Where the name IMC came from?

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The way the work was started is very simple. We engaged as just an ordinary - no identity, no organizational affiliation have been introduce to the community. One thing is very clear to us (my wife and I) we know in our heart that we have something to do with and that is what we need to discover. My wife initiated Nursery center for kids aged 3 to 5 years old. She also organized 12 women as community health volunteers to help promote health awareness campaign in 2007. And she has invited Maimai from Davao City for one week basic health training. (Maimai is a registered nurse and a member of former Malikha Urban Poor Team -MUPT)

Right after the training, the said group actively engaged in as health volunteers in brgy. Ambalgan - they do regular community visits, going around the community twice a week to make the community aware of their blood pressure, and provide basic health assistance for the minor wounds. She also runs small community store or sari-sari for our family daily needs.

While at the same time, I'm also engaging with the 'Tambay' sa barangay or a group of out-of-school youth hanging out there and making noisy laugh over the village.

In 2007, conversation between a close friend and a team mate was developed. Since then, friends and partners from different places of the world have been attracted of our work. We initiated a first consultation and it was attended by 12 old friends from near town of Cotabato City, Saranggani, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

In 2008, the name of the movement was birthed, while Samser and I were in Davao City facilitating leadership training. My wife and the two nursery center teachers have decided to name the Nursery Center as IMC Ambalgan Nursery Center for the first recognition day in 2007.

They have decided to name the group taken from the theme of our first consultation Insiders' Movement Consultation or IM Consultation. The decision was made because of the pressure from community leaders and the Nursery parents who have asked several times what is the name of the group we are running.

Then, the movement has named to IMC Network and thus spread from one village to other provinces. And since then the name IMC Network became widely known even to this very time. Friends and partners from other country have the sense of confident and security working with IMC Network. Relationship has been developed with the community elders and leaders.

Projects and Programs are well accepted and embraces by the community and that the feelings of ownership is well developed.