PNoy tells CSOs to continue constructive engagement with government

Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III acknowledged the people who go beyond bashing and activism and really worked for “Daang Matuwid” when he addressed close to a thousand non-government organizations, cooperatives and people’s organizations of the CODE-NGO on the latter’s 20th year celebration and 5th Congress held at the SM Skydome in Quezon City last November 22, 2012.  “Kayo ang tunay na nagtatrabaho, hindi lang puro puna,” President Aquino said. 

He said the downfall of the dictatorship in 1986 encourageovd greater citizen participation in the government process, which contributed greatly to the return of democracy in the country.

“Ako man ay galing din sa oposisyon, mula pa noong panahon ng Martial Law hanggang sa nakaraang administrasyon, pero ngayon po ay nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataong magtrabaho at di lang magbato ng magbato ng puna at reklamo, kaya samantalahin po natin ito,” PNoy added.

PNoy cautioned civil society workers against relentless bashing and instead challenged them to think of ways and methods to participate in nation building and development.

“The government is open to dialogue and we want you to engage and work with us,” he said.

He also thanked the members and officers of CODE-NGO for supporting his Daang Matuwid agenda, especially in partnering with the government in the implementation of the Bottom-Up Budgeting process, full disclosure program, and for continuously supporting the Seal of Good Housekeeping program which was introduced by the late Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Also present in the CODE-NGO Congress are former CSO leaders who have since “crossed-over” to the ranks of government. Present were Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman, secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; Butch Abad, secretary of the Department of Budget and Management; Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita ‘Ging’ Deles; and Joel Rocamora, lead convener of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

PNoy also mentioned the appointment of Atty. Marvic Leonen as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Leonen also has roots with civil society organizations as a lawyer fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples.

“With the help of civil society organizations, I am confident that we will reach our goals of a better country in the future, and we are working on it now,” he said.

CODE NGO, meanwhile, expressed their confidence in the leadership of the Aquino administration and vowed to “continue to walk the Daang Matuwid as we continue to work on the many issues that are reflected by the Millennium Development Goals”, said CODE-NGO chairperson Patricia Sarenas.

“Under this administration, CODE-NGO has gained inroads into government to ensure systems are in place for partnerships between the government and civil society organizations” Sarenas added.

CODE-NGO is the largest coalition of civil society organizations working for social development. It comprises six national networks and six regional networks, representing more than 1,600 development non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives nationwide.