Thriving the CBOs: Volunteerism and Transformative Leadership, are the two characteristics that persevere in the constituents of Allen, Northern Samar. (CBO Validation)

With the DSWD EPAHP continuous validation drive, three associations were visited and validated in the LGU of Allen, Northern Samar this week as planned last February 14-15, 2024, the Allen Organic Vegetable Raisers (AOVR), Lipata Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (LFFA), Samahan ng OFW Para sa Agrikultura ng Allen (SOPAA). The Allen LGU with Acting Mayor Christian G. Lao, MSWDO Judy P. Morado, and MAO Lany S. Castro warmly welcomed the EPAHP RPMO team. EPAHP Orientation and Negotiated Procurement were discussed, while the concerns of the CBOs were answered by the team, headed by EPAHP RPC Noel P. Villones, EPAHP CBGAO Jeffrey Paul Q. Ventura, & OMO Dennis B. Mosquito. The validation will enable the EPAHP RCT to create a credible list of the CBOs capable of supplying the Agri-fisheries' needs and the assistance that can be provided by the RCT for them to be fully capacitated.

One of the Associations utilized the potentials of some sectors, such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), tasked to manage a restaurant, youth involvement to create handicraft products made from indigenous materials of the locality (pili nuts shells), and women (mothers and unemployed) to be trained in Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) courses. The three organizations visited foster the spirit of volunteerism as members are organized to work on schedule without pay, minimizing expenses while allocating saved amounts to the group's capital.

With the LGU officials unselfish desire for public service, community growth, livelihood stability, and food security, the Municipal Government of Allen addressed and relentlessly pursued programs that support different Community-based Organizations, creating Agri-fisheries groups capable of providing the needs (food) of the Nortehanons, while taming inflation (as locally produced are sold below the market price), and able to supply the commodities for government hunger and nutrition programs, such as the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) be legitimized.