CODE-NGO, the largest coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), held its 7th Congress for the first time online last October 28, 2022. The CODE-NGO Congress, organized every five years, is a significant milestone for the coalition as it is a gathering of the representatives of the primary members of CODE-NGO member-networks, as well as partner CSOs and key stakeholders.
The 7th Congress was graced by an inspirational message by Senator Risa Hontiveros. The de facto leader of the opposition in the Philippine Senate, Senator Risa encouraged the attendees to continue the important work of policy advocacy. She thanked the efforts of CSOs thus far in achieving the passage of the landmark bills on gender and development, and congratulated CODE-NGO for its successes.
The message was followed by the keynote address of the Chief of Party of the PARTICIPATE Coalition, Dr. Julio Teehankee. Displaying his academic prowess, Dr. Teehankee explained the decline of democracy in the Philippines in a very objective manner. He then proceeded to give very practical recommendations for CSOs to consider in the light of the socio-political situation.
Because of the growing polarization among Filipinos about democratic beliefs, Dr. Teehankee discussed what CSOs can do to push for needed reforms. In what he calls “Rebuild the middle”, he encourages CSOs to stop grouping themselves in opposites and to learn to listen and talk to each other again instead. If polarization continues, the democratic backsliding we are already witnessing can worsen. There are several reforms that CSOs may push in this current dispensation, including political party development, electoral reforms, constitutional amendments/revisions, and supporting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Furthermore, he recommends CSOs to:
- Undertake reflection, introspection and course correction.
- Secure what remains of the democratic space.
- Ensure that the current administration stays within the democratic lane.
- Engage the current administration but maintain vigilance.
- Participate.
The 7th Congress discussed the CODE-NGO Strategic Direction for 2023-2027, ratified the enhanced Covenant of Philippine Development that was agreed by the 1st Congress of CODE-NGO, ratified a new COVID-19 Recovery Agenda for the Philippine CSO Sector, and recognized the partners and leaders who have contributed greatly to the accomplishments of CODE-NGO in the past five years.
To watch the recording of this session, click here.
Know more about the Social Development Week!
Visit https://code-ngo.org/socialdevelopmentweek
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