CenVISNET Holds 2nd General Assembly

The Central Visayas Network of NGOs and POs (CenVISNET) held its 2nd General Assembly last April 19 and 20, 2013, at the Golden Valley Hotel, Cebu City. It was attended by 27 participants from the provincial CSO networks which are members of CenVISNET, with guest speakers from government agencies and other NGOs.

The first day of the general assembly (GA) began with CenVISNET Chairperson Anthony Dignadice welcoming the delegates and giving a descriptive overview of the organization. Officials from the different Region VII offices of national government agencies were invited to speak at the GA forum. Dr. Isabelo Montejo of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) discussed the DENR projects such as the National Greening Program, the Cadastral Survey Program, and several others, in his presentation. Ms. Petronila Corpuz of the Department of Agriculture (DA) focused her discussion on the Agri-Pinoy banner program, which would enhance livelihood training programs for Filipino farmers on rice, corn, high value crops (HVCs), livestock, and poultry. Ms. Carmela Fernan of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) talked about the requirements for participation in Budget Partnership Agreements (BPAs) and Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB). Ms. Virgie Clapano of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) discussed civil society organization (CSO) partnerships with DILG.

On the second day of the GA, CODE-NGO Executive Director, Dodo Macasaet, discussed the key elements to CSO network sustainability, the benefits of membership in a CSO network, key venues for engaging the government to implement “irreversible” reforms, and 2013-17 key result areas (KRAs) and priority issues of CODE-NGO. This was followed by CenVISNET’s business meeting with Chairperson Anton Dignadice presenting the Chairperson’s Report for FY 2012-13 and CenVISNET Secretary Vidal Auxilio delivering the Treasurer’s report in the absence of Dr. Gloria Casabal. CenVISNET’s Regional Coordinator, Aldwin Empaces, summarized the board resolutions for the year and presented the capacity-building plan that will be submitted to CODE-NGO.

Before concluding the meeting, Mr. Dignadice called for an election of new board members, one from each of CenVISNET’s three (3) member-networks. The Negros Oriental Network of NGOs and POs (NegOrNet) nominated Michael Hojas; the Bohol Alliance of NGOs (BANGON), nominated Engr. Vicente Loquellano; and Kaabag sa Sugbo, nominated Jose Gapas. All three nominees were immediately confirmed by the body, marking their official election to the CenVISNET board. Thus concluded the general assembly after two days of insightful discussion and mutually beneficial interaction between CenVISNET members and its guests. — By Aldwin Empaces, Regional Coordinator, CenVISNET