In its 30th year of existence this 2021, the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) embarks on a campaign to revitalize and strengthen its member networks’  commitment to the Basis of Unity that binds the coalition amid its diversity.  This Basis of Unity is embodied in two important documents, which were ratified by over 1,000 civil society organization (CSO) leaders at the First National Congress^[1] in 1991.

Covenant on Philippine Development 

The Covenant on Philippine Development, as the foundation document of CODE-NGO, expresses the members’ collective vision for development and their commitment to upholding a standard of conduct in development work. It promotes eight development principles and sets goals for Philippine development.  

Our Development Principles:

1) The primary goal of development is people’s empowerment and satisfaction of their basic needs.

2) Development should be integrated and holistic.

3) People are the primary force of development.

4) People are the primary beneficiary of development.

5) Development should ensure a harmonious relationship between people and their natural environment.

6) Development requires recognition and enhancement of religious and cultural diversity in

Philippine society.

7) In the pursuit of the desired goal of development, the cooperative spirit should prevail. 

8) Development involves cooperation among peoples of different nations on the basis of

peaceful coexistence and respect for each nation’s sovereignty and national integrity.

Our Goals for Philippine Development:

·   Preservation of National Sovereignty

·   Environmental Protection/ Conservation

·   Equitable Access to Resources and Employment Generation

·   Effective, Democratic and Participatory Governance

·   The Peaceful Resolution of All Armed Conflicts

·   The Safeguarding of Fundamental Freedoms and Rights

·   Fostering a Culture of Involvement

·   Fostering Indigenous Cultures

Code of Conduct for Philippine CSOs

CODE-NGO’s establishment was anchored on the values and concepts of Legitimacy, Transparency, and Accountability. The proliferation of various fly-by-night CSOs at that time was a major reason to form CODE-NGO and to establish legitimacy of CSOs in the country.  

The Code of Conduct for Philippine CSOs, the second document, states our shared responsibilities as development CSOs. These responsibilities include ensuring legitimacy, transparency, and accountability of our operations; enhancing the quality of services we provide; setting standards of conduct while beefing up our public image; and improving the relationship of the CSO community, our stakeholders, and other partners.  Specifically, we have responsibilities to our organization, staff, communities we work with, fellow CSOs, partner funding institutions, the government, the academe, and the business sector.

CODE-NGO members commit to these responsibilities as a way to uphold a standard of conduct in development work, and to comply with good governance practices.

#WalkTheTalk Campaign on Good Governance

CODE-NGO’s Commission on Internal Reform Initiatives (CIRI) spearheads the #WalkTheTalk Campaign on Good Governance to facilitate member networks’ re-orientation, renewal of commitments, and adherence or compliance to internal good governance practices and standards. The campaign also aims to strengthen unity within and among the membership.  

This campaign will also tackle recommendations to improve the public image of NGOs posed by  the Philippine Trust Index (PTI) Quick Pulse Survey on Trust in NGOs conducted by the EON Group Inc this 2021. The study emphasizes the importance of reinforcing our organizational values and code of conduct with member organizations, most especially those on-the ground and at grassroots level. Similarly, we should go back to the basics of improving internal good governance practices and institutionalize these to highlight increased transparency and accountability in our resources.

#WalkTheTalk: Our collective action is the best way to renew our march and commitment to good governance towards legitimate, transparent, accountable, and trusted development CSOs in the Philippines. This campaign will run until 2022 in time for the 8^th National Congress.

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^[1] The Congress is the highest policy-making body in the governance structure of CODE-NGO and is convened every 5 years.