UP ISSI Inks Collaboration with NGOs to Empower Bohol’s Ultra-Poor through ICLEAR Project
In an effort to reinforce a shared commitment to poverty alleviation among ultra-poor Filipinos with disabilities, the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) sealed a multi stakeholder collaboration–the “Inclusive Community-Led Economic Action for Resilience” (ICLEAR)–with CBM Global, BRAC International, the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), and Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation Inc. (LCDPFI).
Present during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony on July 28, 2025, at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City were leaders and representatives from the participating organizations. These included Dr. Ian Jester M. de Vera, UP ISSI Research Division Head, representing UP ISSI Director Melanie M. Moraga-Leaño; Mr. Gaudencio Rodelas Jr., BRAC Philippines Country Lead; Mr. Hercules Paradiang, CBM Global Country Director; Atty. Jose Racela IV, LCDPFI President; and Ms. Emilita Monville Oro, IIRR Acting Director for Asia and Country Director.
The program began with an opening message from Ms. Cherrie Oringo, CBM Global Programme Manager, who reiterated the event’s purpose as a manifestation of solidarity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by improving lives of ultra-poor Filipino with disabilities, women, and children, and building a better future for their families.
Mr. Rodelas Jr. presented the background and components of the iCLEAR Project Disability Inclusive – Ultra Poor Graduation Approach that will serve as the framework of the project. The said approach consists of three essential elements, which are (1) investing in income-generating livelihoods; (2) supporting established livelihoods to generate sufficient income; and (3) providing frequent coaching to develop agency and deliver hope.
He also shared the project’s specific target of reaching 300 ultra-poor households in Bohol, a province in Central Visayas, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), women, and children, through community-led and sustainable livelihood programs, climate-resilience training, financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, market research, and other forms if relevant technical assistance.
Mr. Shameran Abed, BRAC Executive Director; Dr. de Vera; and Atty. Racela IV expressed their gratitude and support to all stakeholders for their involvement in the project.
Ms. Magnolia Rosimo, IIRR Deputy Director, concluded the program by expressing her optimism for long and productive working relationship among the organizations as teammates.
Ms. Hazel Joy Borja, LCDPFI Executive Director, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The iCLEAR Project is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2025.
—Photo courtesy of Ron Allan R. Estrebillo