DECADES OF DEVELOPMENT WORK have revealed the limitations of states and markets in addressing fundamental social issues. This has led to
increased recognition of the importance of non-government organizations (NGOs) in the human development process.1 The Philippine NGO
community is an example of the key role NGOs play in a vibrant civil society. Much of that work has been sustained by a combination of factors.
First, the “semi-voluntary” NGO sector pays workers substantially less than other sectors.2 This creates an ironic situation where those who
want to “do good” must make personal sacrifices to continue the work. To quote Prof. Vic Limlingan of the Center for Development Management
Program at the Asian Institute of Management, “the challenge is to do good and to do well.”3 Secondly, a major source of NGO funding is
grants and contracts from international donors.
