March 1, 2023 - In a collaborative effort to strengthen citizens' initiatives in the promotion of good governance, Paghimud-os Negros, Inc. (PNI) has partnered with INCITEGov for the formulation of the vision for Negros 2040. PNI, a coalition of individuals, peoples' organizations, and non-governmental organizations based in Negros Occidental, aims to advance social, economic, and political consciousness while working towards sustainable development.
The project focuses on crafting a strategy to activate PNI and consolidate local reform-oriented individuals and groups through bringing them into a shared platform, the Negros 2040. The objective is to establish a shared regional agenda on good governance, providing PNI with a basis for pursuing inclusive development in the region through working with local governments.
During a leveling-off session held in Bacolod City on March 1, 2023, preliminary research from study groups on education and the sugar sectors were presented. These sectoral studies, along with other thematic priorities, will form the foundation for PNI's organizational and regional agenda strategy formulation. The workshop was facilitated by Angge Gregorio-Medel, member of INCITEGov.
Former Negros Occidental governor and PNI founding president, Rafael Coscolluela, addressed the group, emphasizing the challenge of awakening people from apathy, indifference, and overdependence on outside leadership. He called on the PNI officers and members confront these obstacles, highlighting the importance of their role in driving meaningful change.
Mardi Mapa-Suplido, chair of INCITEGov, commended PNI's initiative, particularly recognizing Coscolluela's inspiring transition from government official to an active civil society leader. Mapa-Suplido acknowledged the group's efforts in reigniting the fire and their commitment to reclaiming their voice and advocating for good governance reforms at the local and regional levels.
The project includes two more planned activities, with the hope that these initial steps will invigorate PNI, providing them with renewed energy to continue pushing for the interests of the people of Negros, especially the poor and marginalized sectors in the region.
PNI originated during a protest against proposed charter change in 2021. The founding members gathered and demonstrated in front of the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol, near Eduardo Castrillo's metal sculpture entitled "Paghimud-os," meaning "struggle." The group drew inspiration from this monument, leading them to adopt the name Paghimud-os Negros, Incorporated (PNI) after reorganizing as a non-stock, non-profit corporation following the May 2022 elections. PNI obtained legal status from the Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2023.
With headquarters in Bacolod City and local chapters in various municipalities and cities across the province of Negros Occidental, PNI remains committed to its mission of promoting social, economic, and political consciousness, and striving for sustainable development while actively advocating for good governance reforms.
The partnership between INCITEGov and PNI signifies a significant step forward in mobilizing citizen-led led initiatives towards collaboration and effective advocacy for good governance in Negros.