Philippines
Long-Term Business Advisors Program
Implementing Organization:
Institute for International Education
In October of 2005, VEGA member organization, The Institute for International Education (IIE), implemented the Long-Term Business Advisors Program in Philippines through its Emerging Market Development Advisers Program (EMDAP), to develop and enhance the competitiveness of the country's private sector with the ultimate goal of promoting growth of the Philippines' economy.
Leveraging the business management knowledge and technical expertise of recent graduate students, VEGA identified a highly qualified volunteer expert to assist USAID’s Office of Microenterprise Development (MD) as a Marketing Technical Adviser with Catholic Relief Services. In this position, the volunteer helped to build the capacities of partner microfinance institutions, providing high-quality financial services through its LINKS project.
The program came to a close in August of 2006. To learn more, please download the Long-Term Business Advisors Program Brochure.
LTBA Philippines Program Achievements
- Spearheaded marketing plan for one of Catholic Relief Services’ partner organizations
- Conducted market assessments with partner organizations
- Formulated success stories and annual reports
- Completed a marketing plan for CRS LINKS
- Coordinated key elements of the LINKS Annual Partners Meeting
- Developed training modules on market research and promotional marketing
Advisor Testimonials
“My role has been to support [CRS LINKS] staff in devising new ways for them to showcase their work and expertise as well as creating and developing marketing materials/tools for the organization. All these activities and initiatives have added breadth to my assignment here. CRS LINKS has benefited from my work, in that they are aware of their competitive edge as a support agency. In addition, they have a more defined and concrete approach to marketing themselves to their partners and donors, both current and potential. Our partners have gained a new holistic perspective on marketing and competition. They are now aware of the many opportunities that exist for marketing and expanding operations.”
-Sarah Kasven
MF Advisor, CRS LINKS Project, Manila Philippines
