SOLARES conducts Factory Acceptance Test Training

Part of the SOLARES Project bidding and procurement process is the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and before the contract signing, a successful conduct of FAT must take place first. For a successful FAT, it is important that the project's FAT team is equipped with technical know-how on how FAT is done. To do this, the SOLARES project requested the technical assistance of ASEP-TA/GIZ, through Mr. David Balleza as technical consultant, for the FAT training and actual conduct of FAT.

The FAT training was aimed at equipping the FAT team/TWG on how to conduct FAT, especially in preparation of actual conduct of FAT in China. The 5-member FAT team is composed of key technical persons from SOCOTECO II (1), SUKELCO (1), Mahintana (2) and ASEP-TA/GIZ (1). Aside from the FAT team, the training was also participated by the key project staff of the SOLARES project as part of building local capacities in FAT, PSI, O&M and other related activities. The 2-day activity was conducted on 30-31 January 2020 at Q CitiPark Hotel, General Santos City with Mr. Balleza of ASEP-TA/GIZ as technical resource person given his experience and expertise in solar/renewable energy.

Key results of the training include sharing and demonstrating the FAT process, protocol, steps, test procedures and FAT requirements per major Solar Home System (SHS) component - the device under inspection (DUI). During demo, visual screening as part of the test procedure was conducted on PV module, battery and battery management system, charge controller, LED lamps, and vending machine/management system (VMS) of the sample SHS unit of PVM Window 1. The demo was based on the draft FAT manual/ guidelines designed by the project (part of the bid documents). Accomplishing sample FAT forms and report by the FAT team was also part of the key results.

Meanwhile, the actual conduct of FAT which was originally scheduled on 10-15 February 2020 in China was postponed due to travel restrictions brought about by the novel Corona virus outbreak.

SOLARES conducts Training on Leadership and Financial Management to Partner Coops/POs

In order to empower and enhance capacity and skills of microfinance institutions (MFIs)/coops/people’s organizations (POs), Mahintana Foundation, Inc. through the SOLARES project and its livelihood component conducted the 3-day Training on Leadership and Financial Management, facilitated by Peace and Equity Foundation. Two resource speakers shared their expertise on their respective topics; Ms. Mary Luzviminda ‘Dayluz’ Herezo for leadership, and Ms. Phoebe Montefalcon on financial management. Keytodac Coffee Growers Association (KCGA), KFADMA, KIMEMCO, KPS-SEED, Sta. Cruz MPC actively participated in the training.

For the first day, Ms. Dayluz covered various topics on leadership, mainly starting with the self and gradually progressing to roles, leadership, and management. She engaged the participants with different activities involving situational problems solving, group dynamics, as well as pre- and post-tests for participants to self-evaluate and be aware of their progress throughout the training. Such activities prompted the participants to reveal their innate leadership skills, and also improve and develop them from then on.

On the second day of the training, Ms. Montefalcon discussed the module entitled Accounting for Non-Accountants which covered most topics that would be expected of a personnel assigned in finance. For the participant MFIs/coops/POs, it was most helpful for them to identify ways and means to improve their overall financial management. The financial management assessment tool became one of the highlights for the participants. Mahintana Foundation, Inc., Peace and Equity Foundation, and Ms. Montefalcon and her staff were present to directly assist in their checklist and output. The participants made and presented their action plans and Ms. Montefalcon was generous with her professional advice regarding improving the current situation, to any questions, and with implementation hurdles the participants may face after taking home their learnings to their respective MFIs/coops/POs.

Ms. Liza Hora, Admin and Finance Officer of Mahintana Foundation Inc., Mr. Dennis Oman Salvo, PPU Manager of Peace & Equity Foundation, and Mr. Martiniano L. Magdolot, President & CEO of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. were present to warmly welcome and give recognition to the participan

SOLARES Project wraps up its first year with the Annual Review and Planning Workshop

From upper left, clockwise: Engr. Crisanto Sotelo, Mr. Stefan Babera, Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, Mr. Elmer Jay Seguma, Engr. Wilson Peria, Mr. Jobe Tubigon, and the SOLARES project.

SOLARES Year 1 officially concludes on December 13, 2019. The SOLARES project management and project implementation team were invited to participate in the Year 1 Annual Review and Planning Workshop cum Project Management Meeting. Together with Mahintana Foundation, Inc., representatives from Peace and Equity Foundation, Dole Philippines, Inc., SOCOTECO II, SUKELCO, Bacbacan MPC, KCOINDECO/KFADMA, Keytodac CGA, KIMEMCO, KPS-SEED, Sta. Cruz MPC participated in the workshop last December 10, 2019 which was held at Dolefil Clubhouse Kalsangi, Kalsangi, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

In order to assess project performance in terms of implementation and fund utilization, Year 1 project accomplishments and challenges were presented for assessments and action and financial plans for Year 2 and 3 were updated. Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, SOLARES Project Director and Mahintana Foundation, Inc. President & CEO welcomed the team with a brief background on how the project started up to the latest updates regarding SOLARES. Mr. Jobe Tubigon followed with an expectation check and workshop overview for the participants. Representing Dole Philippines, Inc. and on behalf of Mr. Nick Yiannakis, Dolefil Vice President and Managing Director, a message from SOLARES partners was delivered by Engr. Wilson Peria, Dolefil plant utility manager. Engr. Peria congratulated the team for its first year and recognized how through the project, Dolefil gained knowledge and experience in solar power. Mr. Tubigon proceeded to discuss the presentation of Year 1 Project Accomplishments and Challenges through the different components: social preparation and community mobilization, capacity building and technical assistance, SHS electrification support, and Mr. Stefan Babera, project officer of Peace and Equity Foundation presented for livelihood and financing support. Ms. Grace Miguel, project bookkeeper updated the team regarding the SOLARES Year 1 project financial performance and budget performance report.

Before proceeding to the open forum, a ceremonial turnover of livelihood assistance to Keytodac CGA was done. Mr. Elmer Jay Seguma, Keytodac CGA was present to participate in the turnover. In the afternoon, a planning workshop was done; different groups in the project developed their action plans and financial plans for Year 2 and 3. To officially conclude the workshop, Engr. Crisanto Sotelo, General Manager of SOCOTECO II expressed gratitude and congratulations to the SOLARES team for their first year.