10th NGO-PO Week launched at Capitol
Bloodletting, medical mission set on weekend
The 10th NGO-PO Week in Iloilo was launched last Tuesday at the New Provincial Capitol by the Iloilo Coalition of Non-government Organizations and People’s Organizations (ICON) with the theme, “Palibot Amligan; Maayong Panghimanwa Dampigan.” The Opening Program at the entrance of the New Provincial Capitol Building, after the motorcade, was attended by officers and representatives of member organizations, as well as students with Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr. as guest.
The week-long celebration has included bloodletting activity and forum on volunteerism and environmental concerns and medical mission on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Jointly sponsored by SMART, Philippine National Red Cross and I SERVE, the bloodletting activity will be held the whole day at the lobby while the forum at the 5th floor Conference Room, 8:30 -11:30 am.
The medical mission, on the other hand, is scheduled on Sunday, still at the New Provincial Capitol in partnership with the 301st IB, 47th IB, and 604th RCDG of the Philippine Army. Culminating the celebration is a Christmas Party and Recognition on December 7 at the 5th floor Conference Room.
In his speech during the opening program, Rev. Edwin I. Lariza, ICON President, gave due recognition to the officers and members of the network who through thick and thin sustained the decade-long celebration. Lariza also thanked the government officials who have been supportive of ICON programs especially the celebration of the NGO PO Week. He pointed out the good partnership of ICON with the provincial government even during the stint of former Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. and with the present administration of Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr. Rev. Lariza has served as co chairman of both governors in the Provincial Development Council, as elected NGO representative. But he chided the tug-of-war at the Capitol which affected the celebration. He considered it strange that until now the budget for the celebration, which was part of the approved Annual Investment Plan, was not released yet.
It will be recalled that the annual celebration of NGO PO Week has been institutionalized by Provincial Ordinance 2000-042 and City Regulation Ordinance 2001-190 in recognition of the participation of the civil society organizations in nation building. It started in 2000 during the time of former Gov. Defensor which was strongly by the present administration of Gov. Tupas.
