Led by its Chairman, Mr. Vitaliano N. Nañagas III and Executive Director, Ms. Marilou Pantua-Juanito, Volunteer Service Organization (VSO) Bahaginan launched their “3-year country plan to address poverty in priority areas in the Philippines.” This ground-breaking event toasted synergy to the max, among local organizations and government agencies, volunteers and supporting communities at the Ayala Museum last June 25, 2012.

VSO Bahaginan aims to make a significant, enduring impact on the lives of marginalized and poor Filipino communities, with capacity-building and climate resilient projects anchored an active citizenship and asset reform.

VSO Bahaginan’s three-year plan includes:

¶  Peace-building efforts in Mindanao, particularly in the areas of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur provinces.

¶  To improve the quality of life of local people by building climate change resiliency in forest and coastal communities, through its Model Forest program in Samar and Bohol provinces.

¶  The deployment of VSO Bahaginan’s Filipino and international youth volunteers for participation in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRMM) system instituted by the Municipality of Hagonoy, Bulacan.

¶  “Increasing Participation of PWD [persons with disabilities] in 2013 Elections,” a project launched in Cebu now being rolled out in the country’s key cities, to push for “disability-inclusive” elections in a big way.

(Prepared by: Ms. Josephine Despi-PDO II, Technical Cooperation Division)