La Consolacion College Bacolod, in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, conducted the first part of an organizational development workshop series on June 24, 2024. This initiative stems from a research project conducted by LCC and the University of Kassel on the status of waste pickers at Barangay Felisa in Bacolod City.
The workshop was delivered by seasoned development worker Elizabeth Cabuguas. It focused on
enhancing the organizational structure and governance mechanisms of the waste pickers’ association. Waste pickers in Barangay Felisa play a vital role in Bacolod City’s solid waste management system. Despite being informal workers, they contribute significantly to recycling efforts and waste reduction within the community. However, their potential remains largely untapped due to organizational constraints.
In collaboration with GIZ, the project aims to re-organize the waste pickers’ association to enhance its capacity and capability, thereby improving the livelihoods of its members and contributing to the modernization of Bacolod City’s solid waste management system. The objectives of the project include strengthening the organizational structure and governance mechanisms of the waste pickers’ association through
activities such as organizational restructuring and leadership training.
Key activities during the workshop included a participatory assessment of the current organizational structure and governance mechanisms, workshops, and training sessions to strengthen leadership, decision-making processes, and financial management skills among association members. Additionally, the development and implementation of a revised constitution and by-laws that reflect the needs and aspirations of the waste pickers’ community were highlighted.
The workshop was attended by eight officers, fourteen volunteers, one community coordinator, and four facilitators. Facilitating the event were Catherine Trespuentes of Barangay Felisa, Felix Adrian Dalida of LCC Bacolod and Jal Devecais, an intern at GIZ Philippines.