Alumni Christine Isip-Salvador of DENR-XI and Jessie Boga of DOH-XI, and UP Mindanao Public Relations Officer Rene Estremera were among the members who heard the proposed amendments to the Communications for Development Network (C4DNet) constitution and by-laws at the 2024 General Assembly (GA), held online on December 18, 2024. C4DNet is the group of information, communication, and public relations officers of the Regional Development Council-Region XI member agencies, with the National Economic Development Authority Region XI (NEDA-XI) serving as the network secretariat.

Among the proposed amendments are the opening of membership to more communications professionals and the transfer of the network's domicile from NEDA-XI to the Phil. Information Agency - XI.

However, there being a lack of a quorum, it was agreed that another meeting would be held early in 2025 to rationalize the membership and move the proposals forward. The agreement was reached during the open forum following the officers' reports and the members' fellowship.

Ms. Fe Maestre of Davao de Oro PGU is the current C4DNet president, supported by a Board of Directors composed of information officers from the member agencies. Mr. Estremera is one of three board directors representing the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) sector, and Mr. Boga and Ms. Salvador are among the members.

The C4DNet president issued the Call to Order at 1 p.m. and gave the Welcome Message to the 20-plus members present. "As government communicators, we hold a pivotal role as we align our communication efforts with the overarching goals of the Davao Region Development Plan 2023–2028," she said.

NEDA-XI Regional Director and C4DNet Adviser Priscilla Sonido delivered the Opening Message, impressing the significant role of the communication officials in realizing the development plans of the region.

Philippine Information Agency - XI Regional Director Rene Carbayas, co-adviser of the C4DNet, also delivered a message underscoring the character of the communications environment in the current age.

Mr. Michael Uy of the PIA-XI Davao de Oro-Davao Oriental Office was the resource person in the microlearning session, focusing on "Fake News" and its various aspects.

Ms. Lalaine Sajelan of NEDA-XI delivered the Secretary's Report detailing the C4DNet's activities in 2023-24. Ms. Carina Cayon of PIA-XI presented the Treasurer's Report. Finally, Ms. Karen Lou Deloso of Davao Oriental PGU presented the Proposed Amendments to the C4DNet Constitution and By-laws.

In the Open Forum, Ms.Sajelan stated that NEDA records show that C4DNet has 64 members, falling short of a quorum. President Maestre requested Membership Committee Chairperson Sherwin Cesar of Davao del Sur to plan a membership rationalization process for organizational efficiency. Mr. Cesar acknowledged the directive and his response in his closing remarks.

A raffle was held to award prizes among the attendees. Emcee Mr. Don Kryle Sy of Tagum City facilitated the discussions and the fellowship in the online platform.

The top photo shows the attendees at the close of the assembly.

#FP6Partnerships #SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals