SOCIAL DIMENSION: NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION

Non-government Organization (NGO) - The role of NGOs is the fourth social dimension of sustainable development. The term NGO refers to a nonprofit organization that is not based in government. In this respect, NGOs may be defined more by what they are and not than by what they are. In the Philippines is now very much in question when it comes to credibility with strong association with Pork Barrel, Janet Lim Napoles and Billion pesos scam. In 1999 World Bank conducted study and found that many poor have mixed impressions about the efficacy of NGOs, that NGOs in many instances are self – serving, corrupt, poor listeners, and largely irrelevant to their communities. The poor rely more on informal trust-based networks within their communities, or with similar outside groups with access to power – than on their NGOS.

Even before Napoles Scam, there had been a report that supports World Banks’ study that links NGOs to corruption – In July 2011 Senator Panfilo Lacson, revealed that the PCSO had also released funds to a non-government organization that was instrumental in Arroyo’s decision to run in 2004. Lacson said the “Gawin Natin-Lakas Pinoy” appeared to be very influential with the state gambling agency.  Why can Gawin Natin-Lakas Pinoy get practically anything from PCSO? The secret is Raul Nestor Ancheta, one of the incorporators. Ancheta is the chief of staff of Rosario Uraiarte.

Lacson cited a memo from Uriarte requesting for P2 million, to be charged to the PCSO charity fund, for a supposed feeding project of the Gawin Natin-Lakas Pinoy. The memo had an “OK” annotation from then President Arroyo. Also, stamps on the document indicated the request was received by the Office of the President in August 2003, although the feeding project was scheduled in July. In another instance, the PCSO deployed a medical team including a physician, two nurses, a driver and paramedics to an October 2003 pro-Arroyo motorcade of the Samahan ng Mamamayan sa Hunta at Destabilisasyon (SMASH-Destabilisasyon) from the People Power Monument in Quezon City to Mendiola. This was after a request was made to Uriarte by Lakas Pinoy Through its lawyer Romarleo Ayson. The Gawin Natin-Lakas Pinoy foundation, less than a year old the time, was behind several “Run, Gloria Run!” posters that sprouted in many parts of the country (with Perseus Echeminada, Peinir Padua, Sheila Crisostomo).

Despite existence of Fraud NGOs there are more legitimates that World Bank encourages world’s poor to trust and depend on the sophistication, experience and expertise of NGOs for the following reasons: (1) NGOs have the potential for making significant contributions to the sustainable development of the world. With close knowledge of local communities, NGOs can identify new approaches and create new models for specific developmental activities; (2) Local knowledge also allows NGOs to guide development projects so that they are implemented in ways that responds to local needs; (3) NGOs can also serve as bridge between project authorities and affected communities, as well as facilitate participatory processes, including local decision making and consensus building where there are not too many opposing views; (4) An NGO can provide a stable link between a project implementer and the community; and (5) NGOs are becoming key players in the development process. The advocacy NGOs can create public awareness.

An example of NGO that I personally support is Habitat For Humanity Philippines is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that works both to eliminate poverty housing and to make adequate housing a matter of conscience and action. To date, Habitat for Humanity had built 32,748 homes, 300 classrooms constructed, 174 communities and other programs that cater to the 30% poor population.

Habitat for Humanity – Philippines is one close to my heart; year 1996 when my mom decided to join HFHP, on this very same year she enlisted me as volunteer for youth build at Baseco Compound. As freshman college, i had other things to do, thus, very hesitant to join. As an obidient son, I allowed myself to sweat under intense heat, flexed my muscles as I lined bricks and contented with packed lunch prepared for us. The day ended with darkened skin and aching back but I was proud to work with a team and saw output of our hard work.