The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas in Mindanao (PhilDHRRA-Mindanaw) convened its 45TH Regional Assembly on 25 – 26 March 2010 at D’ Leonor Hotel in Bajada, Davao City.   Highlighting the theme ““Strengthening Adaptive Capacities and Responses to Climate Change and Vulnerabilities to Disaster”, the network hopes to build on its past gains to start with the right foot on embarking appropriate measures responding to the challenges on climate change.

This year’s assembly aims to respond to a two-pronged goal of heightening members’ awareness on the social impacts of climate change and integration of the social dimensions of climate change and disaster risk reduction in the network’s rural development interventions. It is on these specific concerns that the network hopes to contribute in pursuing joint and collaborative efforts and actions that are responsive to the needs of the rural communities.
The first whole day of the assembly was devoted to an orientation seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction organized through its Resource Persons, Mr. Armand Pacudan of the Foundation for Philippine Environment and Ms. Jing Lopez, the new PhilDHRRA National Coordinator.

The activity was a continuing initiative of the network’s mandate on integrating SIAD as a response to climate change issues in rural and urban areas. Climate change adaptation involves disaster risk reduction and social protection, considering policies and programs that are geared towards developing social protection approaches. PhilDHRRA’s roadmap to mainstreaming climate change was also presented where Current initiatives and developments were highlighted in the roadmap serving as basis in developing approaches of climate change program for PhilDHRRA. Day one ended with an input from CODE NGO Deputy Director, Mr. Cesar Belangel, on the “Development and Reform Agenda for 2010 – 2013”. The agenda identifies vital actions which can be possibly used as agenda for advocacy with the new administration in its first 3 years in office, from the period 2010-2013. Data presented were organized along four basic pillars, namely: a) Ensuring Empowerment and Democratization, b) Reducing poverty and inequality, c) Building peace, and d) Promoting a sustainable economy. The development reform agenda are varied and contained comprehensive information related to different issues which development actors and multi-stakeholders can use to pro-actively engage with the new Administration after election.

The second half of day two was devoted to the assembly’s business meeting which provided a brief update on the new management of PhilDHRRA National Secretariat and the network’s 2008 and 2009 financial status. Confirmation and adoption of the 2010 Network Operations plan was discussed, including the approval and adoption of “PhilDHRRA Roadmap” with recommended improvements in mainstreaming CCA/DRR. The network’s electoral engagement was opened, however no consensus was reached during the general assembly. Electoral decision was left on the members’ discretion and position on whom to support in the 2010 election. Although, it was observed that majority of the members have expressed their support to the Change Politics Movement’s chosen party.

Also during the assembly, the network formally welcomed its newly accepted associate member of the PhilDHRRA Mindanao Zamboanga cluster, PAGLAUM Community Development Foundation, Inc. (PAGLAUM CDFI). Executive Director, Mr. Gadwin Handumon, shared a brief background about PAGLAUM’s development interventions that is officially based in Misamis Occidental.

This year’s assembly was also graced by the presence of Ms. Dinky Soliman, former PhilDHRRA Chairperson, who shared her political projections and updates on the 2010 electoral scenarios. Former PhilDHRRA collegue – Soc Banzuela was also present, contributing his critical insights in strengthening the network’s strategic thrust and direction.

The two-day general assembly wrapped up through its traditional awarding ceremonies of the efforts and contribution of the past year commendable and active members based on the network participation monitor. The network’s membership is composed of 26 member-NGOs currently operating in almost all provinces in Mindanao through its various programs and projects adopting the SIAD development strategy.