Quezon City, May 6, 2023 - The International Center for Innovation, Transformation, and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov) successfully conducted its 17th Annual General Assembly (GA) through a hybrid setup, combining both in-person and virtual participation. The event, held on May 6, saw the active involvement of its members, with significant milestones achieved.
A total of 34 members, representing an 80 percent voter turnout, participated in the online voting process that elected four new trustees. The newly-elected members, Mario Aguja, Patricia Licuanan, Alberto Lim, and Luisito Montalbo, will join the INCITEGov Board of Trustees. With their election, they replace outgoing trustees Howard Cafugauan, Edilberto de Jesus, Mary Racelis, and Veronica Villavicencio. Notably, three of the newly-elected trustees, Aguja, Lim, and Montalbo, have previously served in the board, bringing continuity to the organization's leadership.
The completion of the election process finalizes the composition of the 11-member Board of Trustees of INCITEGov. The newly elected board subsequently held a meeting to establish its Executive Committee. Mardi Mapa-Suplido was appointed as Chairperson, with Philip Arnold Tuano serving as Vice Chairperson. Rosalie Romero was appointed as Board Secretary, and Alberto Lim assumed the role of Treasurer.
INCITEGov, guided by its by-laws, follows a cycle of electing four new trustees each year, with three new members added on the third year of the cycle. This system ensures both dynamism and stability, and facilitates a smooth transition within the organization's leadership. Each trustee serves for two consecutive terms of three years each.
During this year's GA, the organization's agenda focused the directions and strategies for the years 2023 to 2028. Mardi Mapa-Suplido, Chairperson of INCITEGov, delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing the organization's plans. Notably, INCITEGov underwent a strategic assessment and planning process in the previous year, adapting to the evolving governance and political landscape following the 2022 national elections.
Discussions during the assembly emphasized the need to strengthen INCITEGov's research, documentation, and communications capacities. Additionally, participants underscored the importance of continuously refining and adapting the change theory, considering it as a living document that can effectively respond to dynamic challenges.
Howard Cafugauan, the organization's Treasurer, presented the financial report for INCITEGov. The audited financial statement, covering the period from 2021 to 2022, was made accessible to the members.
As an assembly of reform advocates, INCITEGov remains committed to its mission of deepening democracy in the country. The organization believes in the collective and responsible participation of all sectors, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized, in democratic politics and transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. By working in partnership with democratic networks and forces, INCITEGov aims to achieve meaningful development and deliver responsive and equitable outcomes.