CCMF-Bikol is all set for its fourth year of operations come June 2007.
Constructed and completely furnished in May 2006, the Madrigal Center for Social Entrepreneurship now stands as testament of Dona Consuelo “Chito” Madrigal’s leadership in the fight against poverty in Bikol. The Madrigal Center houses the Consuelo “Chito” Madrigal Foundation’s Bikol Branch
In June 2006, The Bikol Branch’s Administrative Office moved from its old office at the main building of Ateneo de Naga University to the second floor of the Madrigal Center. From different dormitories near the Ateneo campus, the Madrigal scholars occupied the third and the fourth floors of MCSE. Coko Café, named after Doña Chito, opened simultaneously with the occupancy of the 67 scholars and the officers and staff of CCMF-Bikol. Coko Café is at the first floor of the Madrigal Center and serves the meals of the scholars. To maximize its operations, it opened its doors for the Ateneo community. Moreover, the Madrigal Amphitheater and Function Rooms, also at the ground floor, has been a favorite venue of conferences and seminars of various organizations in the city.
MICROFINANCE
Meanwhile, the Microfinance Program is now equivalent to one branch with 2,000 borrowers. Based from the 10 year plan, the program is expected to have three branches on its fifth year.
At present, the program has microfinance operations in Naga City and 8 municipalities in Camarines Sur, namely, Pili, Canaman, Magarao, Camaligan, Milaor, Minalabac, Gainza and San Fernando. Borrowers may initially apply for loans at a maximum of Php 3,000.00. Succeeding loan ceilings increase by Php 3, 000.00 up to a maximum of Php15,000.00.
Qualified applicants are required to undergo a 2-hour per day, 6-day training which leads to their recognition as members. It covers group building and value formation; organizational methods; operating policies and procedures; micro-enterprise development and management; and commitment building.
The program continues to lend through implementing partners in Albay, Camarines Norte and Masbate.
HOUSING PROGRAM
The Housing Program has started with the groundwork for the Chito Communities. Eight hectares of agricultural lands have been acquired. Applications for licensing for economic and socialized housing are underway. Chito Communities will be established in Vinzons, Camarines Norte, San Fernando, Camarines Sur, and Pacol, Naga City. Site development is expected to begin in summer when all the licenses have been acquired.
The program will develop each site into a residential area with homelots at 300 square meters per lot. Applicants may choose between two house designs. The houses have a floor area of 30 square meters. With four sites expected to be developed, around 200 families will be benefited from the housing project. Qualified applicants are those with monthly household income of Php 12,000 to Php 15,000. They must commit to use the land for agricultural products. For better effectiveness, the program considers to follow a rent-to-own scheme. Specific qualifications are now being studied.
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