The digital shift has significantly changed the landscape of continuous learning. For the Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC), together with its Voice project partners, Philippine Association for Intercultural Development, Inc. (PAFID) and Bukluran/Philippine ICCA Consortium, this change was a challenge they stepped up to as they worked with indigenous communities. 

Their Voice Sudden Opportunity Project aimed to ensure the full and effective participation of indigenous communities in the implementation of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System, a policy that recognises the traditional governance of indigenous communities within identified protected areas. With the limitations set by the pandemic, ANGOC held a consultation with their partner communities on how to proceed with their capacity-strengthening activities, exploring the possibility of a blended approach. After the consultations, a series of learning sessions were agreed upon with the topics based on the identified needs and interests of the communities. 

ANGOC and partners proudly share the following learning modules which were the main references for their series of webinars entitled “Enhancing Capacities of IP Representatives on Effective Participation in the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and Constructive Engagement with LGUs and Other Stakeholders”: 

• Understanding Financial Statements of Social Enterprises 
• Writing Project Proposal 
• How to Take Your Own Notes During Meetings 
• Policy Analysis and Formulation: An Overview 
• Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) 
• Forest, Deforestation, and Forest-Wildlife Protection 
• Facing the Media 
• Public Speaking 
• How IPs Can Prepare For Radio and TV Interviews 
• Republic Act 11038 or ENIPAS: An Overview 
• A Briefer on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) 
• Guide to Understanding Maps 
• Basics of Meetings 
• How to Conduct Effective Meetings 
• Basic Parliamentary Procedure in Conducting Meetings 
• Payments for Ecosystem Services 
• Community Royalty 

All the learning modules are available in three languages: English, Tagalog, and Cebuano. The webinar series was conducted with the seven indigenous communities in Luzon and Mindanao from January to February 2021. They have also summarised their experience in the video below.

The shift was a challenge indeed, but it did not hinder the project from thinking of inclusive and creative ways to move forward their goal of supporting the strengthened participation and self-determination of their partner indigenous communities.