In an article on the Oct. 15, 2023 issue of Dumaguete Metro Post, the following was stated regarding Red-tagged NGO’s in Negros Oriental: “The 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army has filed charges in court to some non-government organizations (NGOs) in Negros Oriental for allegedly providing funding support to New People’s Army – Communist Terrorist Group (NPA-CTG).”
We, the staff and Board of Trustees of Tuburan for Rural Women Empowerment &Development Inc., strongly condemn the malicious and baseless accusation mentioned in the news report.
Tuburan absolutely does not give funds to the New People’s Army. The mandate of Tuburan, as stated in its vision, is to work for the establishment of a “community of women, men and families living in justice, mutuality, well-being and hope in harmony with the whole of creation.”
Towards this end, Tuburan implemented the following activities: organized women associations for a cohesive women’s voice and common development agenda; conducted workshops and seminars on gender education, women’s rights, leadership, participatory governance, laws on women, women and environment; provided seeds, farm implements, livestock, capitalization for livelihood projects and women village banks as part of its economic empowerment program; established community mechanisms on Violence against Women (VAW), and disaster and climate change at the barangay, municipal and provincial levels; provided financial and legal support to VAW victims; established potable water systems to ease the burden of women and families; conducted relief and rehabilitation projects during the earthquake in 2012 and Typhoon Odette, among others.
Tuburan works for women in rural communities because that is where help is most needed.
Tuburan has earned the long-standing trust and credibility of funders because it responsibly accounted for every single penny received for activities mutually agreed upon between Tuburan and the local and international funders.
Tuburan’s credibility is a result of decades of work which produced empowered women that have effectively participated in local policy-making as upstanding citizens of our democratic society.
Tuburan is accredited with LGUs in the Province and national government agencies, and compliant with government reportorial requirements.
Tuburan should not be made a sacrificial lamb by the military in its apparent campaign to undermine participation of women in governance, and participation of civil society organization in general.
Tuburan should not be made a sacrificial lamb by the military in its apparent campaign to diminish the contribution of women in development work in the Province.
Tuburan strongly states that it is NOT connected with any organization or entity that threatens Philippine sovereignty.
Tuburan vehemently protest the false report that there is a pending case against Tuburan. There is NO PENDING CASE, and there is NO CHARGE against Tuburan for violation of anti-terror laws.
Tuburan calls for a balanced reporting as the writer of the article did not reach out to NGOs here in Negros Oriental that were named, including Tuburan, for comment regarding the alleged charges filed by the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, as reported by Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Brigade.
And as an organization that respects and operates within the bounds of our laws, Tuburan will resist all efforts that will undermine its good name and work, as we also reiterate our commitment for collaboration and partnership with the provincial government in the field of women empowerment, participatory governance, environmental protection, and community development.
Atty. Adrian Ruz C. Vidal
BOT, Chairperson
Nancy U. Estolloso
Executive Director
Tuburan for Rural Women Empowerment & Development Inc.
