“If you’re just alone (not a member of any network), you only know your own program, the people you are working with and the areas you are operating in. But if you’re part of a network, you get to know other organizations and what they are doing, the issues they are working on and learn from their experiences. You also get exposed to the broader development community including donors. It can lead to partnerships with other organizations leading to synergies of efforts. Members of networks are also introduced to national issues which are not necessarily their issues, contributing to better understanding and appreciation of broader issues that are advocated by the whole network. That’s why I always tell friends that membership dues are worth every peso because you really become part of this development sector.”Marissa Camacho served on the boards of various non-profits and was an independent consultant on social development. She became the CODE-NGO’s Chairperson who inspired the network to be open to more creative ways of achieving desired results. CODE-NGO mourns the loss of a great leader of the Philippine CSO sector. May she have eternal rest in the arms of the Lord.