All systems go for CCMF-Bikol as the Bikol Branch Directors approve the operational plan for program implementation beginning June 2006.
After months of endless deliberations, the CCMF-Bikol team headed by Fr. Wilmer S. Tria presented last March to Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D. and Rev. Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. an operational plan which defined the objectives and laid down the structures for the coming fiscal year.
Anticipating the expansion of CCMF-Bikol programs as stated in the 10-year plan, the CCMF-Bikol team carefully drafted the objectives and structures with the aim of creating greater impact in fighting poverty.
A significant development in CCMF-Bikol’s programs is the construction and operation of the Madrigal Center for Social Entrepreneurship. The Madrigal Center, a four-storey edifice, represents CCMF-Bikol’s aspiration for a holistic approach in combating poverty. The Center will enable CCMF-Bikol to widen its reach and offer innovative interventions for families seeking a better quality of life. The center houses the CCMF-Bikol office, an amphitheater, conference rooms, a production area, and dormitories for the Madrigal Scholars and a cafeteria.
Further, new strategies in program implementation will be adopted. CCMF-Bikol will directly lend to micro-entrepreneurs, in addition to its present strategy of lending to partner agencies.
The housing program will likewise have a new component – the Chito Housing Communities. CCMF-Bikol will develop farm lot subdivisions that provide affordable housing and opportunities for livelihood. Target clients are enterprising poor families that will set up income generating projects within their lots.
The Social Entrepreneurship Program is also expected to be on full steam in June. The program will conduct trainings and provide services for business promotions. Some training courses will be conducted in partnership with Ateneo de Naga University’s College of Commerce, through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Institute.
The formation of the Madrigal Scholars will be further enhanced. To fully equip them to become entrepreneurs or business counselors who will work in Bikol, the scholarship program has been reorganized. Teams have been formed to oversee the psycho-spiritual formation, business competency development program and community and social responsibility of the Madrigal Scholars.
The cafeteria, aptly named Coko Café after Doña Consuelo Chito Madrigal who is fondly called Coko by her family, is another new development to CCMF-Bikol’s programs. To be opened in June, Coko Café is primarily a support service of the foundation promising to serve delicious and affordable meals to Madrigal clients.
The operational plan also includes the restructuring of the organization with Fr. Wilmer Tria as Chief Executive Officer and the heads of the different programs as Program Managers. An Executive Committee was created composed of the Chief Executive Officer, the Program Managers and the Administrative Officer. Its responsibility is to review all the program plans before sending them for review and approval to the two Branch Directors.
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