A recently concluded seminar on Value Chain Analysis done at EcoVillage Resort in Boracay from July 26-29, 2010 has been successfully participated by all partner organizations of Fundacion Codespa and conducted by Ms. Rita Pilarca, Senior Adviser of GTZ and the Founding Member of International ValueLinks Association.

The value chain analysis tools will provide the outline and direction in realizing the SIFED training program of the Desarollo Project specially its courses on Product Development and Marketing. Such outline will likewise provide the necessary inputs in programming the marketing activities and penetrating the ultimate local and international markets of the core products of SanCa like muscovado, rice, banana, potato and spices.

The dry-run operation done on the first quarter of 2010 with the SanCa farmers has been a historical milestone by having a maiden production of muscovado sugar facilitated with logistical support by the senior staff of JF Ledesma Foundation.

The visit of Echostore representatives last May 29-31, 2010 headed by Ms. Jeannie Javelosa had brought chances and potential opportunities for SanCa to position its processed products in a specialty market. The marketing agreements with EcoVillage stores nationwide under a specialty classification shall also be worked-out within the year. This would be one avenue in helping the small and upland assisted farmers under the framework of social enterprise.

The visit of Ms. Esther Santos, CODESPA Asia Pacific Head and Ms Patricia Martin, CODESPA Technical Advisor based in CODESPA Madrid, Spain on 28 – 30 June 2010 had provided the JFLFI Program Staff the required technical inputs and the sharpening of direction for the remaining months of Desarollo engagement. The emphasis of the meeting discussion was biased to the expected indicators of key results areas and other projected deliverables. This would position the program in a strategic manner where its expected results shall be achieved and realized as targeted.