Let me share in this post our local experience in networking for development. We succeeded to organize the umbrella network of NGOs and POs in Iloilo under the banner of ICON. ICON stands for Iloilo Coalition of Non-government Organization and People’s Organizations. As the acronym implies, it is a symbol of unity among NGOs and POs in the City and Province of Iloilo.
Starting as a loose coalition of NGOs and POs accredited by the Province of Iloilo, it has become a rallying point of other NGOs, POs and sectoral members of the civil society organizations. It is now open to other organizations that subscribe to the basis of unity of the Coalition Each member network, federation, aggregation is automatically represented in the Council.
RATIONALE/BACKGROUND
When the Provincial Development Council was reconvened in 1999, NGOs and POs accredited by the PDC was required to form a group to represent them in the local special bodies. Among the names suggested, ICON was chosen to symbolize the desired unity. While the representatives agreed to form just a loose organization for particular purpose, latter developments changed the course of history among NGO and PO Community in Iloilo.
On 2000, when the Iloilo Council of Social Development, Inc. (ICSD) spearheaded a move for the declaration of NGO-PO Week which subsequently became an ordinance, ICON has again became a point of convergence to enhance the participation of NGOs and POs in Iloilo.
After two years of celebration, NGOs and POs feel the need to strengthen the network. The institutionalization of celebration necessitates the formalization of ICON. In 2002, the General Assembly decided to organize ICON and elected a Coordinating Board to lead the coalition. During the first NGO-PO Congress, the delegates ratified the Constitution, elected the Board of Directors and officers, and worked out for the registration of the organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Thereafter, ICON spearheads moves that unify various NGOs and POs. It has the distinction of being an organization that can cross boundaries, and diversified persuasions, approaches, and welfare and development actions.
NATURE . VISION, MISSION, GOALS
Membership in ICON is open to individual NGOs and POs, networks , federations, aggregations, coalitions, etc. The organization is governed by Council of Leaders elected during the General Assembly provided that any network, federation, coalitions that applies for membership is automatically represented in such Council. Seven members of the Council are elected -at-large. The Council elects the Board of Director which, in turn, elects the ICON officers from among them.
VISION: Building Innovations in Networking towards Development (BIND)
MISSION: Link Individuals and Networks thru Keen Advocacy and Genuine Effective Services (LINKAGES)
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
• To spearhead the annual celebration of the NGO PO Week in Iloilo.
• To represent the NGO-PO community when needed &serve as its mouthpiece on issues where it has to make stand.
• To coordinate programs, service, and activities of NGO-PO to maximize resource for mutual benefit.
• To mobilize human and material resources of the
NGO-PO community in pursuit of social, economic, political, environmental, moral, ethical & other issues.
• To serve as the center of information, education and
communication dissemination of NGOs and POs in the city and province of Iloilo.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Information-dissemination.
With an office located at the 2nd floor Old Provincial Capitol ICON serves as center of information and communication among NGOs, POs and the provincial and city government.
In partnership with the Provincial Development Council, ICON sponsors a regular forum every 2nd Thursday of the month. The forum serves as avenue for a healthy discussion on relevant issues and concerns, sharing of information and updates of the programs and services of both the government and private sector, promotion and/or advocacies on welfare and development endeavors.
ICON co sponsors with the Department of Social Work, Central Philippine University and Learning Institute for the Fullness of life and Empowerment (LIFE) a CATV program aired live over Channel 8, Sky Cable every Tuesday 7:00-8:30 pm.
Dubbed Angtanay sa Katin-aran (The People’s Development Network), the show has five segments, represented by the word BUKAS (Openness/Transparency) Buligay (linking needs and resources). Ukay-Baluskay (advocacy forum on community issues and problems)Katuwang Sa Katin-aran (presentation of social welfare and development endeavors) Atras-Abante (Antipodes, arguments, controversies) Sayasat (analysis of current trends and events).
Similar format is aired over DYSI GMA Super Radyon every Sunday, 5:30pm under the radio program Pulong-Pulong sa Katin-aran (Development Forum) with LIFE.
Coordination
ICON coordinates the welfare and development activities of NGOs and POs , as well as the government agencies in order to maximize resources. The Coalition spearheads the annual celebration of the NGO-PO Week in Iloilo , December 1-7, by virtue of both city and provincial ordinances to recognize the role of NGOs and POs in nation building.
Organizational development
ICON either initiates or co-sponsors activities to strengthen the organizational capacity of member NGOs and POs and other organizations by sponsoring seminars, training, symposium, forum on Volunteerism, Social Mobilization, Fund Raising, etc.
Networking and Linkages
ICON initiates partnership with other civil society organizations, government agencies and other groups/associations who subscribe to its objectives and programs. It conducts regular Medical –dental Mission together with I SERVE, the Philippine Army, and other sponsors for a particular activity.
