It is important to know the historical background of the Philippines when talking about its civil society. The Philippines was colonized by Spain from mid 16th century. The Spanish rule lasted for more than 300 years. After Spain, America and Japan marched into the country. In the latter half of the 19th century, various movements emerged, such as those headed by farmers, laborers, women, communists, socialists and the church. After World War II, a number of civil society groups, particularly the Catholic Church, gave assistance to the victims. At about this time, the communist movement gained power, because of the inaccessibility of agricultural lands and the delay in the development in rural areas. This led to intensified campaigns led by NGOs/POs against widespread poverty. These likewise prompted support from the international community.

Several years into its independence, the head of state, former President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law. Under the military rule of President Marcos from 1972 to 1981, only social welfare and emergency relief activities of NGOs were considered legal. This suppression of freedom paved way to numerous protests against the Marcos regime. All these stimulated action from civil society groups who clamor for social reform.

More than 20 years hence, the NGOs/POs are given recognition for their efforts in assisting the government in bringing basic services and agricultural development closer to the Filipino people.

The Philippines is well-known as a country wherein NGOs are very active. The estimated number of NGOs in the Philippines is around 50,000 to 100,000. These NGOs serve not only the Filipino people but also cooperate with overseas government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Philippine NGOs have varied scope, expertise and activities. While there are many NGOs who are implementing projects at the grassroots level, there are also many NGOs who have expertise in special fields.

One example is an NGO Network which serves as an umbrella organization that binds several NGOs. Since there are thousands of NGOs in the Philippines, most of these NGOs form a network not only to distinguish which NGOs have proper registration and accreditation, but also to share information and collaborate in some other activities.

Caucus of Development NGOs Network (CODE-NGO), the biggest NGO network in the Philippines is composed of 12 NGO networks and its 2,500 members. The NGO networks usually have their individual advocacies and social concerns.

NGOs do various kinds of activities, such as working in the field hands-on towards the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, doing advocacy work, and helping other NGOs in fund raising, developing human resource by conducting trainings and certifying other NGOs for the purpose of tax exemption, among others.

• Ono Takushi (2001) "Knowing Modern Day Philippines: Chapter 60 Area Studies".
•                Akashi Bookstore
• Kawanaka Go (2000) "Countries in Asia and NGOs: Comparison research in 15 countries" Shinichi
•                Acho Akashi Bookstore
• Joseph Y. Lim, Katsumi Nozawa (1993) "Economic development and decentralization
•                policy of the Philippines" Institute of Asian Economy

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