Cory Aquino’s partnership with NGOs

The Late President Corazon C. Aquino, speaking to the masses with all simplicity and dedication

OPINION section of Philippine Daily Inquirer [8-19-2009]

When the late President Corazon Aquino assumed office in 1986, one of the first things she did was to harness non-government organizations to participate in basic infrastructure undertakings like building schools and potable water systems.

Our NGO group, the Rizal Peoples Economic Council based in Rizal province, through our former chairman Lourdes Jose of Antipolo, was approached by people from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) with an offer to fund the construction of 15 school buildings in Rizal if our group would undertake the project. Taken aback because we were not connected with anyone in Malacañang and we had made no such request, we hesitated at first. It was a huge challenge for a small provincial group like ours. We were also afraid there was a “catch” somewhere.

Since ours is a collegial body, we called all our chapter chairmen (one from each town) to deliberate and decide if we should accept the challenge. The response was unanimous: “Yes, let’s do it.”

Without even a follow-up (the bane of bureaucratic processes), we were given a budget of about P4 million to build 15 school buildings (one in each Rizal town, except Talim Island where we constructed two, one for the Binangonan side and another for the Cardona side). No other requirements were demanded of us—no banners acknowledging and advertising the project source—except that we adhere strictly to the PMS plans and specifications.

During the entire period of construction, we never had to see Elfren S. Cruz, then head of the PMS. The projects were inspected twice by the Department of Public Works and Highways and, after completion, the Commission on Audit checked our books. We passed with flying colors, with a small surplus to boot. In grateful acknowledgment of the trust bestowed on us, we returned the surplus to the President’s Social Fund. The President’s fund needed replenishment because Mt. Pinatubo had erupted and devastated everything within its reach.

After the buildings were completed, we expected President Cory’s presence for the usual rituals considering that her mother, the late Demetria Sumulong, was from Rizal. But no Cory, and no photo-ops. We turned over the buildings quietly to the local education department officials and town mayors.

What am I saying here? Let government institutions and agencies do their work without too much political interference and personality cult. Each institution has its own mandate and under leaders with competence and moral authority, they are capable of exemplary performance.

Under an inspiring leadership and mutual trust between the Filipino people and their government, this country can still move forward and turn around. Transparency inspires positive synergy and works miracles where none is perceived possible.

—EVA M. INCIONG,

retired chair,

RIZPEC Foundation for Sustainable Development,

Pililla, Rizal