In 1991, CODE-NGO conducted its first National Congress with around 1,000 leaders from non-government organizations, cooperatives, and people’s organizations from all over the country to forge a broad unity among the diverse and divided ranks of development NGOs. It was during this event that the participating delegates consciously defined a collective vision for development, through the Basis of Unity, and declared a commitment to observe the highest standards of development work, through the Code of Conduct. These two documents are what we know as the Covenant on Philippine Development.
It has been 31 years since the CODE-NGO Basis of Unity and Code of Conduct were first ratified. Development work, society, and the country have transformed in many ways since. CODE-NGO decided to update this document to remain relevant and responsive to its members and the communities it serves.
From October to November 2021, generative conversations and workshops were held with the CODE-NGO Board members, member network leaders, and the members of the CODE-NGO Commissions to review the 1991 Covenant on Philippine Development. The current version has also been validated by at least six (6) member networks from July to September 2022 through workshops, while some long-time colleagues of CODE-NGO were invited to contribute to certain sections.
The new version has been updated to emphasize CSOs’ vital role in protecting nature in the pursuit of development. Sections on social protection, services, and well-being, as well as harnessing digital technology for social change have been added to the Goals for Philippine Development. Furthermore, with democratic and participatory governance as one of its core advocacies, CODE-NGO has also included freedom of information across all branches of government, and combating misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
Meanwhile, CODE-NGO also acknowledges the need to enhance the way development workers practice accountability to our various public and stakeholders. Recognizing that “care must also be given to the carers,” provisions on promoting well-being in relation to CSO staff have been added. CODE-NGO also renewed its commitment to continually root its work in the principles of community organizing-community development in its evolving form and practice, and critical engagement with the government through creative and strategic ways. New sections on the roles and responsibilities of CSOs in relation to the media and academe have also been included in the new version. The new/revised 2022 Covenant on Philippine Development was ratified at the CODE-NGO 7th Congress last October 28, 2022.
Read the latest version of the Covenant on Philippine Development as presented at the 7th Congress here. Pending the inputs of two more CODE-NGO member networks, the final version will be available in 2023.
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