Social Development Celebration 2014/CODE-NGO 18th General Assembly Closing Message
Ma. Louise Lampon, CODE-NGO Board of Trustee (MINCODE)
Good afternoon!
I would like to greet all the guests and members of the largest, the biggest, and the widest network of CSOs in the country and that is – THE CODE-NGO.
We have now come to the most awaited part of our event which is the closing remarks. But before we formally end this gathering, let me refresh you that our celebration this year is themed, “From South to North and From Bottom Up: CSOs Shaping Peace and Resilience” which highlights the development initiatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) across the Philippines in building peace and disaster-resilient communities. This also affirms that our work as a national network is grounded on the initiatives and lessons of our members at the local level.
In the past two (2) days, we had very rich discussions surrounding the twin issues of Peace and Resilience. At the plenary forum yesterday morning, Secretary Ging Deles and Chairman Iqbal had comprehensively talked about peace and on the Bangsamoro. Professor Gemma Narisma had also explained well the realities of climate change and disasters. We also had a total of twelve (12) learning sessions which started yesterday afternoon until lunch time today. All our speakers and resource persons ended on a hopeful note – that vulnerabilities can be reduced if not totally eliminated.
As we speak right now, our friends, families, colleagues and constituents especially in Eastern Visayas are again bracing up for the eventual landfall of Super Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit). Kaya kahit pangit ito ay magpasalamat pa rin tayo [Even if this is unfortunate, we should still be thankful] (according to Emy Santos in her closing remarks yesterday), because this may be one opportunity that can lead to greater things like the operationalization of our envisioned regional coordination hubs– a true manifestation of “from ideas to action”.
Of course I cannot end my closing remarks without mentioning that our celebration this year is being hosted by MINCODE. In the past days and nights, we have tasted the hospitality, warmth, and culture of Mindanao. And so it is but just to recognize the effort and time spent by the MINCODE Board, secretariat and volunteers in planning, preparing and discussing all possible details just to ensure that we will have this beautiful celebration starting from the Mindanao Night Welcome Dinner until our General Assembly today. And of course everything was under the very able leadership of the MINCODE Chairperson – Ms. Patricia Sarenas and the MINCODE Executive Director – Ms. Bai Anayatin. I believe that we have set the example to be emulated by the next host.
Special mention also goes to FPE, KASILAK, and MASSPECC for their financial contributions; to the KALIWAT Performing Artists Collective (for the Mindanao Night); to SMX Convention Centre and Park Inn Radison Hotel for giving us special rates that is why we can afford to hold our events here.
Finally, in behalf of the CODE-NGO Board of Trustees and the hardworking CODE-NGO Secretariat, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed speakers and resource persons in the past 2 days. We thank also the board members and secretariats of the 12 MNs, namely: AF, CBD, CENVISNET, CORDNET, EVNET, MINCODE, NATCCO, NCSD, PBSP, PHILDHRRA, PHILSSA, WEVNET for all your hard work year after year to make this celebration and general assembly a success.
In behalf of our Chairperson, Ms. Patricia Sarenas and the Board of Trustees I now declare this 18th General Assembly adjourned!
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