Methods and Processes

A. Building Internal Capability

Phase 1

This process enabled the farmer-member to know oneself better by doing an in-depth examination of the individual’s assets and liabilities, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and capacitating oneself to relate with others. Through this training, they were able to clearly understand the importance of oneself in relation to others in a group; appreciate better the various factors related to sharing, involvement, participation, and cooperation through team building, thus, strengthening the group’s capabilities. The training also gave them tips on how to work with others successfully. In this manner, it helped them identify the prerequisites for a successful cooperative endeavor, as well as demonstrate techniques in establishing rapport with other community residents actively participating in community affairs for rural development. The training is anchored on human values, interpersonal relations, and value clarification and orientation.

Phase II

This phase of the capability building training enabled the participants to know and understand concepts and principles of leadership including defining what a leader is in operational terms. This included identifying the qualities, characteristics, and traits of a good leader. The leadership development training provided an atmosphere of group cohesiveness accruing from the leadership styles as manifested by the leader in leading a clientele community. All members have to attend this training to prepare them for leadership positions in the association. Thus, in the very unlikely event of a vacancy in any position, any qualified member can automatically succeed with ease and confidence.

• Drafting of TOFA’s constitution and by-laws and set goals and projects

Upon organization of the TOFA, the members with assistance from the PNOC-EDC extension staff drafted the TOFA’s constitution and by-laws, and set goals and projects. Rules and regulations regarding membership, project management, and profit sharing have been set and are being strictly enforced. They also formulated policies for each sector, adding new ones through assembly resolutions to address problems or experiences that occasionally arise.

In their membership guidelines, it is stipulated that membership is limited to farmer-residents of Tongonan and Nueva Vista. The minimum age limit was set to be 16 years old. The membership fee is P10.00.

Although family members are encouraged to join the association, children are told to prioritize their schooling. Thus, they can only render work for the association during vacation time, weekends, or on holidays. Membership is continually strengthened especially since it sustains the life of the association.

The association holds its general meetings on the first Wednesday of the month. For those who are either absent or late for three consecutive meetings a fine of P50.00 is charged which is added to the CBU. Every meeting, one peso is collected from each member for their emergency funds.

Internal structure

Since the organization had to take care of multi-faceted concerns, internal structures had to be institutionalized.  Two umbrella organizations were formed to better manage TOFA’s projects: The TOFA Women’s League and the TOFA Youth Organization. Further, for their labor-contracts with the PNOC, the association divided themselves into seven groups with a supervisor each to oversee their activities and manage the workers. Uniform wages for their work in the plantation are given to the members, regardless of sex and age. On two Saturdays every month, members are required to render service to the association-sponsored pintakasi. On these days, they do not receive their wages but are instead donated directly to the CBU funds.

• Institution and administration of the Capital Build-Up Fund

A Capital Build-Up Scheme was instituted in the TOFA to strengthen the association’s financial capability in preparation for self-sustainability. The CBU is derived from a voluntary deduction of 10 percent from the members’ daily wages, revenues earned by the organization from various livelihood projects, and those wages intended for pintakasi services. Fines collected from various offenses of erring members also go to the CBU.

At the end of 1997, TOFA’s CBU has reached P796,203.00 while its net worth increased to P1,570,664.00 with no liability. TOFA’s fixed assests now total P423,727.00.

The association’s funds are safely deposited in several banks. As a safeguard from being misused, cash withdrawals are not honored without the signatures of the president and the treasurer of TOFA and the PNOC-EDC extension officer.

B.  Linkages with other Agencies

Being a legitimate association, TOFA has firmed up strong linkages with government agencies such the DENR, DOLE, LGUs and the DSWD, among others. In its day to day operation, it has also established linkages with non-government organizations and some research and academic institutions.

C.  Livelihood/Income Generation

TOFA’s main income is derived from two main sources: (a) agroforestry and rattan plantation; and (b) labor contracting work with PNOC-EDC. TOFA aimed to establish 1000 hectares of rattan plantation which when achieved would be the second largest rattan plantation in the country. At the end of 1997, TOFA was able to establish a total of 638 hectares of rattan and 150 hectares of agroforestry.

Rattan seedlings are planted at 3m X 3m spacing (1100 stems/ha.) On the first year of harvest, projected yield per hectare is 3,300 rattan poles or 330,000 poles per 100 hectares if done on a rotation basis. At an assumed current selling rate of P30/pole, TOFA is expected to gross P9,900,000.00 a year which is quite a considerable income for a farmers group of 178 members.

TOFA has also established 25 hectares of Acacia mangium planted at 10m between rows and 1m within the row. This module aims to provide shelter, improve the soil, and provide forest cover so that intercrops of jackfruit, mango, and citrus may be established. It is expected that the harvests of acacia will have a good market because of the scarce supply of logs and lumber, coupled with the increasing demand from the construction, shipping, wood processing industries and other wood-dependent downstream manufacturers.

The association engages in other economic activities while waiting for harvest time. They operate a savings and loan venture with an initial capitalization of P200,000.00 taken from their CBU. They also put up a consumer’s store, a mini-canteen/catering business, a home-movie business, and benefit dances. They have also ventured into planting abaca and banana, and are raising livestock such as pigs, goats, and carabaos.

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