The Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations (Iloilo CODE-NGOs) is a Philippines-based provincial network of 18 Social Development Non-Government Organizations (NGO) headquartered in Iloilo City, Philippines and operating in the city and province of Iloilo. It was established as a response on the challenges confronted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) especially with the passage of the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act 7160.
Iloilo CODE-NGOs believes that governance is not the sole propriety of the government and that civil society organizations (CSO) are not to be considered non-state actors. It has a vital role to play in nation-building especially in the realm of culture and values whose central concern must be integrated in development from spiritual, socio-economic, political and environmental concerns.
With that, Iloilo CODE-NGOs puts good governance, poverty and disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development as its flagship programs. The institution works pro-actively by engaging in advocacy, capacity building, social science delivery, emergency response and reconstruction works in order to empower civil society organizations, communities and local leaders to be resilient and attain sustainability at all times. Iloilo CODE-NGOs believes that capacitating CSOs and community leaders will enable them to maximize, popularize and institutionalize the democratization process. This exercise that goes down to the grassroots communities, allows citizens to actively participate in the state of affairs of our community and in society as a whole. The NGO and POs exercise vital role as representatives in local governance activities and initiatives.
Iloilo CODE-NGOs is considered a trailblazer in the Constructive Engagement Approach, Grassroots Participation, Social Contracts for Transparency and Accountability – new and innovative models that are grounded on dialogue and driven by partnerships. These breakthroughs likewise transformed the traditional perception about CSOs and the role it played in society: adversaries, watchdog, critics and constantly on the protest against the government.
These models which have been tried and tested, tested and implemented by Iloilo CODE-NGOs in partnership with several local government units have been proven effective. It has been institutionalized by many of our partners by way of local legislation. All of this are contributory to continuing innovations to improve programs on transparency and good governance.
The recent engagement of Iloilo CODE-NGOs with Christian Aid-UK for the post-Super Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan Rehabilitation and Reconstruction project on Rebuilding for the Better and Rebuilding Better and Resilient Shelters in 28 communities in Concepcion, Carles and Estancia towns in Northern Iloilo is a major milestone and served as a turning point.
The project tested how Iloilo CODE-NGOs mobilized its network members and partners and take a lead in synergizing efforts aimed to transform affected communities and small islands into communities of resilience and sustainability.
Member NGOs
1. PROCESS Foundation- Panay
2. Iloilo People’s Habitat
3. VICTO National Confederation of Cooperatives
4. Taytay sa Kauswagan (TSKI)
5. Family Planning Office of the Philippines (FPOP)
6. PAKISAMA-Visayas
7. Signpost Philippines, Inc.
8. Association of Disabled Persons Iloilo (ADP-I)
9. Bubong Ilonggo
10. Center for Power Issues and Initiatives
11. Freedom from Debt Coalition
12. Kahublagan sang Panimalay
13. CREAD
14. CLIMBS
15. Iloilo Children’s Welfare Foundation, Inc.
16. CAMELEON Association
Officers
Chairperson: Wilfredo J. Homicillada, Process Foundation Panay, Inc.
Vice-Chairperson: Benedicto Aquillo, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka
Secretary: Eveline Jover, Iloilo People’s Habitat
Treasurer: Mona Lisa Diones, Family Planning Office of the Philippines
Auditor: Belle Rose Tamdang, Visayas Cooperative Development Center
Board Member: Ted Aldwin Ong, Freedom from Debt Coalition
Board Member: Louie Posa, Association of Disabled Persons Iloilo
Board Member: Angelo Solarte, Taytay Sa Kauswagan, Inc.
Board Member: Elvira Bernal, Center for Rural Education and Development, Inc
Executive Director: Emmanuel C. Areño, ICODE
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Iloilo CODE-NGOs. As the network’s fiduciary, the board is responsible for the network’s long term health, overseeing and aligning its strategic direction, policies, finances, and operations in line with its mission.