The Journey Across Iloilo, Batangas, Baguio and Going Beyond
In the heart of the Philippines, a remarkable journey began. Mr. Rafea Salem El-Hawi, President of PACCI, and Ms. Liza Marie Acasio, Treasurer, embarked on a path of discovery and collaboration that would take them from the bustling streets of Iloilo City to the serene landscapes of Batangas and the cool mountains of Baguio. This journey was more than a series of workshops; it was a testament to the power of connection, commitment, and community.
It all started in October 2023, when the duo attended the four day “Outcome Harvesting” workshop organized by Voice in Iloilo City. This event marked the first time PACCI met other Voice Grantees from across the country. The workshop’s aim was clear: to enhance stakeholders’ capacity in project development, management, implementation, and evaluation. For Mr. El-Hawi, the experience was transformative. “The activities enlightened us on how to organize our thoughts and encouraged collaboration. The event trained us to strengthen our skills for future fundraising. It also prepared us for the end of the Voice Project and how to move forward,” he shared.
During the workshop, PACCI was fortunate to meet Mr. Glen De Castro of Green Pact Trading and Consultancy Corporation, along with representatives from Nagkakaisang Mga Tribo ng Palawan, Incorporated (NATRIPAL). Seated at the same table, they exchanged stories about their projects and advocacies. Both Green Pact and NATRIPAL, based in Palawan, focus on community development through community-led livelihood support programs. Recognizing PACCI’s needs, Mr. Glen De Castro, the President/ CEO of Green Pact, offered to help develop the Operations Manual and assist with report writing at no charge. “We were pleasantly surprised when he insisted on doing it for free. It’s amazing how generous and kind Mr. Glen is. Since that time, we’ve developed a good relationship with him,” Mr. El-Hawi happily recounted.
Grateful for the opportunity to learn and interact with other grantees, PACCI’s journey did not end in Iloilo. In April 10-12, 2024, at the picturesque Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas, another significant milestone in organizational development was achieved through a Voice Philippines “Impact Stories Workshop”. Here, Ma. Theresa J. Limpin commonly called “Ms. Thess” the Project Coordinator of CFSI for the ERWY project reconnected with Mr. Glen De Castro, a colleague from her earlier community organizing days in Novaliches, Quezon City where they had used creative arts to engage the community on pressing issues.
This serendipitous reunion reignited their shared passion for community work. The coordinator encouraged Mr. De Castro to continue his volunteer efforts for PACCI and proposed a partnership to further the organization’s development. Their conversation planted the seeds for a new initiative that would soon flourish.
By early June, their plans had transformed into tangible action. From June 7-9, 2024, Mr. De Castro facilitated PACCI’s inaugural stakeholders’ engagement event, the “Pause and Reflect” session. This groundbreaking three-day workshop brought together various stakeholders to revisit and refine PACCI’s vision, mission, and goals. The workshop not only strengthened organizational cohesion but also inspired renewed commitment and collaboration among all participants.
