SUSTAINABLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR CALUBIAN

Given the situation, the problem of the community is very basic and simple considering that the important factors in creating a progressive community is present.

First we have the natural resources, the vast fertile land for farming and the marine life fronting the coastal area is there. The two other important factors are the farmers and fishermen who will do the rest in exploiting the bounty of the gift of nature. The third and most important at this juncture is the participation of a non- government organization or associations to guide them initiate an effective system of livelihood.

The often cause of failure of an undertaking is the lack of technical knowledge and training. The mere extension of financial support is not a guarantee that the project will work, the aforementioned factors should go together to play its respective roles in the this undertaking.

These undertaking will not end in stalemate, once the first step of development is perfected the next step is to develop the farmers and fishermen market. The ultimate success of business undertaking is anchored in how you can effectively market your product. The small entrepreneurs are to be developed also to re-start the flow of commerce within the community.

The whole system of production and marketing will be properly implemented through the formations of several associations or cooperatives managed by a supervising organization. The supervising body will be composed of well trained technical persons and experienced managers who will in turn take charge in the training of members, screening applications for extension of loans and over-all supervision of the members in the conduct of their respective livelihood project.

LIVELIHOOD AND SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS

The estimated initial capital investment needed is Fifteen Million Pesos (P15. M) Philippine currency. Extension of loans to would be borrowers will only be effected after undergoing an information dissemination and training seminars which will be conducted by the supervising organization. The supervising organization will be composed of a manager, agriculturist and other technical staff, accounting and purchasing staff. The financing and collection functions will be handled by an existing financing organization, Fatima Financing Cooperative, a duly registered quasi-banking which has a good track record in line of financing activities.

Considering success in the initial releases of livelihood projects, the flow of money in circulation will increase as the economic activity progresses. The boomed economy will then re-generate the active flow of trade and industry in the town, thereby reviving the maritime industry in our port.

Other humanitarian projects that our group wanted to initiate are as follows:

EDUCATION- The town has only one school for secondary education located in the town proper. The students on the northern barrios, especially those from the remote mountain barangays opted to stop from their study due to the cost of transportation, board and lodging, etc. With the introduction of livelihood projects in the mountain and coastal barangays the parents can now afford to send their children back to school. At this juncture, bringing the school closer to the students will help parents minimize expenses and give them the opportunity to guide their children personally. An initial of 32 classrooms building in a two hectares lot is being considered to cater 1,300 students. The estimated initial cost of the land, building and school supplies and equipment is P 12 million pesos in Philippine currency.

HEALTHCARE- Integrating medical services with technology is the target of our organization. With the internet system medical practitioners services and communications can be availed through website. The website will give information on the different kind of services available including immediate medical attention in other places. The Biliran Healthcare Service Cooperative, a duly recognized organization with the Cooperative Development Authority under CDA registration No. TAC-3112 since August 18, 2005 established in Naval, Biliran, Philippines has a track record to handle the healthcare requirement of the locality. The cooperative started with 16 incorporators mostly, medical practitioners. At present the cooperative has established a clinical diagnostic center for out-patient service. The building of a medical center equipped with the modern diagnostic facilities and hospital equipment is the long-range plan of the cooperative to cater the ever growing population of Biliran Province and the neighboring town of Calubian.

HOUSING PROJECT- Low cost housing facilities is also one of the concern of our organization to give our less fortunate constituents a chance to live a safe and decentplace and enjoy a simple community life. Considering the concept of community based housing project, the location should be proximate to location of livelihood projects and to source of a potable water supply. The project will be initiated by developing 80 units of low cost housing.