The Organization of NEDA Employees (ONE) XII held its Annual General Assembly on January 28, 2015 at the Special Reference and Data Center (SRDC) of NEDA XII Office in Koronadal City. About 86 percent of the total members attended the said assembly, which started at 10:00 o’clock in the morning and ended at about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Senior Economic Development Specialist Eden F. Ridao, ONE XII President, together with the other ONE XII officers, spearheaded the conduct of the various activities lined up for the day.

The general assembly started with the presentation and discussion of official concerns such asreporting of ONE XII accomplishments for CY 2014 and ONE XII’s financial status, including that of its Mutual Assistance Fund (MAF). The MAF was generated from the annual contributions equivalent to a one-day salary of each member and is intended to provide financial assistance to ONE XII members, particularly for hospitalization and medicines and one-time assistance for members who are diagnosed with dreaded disease, among others.One of the important resolutions passed during the assembly was the proposed amendment to the guidelines for the grant of MAF benefits to make it more responsive to the needs of ONE XII members.

Ms. Ridao also presented the salient features of the 3rd Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) and the proposed ONE Roadmap on establishing a unified scheme on savings and benefits for NEDA Central and Regional Offices for 2015 and onwards, for information and comments of the members. Some health care proposals provided by some Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), including that of PhilBritish Assurance Company shared by ONE Central Office, were also presented during the assembly, for reference and/or consideration of interested personnel.

In behalf of RD Arturo G. Valero, who was on official travel at that time, ARD Noel E. Quiratman delivered a message for the ONE XII members. He emphasized the important role of ONE as a recognized government mechanism to look after the welfare of the rank and file employees of NEDA. He also conveyed the Management’s commitment and continued support to all activities and initiatives of ONE XII that promote welfare of the staff.
The afternoon session was focused on fellowship activities and fun games which strengthened camaraderie, teamwork and cooperation of members. The staff enjoyed playing the various fun games prepared by ONE XII officers, such as wordles, charade, as well as bingo games. There was also a raffle bonanza which added to the excitement and joy of the staff that day. Some prizes for the games and raffle bonanza were donated by the NEDA XII Management Committee and ONE XII officers. (GGBCollado and EFRidao/NEDA12-DRD)