Oxfam Pilipinas reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the localization agenda through Patas na Bukas: A Partners’ Conference and Launch event attended by over 200 participants from all over the country.
The conference explored Oxfam Pilipinas’ evolving role in its partnerships with various stakeholders and allies. With its new status as a national organization, Oxfam Pilipinas is poised to play a pivotal role in fighting inequality and poverty in the Philippines and will draw on its 35-year development experience to continue working with civil society partners while harnessing the resources and global footprint of the Oxfam Confederation.
“Oxfam Pilipinas is your partner in building an equal future. We will continue to implement programs with our partners, which aim to improve communities’ quality of life and preparedness in the face of shocks and climate crisis, end gender-based violence, promote respect for human rights, and provide life-saving aid in times of emergencies and armed conflicts,” Oxfam Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Geronimo said.
In 2016, the “Grand Bargain” agreement was signed between 50 of the biggest donors and aid institutions around the globe, including Oxfam which aims to shift power to the countries and communities where aid projects are implemented. At its core, localization involves a shift towards power, promoting locally-led practices, and celebrating diversity.
Oxfam Pilipinas welcomed the meaningful discussions during the conference. Partners expressed their solidarity as they posed both insights and recommendations on how Oxfam Pilipinas can better carve its path towards supporting partners and communities to create an equal future for all.
Mayfourth Luneta, Deputy Executive Director of Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP), conveys her recognition to Oxfam Pilipinas being a “convenor” where it serves as a bridge – linking local CSOs to other development key actors and funding sources.
Meanwhile, Bong Masagca, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN) Executive Director emphasized Oxfam Pilipinas’ invaluable role in shaping policy from the sub-national to global levels, further amplifying local movements’ advocacy agendas.
The partner’s conference was followed by the Oxfam Pilipinas launch graced by Senator Risa Hontiveros, a staunch advocate of women’s rights. In her keynote speech, she highlighted some of the milestones in gender justice advocacies including the landmark passage of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law in 2022.
She also emphasized that the work doesn’t stop at empowering women. It was also important to safeguard the rights of women and girls and people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics through legislation, protecting their rights and welfare.
Oxfam has been working in the Philippines for more than three decades, serving the most marginalized and vulnerable communities for a just and equal future. Oxfam in the Philippines is undergoing a transformation towards becoming Oxfam Pilipinas through a multi-year affiliation journey, with plans to become a full affiliate of Oxfam International in early 2024. It remains steadfast in its commitment to work with partners to transform the unequal power relations, structures, norms, and values that cause poverty and inequality.
Oxfam Pilipinas is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and accredited by the Philippine Council of NGO Certification and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
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