NGO-PO week opens with a bang
Iloilo -- This year's celebration of the Non-government Organizations and People's Organizations (NGO-PO) Week opened with a big crowd joining the Alay Lakad and and the subsequent Launching Program at the New Provincial Capitol Ground.
From two assembly areas in Jaro Plaza and Fort San Pedro, respectively, an estimated 4,000 participants composed of multi- sectoral organizations and National Service Training Students converged at the venue to hear speeches and solidarity statements while waiting for the keynote speaker Ging Deles who came all the way from Manila.
Deles was chief of the government's National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC) prior to her joining the resigned Cabinet officials (popularly known as Hyatt 10) who called for GMA ouster.
Prof. Edwin I. Lariza, ICON president, congratulated the participants for joining the event which has become distinctively a reflection of the level of show of partnership and networking between and among the provincial and city government and NGO-PO community in Iloilo.
Iloilo holds the distinction of having an ordinance that recognizes the role of civil society organizations in nation building by the annual celebration of the NGO-PO Week. Now on its 6th year, the celebration has galvanized the relationship of member organizations of the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON) and institutionalized its partnership with the city and provincial government.
'By doing this, in the context of the chosen theme this year, we want to make clear our message to all both the government officials (in national and local level) and the general public that poverty is still the main issue that should be addressed amidst the much publicized political bickering and ideological or personal conflict, Lariza explicitly said.
This year's theme is Sabat sa Kaimolon: Yara Man lang Sa Aton. 'While we recognize and respect the principles of contending forces, we must not allow that the real issue and concern of the overwhelming majority of our people be always put into sidelight. And we must do our share in every way we can,' he added.
Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada, who represented Gov. Niel Tupas assured the participants of the provincial government's continuous support to the initiatives of civil society organizations, particularly the ICON. Mejorada, however, challenged the NGOs and POs to police their ranks, against those NGOs that only serve as fronts or instruments of some self-serving people and government officials. Although he did not mention names but it was obvious that he was referring to an NGO in Iloilo that has been in the headlines recently for allegedly misuse of funds.
On the other hand, Executive Secretary Alejano, in behalf of Mayor Treñas who is abroad, commended the ICON's initiatives and innovations and assured the civil society organizations of the city government's continuous support.
Meanwhile, it was learned that the week-long celebration will be graced by guest speakers who have distinguished themselves in development work, namely; DSWD Lualhati Pablo, PA for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela, former DSWD Secretary and CSC chief Corazon Alma de Leon who will speak during the regional convention of the Philippine Association of Social Workers in Bicol and Visayas at the Iloilo Grand Hotel on December 2-3.
On December 7, Executive Director of the Peace and Equity Foundation Veronica Villavicencio will lead the resource person in Donor's Forum while CODE NGO chief Dong Macasaet will be the keynote speaker in the 4th NGO-PO Congress to culminate the celebration.