos emphasized the importance of properly keeping and updating the association’s financial records.
Operating a renewable energy system does not end with just maintaining the technology—money will play a role in its sustainability.
Personnel, Records, and Logistics Officer Clare Arnoco talk about the members’ financial responsibilities.
Since the operation and maintenance of the systems require funds, members should exhibit efficient and effective financial resource management.
Trainers from Yamog will introduce simple bookkeeping and proper accounting to the association. The training will also refine the association’s transaction processes and recording methods. Lastly, participants will develop their Annual Financial Plan during the workshop.
The LUSIL Solar Home Lighting Association presented its annual financial plan and sought comments from the gathered group.
Watershed Protection and Management
Volunteers from Sitio Lower Tagasan, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong gamely posed after participating in the Watershed Protection and Management Training.
Beneficiaries living near micro-hydropower (MHP) project sites will undergo Watershed Protection and Management Training.
A volunteer is pictured inspecting the flora as part of the Tinanan River Watershed Resource Mapping activity.
Before the actual workshop, volunteers and EUA members will participate in several activities to assess the watershed area, take inventory of the existing flora and fauna, and collect seedlings for the watershed’s rehabilitation.
Two volunteers admired the restful view after assessing the watershed area in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental.
These tasks will lead them to understand and appreciate the connection and relevance of watersheds to the sustainability of the MHP.
Basic Electricity Training
Engr. Mark Onlos introduced the setup board to the community electricians before they experienced the actual wiring installation.
Yamog trains local electricians for the community to fully gain a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their MHP system.
Roving Project Field Support Staff for Electrical Works Danny Masong gives the initial demonstration.
Spearheaded by the Electrical Engineering Unit, the Basic Electricity Training equips the selected community electricians with the knowledge and skills to install household wiring.
One by one, community electricians are tasked to install the wirings. Staff from Yamog’s Electrical Engineering Unit closely supervise their handiwork.
Operational and Maintenance Training
Also facilitated by the Electrical Engineering Unit, the Operational and Maintenance Training is for the beneficiaries of the Solar Home Lighting System (SHLS) Units.
Trained participants will handle and maintain minor components (bulbs, wires, flashlights, radio, etc.) of the SHLS.
Towards Holistic Development
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Yamog’s brand of community development is not only participative—it is also holistic and, therefore, sustainable.
The provision of renewable energy technologies is one aspect that will contribute to the transformation of our beneficiaries’ lives. However, it is the active and capable involvement of the community that will ensure a change that will last for generations to come.
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