Learning Through Experiences: LUMANTI Visits Philippine Alliance

As one of the affiliates of the Slum Dwellers International (SDI), the Philippine Alliance has been consistently observing and promoting horizontal learning through learning exchanges, visits or exposures as the most effective way of sharing strategies, approaches and learning experiences between and among CLIFF Implementing Partners (IPs). Through this, co-affiliates of SDI are able to gain ideas on the dynamics of various urban poor federations around the world implementing slum upgrading initiatives ranging from savings mobilization, community survey, small scale upgrading initiaves and large scale projects like housing.

Corollary to this, five (5) delegates from LUMANTI, an SDI affiliate and CLIFF Implementing partner based in Nepal participated in a learning visit with the Philippine Alliance last September 26 to October 2, 2011 particularly in Iloilo City where the first CLIFF-Community-Managed Resettlement and Housing Project was implemented. Among the topics discussed and activities undertaken were as follows:

• Orientation & Expectation Setting
• Overview of the Philippine Alliance and its Initiatives
• Sharing of Nepal Slum Context and Current Initiatives
• Area Visit
• KABALAKA Site
• Brgy. Benedicto
• CLIFF San Isidro Site
• Discussion of CLIFF Management Cycle
• Presentation of CLIFF San Isidro Relocation Site and the Housing Project
• Discussion on ICEB Production
• Application  of ICEB Technology  in Construction
• Discussion on Loan Package Formulation, Flow of Capital Funds, Contracts and Repayments

The following are some of the photos taken during their visit in Iloilo City:

 

Helen Villarin (KABALAKA HOA and HPFPI-PACSII Survey In-Charge) discussing the various federation initiated small-scale and large scale upgrading projects inplemented in Iloilo City 

 

Arch. Libutaque (TAMPEI President) explaining the member composition of the CLIFF's first Demonstration Housing Project in Kabalaka Site, Calumpang Molo, Iloilo City



Regie Ruego (PACSII Documenter) discussing the incremental development strategy being observed by housing participants as well as the technical assitants like the architects and engineer after awarding the shell houses




Benfred Tacuyan (ICUPN Representative) sharing a background of the Iloilo Flood Control Project which has affected households residing along the riverbanks like this one in Benedicto, Jaro. 



Sharing Session in HPFPI-PACSII Satellite Office at San Isidro Relocation Site with the delegates from LUMANTI

Implementing partners listening attentively during the orientation on the community-led processes in procurement and construction management and supervision observed by the Philippine Alliance and the Iloilo team in particular

Sonia Cadornigara, SDI Coordinator and the Philippine Alliance's Over-all Program and Services Coordinator discussing the Iloilo Team's prioritization strategy in the identification and qualification of CLIFF Housing participants.

Engr. Joefry Camarista, project site engineer detailed by the ICUPAO under the Office of the City Mayor highlighting flexibility and adaptability in dealing with the community members during project implementation.

Prafulla Man Singh Pradhan, Chairperson of LUMANTI in Nepal soliciting recommendations on effective ICEB Production management and quality control strategies.