CSO COALITION. The creation workshop begins with emphasizing the milestones and challenges of TAG-CDO-MAC Bay Multisectoral Bodies. Contributed photo.
By Wilson J Hormeguera
The Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan facilitated the consultation on the creation of “Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for the Ecosystem” on August 17-18 at Mallberry Suite Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.
The intended CSO coalition is a convergence of three CSO networks: Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC), Tagoloan River Basin Management Council (TRBMC), and Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA).
The coalition is initially named CDO-TAG-MAC Bay Coalition.
On behalf of Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ DD, XU-McKeough Marine Center director Fr Mars Tan welcomed the participants and shared on Ridge-River-Reef (R³) Approach in protecting the ecosystem, which is the main framework of the coalition.
The workshop began with emphasizing the milestones and challenges of TAG-CDO-MAC Bay Multisectoral Bodies.
Among the highlights were the greater participation and involvement in the policymaking process for the entire landscape, support and resources of various partners, and realization of the desired result especially among the indigenous peoples (Lumads).
The challenges, on the other hand, included the increase of internally displaced persons, the degradation of natural resources, and the unsustainable livelihood programs.
Participating CSOs realized the need to converge considering the connection of mountains, rivers, and seas, and how the upstream and downstream inhabitants affect each other. They see the coalition as a stronger force for environmental advocacy and policy lobbying.
The CSO coalition will advocate for the improvement of the quality of life in the locality as a result of a healthy ecosystem, sustainable livelihood, and meaningful participation.
The creation of the Coalition of CSOs for the Ecosystem formed part of the Sustainable and Healthy Integrated Ecosystem through Lobbying and Advocacy (SHIELD) project of the Samdhana Institute.
Project head Dr Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit explained to participating CSOs that the idea of creating a coalition came from the CSOs themselves during the consultation workshop on the Theory of Change held last year.∎
THE STAKEHOLDERS. The CSO coalition is a convergence of three CSO networks: Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC), Tagoloan River Basin Management Council (TRBMC), and Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA). Contributed photo.