The Bohol Association of Non-Government Organizations (BANGON) successfully held its 9th General Assembly on November 25–26, 2025, at Solea Coast Resort Panglao, Panglao Island, Bohol gathering civil society leaders, development advocates, and government partner under the theme “Reclaiming Solidarity: Strengthening Civil Society Leadership in a World of Uncertainty.”
The two-day assembly opened with a Board of Trustees Meeting led by Francis Bernard Batoy, President of the BANGON Board of Trustees, setting the direction for organizational priorities and collective action. In the afternoon, Batoy formally welcomed the participants, followed by the acknowledgment of BANGON member organizations led by Engr. Jerrey David Aguilar. A statement of purpose was then delivered by Mark Francis Nasayao, Secretary of the BANGON BOT, underscoring the role of unity and accountability in advancing people-centered development.
A series of key presentations highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in governance, particularly in monitoring government projects and promoting transparency. Mr. Johnjoan A. Mende, Provincial Director of DILG Bohol, emphasized Local Governance Mechanisms for CSO Engagement and Transparency, while Ms. Geralyn Janette Chiu Corona, Project Evaluation Officer II of DILG Bohol, discussed Monitoring for Government Projects. Sharing practical field experience, Ms. Catherine Melody A. Ruiz, Network Coordinator of Kaabag sa Sugbo Foundation, presented best practices and lessons from third-party monitoring.
These discussions were further enriched through a panel discussion on Strengthening CSO–Government Collaboration and Monitoring Mechanisms, moderated by Engr. Aguilar, which encouraged open dialogue, shared learning, and mutual accountability between sectors. A major highlight of the day was the Commitment Signing, where representatives of government agency and CSOs formally affirmed their shared pledge to uphold transparency, participation, and solidarity in governance. The day concluded with the awarding of plaques of appreciation to resource persons in recognition of their continued support and collaboration.
Day 2 began with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Nino Vincent Delusa, followed by the General Assembly Proper presided over by President Batoy. Key organizational matters were discussed, culminating in the presentation and dialogue on the proposed BANGON Operations Manual, facilitated by Ms. Joan Llanos, aimed at strengthening internal systems, roles, and operational effectiveness.
The 2025 9th BANGON General Assembly concluded on a high note of renewed commitment, strengthened partnerships, and collective resolve, reinforcing unity among civil society organizations and partners in advancing BANGON’s mission of serving the people of Bohol through collaboration, transparency, and shared leadership.
-BANGON, Inc.