Organizational Orientation and Enterprise Assessment/Validation Activity of Lumuton Small Rubber Growers Association

Organizational Orientation and Enterprise Assessment/Validation Activity of Lumuton Small Rubber Growers Association

The Organizational Orientation and Enterprise Assessment/Validation Activity of the Lumuton Small Rubber Growers Association was conducted on August 28, 2024, in Barangay Lumuton, Lamitan City, Basilan, with a total of 33 participants composed of association members, representatives from the barangay local government unit and the City Agriculture Office, and the WEE-SAFE team. The activity aimed to strengthen the association’s organizational structure, validate its operational and enterprise needs, and align its development plans with the goals of the WEE-SAFE Project, particularly in promoting economic resilience and women’s empowerment.

Discussions focused on reviewing the association’s by-laws, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of officers and members, and reinforcing the importance of regular meetings, transparent financial management, and proper documentation of minutes. Membership contributions and dues were revisited to support the association’s financial sustainability, with emphasis on depositing funds into the association’s savings account and ensuring authorized and transparent transactions.

Representatives from the City Agriculture Office expressed strong support for the revitalization of the rubber growers’ association, highlighting its significance in strengthening the local rubber industry and improving farmers’ productivity and collaboration. The activity also included an enterprise assessment where members explored potential livelihood ventures. While the association initially expressed interest in establishing a micro-financing initiative, facilitators recommended focusing on a lower-risk buy-and-sell rubber enterprise as a more practical starting point. Agreements were reached on membership fees, dues collection, financial controls, and attendance policies, alongside suggestions to implement proper bookkeeping and conduct further planning meetings.

Overall, the activity enhanced the association’s understanding of governance, accountability, and enterprise planning, strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders, and laid a foundation for more sustainable organizational and economic development for the Lumuton Small Rubber Growers Association.