The final 4th module of the project EMPOWERinG was successfully held on March 20, 2013 in Cagayan de Oro. Together with Steag State Power, Xavier University and the municipalities of El Salvador, Jasaan, Medina and Opol, ASSIST presented the results of the entire data gathering, tabulation and mapping – all accomplished with the help of the project partners.
Xavier University, responsible for data tabulation, presented municipalities’ strengths and weaknesses revealed with the help of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. The University then shared ideas on how to help municipalities address their respective problematic areas, especially those related to education, electricity and sanitation. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Mindanao was also present to showcase the assistance they can provide to the mayors. Furthermore, ASSIST gave a presentation on how they can support the municipalities via the available Public-Private Partnership mechanism. Lastly, Steag State Power introduced their CSR program which is focused on empowering the nearby Local Government Units (LGUs) and municipalities.
At the end of the event, the leaders of El Salvador, Jasaan, Medina and Opol provided positive feedback on the project, admitting that the project outcome would contribute to the growth of the municipalities, thus helping the local communities.
One more event of the EMPOWERing final module will be conducted for the municipalities of Laguindingan and Tagoloan, thus bringing the project to the completion by the end of May 2013.
