KASALI KA, SUMALI KA! SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATION 2013
The Social Development Celebration (SDC) is an annual gathering of civil society organizations from the different parts of the Philippines and their partners from government, academe, business and development aid sectors, who work together towards improving the lives of the Filipino people. It was held on November 28 to 29, 2013 at the Institute of Social Order (ISO), Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Themed “Making Participatory Governance Work and Sustaining it Beyond 2016”, SDC 2013 aimed to provide an avenue for development actors to discuss and share innovative ideas towards economic, socio-cultural and political empowerment of the marginalized communities, as well as to promote the important roles and contributions of CSOs to social development to a larger public.
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Around 130 delegates from different parts of the Philippines graced the event. On day 1, November 28, there was a plenary session on “CSO Participatory Local Governance Initiatives: Gains and Challenges.” Rep. Teddy Baguilat of the Lone District of Ifugao keynoted the event. This was followed by discussions on the role of CSOs in ensuring that the government delivers on its social contract with the people. CODE-NGO and its partners also launched its “CSO-National Government Agency (NGA) Partnership on the monitoring of Bottom-Up Budgeting(BUB)/Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process,” committing to watch and follow closely the implementation of projects supported by the BUB process.
In the afternoon, simultaneous learning sessions were held on the following topics:
- Trending: #DRRMCCA @CODE_NGO (by CODE-NGO Member Networks)
- CSO Regulation, Accreditation and Certification (by CODE-NGO)
- Social Enterprise Business Compliance for Food and Non-Food Products (by Peace and Equity Foundation)
- “SE na you? Ready na Me” NGOs Going Into Social Enterprise (by Peace and Equity Foundation)
- “Bayan-Bayani-Bayanihan: Volunteerism to Building sustainable Societies” Volunteering for Development (by VOICE Network and CODE-NGO)
- Linking/Engaging Volunteers with CSOs (by VOICE Network and CODE-NGO)
- Philippine CSOs on the 2013 UN General Assembly Special Event on the Millennium Development Goals (by CODE-NGO)
- CSO participation in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and Peace Talks (by MINCODE).
In the evening, there was a “Solidarity Night” where delegates from the Visayas shared their testimonies on their experiences and relief operations for the Yolanda survivors. Noel Cabangon also rendered some ‘songs of hope’ for the benefit of Yolanda relief workers and affected communities.
On day 2, November 29, a plenary discussion on the prospects for CSOs on “Making Participatory Governance Work and Sustaining it Beyond 2016” was facilitated. DBM Secretary Butch Abad, Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Mr. Neric Acosta and Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Tony Ledesma shared their thoughts on the economic-political, environmental and socio-cultural perspectives of the issue, respectively.
The SDC 2013 was hosted by the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), the largest coalition of civil society organization (CSO) networks dedicated to social development in the Philippines, with the support of the Peace & Equity Foundation (PEF).
Keynote Message of Rep. Teddy Baguilat of the Lone District of Ifugao
at CODE-NGO’s Social Development Celebration 2013 Learning Sessions on “Making Participatory Governance Work and Sustaining it Beyond 2016” – November 28, 2013
Rep. Baguilat cites that because there is no shortage of injustice in our country, our country and our people need NGOs. He acknowledges that there are still enormous gaps in the Government’s service, and Congress tries to address those gaps through laws. But until responsive laws are passed, the fissures remain unfilled, and NGOs are capable of filling in those gaps.
Prospects for CSOs on “Making Participatory Governance Work and Sustaining it Beyond 2016”
During the Social Development Celebration panel discussion last November 29, 2013, three speakers shared prospects for CSOs on “Making Participatory Governance Work and Sustaining it Beyond 2016”. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, discussed about the Socio-Cultural perspective by highlighting the value of Social-Auditing in fighting corruption. Hon. Florencio Abad, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary, focused on the Political perspective by emphasizing People Empowerment to instil transparency and accountability in government. Hon. Neric Acosta, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection and Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager, talked about participatory governance in the context of protecting our environment.
CSOs’ Statement of Commitment on the Participatory Bottom-Up Budgeting and Planning
One hundred thirty nine (139) NGOs, people’s organizations and cooperatives, who value good governance and contribute to the fight against poverty through people’s participation and constructive engagement, stand together and commit to influence and monitor the government’s Botoom-up Budgeting process (BUB) in more than 380 municipalities and cities in 47 provinces. See their statement of commitment and list of participating CSOs and municipalities.
Chairperson’s Report to the CODE-NGO 17TH General Assembly
CODE-NGO Chairperson Andrea Maria Patricia M. Sarenas presented CODE-NGO’s accomplishment report for FY2012-2013 to its 17th General Assembly, citing stories of Hope and Strength and Courage in the face of many ‘storms’ that the coalition has faced the past year. These stories of successes, and of learning from mistakes, would not have been possible without the help of CODE-NGO’s partners in development – from government, fund donors, other CSOs, partner communities – and the development professionals and volunteers of its member networks and base organizations that make up the coalition.
CODE-NGO Treasurer Felicitas Rixhon’s Closing Remarks at CODE-NGO 17th General Assembly
After serving in the CODE-NGO Board for two consecutive terms from 2007 to 2012, and as Treasurer from 2009-2012, Felicitas Rixhon delivered the Closing Remarks during the CODE-NGO 17th General Assembly. She expressed how she has enjoyed the challenge of being in the Board of the ‘biggest network of citizens’ organizations committed to help improve the lives of the common people’ and called for adhering to the Code of Conduct to differentiate itself from the suspected NGOs in the PDAF scam. Touched by CODE-NGO’s effort to help rebuild lives, she reiterated the power of collaboration in realizing a shared goal, especially in giving aid to the victims of Yolanda.
What Columnists have to say on CSOs working for Social Development
Ciel Habito, Tony La Vina, Rina Jimenez-David and Mahar Mangahas wrote about their thoughts on the works of CSOs for social development vis-à-vis the PDAF scam. The recent Social Development Celebration 2013 hosted by CODE-NGO was also promoted in line with the project involvements and advocacies of the network.
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