CIVIL Service Organizations (CSOs) can have a wide range of goals, sizes, and forms of governance. They also play a significant role in society. Community-based organizations (CSOs) include, but are not limited to, village associations, labor unions, co-ops, farmers’ associations, environmental groups, women’s rights organizations, and faith-based organizations. (https://wps.asean.org › organization). The Asia-Pacific region’s social, economic, and democratic progress is greatly aided by CSOs. It helps to better the lives of community members and offers crucial support to government activities in the areas of policy creation and program implementation.
Ubay Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) led by SB Member Nador A. Vallecera, as MCDC Chair, took all the preparations for the Ubay MCDC members to attend the 2nd District Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Convergence Forum, held at Sagbayan Municipal, Sagbayan, Bohol. Transportation, and souvenir t shirts were provided by LGU Ubay, with the leadership of the Municipal Mayor Constantino H. Reyes.
The opening program of the said CSO Convergence was graced with the presence of the province Vice Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite. In his message, Vice Gov Balite game emphasis with this statement, “Vice Gov “Abante Kanunay Ang panghunahuna para sa kalambuan sa tagsatagsa ka Cooperatiba”.
Series of presentations from the different Resource Persons were provided. Chairperson of Bohol People’s Council Mr. Francis Bernardo I. Batoy, presented the benefits of CSO Accreditation. PGDH-PCDO Ms Maricar B. Fuentes, presented the importance of PCDO and the Assistance to the Community. First District and Provincial CDS, Cooperative Development Authority Mr. Jim Ryan Badayos, presented the Benefits of Cooperative Registration. Agriculturist II, Philippine Coconut Authority, Mr. Alven B. Curiba, presented the Programs and Projects for Cooperatives.
The one-day convergence was a very productive one. The participants gained wonderful insights after the presentations of the different resource persons. It is hoped and prayed that similar activities will be conducted for the different organizations to combat poverty and make community members aware that the government has a lot of programs and projects to cater for their specific needs.
Each municipality should have a focal person that would be available for the information dissemination with regard to this kind of community-led activities.
DIALOGUE ON CHILD PROTECTION
World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian organization that strives to improve the lives of families, communities, and children. Helping the most vulnerable children escape poverty and live life to the fullest is the aim. World Vision strives to better the lives of the poorest children and families in nearly 100 nations, including the United States. They emphasize disaster assistance, education, access to clean drinking water, economic opportunity, nutrition, and women’s empowerment as key components of their community development approach to end poverty. (World Vision International https://www.wvi.org).
The Municipality of Ubay is very fortunate to be one of the partners of the World Vision in changing lives and improving communities. For years, World Vision provided activities to improve lives and be of service to the community. The sponsored activities of the World Vision considered these concepts: needs-based, data-driven, process-based, and participatory in nature.
One of their significant activity is the Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Child Protection. This was conducted last March 20, 2024, facilitated by Joan B. Ocdol Program Officer Bohol NE, Pearly Dawn M. Fernandez Program Officer Bohol NE, Mark Francis M. Nasayao Program Manager Bohol Cluster, and Raji J. Alvarado Child Protection and Participation Specialist Visayas Field Office Operation.
The one-day activity started with reflections. Each participant is requested to make personal introductions. Miss Joan once presented the World Vision Statement, “Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness. Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so”. Then, the history of the World Vision was presented. A welcome message was given by Mr. Mark Francis M. Nasayao.
A workshop was conducted with the following objectives: a)update and present the situation of child protection cases in the area, b)analyze and validate results and findings, c) discuss existing reporting and referral flow of stakeholders vis-a-vis standing case management flow, d) alignment the reporting and referral process, e) review and reassess reporting and referral mechanisms, and f) agree on the ways forward. There was a discussion on the difference between a Child at Risk (CAR) and a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL).
Social media addiction, physical abuse, and teenage pregnancy were the priority child protection issues identified. The causes of these priority children protection issues were also discussed. Attitudes and beliefs that lead to these issues were also taken into consideration. Proposed services and support mechanism were also discussed.
The engagement was also attended by the Mr, June Homer Tabudlong, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO); Dr. Jasmin B. Jumaoas, Municipal Health Officer ; Zenaida L. Boyles PhD, Ubay 1 Public Schools District Supervisor; Ma. Maya V. Tumalon PhD, MDM, Ubay 2 Public Schools District Supervisor; Marifel R. Bernales, Ubay 3 Public Schools District Supervisor. The representatives from the barangays covered by the World Vision also participated actively during this stakeholders’ dialogue.
