In light of the need for funding support to effectively implement the planned SUD replication activities for the long term, the LMP-MDC Development Partners Forum on Resource Mobilization for Sustainable Upland Development was held on March 20-21, 2007 in Davao City to present and discuss the SUD policy and related strategies to potential donors. Present with the UDP and LMP officials were representatives from the EU, EcoGov-USAID, UNFPA and IFC.

Experiences in sustainable upland development were shared by municipal mayors representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao namely: Mayor Allan Jessie Mangaoang of Kalinga for Luzon, Mayor Fernando C. Corvera of San Jose de Buenavista for Visayas and Mayor Givel Mamaril of Malalag for Mindanao.

At the forum, the development partners expressed agreement to support the strategy particularly in the formulation of implementing guidelines for the EO, which should be ready by end May 2007 .

Other such forums with more potential donors interested to provide support for SUD are in the pipeline.

(SUD) Model through the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and its Mayors Development Center (MDC)” with subtitle “Institutionalizing Local Government Unit (LGU)-led SUD Model to address poverty and environmental sustainability.”

The LMP’s tasks under this project include information dissemination, technical assistance for drafting of implementing guidelines for the EO, conduct of consultations with stakeholders, development of SUD materials, operation of website and establishment of an MDC in Davao, among others.

This initial financial support from the EU served to jumpstart MDC’s work for the replication of the SUD Model. Ongoing activities include a national tri-media campaign promoting the SUD Model. Simultaneously, LMP-MDC is exerting serious efforts to generate funds for the continuation of planned SUD replication activities for the long term.

Updates as of June 30 will be added:

• Status of implementing guidelines
• Status of SUD TWG agreements and memo circular
• Status of MDC Mindanao
• LMP Promotional Activities