Briefing on Microfinance Project in the Philippines by NSFA
Last Updated on Thursday, 07 January 2010 01:51 Written by rjf-pro Wednesday, 06 January 2010 05:29
On the 2nd of January this month, a Forum on Microfinancing in the Philippines was held at the All Saint’s Parish Centre, Liverpool sponsored by the VAA Inc. and PCC-NSW Inc.. The speakers were Bob Alipalao and Violi Calvert from the North Shore Filipino Association (NSFA), who spoke on the Associations involvement in the Microfinance Project. They both explained the history of the development of the Micro-Credit Project Program that began in collaboration with NORFIL which stands for NorwegianFilipino. NORFIL is a registered non-government organization based in the Philippines. It is licensed and accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development as a family / child welfare and community development agency.
NORFIL's history dates back to the late 1970's, to the Norwegian family of Berit Gronvold that has devoted its free time as volunteers to a child-care development institution in Pampanga. Upon the family's return to Norway, they solicited additional monetary aid from friends and schoolmates to continue helping the children through Ms. Angela Maria (Beth) Pangan, a social worker who worked with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for many years. Beth Pangan discovered that most of the children in the institution were from poor farming families in nearby provinces. With the help of DSWD social workers, the farmers were provided assistance so the children could return to their homes. The projects were very successful in transforming the lives of women and their families that Berit's group, who visited every year, encouraged Beth Pangan to apply to NORAD. Before the proposal could be approved, NORFIL Foundation had to be organized in 1983.
Since its launching in 1984, NORFIL has grown from a simple private effort to a long time institutional commitment for people’s development. The project not only involves physical work to make money to help the community and family, but is also designed to seek changes in the attitudes, lifestyle and character of the individuals involved. To bring out positive changes that will help the community and families involved better themselves inwardly and spiritually as well. To have a sense of self-worth and achievement in the Project they undertake, knowing it is for the betterment of all. All NORFIL Projects are financed and accountable through timely audits and reporting. The Project Groups meet regularly to make payments on the loans and report on the progress of their individual projects to give encouragement and support to all the members. Any money that is in excess of the loan the family or community owes is theirs to keep for their needs.
Examples of NORFIL Projects: funded by North Shore Filipino Association.
Vinegar Making Bakery Therapeutic Massage
Cabinet Making Chicharon Making Catering Services
Hairdressing Sari Sari Store Tamarind Candy Making
Slipper Making
NORFIL is committed to it's 3 areas of helping people and communities.
1. VISION
A lead organization in the care and rehabilitation of disabled, neglected and abandoned children through community and family-based programs.
2. MISSION
To promote the best interest of disabled, neglected and abandoned children through community-based and family focused preventive, rehabilitative services and alternative parental care.
3. GOAL
- To equip parents with capabilities on quality care giving and assist families of disabled children in coping with the demands of child rearing.
- To ensure that disabled, neglected and abandoned children have access to opportunities and services that promote their rights to survival, development, protection and participation.
- To develop and strengthen networking, linkages and partnership with government and civil society for effective program implementation and sustainability.
- To engage in training and research activities that would ensure responsive programs and services.
- To provide families with access to socio-economic opportunities that would enhance their capability to meet the needs of their children.
The VAA Inc. concluded at the Meeting that they will consider a proposal to support this worthwhile project, to be considered at next meeting in February.
The info session was well attended, with a number of PCC-NSW Inc. present and past officers, the Visayan Association Inc. officers and members, the Leon Aguila Association officers, Plaza Filipino and Fil-Oz Liverpool etc.
Report by Richard J Ford JP - Press Relations Officer for Visayan Association Inc, Evestcco-Eastern Visayas Community, Calapenos and Friends Association and the Vice-President (External) for Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts.