BSK National Foundation, Inc. calls on Balikatan chapters nationwide to reconnect
Anticipating new opportunities for community empowerment and sustainable livelihood development, Balikatan sa Kaunlaran National Foundation, Inc. is inviting all existing Balikatan chapters and affiliate associations nationwide to deepen coordination with the Foundation's leadership towards sustained partnerships for growth and progress.
With the risks and restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic having progressively declined, Balikatan sa Kaunlaran (BSK) National Foundation, Inc. is gearing up to re-establish its grassroots and community presence. After operating mainly through online channels and platforms in the past two years, BSK is now focused on bringing the programs the Foundation rolled-out digitally to the grassroots towards revitalizing its connection with partner communities and Balikatan chapters on the ground.
Building on Pandemic Initiatives
Amidst and against the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, BSK launched CiteLOCAL – a private-sector led coalition that sought to contribute to capacity building among local government units in the Philippines by bridging gaps between academics and policy makers to foster synergy in evidence-based local development policy making. In activating the coalition, BSK brought together non-government organizations such as the National Council of Women of the Philippines (NCWP) and the Miss Philippines Earth Foundation, the academe led by the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) Student Council of the University of the Philippines Diliman, and various government policymakers as Program Fellows.
As lead convenor of the Coalition, BSK rolled out THESISIT! – a fellowship program which involved masterclasses for university researchers conducting their theses. This initiative provided a platform for aspiring researchers to engage with real-world challenges faced by local government units. By aligning academic research with practical policy concerns, the foundation sought to nurture a deeper understanding of the academic and policy-making worlds, fostering a more collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship.
Additionally, the coalition also launched the Tawid Dunong Fellowship program which saw the Foundation and its partners facilitating conversations and collaborations between academics, middle-level government officials, and policy makers. Through this program, BSK Foundation aimed to create an avenue for knowledge exchange and shared learning experiences. By bringing together experts from both academia and government, the foundation worked towards fostering evidence-based decision-making processes and policies, thereby contributing to more effective local development.
Pivoting to Ecological Conservation through Waste Management Advocacy
One of the key insights that BSK drew from the CiteLOCAL Coalition’s activities was the overwhelming demand for research-backed and data-driven ecological conservation policy recommendations as well as innovative, ready-to-implement, and replicable programs especially among local policymakers. While academics and researchers are able to easily supply theoretical as well as empirical data to support policy recommendations, BSK saw a missing element: concrete industrial and commercial models that demonstrate opportunities and possibilities that would make policy and research viable in the market and in real world scenarios.
BSK did not need to look far to fill this gap as the Foundation’s President – Michelle Bautista-Tañada and her spouse, globally recognized furniture designer Noel Tañada have been engaged in promoting upcycled and nature-based world-class furniture and fashion accessories through their brand – Ecohome Art – for more than a decade now.
Forging Industry and Commercial Linkages to Sustain Community Interventions
BSK President Michelle Tañada did not waste time. As soon as pandemic restrictions were lifted she sought out industry partnerships and explored technology transfers and collaborations to bring BSK’s pandemic initiatives into reality and incubate a viable channel for the outputs of capacity building and training activities that BSK will soon implement with the Foundation’s communities and partner associations. Together with the Heirs of the World (H.O.W.) non-government organization and its marine conservation arm – the C.O.R.A.L. Movement – Tañada broke new ground in collaborating with already established market players with proprietary technology and a shared commitment to sustainable production and consumption.
In view of this, BSK National Foundation Chair Emeritus former San Juan city mayor Guia G. Gomez has sounded the clarion call for all Balikatan chapters nationwide, affiliate organizations and community beneficiaries to renew their linkages with the Foundation’s leadership and seize these emerging opportunities.
The Fruits of the 1976 Manifesto and the 1977 Presidential Proclamation
While BSK exists today as a non-profit foundation formally registered with the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) it owes a tremendous debt to the work of the volunteers deployed by the then National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) now the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) who were tasked to activate Balikatan chapters across all regions and provinces of the country. Over its growth and transition from a social movement to becoming a non-government organization, many Balikatan chapters maintained their organizational entities in their respective localities, coming together every January 6 – the declared Araw ng Balikatan by Preidential Proclamation No. 1609. Associations and communities also joined the movement and affiliated with BSK.
Have you or your parents been part of a Balikatan chapter in your community? The Balikatan spirit runs deep, and BSK extends an invitation to reconnect and reignite that connection. If you have been involved in this incredible movement in the past, BSK warmly welcomes you to become more engaged with the national foundation. Let us come together, share experiences, and collectively work towards a brighter future for our communities.
However, BSK’s call extends beyond its loyal members. BSK today is actively seeking grassroots organizations that champion sustainable livelihoods, family empowerment, and ecological conservation. Are you passionate about these causes? Do you aspire to be a part of the vibrant ecosystem that can further support your cause? BSK invites you to join the mission of making a lasting impact on society. Whether you represent an established organization or are taking your first steps towards making a difference, you are welcomed with open arms. Together, we can amplify our efforts, bring about meaningful change, and shape a better tomorrow for all.