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Last November 15, the Jaime V. Foundation, Inc. together with 99 other institutions was awarded the Builders of Baguio Award by the City government and the Baguio City Centennial Commission in recognition and grateful appreciation of its positive contribution to the growth and development of Baguio. The award was one of the highlights of the City’s commemoration of its 100th charter anniversary.

Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc was founded on the premise of creating self-reliant communities capable of harnessing internal and external resources for development, an idea that began in 1980.

JVOFI Rece ivesBui lders Award

Established in Baguio City, the Foundation started as a corporate social arm of Benguet Corporation and was known then as the Benguet Corp Foundation, Inc.

Initially targeting the company’s various mining camps, it expanded its programs beginning in 1986 and became financially independent in 1997. JVOFI took on the name of the late Mr. Jaime V. Ongpin in 1997 in honor of the first Filipino president of Benguet Corporation and former Finance Minister of the Corazon Aquino Administration. Its core programs are holistic, targeting the environmental, economic and social dimensions of development. JVOFI works in active

partnership with local government units, government agencies, donor agencies, other NGOs and business. Among its key contributions to Baguio City were: • disaster relief and rehabilitation during the 1990 earthquake; • integrated watershed protection and water systems projects in areas surrounding the Camp John Hay reservation which helped preserve the forest beginning 1994, after the turnover of the US base to the government . These barangays are Happy Hallow, Camp 7, Atok Trail, and Apugan-Loakan which became models for similar JVOFI projects in Benguet, the Ilocos and Cagayan regions; • initiated an Integrated Solid Waste Management Program in Baguio in 1997 which promoted public awareness and led to the establishment of a composting facility for biodegradable waste generated by the Baguio Public City Market. Outputs of the compost plant are utilized primarily in the City’s Parks & have helped reduce not only biodegradable waste but also the amount of fertilizers purchased by the City;

• since 1996, the Foundation supported annually an average of 1,000 enterprising poor women in their microfinance needs enabling them to support their children’s education and achieve a better quality of life;

The CenteCom also gave due recognition to various city institutions such as the educational sector, business and economics group as well as religious and civic organizations for their enduring support for the development of the city.

The awardees received the specially designed Baguio Builders trophy crafted by Peter Pinder, a renowned local sculptor. As a fitting tribute to the awardees, their names will be inscribed in a granite wall of remembrance and recognition which will be set up in an appropriate area within the newly designated Centennial Park (formerly Baguio Botanical Garden) along Leonard Wood Road.

Mrs. Ma. Isabel Ongpin, Chairperson of the Board of JVOFI and wife of the former Jaime V. Ongpin receives the Baguio Builders award from the Centennial Commission.

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La Top Receives Vegetable SealerA nitrogen sealer was turned over by the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. to the La Top Multipurpose Cooperative last November 11, 2009. The nitrogen sealer will be used by La Top for packaging their produce.

The purchase of the equipment was funded by the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program through the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc.

The decision to purchase the equipment was the result of their recent experience in the World Food Expo in Metro Manila last August 6, 2009. The board members of La Top together with staffs from JVOFI went to the Food Expo with the aim of acquiring practical skills and techniques in product packaging, labelling and identifying appropriate packaging materials and supplies of equipment for fresh vegetable salad packaging. Also, during the World Food Expo, the delegation had an opportunity to see the different models of vacuum sealer, vegetable washer and vegetable drier.

The said participants were able to arrive at

JVOFI implements PMPMI II in Isabela, Cagayan

Farmer’s Organization Organized, Signs MOA

Region II-Four Memoranda of Agreement were signed between landowners and the organized tobacco farmers associations in Isabela and Cagayan for the Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. project entitled, “Fuelwood & Bamboo Plantation Establishment Program for Tobacco Farmers in the Ilocos Region and Region II.” The signing of MOAs was done during the two-day visioning and planning workshop organized by Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. for the four farmer’s association in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and Cauayan, Isabela last November 19-20, 2009.

The Fuelwood and Bamboo Plantation Establishment Program for Tobacco Farmers in the Ilocos Region and Region II project was conceptualized by PMPMI in recognition of its social obligation to

The La Top MPC received a nitrogen sealer from JVOFI through the funding of PACAP. From left to right are La Top MPC board members: Jeffrey Laruan, Valerio Ramos and Anthony Anniban, La Top MPC President Cesar Galvey, JVOFI Executive Director Ma. Rosario R. Lopez, Project Officer Jeffrey H. Javier, La Top Manager Abigail Cadias, La Top Secretary Amy Pasking and JVOFI Project Manager Rhoda D. Buenavista.

the venue at around 2:00 PM for a seminar on packaging, labelling and storage. But since the seminar was re-scheduled to another schedule due to bad weather, the participants were not able to join the activity because they were not informed earlier that day. Instead, they took advantage to see the different models of vacuum sealers, vegetable washers and vegetable driers.

After the travel, the La Top members decided to purchase equipments suited for the development of product packaging, particularly for fresh vegetable salads which are the following: sealer (impulse-foot type), cup sealer, electric fan, stainless washing sink and stainless water tank such decision was supported by the La Top board of directors.

continue to page 4The two day workshop included a vision setting through visual representation, action planning and MOA signing between the organized associations and landowners.

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PHILSSA & JVOFI Turnover UPSURGE Project to City of San Fernando San Fernando City, La Union- The Philippine Support Service Agencies (PHILSSA), project holder of a World Bank grant, and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc., (JVOFI) project implementer, turned over the Urban Partnerships for Sustainable Upliftment, Renewal Governance and Empowerment (UPSURGE) project to the City of San Fernando, La Union in ceremonies held on 26 November 2009 at the Fisherman’s Village, Bgy. Poro.

Through the project, core housing units constructed under a previous project were improved to become livable for the fishermen relocated from the danger zones in Ilocanos Sur and Ilocanos Norte. The resettled families used to live in the salvage zone 22 meters from the shore where structures should not be built due to vulnerability to disasters.

The beneficiaries organized themselves as the Fisherman’s Village Association which were assisted by the Foundation in improving their organizational and financial capacity. Through the association, the development plans were put together with the families. The project also made possible the establishment of a local structure to oversee the housing needs of the underserved sector in the City.

Ma. Rosario R. Lopez, Executive Director of JVOFI, noted that the project’s successful implementation was made possible by the harmonious relationship of the major partners: the Fisherman’s Village, the Local Government Unit, and JVOFI .

San Fernando City’s Vice-Mayor Pancrasio Q. Nisce said that the City of San Fernando is grateful for being selected as a partner for the implementation of the project and explained that the project is being considered as a model for future housing projects.

Aside from improved housing conditions, the UPSURGE project also provided better physical and environmental conditions for the selected beneficiaries. The project constructed a multi-purpose hall for community events. Partnerships between the City and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave the families

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JVOFI, PHILLSA, World Bank and other agencies recieved certificates of recognition by the San Fernando LGU for their invaluable assistance to the City in line with the programs to improve the quality of life of the marginalized constituents through the project UPSURGE.

Together with the turn over of the UPSURGE project to the City of San Fernando were the ceremonial turn over of the key of the city to the Fisherman’s Village, turnover of water pump, documentation materials such as project CDs and minutes of meeting were conducted.

San Fernando City Vice-Mayor Pancracio Q. Nisce, JVOFI Executive Director Ma. Rosario R. Lopez and Fisherman’s Village Association Chairman Artemio Biarez signed a memorandum of agreement to ensure the sustainability of the project during the turn-over of the project last November 26. 2009.

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contribute to environmental protection efforts, more so that the tobacco industry is dependent on the availability of fuelwood to cure tobacco. In the Cagayan Region where burley tobacco is widely grown, the farmers use poles to air cure their harvest.

Through a series of workshops by Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc., four tobacco farmer’s associations were organized with the assistance of Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc (ULPI) in Delfin Albano and San Mariano, Isabela; and Sto. Nino and Gattaran in Cagayan in October 2009. The organizations were envisioned to establish and manage their fuelwood and bamboo plantation sites through capacity building and livelihood projects. The organized associations were: Bitabian Tobacco Farmers Association; Bayabo Reforestation and Bamboo plantation association Inc.; Piña Este Mabuno Farmers Association; and Barangay San Manuel Tobacco Farmers Association, Inc.

Meanwhile, during the vision and planning workshop organized by JVOFI, the farmer’s organizations were able to demonstrate

their vision for the project and their community through representational drawings. They understand and realize that reforestation is necessary to reduce soil erosion, mitigate forest destruction and also provide another source of livelihood.

The MOAs include a mutual agreement between the land owners and associations allowing the associations to implement reforestation activities on the plantation site while the landowners are obligated to assist in the implementation of reforestation program and provision of the needed legal requirements for the registration of trees with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Both parties also agreed to formulate policies and procedures on the distribution of benefits derived from the plantation site and establish a structure for the maintenance and monitoring of the bamboo plantation sites.

The importance of the forest and plantation sites to the farmer’s livelihoods and in preserving their environment served as sufficient incentive for the farmers to be vigilant and actively involved in forest protection activities.

opportunities to improve their income. The Fisherman’s Village Association was recently a recipient of a 2 toner boat from the DOLE which they intend to use for bringing their “payaws” to sea and for ecotourism purposes around the Lingayen gulf.

During the turn-over ceremony, a medical and dental mission was simultaneously held for the residents of the village by the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center together with nursing students of the Union Christian College. Free blood testing, medical check up and dental services were conducted.

The UPSURGE project in the City of San Fernando is proof that better housing is no longer a dream but a reality for the residents of the Fisherman’s Village who now no longer suffer from threats of powerful storms and waves battering their homes. The Local Government Unit experienced first hand that efficient & effective delivery of local housing needs is possible through the vision of the local chief executives, the concerted action of key departments, and support of other sectors.

La Top opens at SM Baguio

Last November 28, together with the launching of Panagbenga, the La Top Multipurpose Cooperative opened a branch in SM Supermarket Baguio through the initiative of the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation and SM Baguio. The opening was attended by Hon. Artemio Galwan, La Trinidad, Benguet Mayor, Reynaldo C. Bautista Sr., JVOFI President, Ma. Rosario R. Lopez, JVOFI Executive Director, Princess Baniaga, SM Baguio Supermarket Supervisor and several La Top Multi Purpose Cooperative board of directors.

With the opening of a stall at SM, the La Top MPC has become closer to their goal of providing fresh organic produce to the public. La Top farms yield chemical free vegetables, through environment friendly agriculture practices.

Farmers were given soft loans without fear of loan defaults and loss of capital since their organic farm production would be strictly monitored. Aside from providing loans, JVOFI assisted the La Top set up a certification and quality control process which ensures that harvested vegetables from La Top farms are organically raised, and hence, are safe and healthy to eat.

One of the farms of La Top MPC have been already accredited by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP), the country’s nationally accredited organic certification agency. JVOFI and La Top is currently working for the approval

of their Small Holder’s Group Certification from the OCCP. Inspection of the identified La Top farms has already been conducted by the Field Inspectors of the OCCP. There is now no doubt that Benguet can become the country’s number one organic vegetable producer.

Farmers...from page 2

Philssa...from page 2

Benguet Mayor Artemio Galwan, La Top MPC President Cesar Galvey and SM Baguio Supermarket Supervisor Princess Baniaga opened the new La Top organic vegetable stall in SM Baguio Supermarket through a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony.

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Tel./Fax No.: 446 2807/43E-mail: info@jvofi.orgWebsite: http://www.jvofi.orgJVOFI invites its partners to submit articles portraying the changes in their lives as a result of their projects. Send your contributions to Mr. Jessy M. Balanag at the above address.

JVOFI Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication of the Jaime V. Ongpin

Foundation, Inc. with editorial office at 27 Sofia De Veyra St. Corner Road 2,

Quezon Hill, 2600 Baguio City.

JVOFI, TI(Phils) Resets5th Annual Golfest to Jan 16

Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. and Texas Instruments (Phils) have opted to postpone the annual golf for a cause set this October 17, 2009 to January 16, 2010 due to extensive damages to infrastructure by Typhoon Pepeng.

The calamity caused several landslides which claimed many lives, destroyed numerous houses, damaged millions worth of agricultural crops and isolated the City of Baguio and Municipality of La Trinidad from the nearby regions and provinces.

In a dialogue between Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan and. Ma. Rosario R. Lopez, JVOFI Executive Director and Rhoda Fe D. Buenavista, JVOFI Ecological Enhancement Manager, last October 14, 2009, they are already preparing plans for the relocation and rehabilitation of affected individuals and the residents who are still currently residing in danger zones.

Meanwile, it was also unfortunate that seven (7) Microfinance clients and their family members or a total of 24 persons were among the casualties at the Kibungan village. In the Damayan policy of the Microfinance unit of the Foundation, a total benefit of P47,000 will be released to beneficiaries of the departed clients.

Also, in an assessment made by the Foundation, it was found out that the

livelihood of 235 microfinance clients who were mostly engaged in agriculture were affected by the typhoon in Benguet. A total of four clients in Baguio reported that their houses were damaged and their livelihood affected by the closure of the three main roads connecting the City to other regions and provinces.

Currently, the Foundation is rallying

WWF-Philippines visits JVOFI

Lecturers Rica Sena and Vanessa Ybañez of the WWF-Philippines conducted a short discussion with staffs of Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. regarding the environmental issues we are facing in the Philippines and at the same time provided ways on how to address these.

W W F - P h i l i p p i n e s i m p l e m e n t s conservation and development projects from the far north in the Babuyan Islands, to the southernmost tip, the Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi. On a nationwide scale, WWF advocates appropriate environmental policies, engage corporations for sustainable business and conducts environmental education activities in Metro Manila and other key cities and towns.

The field projects of WWF-Philippines support local efforts in coastal resources management, community-based ecotourism, management of protected areas, and environmental law enforcement, among others. WWF’s projects on species protection serve as catalytic platforms for a broader coastal management and conservation program in a number of areas. These include the Irrawaddy dolphin in Malampaya Sound, Palawan, the whaleshark in Donsol, Sorsogon, whales and dolphins in Tanon Strait, Negros Oriental, sea turtles in the Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi, the dugong in Roxas, Palawan, and the humpback whale in Babuyan Islands.

Some of the simple yet effective ways of making difference to our planet can include replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs or LEDs, which last 8-10 times longer

and use 25% of the power: using dippers instead of showering that save as much as 30 liters of water and using a power strip that eliminates phantom drain, which still consumes 10% to 60% of full power. Other tips can be found at wwf.org.ph/howhelp.php.

Let us all work together for our planet!

support from other groups for the relief and rehabilitation of the province. Ms. Pacita Laperal Go and PHILSSA were among those who funded a relief operation through JVOFI and Mr. Reynaldo C. Bautista, Sr. Meanwhile, JVOFI hopes to receive more support to the Annual Golf for a cause since all the proceeds will be used for the benefit of enterprising poor women in Baguio and La Trinidad.

Ma. Rosario R. Lopez, JVOFI Executive Director hands over supplies to Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan as part of the JVOFI’s on going action in helping the devastated province.