Two formal training activities were launched for CCAP-organized producer groups in Pangasinan and Bicol. A Financial Management Training was conducted for Pangasinan producers on November 22, 1999; while a Project Management Training was organized for Bicol groups on February 12 to 13, 1999.

The Financial Management Training tackled simple accounting and bookkeeping principles, cashiering, budgeting, controlling and setting up of financial policies for the organization. During the training, problem areas with financial management of the producer associations were raised and addressed. The trainee-participants brought home with them skills in single-entry bookkeeping.

The Project Management Training, on the other hand, included discussions on the functions of management, with special focus on financial management and leadership.

CCAP's capability-building program for producers is not limited to formal training activities. Since last year, CCAP has been sponsoring producer-market consultations (consultation between its partner producers and its marketing personnel) to address the problems encountered in the trading transactions with CCAP. The consultations are also aimed at enhancing the producers' negotiating and dialoguing skills.

Product development workshops were undertaken with the producers. CCAP's product designers visited the producers in their communities, at times meeting with those in contiguous areas together, to design and develop with them new products. Design trends are also relayed to producers during these informal sessions.

Noting the common weakness among CCAP-organized producer groups for systematic and longer-term planning of their activities as an organization, CCAP facilitated planning sessions among the producer groups. The planning sessions which also gave breadth to an earlier training in planning as a function of management, helped provide direction to the groups' activities and is weaning them away from being purchase-order-oriented.

Twice a year, CCAP sponsors and facilitates the exposure of producers to the Manila FAME International Trade Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The exposure is aimed at enhancing the producers' appreciation of product development's role in increasing their sales; and providing the producers some insights into design and market trends.

Apart from these capability-building activities, nothing beats the continuing hands-on trouble-shooting and guidance on managing their organizations provided by CCAP's community development officers.


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