Civil society responds to new challenges
and renewed commitment to Code of Conduct for Development NGOs

Changes in the global economy, increasing pressures such as global warming and evolving needs of citizens in need have prompted the country’s largest network of non-government organizations and civil society organizations to seek ways to become more financially independent and more open to collaborations with other groups, including the government and the private sector.

According to the Strategic Thrusts for 2013-2017 of the Caucus for Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), approved by the delegates of the CODE-NGO 5th Congress yesterday, there are national and global situation and trends that will affect its work over the next five years, and primary among these is the continuing global financial and economic crisis and shifting of economies and market forces that have resulted in limited development funds from the usual donors, such as funding agencies from the United States and Europe.

CODE-NGO, which is the biggest umbrella organization of NGOs and POs, however, also took note of emerging opportunities such as the increasing strength of other economies such as China and Korea and the growing importance of private, wealthy individuals as global development actors. The increase in number of overseas Filipino workers as well as permanent Filipino residents in other countries have also shifted the economic landscape as far as civil society is concerned.

To respond to such threats and opportunities, CODE-NGO, which is composed of 12 national and regional CSO networks, representing 1,600 NGOs, peoples organizations and cooperatives nationwide, has committed to find innovative ways to source funds outside of customary donors, looking particularly at individual philanthropy and government funds, and also capitalize on increasing interest in social enterprise programs and products including organic products.

CODE-NGO likewise noted the need to scale up civil society engagement in governance and strengthening of democratic institutions to promote social justice and sustainable development, especially at this time when democratic space has widened.

Thus over the next five years, CODE-NGO, will seek to maximize windows for constructive engagement with government as well as other civil society organizations, especially in areas where CODE-NGO and its partners and member CSOs are currently involved and have acknowledged competence.

CODE-NGO stressed that promoting truth and accountability has become the business of government and civil society. This must be seen as an urgent call to action, with three years left in the Aquino administration, to broaden and widen – and then make irreversible – reforms toward good governance, asset reform and equitable and sustainable development.

Member-organizations of CODE-NGO have renewed their commitment to a Code of Conduct that seeks to ensure transparency and accountability of their actions. Member-organizations committed to manage and keep their organizations within “the highest standards of competence, integrity and professionalism and making full and responsible use of resources.”

The Code of Conduct likewise seeks to unite the civil society organizations working in different sectors of society in the common effort to promote, protect and assert the right to development of the people and also foster engagement with stakeholders, partners, communities and government in an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect.

The member networks of CODE-NGO presented the commitment to the Code of Conduct to President Benigno S. Aquino III, to symbolize CODE-NGO’s commitment to abide by this Code as they participate and be a constructive partner in national development.

CODE-NGO has also committed to take on the challenge to move away from sector-based approach to addressing social problems to one that is more interconnected and multi-sectoral to include new groups, including the business sector and other potential development work partners. Building relationships and establishing trust with new players will be a major strategy over the next five years.

Likewise posing a major challenge to civil society in general is the changing profile of advocates due factors such as brain drain and the crossing over of civil society workers to government service. Therefore, CODE-NGO identified the need to engage the youth and develop new civil society leaders, especially with technological advancements that bring about new issues that resonate with different groups.

This development increases the struggle to involve more people and the youth in democratic transformations. The challenge for CODE-NGO and its partners is to demonstrate a pronounced and tangible difference in order to hold the youth’s attention and interest and get them involved in development work.

But with all these innovations and responses to new challenges, CODE-NGO has committed to remain true to its mission to be a trusted national voice of civil society and to advance capacities of civil society organizations to exercise transformative leadership.