Firstly, on behalf of the board of Trustees, a big thanks to all of you who have taken part in our projects and activities in 2010 and to everyone who kept in touch, or just listened to what’s happening in IMDM, among friends, colleagues, classmates and keeping alive the networking and fellowship. These are all important in nurturing IMDM into growing into a full-fledged organization that develops and taps the skills of professional Development Managers in pursuit of our shared goals on Sustainable Development and Good Governance – while also serving the needs of our stakeholders.
As we firm up our individual plans for 2011, let me share at the onset an outline of our plans in IMDM and some early opportunities that the board discussed in our January 6th meeting. I ask each and everyone to consider these in your respective individual plans and assess how you can contribute your ideas, talent, time and resources – to help the growth of IMDM, develop further your skills, create further opportunities or tap IMDM to pursue your organization’s advocacies and needs.
Last year when the new board was sworn in we outlined the key thrusts where we’ll steer the growth of IMDM. To refresh we identified these key thrusts:

1. Organizational Strengthening
2. Capacity Building – through continuous learning
3. Networking: Dynamic Partnerships
4. Projects and Programs – SD in Action “Walking the Talk”

1. Updating and further developing the IMDM website – with provision for a payment system to enable  electronic payment – for membership fees, conference fees, donations, etc; (by February);
2. Continuing fellowship with members - Alumni Homecoming in February as first key activity for the year;
3. Organizing partner for the Commission on Human Rights Conference – (March)
4. Partner with the Central Visayas Institute Foundation (CVIF) of Dr Christopher and Dr Marivic
   Bernido on the scaling up of the Dynamic Learning Program - in improving education in the     
   country. Conference Workshop aimed this summer (March to May). Succeding Training the
   Trainors workshops to follow as agreed in the conference (probably quarterly).
5. Continuing partnership with CDM – for various projects and programs – such as case reading, or writing, etc.
6. Others: As based on members’ initiatives and proposals.

1. Case Conference January 2011 focusing Policy Research Opportunities – ( nine (9) cases on Successful Environmental Conservation Programs through public-private partnership).
   
   Spearheaded by Prof. Benjamin Bagadion, this project aims to produce nine cases the following sites known for their high conservation value and tourism potential: 
   
   
   1. Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (Cebu)
   2. Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (Bohol)
   3. Apo Island Natural Park (Dumaguete City)
   4. St Paul Subterranean Park (Palawan)
   5. Tubbataha Reefs (Sulu Seas)z`
   6. Philippine Eagles Program (Davao)
   7. Eden Park Resort (Davao)
   8. Mt. Matuto (Dole) South Cotabato
   9. Pujada Bay Protected Seascape (Davao Oriental)

More details will be relayed as we progress and finalize details with CDM-AIM.  Interested consultants could forward their letter of interest and CVs to IMDM.

2. Philippine Business opportunities for Canadian Companies. This calls for Consultants to conduct secondary research  focusing on the sectors/subsectors as follows :
1. Transportation
1. (Road, rail, airports and seaports, including Intelligent transportation systems)
2. Power
1. Gas storage and distribution
2. Electricity distribution and generation
3. Water Supply and waste water treatment
4. Sustainable infrastructure
1. Housing
2. Green building and sustainable community planning
The objective is to identify potential trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines that may be availed of by Canadian companies. The expected outputs are an executive summary of the Philippine Business Opportunities Profile and a Report on an overview of the Philippines Business environment.  Timeframe is January – March 2011.
5. Strat Plan – Establishment of Asian Network & Pharmaceutical /drug Inspection. Spread headed by DOST, the program is geared to building an ASEAN network to benchmark standards and systems in the Pharmaceutical drug sector in the region. Period of engagement – 3 months.

As you can see, we’ll have various opportunities by which we can all participate in and contribute selflessly your talents, time, energy and resources in pursuit of our noble goals as an organization.

We shall be informing you further details on activating your membership – entailing your submission of your polished CVs and your time availability, membership dues (much needed to sustain our IMDM Office and the administrative/management needs). This is important in our inventory of resources that we can engage as we pursue the plan.

I enjoin you to keep in touch and make best effort to attend the upcoming AIM Alumni Homecoming – for a show of force of the MDM alumni.

Thank you. Best wishes for the New Year.

Sincerely,

Pons Carpio
IMDM President