Good afternoon everyone!

We are at the homestretch of the celebration of CODE NGO’s 25th anniversary and the Social Development Celebration 2016.

Outgoing Board Treasurer Cecile Alcantara gives her Closing Message to the General Assembly

The past days have allowed us to discuss and reflect on the global-local situation that impacts our work now and in the years to come. We had break-out sessions on various current events and topics relevant to our development work.

These, and our suggestions for the direction of CODE-NGO in the next 5 years will help us collectively define our Strategic Plan for 2018-2022.

On behalf of our network, I would like to thank the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), our major partner, for supporting SocDev 2016 and our 25th General Assembly, and our partners who have made the publication of “Higit Pa”, our 25th Anniversary book possible: the Foundation for Sustainable Society Incorporated (FSSI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) and the Jollibee Group Foundation.

I would also like to thank the Association of Foundations led by Oman Jiao, as well as the CODE-NGO Secretariat, led by Roselle Rasay, for all the work they have put in to ensure the success of this event. Good job team! Let’s give them a big hand!!!

On a personal note, I wish to thank CODE-NGO for the opportunity to serve on the board of trustees for the last 3 years. When Oman asked me to represent AF in the CODE-NGO board, I was hesitant at first – because I did not know anyone in CODE, and I felt I was not immersed enough in the development world. I remember the first board meeting I attended felt like my first day in school – parang isang elementary pupil ako na pumasok sa isang classroom sa college; speaking a different language (ang daming acronyms!). But my apprehension melted quickly, thanks to the warm welcome by the board and the secretariat. I would like to make special mention of the members of the finance committee, Agnes Bolanos and Gigi Arroyo, Weng and Dodo, for their patience and generous support.

I think two things differentiate the development worker from the rest – the warmth that comes from the passion burning deep in your hearts, the passion to serve, to make life better for those who have less, the passion to stand for what is right and to fight for justice… and selfless generosity – putting the other’s welfare before yours, never asking “what’s in it for me?”

Like VP Leni, I am inspired by your passion and authenticity. You keep me hopeful that no matter how challenging the coming days and years may be, you will march on – Networking, Empowering, and Transforming for Social Justice and Sustainable Development.

As we end this gathering and head home, let us remember and keep to heart the title of our 25th Year book – Higit pa! Basta sama sama tayong lahat, hindi tayo dapat mawalan ng pag-asa dahil higit pa ang ating magagawa para sa ating minamahal na bayan. Let us continue to inspire others and be inspired by each other.

Maraming salamat po! Mabuhay ang CODE-NGO! Mabuhay tayong lahat!