Overview, Vision & Mission

Pusod, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization whose Mission is to Protect and Enhance the Ecosystems of The Philippines, and to show their significance to the world .   Pusod was formed in Manila on March 2004 to further the work originally begun in 1995 by the Babilonia Wilner Foundation .   

Our vision is a world where people and communities are energized by their cultural and ecological wealth; live with reverence for earth and all life; and naturally prosper in diverse, self-sustaining local economies in which all beings thrive."

Pusod has worked throughout the Southern Tagalog region and in Marinduque and Northern Mindoro. Current programming focuses on areas of Batangas that include such national treasures as the Taal Lake Basin, Mt. Malarayat , and Balayan Bay , which is renowned for having some of the highest levels of endemic marine life in the entire world.      

Pusod also maintains a presence in the San Francisco Bay Area. Pusod US operates as a program of the Babilonia Wilner Foundation in tandem with Pusod Philippines.   Since 1999, Pusod has been the only Philippine-based program to bring a steady stream of awareness of overall Philippine environmental issues - in all its triumphs and tragedies - to the United States. In doing so, Pusod highlights not only the magnitude of Philippine environmental -- and therefore economic and cultural -- concerns, but also how they affect and are affected by people's actions and policies in the U.S.  

Pusod's constant tool for advocating protection of our environment and the well-being of local communities is our award-winning, Tagalog-language weekly newspaper, Balikas . Going beyond regular reporting, Balikas aims for journalistic coverage that equips people with the information to help create healthier communities and a healthier world.


Click here for more information on Pusod's work.

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Our Team

Board of Trustees
Ricky Nuñez, President
Ipat G. Luna, Secretary
Malou Babilonia
Malou Sayas Claour
Victor Eleazar
Mary Lou Babilonia Salcedo

An "active" board, Pusod's trustees donate countless professional hours in addition to regular board service. Almost all the trustees have served as Executive Director of Pusod Inc., and/or its parent organization the Babilonia Wilner Foundation, at some point in the past 12 years.   All but the two newest additions to the Board are also the original Founders of Pusod, Inc.

Staff
Marlon Alexander S. Luistro - Reporter
Walter L. Lingon - Newspage Designer and Cartoonist
Carvelo L. Malubag - Circulations Officer
Mary Ann del Mundo, Program Officer, Malarayat
Laarni H. Adia - Community Organizer, TVPL
Jennette Reyes, Finance and Administration
Sherlyn L. Umali, administrative assitant
Atty. Ma. Paz Luna, Legal Consultant

In addition to our dedicated Staff, Pusod is also grateful to our large body of dedicated, tireless volunteers, both in the Philippines and the United States.   Without them our work and joy would not be complete.  

Partners
Some, but not all, of our partnerships have included teaming up organizations such as these:

Asian Institute of Management, Makati
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Creative Collective Coalition (CCCI)
Ecowaste Coalition
FACES (Filipino American Coalition for Environmental Solutions)
Happy Earth
La Salle University, Lipa, Batangas
KMMLT, Taal Lake Basin
Phililppine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)
Probe Team  
SAMMACA, Calatagan, Batangas
Tanggol Kalikasan, Lucena, Quezon
University of San Francisco Philippines Studies Program

and Local and National Government Officials whose dedication to our environment and people is to be saluted.

We give special thanks to the ongoing support and shared vision of The Babilonia Wilner Foundation.

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Our Logo

Our agimat, or logo, was inspired by a blend of our totem, the pawikan, or sea turtle, and the pusod, which means belly button and umbilical cord in Tagalog and Bisayan. We remain ever grateful to the talents of artist Lakandiwa de Leon, who created this symbol for Pusod.

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Call for Applications
Job Description:  Programme Officer

Brief Background

Pusod is launching a Taal Lake Basin Ecosystem Programme in 2007. PusodÕs goal is to protect and manage the Taal Lake Ecosystem through information, research and education. The Programme Officer to be hired shall help plan and implement an effective and sustainable education and information program in Taal Lake with community organizing components. Attached is the logical framework of PusodÕs engagement.

Pusod is member of the Taal Lake Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) and the International Living Lakes Network.

The Programme Officer shall ensure an effective transition of Balikas to be the primary organ of information dissemination in Taal Lake BasinÕs 13 towns and 3 cities. Balikas is PusodÕs environmental weekly community newspaper currently being circulated mainly in Lipa City.

The Programme Officer will work under the supervision of and in close coordination with the Pusod President and representative of the PAMB.

Essential qualifications:

• Academic background in economics, social sciences, and/or environment
• At least 5 years experience in working in the field of environment and development with at least 2 years in a programme management/coordination role
  
• Experience in working in collaboration/partnership with funding agencies, the private sector, government, and NGOs/POs
• Strong diplomacy, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Strong managerial, computing and financial management skills
  Basic understanding of Taal Lake ecosystem, and the interface between conservation and development
  
• Languages: Tagalog is a must. Understanding and speaking English to a good standard (as communication within the programme will be in English) is also required.
  
• Excellent writing skills in English and Tagalog.

Overall Responsibility: To design and implement a program for the Taal Lake Resource and Information Center with organizing components, provide technical support to the PAMB and to PUSOD staff, oversee and coordinate the programme and ensure effective partnership and timely delivery of the required project outputs.

Major Responsibilities:

• Design, plan and implement a program for Taal Lake Basin Conservation to include community organizing, Balikas and participation in the PAMB as components or activities.
  
• Prepare and develop annual and quarterly workplans
  
• Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports, review the financial reports and ensure the timely submission thereof
  
• Provide technical assistance and support to the Taal Lake PAMB, including attending PAMB meetings and assistance to the PUSOD PAMB representative.
  
• Represent the programme at national level relevant to Taal Lake, and with respect to government agencies at national and local levels.
  
• Represent the programme in the Living Lakes Network and other local networks.
  
• Organise and facilitate quarterly meetings with the Pusod Board.
  
• Supervise and provide technical assistance to the Pusod staff in Taal Lake (currently 2 persons).
  
• Coordinate the maximization of the full use of GIS in the project (not only for mapping purposes)
  
• Develop an appropriate and feasible methodologies and instruments for generating reliable environmental data and other indicators in Taal Lake as part of PusodÕs environmental monitoring work in Taal Lake, based on (a) data to be generated for the Management Plan for Taal Lake (b) the scope of intervention by other sectors in Taal Lake (e.g. funds or technical assistance provided by government, academic and private sector).
• Develop resource mobilization strategies and file proposals for the Resource Center and for achieving the objectives of the programme.
  
  Programme reporting and accountabilility to: PUSOD Oversight Chair
  
  Line management reporting and accountability to: Project Leader
  
  Base of Operations: Lipa City and later, other suitable site within the Lake Basin for resource center
  
  Remuneration: P23,000 to 27,000 (inclusive of taxes)
  
  Please submit your application by EMAIL to rickynunez@taal-lake.net and ipatluna@taal-lake.net with PROGRAMME OFFICER APPLICATION on the subject line.
  
  For further details, please email thirstlyplanet@yahoo.com or visit www. Pusod.org or www.taal-lake.net

Job Description:  Editor-in-Chief

The EIC is a managerial position which requires the utmost degree of confidence by the Board of Trustees. The EIC shall keep up the standards of skill, creativity, inventiveness loyalty for which she was retained and shall ensure that:

The EDITOR-IN-CHIEF shall ensure the achievement of the objectives of Pahayagang Balikas, with the highest ethical standards as guided by the Editorial Policy of Pahayagang Balikas stated hereunder:

Balikas started as an idea and voice of the people in 1996 and it has remained as such.

By reporting the facts and truth, BK aims to empower the community towards inquiries and actions. BK potrays public life as a field where a Òkaraniwang taoÓ can actively participate, and not as mere battleground for politicians and prominent personalities.

Rather than being detached as a witness, BK aims to involve its readers towards community development and sustainability. Instead of depicting life as a spectacle of helplessness, BK chronicles peopleÕs progress and encourages participation among the citizens in confronting environment and social issues that affect them most.

BK is based on the principles of integrity, truth, and freedom. Objections or errors in its reporting are carefully handled and corrected.

It upholds community journalism and calls an end on all forms of corruption and violence that taints the very sanctity of our society and all its sectors including the media.

We believe that the change in society will always begin with the empowerment of the people.

The EDITOR-IN-CHIEF shall report to the Pusod Offices at least two days a week, inform the staff of her whereabouts for the rest of the weekdays, and make herself available for consultation by the reporters throughout the week. Under no circumstances shall her duties under any other contract with Pusod be used to excuse any shortcomings as Editor-in-Chief.

The EDITOR-IN-CHIEF should also be available for consultations and reporting to the Board of Directors of Pusod, Inc., when required.

The EDITOR-IN-CHIEF shall keep the CONTRACTOR free from liability and unharmed by any damage or injury that may arise out of the performance of her duties, that are as follows

a. Supervise the planning for every issue of Pahayagang Balikas and conduct a story conference with the staff weekly.

b. Conduct over-all supervision of the staff of Pahayagang Balikas, and mentor each and every staff according to his/her specific work.

c. Write the newspaperÕs weekly editorial or assign and train a staff to write the same.

d. Ensure that the articles written by reporters are factual and accurate.

e. In consultation with the legal consultant, approve all articles in Pahayagang Balikas before they are released.

f. Ensure that the newspaper comes out and is circulated according to its schedule, i.e., not later than Monday afternoon of every week. Exceptions to this target schedule are circumstances largely beyond the control of the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.

The EIC shall endeavor to abide by the policies and directions set by the Trustees, beginning with the result of a study undertaken in 2007, copy of which shall be provided to her upon her assumption of work. She shall likewise immediately report any problems, issues and concerns directly to the Turstees in Charge Enrique Nu–ez and Ma. Paz Luna by email along with regular observations, comments and suggestions.

The EIC shall perform the following tasks under this contract:

a. Assume all duties as editor of Balikas including but not limited to lining up, assigning and following up articles, ensuring that they meet professional journalistic standards and are fair and ethical;

b. Editing articles, guiding reporters and generally sourcing content from contributing writers.

c. Ensuring the writing of an editorial.

d. Gathering feedback and ensuring that feedback is used for the improvement of the newspaper.

e. Ensuring that the layout is clean, clear and attractive and that camera ready copy is sent to the press on time.

f. Other duties as the Executive Director or the Board of Trustees may assign related to the above.

The EIC shall receive monthly remuneration and other benefits under this contract including medical insurance and the use of an assigned computer and cellular phone, which shall be in her care during her engagement. She shall be liable for loss thereof or damage thereto only if such was due to her negligence in the care and custody of such equipment.

Job Description:  Executive Director

Responsible to: Board of Directors

Responsible for: The implementation of the policies of the Board of Directors; to monitor, advise and report on activities within the branch office; and to manage the branch office secretariat.

Duties and Responsibilities

General
1.Remain informed of policy developments and action plans at the foundation and carry out these policies and responsibilities as determined by the Board of Directors;

2. Initiate actions on matters relevant to the Pusod vision, mission and goals.

3. Provide regular reports to the Board of Directors on the functioning of the Philippine operations;

4. Provide the Board of Directors with regular information about the financial situation of the Foundation; 3. Provide the necessary support for the adequate preparation and organization of Board of Directors meetings;

4. Ensure that the Board of Directors is kept informed of the implementation of policies and of development locally, and that the Board of Directors is adequately consulted whenever policy is to be changed or new policy introduced.

5. Prepare and seek approval for the annual budget from the Board of Directors and report variances on a quarterly basis., including problems and issues in audit and compliance with the accounting procedures.

6. Engage services when necessasry for more specialized disciplines such as law and policy advocacy, community development, management and strategic planning within the bounds of the budget;

7. Disseminate and enforce Board of Directors approved policies;

8. Approve deviations in the budget up to 10% and provided that the deviation does not put the expenditures beyond the entire budget and provided any deviations above 10% shall be approved by the Board.

9. Other duties relating to projects as the Board may assign to him/her.

External Relations
1. Maintain contact and workin relations with relevant governmental bodies and other NGOs without losing capacity to criticize constructively;

2. Encourage lobbying work and draft submissions to government or public inquiries where these are relevant to BWF mandate;

3. Act as the foundation spokesperson.

Office Management and Finance
1. Develop, maintain and regularly review personnel policies for BWF;

2. Recruit, appoint and supervise the training of all staff; and manage personnel matters in consultation with the Board of Directors;

3. Regularly appraise the performance of all staff in the branch office;

4. Manage and control the planning and implementation of the programs within the foundation secretariat; 5. Approve disbursement of funds in line with the foundationÕs annual budget.

Personnel
1. Ensure the organizationÕs compliance with its legal obligations as an employer;

2. Maintain and upgrade the system of personnel records with responsibility for the protection of the necessary confidentiality of the information contained in those records;

3. Develop appropriate recruitment, training and management policies for office volunteers;

4. Establish appropriate induction programs for staff and volunteers.

5. Ensure the morale and motivation of staff and the pursuit of the vision, mission and goals in conjunction with their personal happiness.

Office Operations
1. Establish and maintain systems that ensure that the Philippine operations has space, equipment, furniture and fittings, supplies and other working conditions that enable its efficient and effective functioning, in accordance with health and safety requirements;

Corporate Affairs
Ensure the foundationÕs compliance with its obligations under the corporate code.

Project-specific duties and responsibilities
1. Manage, integrate and enhance the operations of the seedling bank, youth program, provide oversight for Balikas content, editing and layout and

2. Ensure the development of plans to maximize dedication, efficiency and cooperation among staff and offices and motivate them to initiate self-liquidating activities that further the fulfillment of the goals and the strategic plan.

3. Consult directly with partners from time-to-time;

4. Encourage the development of special project items and ensure their complete development from concept paper, connection to VMG to funding proposal and management and execution of projects;

5. Initiate andpursue project development as well as institutional support that will extend the life of the foundation through management fees and other funds that are not tied to project implementation but rather administration and management, library operations and sustainability of the FoundationÕs gains.

6. Initiate and undertake the Strategic Planning process for the next cycle (2010to 2012).

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