Written by: Christine Bugarin

A project proposal is much more than a mere document—it’s the cornerstone that defines the objectives, requirements, and value propositions of a project. It serves as a roadmap that aligns the goals of various civil society organizations, ensuring a unified approach towards impactful community development. Recognizing the critical importance of this tool, SEA, Inc. organized a Project Proposal Workshop on April 17, 2024, at Baganihan Hall in the Municipality of New Lucena.

A Gathering of Minds and Hearts

The workshop brought together representatives from New Lucena’s civil society organizations, alongside special guests from Sta. Barbara’s Mushroom Growers. Leading the charge were the dedicated staff of SEA, Inc., who meticulously planned and executed the event. The highlight of the morning was an inspirational address by Mr. Wilfredo Labaro, CIT Chairperson, who urged participants to approach their proposals with passion and sincerity. “If you’re writing a vital project proposal, you need to think, feel, and do it within your heart. It is like doing the project proposal to deliver and meet your project’s needs,” he said, striking a chord with all present.

Intense Focus and Creative Energy

The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and intense concentration as participants dived into the nitty-gritty of proposal writing. The task at hand was not easy, but the attendees were determined to craft proposals that would not only meet the standards of the funding institution but also address the unique needs of their communities.

Voices from the Workshop

Ma’am Elmie from BIGRUWA shared her thoughts, stating, “It is difficult to work on it, especially on budgeting or costing.” Her sentiment was echoed by many, highlighting the common challenge of accurate financial planning in project proposals. However, the collective effort and shared learning experiences helped ease these difficulties.

Ma’am Edna, an OFW, expressed her gratitude for the workshop. “I am very thankful for SEA, Inc’s activity because we gained more ideas on proposal making that we need in our organization,” she said, emphasizing the value of the knowledge and skills acquired during the session.

Ma’am Jubet, another participant, voiced a collective hope: “I am hoping that all proposals will be approved by Lifebank Foundation.” This statement underscored the shared aspiration of all attendees—to see their hard work come to fruition and their projects receive the necessary funding to make a difference.

Ma’am Divinia from the Solo Parent Association reflected on the ongoing impact of the IPAT-SIAD program. “Thanks to the training conducted last year, we have accessed benefits from DSWD. Today, I hope our proposal will be approved for the three sectors in Brgy. Cabilauan,” she said, highlighting the sustained benefits of SEA, Inc.’s initiatives and the long-term support they provide to local organizations.

A Step Towards Sustainable Development

The Project Proposal Workshop was not just an event but a pivotal moment in the journey toward sustainable development for the communities involved. By equipping participants with the skills to craft compelling and viable project proposals, SEA, Inc. is fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving and collaborative growth.

The success of this workshop lies not only in the immediate outcomes but also in the ripple effects it will have on the participating organizations. As these proposals take shape and (hopefully) receive approval, the communities of New Lucena and Sta. Barbara stands to benefit significantly from the well-planned and executed projects that will emerge.

Looking Forward

SEA, Inc. remains committed to supporting these communities through continuous engagement, training, and partnership. The Project Proposal Workshop is a testament to our dedication to empowering local organizations, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to drive positive change. As we look to the future, we are excited to see the impact of these proposals and the transformative potential they hold for the communities we serve.

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