THE PHILIPPINE MISEREOR PARTNERSHIP

In 1998 , there was a tremendous priviledge to start a partnership - now it is a dream in the making. Philippine Misereor Partnership is an avenue for working together beyond funding, formulating and implementing strategies and priorities of joint development agenda in order to increase the impact of development intervention towards the ultimate benefit of the poor people in the country.

The Partnership has a special character - it is a gathering together of church-based groups, non-government organizations, and people's organizations. It adheres to seven principles: the poor are the primary actors of development, transparency, subsidiarity, openness, mutual trust, balance and symmetry, and objectivity.

The three goals set for the period 2003 - 2005 are:

  • An animated Philippine Misereor Partnership striving towards integral human development;
  • A partnership that is faith-based, transparent and accountable; and
  • Full engagement in open dialogue addressing mutual needs and contributions, enhancing synergy of service to and with the poor and accepting the transforming power of the poor.

The Partnership is composed of fifteen clusters of partner organizations situated at the different parts of the country. Those clusters are the primary focal points of the partnership, but all are autonomous in nature and in operation. It is the cluster that determines the particular development agenda that best responds to the context and situation of the people in their area. It is in the clusters where the development action happens, and where their particular sectors are engaged.

In view of the clusters' primacy and autonomy, the partners can create any mechanism and organizational structure that they deem fit to serve their purposes, and assist their members.

In the First National Assembly of the Philippine Misereor Partnership last March 13 - 14, 2003 at SBMA, Olongapo City, the participants unanimously approved fourteen resolutions which guided the decisions of the various instrumentalities of the Partnership.

PMPI STRUCTURE

 

       The Clusters are the geographical groupings of partner organizations all over the country. They are the key operating arm of the partnership. This is the locus where the partnership engages in constant dialogue with the aim at developing creativity in development work, strengthening lobby and advocacy work, and engaging the maximum participation of the poor people to whom the partnership focuses it utmost attention.

       The Co-Conveners meet bimonthly to determine the details of the implementation of the decisions of the NCC and the NA. This is a group composed of five persons: Co-Convener for Luzon, Co-Convener for Visayas, Co-Convener for Mindanao, Co-Convener for CBCP-CAritas Pilipinas and Co-Convener for Misereor. They convene and chair the discussions of the NCC. Chairpersonship of the NCC is collegial and rotated among the Co-Conveners.

       The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) is composed of a representative per cluster designated as the point person; the Chair of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action- Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP); the Executive Secretary of the National Secretariat Social Action-Justice and Peace (NASSA-JP); the Philippine Program Officer in Misereor; and the PMP National Secretariat Coordinator. The Catholic bishops are usually invited to attend the NCC meetings. The NCC meets twice a year to ensure the attainment of the directions set by the NA. The NCC calls for the National Assembly.

       The National Assembly (NA) sets the direction for the PMP. It is composed of 4 representatives of each cluster and a bishop, whose representation should not be replaceable; Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA); and MISEREOR.

       The Secretariat is the service arm of the partnership. It is headed by a National Coordinator who ensures coordination and communication between and among partner organizations, and between Misereor and the partner organizations. It assists the Co-Conveners in the conduct of the NCC and assists the NCC in the organizing of the National Assembly.

Meet the New PMPI Co-Conveners

The 2nd National Assembly revised the number of Co-Conveners from four to five, ensuring that there is one Convener each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao . The other two Conveners are on an ex-officio capacity. They represent Misereor and NASSA.

So here are the new PMPI Co-Conveners

FR. JOSE VICTOR LOBRIGO

Fr. Jovic was the director of the Diocesan Social Action Center of Legazpi for more than ten years. He is now the parish priest of Our Lady of the Gate Parish in Daraga, Albay. He was the first point person for the Bicol Cluster and after three years, turned over the task to Ms. Malou Capucao. 

Fr. Jovic is the Convener for Luzon . He was the Chair of the Co-Conveners for April 2006 – March 2007.

 

MS. TERESA BANAYNAL-FERNANDEZ

Ms. Tessie Fernandez is the Executive Director of Lihok Pilipina Foundation based in Cebu City . Lihok Pilipina was established in 1985 and since then many things have happened: promotion of rights of women, credit program for women, and a center for street children, to name a few. Ms. Tessie was selected early this year as one of Cebu 's Most Influential People and also just recently was an Aboitiz Awardee for Public Service.

Ms. Tessie is the point person of the Central Visayas Cluster and is the Convener for Visayas.

 

MS. MYRNA ABONIAWAN-SIOSE

Ms. Myrna Siose is the Training Coordinator of South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN) based in Cagayan de Oro City. Earlier, she represented the Year of Service Program in the partnership.

Ms. Myrna is the point person for the CABUSTAM Cluster and is the Convener for Mindanao . She was the chair of the Co - Conveners for April 2007 - MArch 2008.

 

SR. ROSANNE MALLILLIN, SPC

Sr. Rosanne is the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action – Justice and Peace (CBCP-NASSA-JP). Prior to her service in NASSA, Sr. Rosanne was in the Research Department of the Graduate School of the University of Sto . Tomas, in Manila .

Sr. Rosanne is an ex-officio Convener for NASSA. She has been a member of the Co-Conveners in PMP since 2003.

MR. ELMAR NOE

Mr. Elmar Noe is the current Project Desk Officer for the Philippines in Misereor. He held the post effective February 1,208 after Ms. Anna Dirksmeier is transferred to India. He served in India prior to his service for the Philippines.

Mr. Elmar is an ex-officio Convener for Misereor. He has been a member of the Co-Conveners PMP since February 1,2008.