
Following the Simariki Island ADSDPP Stakeholders Convergence Meeting in July 2024, a two-day Simariki Island Poverty Alleviation Strategic Planning and Workshop was held on November 22–23, 2024, at the Autogrill Barbeque and Restaurant Conference Room. This workshop aimed to validate community profiling and research findings while collaboratively planning relevant projects addressing education, environment, livelihood, health, and peace and governance.

The event brought together the Simariki Island community, represented by the Council of Elders, seaweed farmers, fisherfolk, women, and teachers, alongside stakeholders from government agencies, including the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, Department of Education, City Agriculture Office, and Barangay Officials. Discussions were enriched by group brainstorming sessions, SWOT analyses, and strategic output presentations covering Theory of Change, Strategy Maps, SMART objectives, budgets, timelines, and KPIs.

Facilitated by the Center for Community Extension Services (CCES) and the Assisi Development Foundation Inc. Mr Josh Mahinay, the workshop was led by Social Development Unit Director Mr. Mario S. Rodriguez, involving key SDU offices (SDO, ACES, and ALTEC), School of Education, and the University Research Office, which shared results from their community scoping study.
This collaborative effort marked a significant step toward creating a comprehensive proposal aimed at improving the welfare and economic resilience of the Simariki Island community.