Bantay Kita welcomes new CSO Reps to the PH-EITI MSG

Photo courtesy of Ryan Dael of PH-EITI Secretariat

​Four new CSO members were added to the PH-EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group during the 32nd MSG Meeting held at Orchid Hotel in Pasay City last June 3, 2016.

As part of its mandate as CSO representative, Bantay Kita opened the selection process early this year. After a rigorous deliberation, BK presented to the PH-EITI MSG through a letter transmitted to Atty. Karla Espinosa, national coordinator of PH-EITI Secretariat. The new names added include: Engr. Maria Rosario Aynon Gonzales Palawan State University; Atty. Golda Benjamin of Siliman University, Dumaguete City; Mr. Buenaventura Maata Jr. of Philippine Grassroots Engagement in Rural Development Foundation, Inc. (PhilGrassroots-ERDF) in Dinagat Islands; and Mr. Jose Melvin Lamanilao, an Independent Consultant.

To make the MSG even more inclusive, BK has also identified two interim representatives from indigenous peoples groups. These are Mr. Agusto S. Blanco, Jr. of the Mandaya tribe in Compostela Valley and Mr. Alfredo Montilla Ubo of the Manobo tribe in Agusan del Sur.

The interim IP representatives were identified during an IP conference held last year in Davao City.