Alfredo Lazarte

Providing expert guidance on Sustainable Livelihoods, I conceptualized and directed a video documentation project in Sorsogon, Philippines, showcasing viable livelihood alternatives for fishing communities, with support from IDRC (Canada) and the Ministry of Environment (Cambodia). This documentary became a central resource for a workshop, where I led interactive discussions on sustainable livelihoods

Recognizing the critical importance of cohesive teams for the World Bank-funded FISHCORE project's success, a two-day team-building initiative was developed and expertly facilitated. This program, primarily utilizing engaging games and structured learning experiences alongside collaborative projects and social events, cultivated a culture of trust and open communication. This empowerment led to FISHCORE team members exchanging ideas freely, offering mutual support, and driving significant productivity gains, demonstrating the effectiveness of the initiative.

The Fish Right Program is an initiative under the USAID Biodiversity Program aimed at establishing an alliance of People's Organizations (PO) and organizing champions for the West Philippine Sea (WPS). I led the efforts in building this alliance, engaging maritime stakeholders to create a functional advocacy platform. This network of WPS champions, which includes representatives from municipal, commercial, and value-chain sectors, will maintain communication and actively participate in negotiations concerning harvest control rules, compliance measures, and safety nets through their representatives and the Fishery Aquatic Resource Management Councils.

Led the implementation of the community partnerships strategy for the ECOFISH program under the USAID Biodiversity project, focusing on income-generating enterprises and livelihood development. Support the project's goal of establishing 100 community partnerships over five years. Identify and secure funding opportunities to create sustainable financing for communities. Oversee Community Partnership Coordinators as they monitor and mentor community partners and conduct impact assessments.

Led the Rural Women Story Workshop, commissioned by Oxfam Great Britain, from March 18 to 21, 2013, in Davao City. I directed the design and implementation of the workshop, ensuring a gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate approach. This initiative provided a safe environment for rural women to share their experiences of trauma from war and disasters. The workshop facilitated healing and empowered participants to reclaim their dignity and make informed decisions regarding gender issues in their families and communities.

Conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews across various communities within the Marikina Watershed, including Indigenous Peoples communities. Led the facilitation of a validation workshop that brought together people's organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders involved in protecting and rehabilitating the Marikina Watershed. This workshop specifically aimed to address the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples concerning their ancestral domain within the watershed.

Directed the creation of customized training modules, directly informed by thorough training needs assessments, to address specific skill gaps and organizational requirements. Delivered comprehensive business orientation programs to the organization and its network members, facilitating knowledge transfer and enhancing individual capabilities

The division provides strategic direction and leadership in executing advocacy campaigns that support the Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) Movement. It focuses on its core functions—research, training, and advocacy—to create a unified agenda for CBRM. The division is committed to building the capacity of coastal communities, ensuring equitable participation of both men and women, achieving self-governance in resource management, and promoting sustainable development in fishing communities.

Provided strategic leadership in the conceptualization and execution of training programs, from needs assessment design to tailored training development. I developed culturally appropriate training methodologies, crafted practical evaluation tools, and expertly facilitated Community-Based Fisheries Management Training for a diverse group of 30 government and NGO participants.

Provided strategic leadership in developing and executing the Tambuyog Development Center's Community-Based Coastal Resource Management (CBCRM) training program. This initiative empowered fisherfolk across Bicol, Palawan, Cebu, and General Santos. My responsibilities included directing the training team, conceptualizing innovative training designs and methodologies, and overseeing the entire training cycle from planning to evaluation. This ensured impactful outcomes for organized fishing communities.

Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for fishing communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This involved leading the formulation of targeted training modules, informed by detailed training needs analyses (TNAs) of both male and female participants, and conducting effective training sessions, including post-training assessments.