This publication is an attempt to share the Philippine experience toward crafting a framework and mechanism which would operationalize GO-NGO-PO collaboration in rural development activities. The report advances the rhetoric of GO-NGO-PO tripartite policy dialogues towards building practical mechanisms for joint activities between government and NGOs.
The Philippine experience has set the stage for the constructive cooperation between government, NGOs and POs. The significant unifying factor of this cooperation is the recognition that people’s participation is a basic human right and that people, particularly the disadvantaged groups, must have a voice in decisionmaking, access to resources, and an equitable share in the burdens and benefits of development.
While the Philippine experience in promoting people’s participation is unique, in that it is situated within a very specific context and milieu, it is our hope that it can offer valuable insights on consensus-building and strengthening relationships and engaging in joint activities among Governments, NGOs, and People’s Organizations of other countries in Asia.
It is also our hope that the experience documented in this publication will serve as a spring board from which other governments and NGOs and even development practitioners in various parts of the world can initiate a similar approach.
This publication is itself the product of a collaborative effort between and among several government and nongovernment organizations. Let me take this opportunity to personally thank the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the National Economic Development Authority, the Cooperative Union of the Philippines (CUP), the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and the Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) for their belief, participation, and commitment to promote and sustain GO/NGO/PO collaboration.
I would like to acknowledge Mr. Antonio B. Quizon, Mr. David M. Ingles, Mr. Reynaldo B. Ureta, Ms. Ma. Faina V. Luceo, Ms. Marivic R. Mandalihan, Mr. Chris Bunao, and Ms. Teresita Rola for their efforts in preparing the publication of this report.
I would like to recognize Mr. Edgardo T. Valenzuela, for his role in designing this Technical Cooperation Project and his efforts to launch the project in the start-up phase.
On behalf of ANGOC, I would like to thank the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, particularly the ESH Division in Rome, for their financial and technical support of this worthy endeavor. I would also like to thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their encouragement and assistance.
D.L. UMALI
Chairman, ANGOC
