Mindanao CSOs unite for Peace and the Bangsamoro
MINCODE (Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks), a coalition of 12 civil society organization (CSO) networks with more than 600 base organizations, held its Peace Forum and 16th General Assembly with the theme Mindanao: Our Land, Our Hope. Mindanao CSOs: CONNECTING·SHARING·UNITING Our Stories and Hopes for the Bangsamoro on June 26-27, 2014 at Brokenshire Resort and Convention Center, Madapo Hills, Davao City. Close to a hundred CSO leaders from all regions of Mindanao gathered for a dialogue on peace and the Bangsamoro.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Patricia M. Sarenas, MINCODE Chairperson, emphasized the importance of strengthening the capacities of CSOs for effective and responsive social development work in Mindanao. She also challenged the CSO leaders to continue on their peace building efforts and to contribute in the establishment of the Bangsamoro for a lasting peace in Mindanao. In this Peace Forum and MINCODE 16th General Assembly, CSO leaders and representatives in Mindanao come together to connect, share and unite stories and hopes for the Bangsamoro.
MINCODE continues to broaden discussions on the Bangsamoro within its network. Prof. Rudy “Ompong” Rodil, a well-respected Mindanaoan historian, delivered a Keynote Address on Bangsamoro and role of Mindanao CSOs: “The Road Ahead for Bangsamoro and Mindanao CSOs”. Prof. Rodil enlightened the CSO leaders on the eminent change in the socio-political landscape of Mindanao by providing historical perspective of the Bangsamoro and the struggle for peace in Southern Philippines. He emphasized that CSOs should take active role in the establishment of the Bangsamoro by deepening understanding of history, building constituency and developing a culture-sensitive environment for all people in Mindanao. The Regional Conversations which followed after Prof. Rodil’s rousing message enabled the delegates to discuss how they can build a strong constituency that will support the establishment of the Bangsamoro.
During the General Assembly, member networks of MINCODE also showcased their programs, projects and advocacies. An MN Gallery Walk was designed in which all delegates were able to get to know more about the work and accomplishments of the other network members. The MN Gallery Walk was informative and interactive, just as it provided an opportunity for members to congratulate and express support for each other.
In its Business Meeting, the Assembly discussed matters concerning the Coalition’s development, directions and sustainability. Chairperson Sarenas shared a report highlighting the Coalition’s accomplishments and challenges. Revisions to the By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation were agreed upon, such as membership of the Board of Trustees and setting of particular date for the annual meeting of the General Assembly. Resolutions on major advocacies, such as on participatory, transparent and accountable governance, peace and sustainable development and disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaption, were passed.
MINCODE is composed of the following member networks: Agri-Aqua Development Coalition (AADC), Association of Foundations (AF), Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies-Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC), Partnership for Philippine Support Service Agencies (PhilSSA), Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in the Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Pambansang Kilusan ng Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA), Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), Council of Organized Social Service Agencies in Mindanao (COSSA-Mindanao), Coalition of Social Development Organizations – South Cotabato (CSDO-SC), Kahugpungan sa Mindanaw (KAMI) and the Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs and NGIs (MINCON). MINCODE is a member of the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO).
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