Gomer Padong

12/09/2024

My new blog post is out!

Internet governance spaces like APrIGF 2024 must prioritise community-centered connectivity much more

"The apparent absence of community-centred connectivity initiatives as an agenda in APrIGF 2024 is an oversight of concern, given the crucial role these networks play in bridging the digital divide across the Asia-Pacific region. Community-centred connectivity initiatives have proven to be vital in providing last-mile connectivity to underserved areas, empowering local communities, and fostering digital inclusion, which is a key focus of internet governance discussions."

Read more here: https://www.apc.org/node/40333

APC network in Taiwan: DRAPAC24 and APrIGF Leave no one behind: A people-centred approach to achieve meaningful connectivity Meaningful connectivity: Pledges to enable bottom-up and rights-based solutions The year 2024 could well be pivotal for the internet. At the recently concluded Asia Pacific Re...

11/09/2024

Association for Progressive Communications community gathering
Chiang Mai, Thailand
May 15-17, 2024

ISEA is a proud member of APC.

11/09/2024

Hello, everyone!

14/10/2023

Some photos at the Rural ICT Camp 2023 organized by Common Room Indonesia in Pulo Aceh, Indonesia including an afternoon of beach clean up. The man in the photo where we had thumbs up is the head of the regency of Pulo Aceh.

09/10/2023

Last week, I attended the Fifth Forum of Minsiters & Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This is the regional preliminary meeting to the UN Environment Assembly in February 2024 to be held in Nairobi, Kenya. The event was preceded by a forum of Major Groups and Stakeholders where I moderated a session on Peoples Solutions and Innovations.

25/07/2023

Six years ago, we went for a social enterprise learning visit to London in England and Belfast in Northern Ireland. Together with me are leaders of social enterprises and non-government organizations from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, colleagues from the British Council and the Department of Trade and Industry of the former ARMM.

At the background is the Good Hotel, a floating social enterprise accommodation at the Elizabeth docks. This was where we stayed for our entire stay in London. The other picture was at Trafalgar Square just outside of the British Council offices in London.

The learning visit was part of a project we implemented in the ARMM called CSO-SEED, introducing social enterprise as a pathway to peace and development in the region. It was co-implemented by the Philippine Social Enterprise Network, the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Villgro Philippines, DTI-ARMM and co-financed by the British Council and the European Union in the Philippines.

14/07/2023

Very productive week ending with a communications and planning strategy workshop for an incoming project called, “Strengthening Participation and Accountability through Civil Society Organizations Engagement with SubNational and National Government (SPACES).” The project is jointly implemented by AGREA, Galing Pook, ISEA, PRESENT Coalition and Oxfam Pilipinas supported by the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

11/07/2023

What do you think? Anything to add to this listing?

04/07/2023

Advancing social entrepreneurship in Quezon City through the Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship Coalition! Very exciting times ahead!

Look: Our Coalition's journey to poverty reduction through social enterprises in Quezon City continues!

The Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Coalition met with the QC Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office yesterday to explore concrete steps for co-creating a poverty reduction through social entrepreneurship policy and program.

We are excited to work with the office to make Quezon City a Social Enterprise City!

04/07/2023

I had a short but sweet catch-up with social entrepreneurs based in Davao a few weeks ago. Happy to meet old and new changemakers who continue to contribute to economic and social development despite stumbling blocks and challenges. I shared updates on the advocacy front— the national legislative efforts on the PRESENT Bill as well as localization in Pasig and Quezon City. Colleagues responded with a positive outlook at passing the same in Davao City through a city ordinance. Happy to know the local ecosystem is very vibrant!

Thank you, Coffee For Peace, Inc. and Ms Joji for accommodating in your Ecoland location. 🙂