The Navigators, a finalist in the Panibagong Paraan 2008

The Navigators has just been considered as a FINALIST in the World Bank's "Panibagong Paraan 2008" competition.  The theme for this year is "Building Partnerships for Effective Local Governance."  The Navigators is the main proponent, in partnership with CHAI (Community Hope Alternatives Inc), barangay LGU, UPLB and Homeowners Association.  It is the only faith-based organization that made it among both the semi-finalists and the finalists.  The Navigators' entry is entitled "Junk Foods? No, it's Junk for Food!: Mobilizing Private Sector and LGU partnership for bringing sustainable nutrition services to the Urban Poor."  Its main innovation is the "junk for food" concept that establishes a junkshop and food store where the urban poor beneficiaries can exchange recyclable wastes for nutritious food. The project is located in Los Banos where Wency de la Vina is the proposed team leader.