Localization is a transformational agenda that challenges Oxfam Pilipinas and its partners to rethink how their identities, roles, positions, and work in the humanitarian and development sectors in the Philippines and beyond. Given Oxfam Pilipinas’ and their partners’ particular circumstances, for the localization agenda to be substantively fulfilled, it has to be a collective or shared agenda; it requires effective collaboration and mutual learning.

Therefore, while there is considerable focus in this learning initiative on the Oxfam Pilipinas journey of transformation into a national organization, this internal agenda needed to be located within the broader terrain of localization struggles in the Philippines and beyond, i.e., how Oxfam Pilipinas’ internal transformation can influence the pace and scale of localization writ large. It is important to see how Oxfam Pilipinas’ and partners’ localization decisions, journey, and experience can provide strong lessons for other relevant organizations.

Localization is not only a national or local agenda, but also a global and international one. It is about being effective globally and harnessing global resources to serve local objectives. Localization does not mean becoming development “hermits”, but rather engaging with the wider humanitarian and development sectors and sharing its insights and learnings as OPH.

Localization is a long journey and, some would say, aspirational in nature but it is important to celebrate incremental gains and be appreciative of building on what has already been achieved, not only by Oxfam Pilipinas and their partners but all other organizations and movements working on the localization agenda. Oxfam Pilipinas need contextualize their localization agenda within their strategic scope/scale and focus and be mindful of their unique identity and affiliation as Oxfam Pilipinas. They also need to continue to improve their strategic partnership model and capacitate their staff and people they work with at the community level to enhance their respective contributions to realization of localization.

Oxfam Pilipinas has a unique opportunity and responsibility to advance localization in the Philippines and beyond, and to be a leader and a learner in the process. Localization is a transformational leadership responsibility that requires strategic, adaptive, transparent, and fair leadership and management thinking and practice.