Networking: An imperative

In the previous post,  I pointed out  the critical role of NGOs  which is considered both an asset and liability. Because they frequently pioneer new approaches and challenge development orthodoxy,NGOs are vulnerable to groups with vested interests.Consequently, the NGOs face the problem of either co-optation or reprisal from the government and other traditional power holders that want to maintain the status quo. Moreover, they have to deal with the proliferation of pseudo NGOs that undermine the sector’s credibility. A number of these pseudo NGOs set up not for any other purpose than to take advantage of funding sources for dubious or narrow purposes, according to Abad (1990).This issue has been  highlighted by  the current pork barrel controversy in the Philippines  involving the Napoles  network of fake NGOs.

Photo Credit: www.naujan.com

Faced with such problems and threats to their credibility, NGOs have seen the need to establish linkages and networks among themselves and with other sectors of society. Melgrito (1994) has defined networking as coordination among people, groups or organizations of various interests and orientation, working together as in a chain so as to function in a specific manner. It takes place when organizations link up together and make concerted efforts for mutual advantage and greater effectiveness towards the achievement of a common goal.

As a strategy, networking has been used by many sectors in pursuing development endeavors. Networks link local efforts for more effective lobbying and advocacy and provide venues for the exchange of experiences and resources between similar NGOs. A proper coordination of NGO activities, in networking, helps prevent unnecessary duplication or overlapping of development effort. NGOs are also protected from any form of threat because of their collective nature, while they police their own ranks through common code of conduct.

Networks are defined as units, institutions, agencies or organizations united for a free flow of information and resources between members without any established hierarchy or structure (Third World Studies Center, 1990). Forming networks and umbrella organizations is advantageous to NGOs for varied reasons. Aldaba (1990) cites six benefits in this regard, namely: (1) Greater economic and political impact; (2) Access to and sharing of resources; (3) Sector Protection; (4) Effective relations with governments; (5) Establishing sector standard; and (6) Linkage with other sectors for social transformation.

Alegre (1996) cites the following strategic concerns addressed by establishing networks: (1) Sharing and exchange of resources, such as information, funds, technology, and expertise; (2) The coordination and complementation of programs and projects; (3) The formulation of common agenda or plans of action for purposes of advocacy, participation in governance, and resource mobilization; (4) Consciousness raising and development education, especially on the relations between developed and developing countries and between the NGO and PO communities in these countries.

Clark (1990) noted that networking offers a lot of advantages to NGOs. These advantages apply equally to international lobbying endeavors. In addition to mutual fortification and mutual protection, networking or lobbying provides the possibility for NGOs to specialize in areas in which they have individual advantage. According to Clark, NGOs can also lobby their own government on their intentions, replication and mainstreaming of initiatives of member NGOs. Networks can engage in wide scale consortium projects covering larger areas. Political impact through issue advocacy is strengthened and more effective when there is a collective effort to lobby and mobilize.

Networks are better able than an individual NGO to tap resources internally among members and externally from the government, donor agencies, and other NGOs. Similarly, they can facilitate resource accessing for individual NGOs since the former can guarantee the track record of the latter.

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This article is part of the series of posts on NGOs. Admittedly, the current pork barrel controversy in the Philippines  involving the Napoles  network of fake NGOs has besmirched the noble aim and name of  non-government organizations (NGOs). However, we consider the crisis an opportunity to bring to the public consciousness the role of NGOs in nation building. Previous posts tackle the rationale of this series, heterogeneity of NGOs, their history,  classification and strategies.

NGOs: reel or real?

Since the expose of the alleged multi-billion pork barrel scam  by the whistleblower Benhur Luy in July, Filipinos have been both enraged and entertained by the seemingly incredible development and extent of the conspiracy to steal taxpayer’s money. Worse, the alleged brain (although many won’t consider her as such but a mere pawn) Janet L. Napoles  seemed to besmirch the noble aim and name of  non-government organizations (NGOs) in cohorts with some legislators and other officials of the implementing government agencies.

Photo credit:  Prinx  Vencer

The public outrage appears to build up as more revelations and denials are reported by the mainstream media and netizens. Hopefully, it will not die down until significant changes are undertaken by the government itself or by people’s initiatives nationwide.

In an attempt to do our share in responding to today’s challenge, the board of directors of our NGO- PO Network met some weeks ago to discuss the issue and unite on a particular stand. Being a loose coalition of various aggrupation  of non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) with diverse programs, services, directions, leanings and  persuasions, our network seldom makes an organizational  stand, not until we reach a consensus. Yet, when it  does, the result has greater impact.

We have seen two angles in the current controversy- the systemic graft and corruption practices and the role of the NGOs. We considered the act a double injury. The large -scale misuse of the people’s money is outrageous. Siphoning money out of government coffers thru fake NGOs adds insult to injury. For it besmirch the good image established by the genuine NGOs for decades. Worse, it provides justification to some government officials and local  chief executives who do not feel comfortable with the watchful eyes of NGOs and their seeming intervention as provided for by the local government code in the  Philippines.

Haribon Foundation officers and personnel
guesting  our CATV show 

It is in this second angle that the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON) decided to focus, While some members continue to actively take part  in the local anti pork barrel movement representing their respective organizations, ICON has committed to inform the public about the existence and corresponding programs or services of genuine NGOs.

For the past months, I have discussed in my CATV show the history and development of NGOs and related issues and concerns. A segment featuring member NGOs of our network, as well as those of the Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDL-Net) has been a regular part of the show. This way, we give the public the opportunity to ask questions to clear their doubts and reservations brought about by the pork barrel scandal.

Co -host Rev.  Talha asks Boyet Areno and Ted Aldwin Ong
(extreme right)  regarding the stand of the  Iloilo Caucus
of Development NGOs (ICODE) on the pork barrel scam

We consider the crisis an opportunity to bring to the public consciousness the role of NGOs in nation building.  For indeed,  one way of averting  the systemic  robbery in our government is to involve genuine NGOs in  monitoring projects. As Alegre (1996) once contends:  NGOs have emerged as a new catalyzing, social organization and as a significant player in development. They are increasingly significant actors in global governance and in international development.


But what are NGOs? How can they contribute to development? What are their roles, strategies, strengths and vulnerabilities? All of these and more will be the subject of  the upcoming series of posts on NGOs.

A Call to continue the Culture of Service and Volunteerism

While preparing for the press release of our annual celebration of the Non-government Organizations and People’s Organizations  (NGO PO ) Week in Iloilo, I could not help but reflect on the factors that contributed to the institutionalization of this event every December 1-7. It does not seem so long when I made a study on Networking as a development strategy of NGOs  as requirement for my Master of Social Work degree in the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

The research problem was not my original choice. I explored lots of  exciting problems earlier – the reason for the delay of my studies. The subject matter was influenced by  a practical suggestion of my adviser who understood my predicament to  finish my thesis during the Summer of 2000. Else, I would repeat my academic studies from the beginning after the lapse of the  grace period. I could still recall his advice to look for a problem, no matter how simple, with accessible data in order to beat the deadline.

Since during that time I was the president of the   Iloilo Council of Social Development (ICSD)- a network of welfare and development NGOs, I decided to study its experience in networking as development strategy.  The following excerpts of the study can be a tracer to the move for the institutionalization of the NGO PO Week in Iloilo:

 “An unprecedented collaborative effort took place in 1998 when the leadership worked out the accreditation of the network with the Provincial Government of Iloilo. In consultation with officers of member NGOs which have been also accredited by the province, the ICSD leadership decided to put up a common candidate for the co-chairmanship with the Province Governor in the Provincial Development Council.  During the election, however, the ICSD candidate declined in favor of a candidate from the other network. Undaunted, an ICSD officer nominated the ICSD president who got the same number of votes with the nominee from the other network. A tie resulted and it was not broken in another election, a toss of coin decided the fate, which turned in favor of the ICSD candidate.

This development has started the functional collaboration between ICSD and the provincial government with the ICSD president representing the NGO community in various committees as mandated by the local government code and in other committees organized by the Province. This new collaborative effort, in a way, has compensated for the ICSD’s silence for a year or two, making its presence felt again among government and non-government organizations. 

This development has put the network in the limelight. The mere fact that ICSD represents the NGO community in various strategic provincial committees/bodies has enhanced the network’s status.  Such representation has further strengthened the collaborative effort and enlivened the dynamics of relationship. In some sense, ICSD has gained political clout and leverage because of the position it now occupies.”

The landmark of such engagement is the institutionalization of the celebration of the NGO PO Week in Iloilo every December 1-7 to recognize the role of NGOs and POs in nation building. This gave birth to the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON) which spearheads the annual celebration.

This year’s theme is  “Bag-ong Henerasyon: Kultura sang Pag-alagad Igapadayon” (A call for the new generation to continue the culture of service and volunteerism). In choosing the theme, ICON officers expect to instill into the minds of the public, especially  youth and children the value and culture of  service, volunteerism and peace. In this way, can we ensure the continuity and sustainability of  our welfare and development endeavors.

The week-long celebration will kickoff with a motorcade on December 1, 7:00 am from Provincial Capitol to Central Philippine University for the Opening Program  at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Invited to  grace the program are Gov.  Arthur Defensor and  Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. On December  3, 2:00 pm, a Photo  Exhibit showcasing the works of NGOs  will be opened  at the 2nd level of Gaisano City to last until December  9. Since  December is considered  Volunteerism month, ICON will sponsor two for a  on volunteerism. The first will be held at Educational Media Center, CPU on  December 4, 8:30 am. Another one will be at 5th floor Conference Room, New Provincial  Capitol to culminate the Volunteerism Day  on December 5.  Other highlights of the celebration are ICON General Assembly and Advocacy in  academic institutions  on December 6 and 7, respectively.