LAGAWE, Ifugao– Thirteen non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) of Ifugao have gathered recently in Lagawe for the half-day orientation aimed to provide them information on their role, duties and responsibilities of being duly-accredited by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Likewise, insights of the benefits derived from the accreditation system were tackled.
These NGOs and POs are more collectively known as civil society organizations (CSOs).
Heads of these NGOs and POs, a number of them based in the capital town of Lagawe, were in attendance.
Through Resolution 2016-59, approved unanimously by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, accredited were Banco Lagawe, Banaue Savings Development Cooperative, Hojap Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Ifugao Bus and Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, Inc., Ifugao Federation of Cooperatives, Ifugao Federation of Senior Citizens Associations, Ifugao Federation of Women Organizations, Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina, Inc., Ifugao Global Entrepreneurs Multi-Purpose Cooperative, National Chaplaincy in the Philippines-Ifugao Chapter, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.-Ifugao Chapter and Rice Terraces Farmers’ Cooperative.
The meeting further strengthened the collaboration of these NGOs and POs and the provincial government.
One of the participants, Godfrey Dominong said improving the collaboration between the provincial government and the private sector will enable the Mayam-o administration to fast track the implementation of key programs and projects. He is the manager of the Ifugao Global Entrepreneurs Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IGEMCO).
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Dominong asserted: “The broad experiences of the non-government organizations and people’s organizations accredited by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan could provide the provincial government with expert guidance to be more relevant and efficient in the delivery of social services.”
In this regard, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Carmelita Buyuccan enjoined the participants to take an active role in assisting the provincial government pursue its overall development goals.
“Her message is indeed timely and relevant and we’re ready to relay this to members of our organization,” a participant said. Verily, the cooperative effort of the private and public sectors in facilitating joint actions to accelerate the growth of the province is important.
In the long run, among the dividends expected by many of this cooperation are the advancement of the cause for good governance and ensuring efficient public service in Ifugao.
At the end of the day, what is more important than, for instance, allowing their representatives to take a seat in the so-called local special bodies is to ensure their participation in the decision-making process. As the need for them to speak out clearly and forcefully on vital issues affecting the people, such as on how to improve the economy and upgrade the delivery of basic services, arises.
The orientation programs two main speakers were Local Government Operations Officer V Florita Narciza and Local Government Operations Officer III Mario Anggadna, both of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Ifugao Field Office. Gemma Ballogan, Epifania Nanglegan and Gemma Tayaban of the Provincial Planning and Development Office were also in attendance.
Only seven of the 13 accredited NGOs and POs sent their representatives in the all-important activity.
The local development council, local school board, local health board and local peace and order council comprise the local special bodies. **By Anthony A. Araos
