The Association of Foundations (AF) held its 40th General Assembly (GA) from April 18 to 20, 2012 at Elsalvador Beach Resort, Danao City, Cebu. More than 100 participants attended the event, representing 103 of the 126 AF-member organizations. During the GA,consultations on the strategic plan of AF and of CODE-NGO, interest group discussions (IGDs), presentation of AF’s Activity & Financial Reports for 2011, election of members of the Board of Trustees, oath-taking of new members, and project site visits were done. The guest of honor, Mr. Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz, President of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, shared his philosophy of leadership using the analogy of the simple boat paddle — the “bugsay” in Cebuano — which moves the boat to its destination, one stroke at a time.     

 

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it was the first time that AF held its GA outside of Manila and the members were treated to a mix of business and pleasure by tackling serious matters concerning social development while enjoying the camaraderie of colleagues within the network. During the 3-day event, members had time to get to know one another better, both personally and in terms of organizational affiliations.

The way forward

On the first day, AF held consultations for its proposed 2012-2015 strategic plan and CODE-NGO also presented its draft 2013-17 strategic plan for comments and recommendations. The discussions generated inputs that fine-tuned the draft AF plan with specific key result areas in membership growth and development, constructive engagement with government, business sectors, and other CSOs, and institutional sustainability.  The inputs of the AF members to the CODE-NGO plan will be processed along with inputs from other member networks in the round of consultations that CODE-NGO is undertaking. 

Standing on common ground

The plenary was divided into small groups for the Interest Group Discussions (IGDs) led by participants who volunteered to spearhead group discussions on specific issues or fields of interest.  Discussion topics included Grantmaking, Resource Mobilization, Social Enterprise, Persons with Disability, Humanitarian Action, Philippine Council for NGO Certification, Indigenous Peoples, and Disaster Risk Reduction & Food Security.  The AF committed to support groups that intend to further the IGDs into partnerships that will enable them to eventually undertake common activities and projects in their area of interest. 

Eight (8) new board members were elected during the GA, namely: Carn Abella (Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation), Cecile Alcantara (Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.), Alex Escano (MFI Foundation, Inc.), Doris Ferrer (Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines), Fr. Manny Guazon (Pondong Batangan Community Foundation, Inc.), Judy A. Roxas (Gerry Roxas Foundation, Inc.), Danny Urquico (Child and Family Service Philippines, Inc.), and Edith Villanueva (Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc.).

They complete AF’s 15-member Board of Trustees along with: Connie Angeles (SM Foundation, Inc.), Rose Depra (Negros Economic Development Foundation, Inc.), Mario Deriquito (Ayala Foundation, Inc.), Dodoy Magdolot (Mahintana Foundation, Inc.), Bro. Bob McGovern (Notre Dame Business Resource Center Foundation, Inc.), Joemil Montebon (Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc.), and Fely Rixhon (Philippine Center for Population and Development).

The newly-elected trustees took the Oath of Office administered by AF President Fely Rixhon. 

The more, the merrier!

New member organizations that joined AF in 2011 took their oath-of-membership during the GA. The new members included the Foundation for TheseAbled Persons, Inc., J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Inc., Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation, Inc., Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation, Inc., Tahanan Outreach Projects and Services, Inc., and Uygongco Foundation, Inc. 

Members’ day out

Optional trips to project sites of Cebu-based members were arranged for members on the last day of the GA. The Aboitiz Foundation showcased Umahan sa Katawhan, where they give farmers livelihood trainings, techniques in organic farming, and entrepreneurial skills. The Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation showed their emergency and rescue facilities and services. The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation brought participants to their “My Mandaue Project” that features their framework for shelter housing and resettlement which effectively addressed the basic needs of displaced residents. Other members opted to take the city tour which included visits to famous Cebu landmarks including the Liloan Lighthouse, Magellan’s Cross, Sto. Niño Shrine & Cathedral, and Casa Gorordo Museum. — By Joey A. Alegre, Program Officer, Association of Foundations