Technobiography

Brilliant Ideas on Parade

In August 2003, I went to a parade of brilliant ideas in Megatrade Hall, Megamall. It was the first “Panibagong Paraan” — a marketplace for innovative ideas for Philippine Development.

The organizers (a consortium of grant giving bodies) received thousands of innovative ideas and shortlisted them to around 50 finalists.

One of the remarkable ideas I recall was the use of a children’s playground to pump water into a community reservoir! Imagine, kids pushing a merry-go-round or frolicking at a see-saw and at the same time pumping water into a water tank! Brilliant, isn’t it.

This year, we have another batch of 87 brilliant ideas. See list of Panibagong Paraan finalists here.

I’m looking forward to visiting the expo on May 26-27 at the Megatrade hall in Megamall. Who will be there?

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Press release:

A Bazaar of Ideas (Exhibit & Forum) in Panibagong Paraan 2006 or the 2nd
Development Innovation Marketplace in the Philippines at SM Megatrade Hall, May 26-27, 2006

The World Bank and the Department of Social Welfare and Development,
together with 18 other partner organizations, bring you the SecondPanibagong
Paraanon May 26-27, 2006 at the Mega Trade Hall of the SM Megamall in
Mandaluyong City.

With the theme “Development with Equity,” Panibagong Paraan 2006 aims to
solicit, recognize, and support innovative initiatives and ideas that will
provide greater opportunities for the disadvantaged to pursue a life of their
choice, and to lift the poor out of extreme deprivation.

Following the success of the first Panibagong Paraan in 2004, this second
edition promises to be an inspiring event with some truly imaginative ideas
backed by passionate and entrepreneurial individuals and groups determined to
transform Filipino communities for the better.

Exhibit of Innovative Projects and Ideas

Eighty-seven (87) finalists of the Project Grant Competition will be
exhibiting their projects in booths during the two-day event. Similarly,
entries of the finalists for the Expression of Ideas Competition (essay,
photography, policy proposal, and slogans) will be juxtaposed in the same
showcase of talent and profound insight.

Forum on development with equity

A forum to tackle issues on replication and scaling up of innovative and
equity-promoting projects will be held from 11am to 6:30pm on May 26. Dr.
Cielito Habito, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, and DSWD Secretary Esperanza
Cabral will be the main speakers during the plenary forum. This will be followed
by simultaneous roundtable discussions on inequalities in (1) Income
opportunities, (2)Land and other assets, (3)Access to basic services and justice
and, (4) People?s participation/voice.

Presentation by policy proposal winners of their proposed measures to
policy-makers, development practitioners and the general public. (May 27, 10 am
to 12 nn); Counseling sessions that will try to match the needs of proponents
and the resources of potential partners on selected areas of concern. (May 27,
2 to 4 pm).

Awarding ceremonies

Winners of the Expression of Ideas competition will be announced during
the Opening Program on May 26, 9:30am, while winners of the Project Grant
Competition will be announced during the Closing Program at 5:30 pm of May 27

The program of activities will follow very soon. For further inquiries,
please contact Nerrisa Esguerra at 637-5855 local 3047 or Nichee Alejo at local
3117 or visit our website: www.panibagongparaan.com. Don?t miss this important
bazaar of development ideas. See you at SM Megatrade Hall, Mandaluyong City on
May 26-27!