The Caucus of Development Non-Government Organization Networks (CODE-NGO) joins the nation in observing and celebrating this year’s Community Development Week and Community Development Day. This occasion recognizes the importance of community organization and the power of collective action towards local development.

Proclamation No. 316, s. 1994 declared the first week of January as Community Development Week and January 6 as Community Development “to strengthen and uphold the bayanihan spirit and the value of community cooperation in the consciousness and activities of every Filipino.” Yesterday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Memorandum Circular No. 41, directing the national government and local government units to support activities and programs linked to the said annual celebration.

CODE-NGO believes that community development is both the prerequisite and goal of local autonomy. Through the unified and concerted efforts of both public and private stakeholders, local communities gain access to additional resources and platforms critical to inclusive and responsive socio-economic development and meaningful participation in the democratic life of society. Civil society organizations, including non-government organizations and people’s organizations, constitute an essential part of that equation by augmenting basic social services, extending their expertise, networks, and popular base to other sectors of society, articulating the interests and rights of marginalized and vulnerable communities, and keeping the powers-that-be in check. However, CSOs and local development workers are under constant threat due to the nature of their work and advocacies. Beyond physical and emotional perils to individuals and their families, these threats have inflicted a chilling effect on CSOs. Having wider civic spaces can afford CSOs, local development workers, and their partners the freedom to fulfill their democratic functions without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal from State and non-state actors.