January 24-25, 2019 @ The Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City
To address the financial concerns with the implementation of the EU-funded projects of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. and its partners, an Orientation on EU Financial and Contractual Policies and Procedures was conducted on January 24-25, 2019 at The Pinnacle Hotel & Suites, Davao City. It was attended by 46 participants (Male 17, Female 29) from Mahintana, Peace & Equity Foundation (PEF), MINCODE, Kasilak, AADC, PHILDHRRA, and Yamog Renewable Energy Development Group Inc. (Yamog). The 2-day activity aims for the EU grant beneficiaries the common understanding on the EU policies and was facilitated by RESOURCEGov Project Manager Mr. Roel Ian P. Blanker.
Mahintana and SOLARES Project Admin & Finance Officer Ms. Liza D. Hora acknowledged team leaders PEF Program Manager Mr. Omar Salvo, MINCODE Ms. Raizsa Mae Anayatin, and Yamog Program Manager Porterio R. Jabla who introduced their team to the body. Ms. Hora welcomed the EU Delegation to the Philippines Programme Officer Ms. Caroline “Carol” Maningo and Contracts & Finance Officer Ms. Michelin “Chie” Alvarez. Mahintana President & CEO Mr. Martiniano L. Magdolot gave the opening message expressing the combination of excitement and apprehension in implementing two (2) projects funded by EU. He thanked the funding donor for the continued support and trust to Mahintana and hopes to keep its credibility in running the projects. Mr. Magdolot introduced the members of the SOLARES and RESOURCEGov 2 Projects.
Ms. Maningo gave a message of support to the grant beneficiaries, encouraging them to take time in understanding EU’s policies. After the expectation check and presentation of the activity overview by Mahintana Operations Manager and SOLARES Project Manager Mr. Jobe C. Tubigon, Ms. Alvarez started the discussion of the Implementation of Grants Contracts by Beneficiaries. The participants were able to ask relevant questions which were answered by Ms. Alvarez during the course of the presentation. Questions about cash counterpart, exchange rates, procurement procedures, and 60,000 EUR limit support to the third parties were among the concerns raised. Ms. Maningo discussed the two required reports and the deadlines.
On Day 2, a recap was conducted, as well as, more discussions and clarifications were made by the participants. The body was divided to two for the breakout sessions to discuss specific concerns with the EU officers. Mr. Magdolot closed the activity saying that the nervousness did not put out the fire and passion to help the depressed communities esp. in the GIDA (geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas).