The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our way of life and has affected the way we do things. We had to go back to the drawing board and re-strategize to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on our programs and, consequently, on our members.

AF recognized the need to equip and build the capacities of NGOs and foundations to step up and deal with the challenges of the new normal. It started with what AF thought was the most basic: addressing the problem of physical distancing and easing the effects of not being able to implement projects and activities the “usual way”. Virtual was the answer and we provided learning sessions that were most helpful in this regard. In 2020, AF shared important skills and knowledge with its members through the following virtual learning sessions:

1. Digital Learning Tools 101 (September 22)
2. Leading, Communicating, and
   Engaging Communities During
   Times of Crisis (September 29)
3. Facilitating Positive Digital
   Learning (October 13-14)
4. Conversations on the
   New Normal: Work
   Guidelines (November 6)
5. Re-Tooling NGOs for a
   Better Normal: Utilizing
   e-Wallets (November 24)
6. TeleConfidence: A Masterclass on
   Video Conference (November 27)
7. Kanlungan: Self and Community Care
   in the Work Space (December 11)

AF’s leadership program, Leaders Empowered and Dedicated to Serve through the NGO Sector (LEAD to Serve), also migrated to virtual space to continue building the competencies of next-in-line NGO leaders and to better equip them to take on development challenges, including those in a pandemic.

As an advocate of good governance in the sector, AF ensured that members were updated with regulatory procedures so they could comply with the basic legal mandatory requirements. To make it easier, AF came up with a FAQ on regulatory procedures that have been adjusted to the government-mandated protocols. Members were reminded that it is not just important to do good. It is equally important that NGOs build the foundations of good governance in order to have both the capacity and the reputation of a trusted and dependable development partner.