Hundreds of representatives from various non-government and people's organizations have gathered in Dumaguete City for a week-long celebration of the 4th Provincial NGO and PO Week that will end tomorrow.

The Negros Oriental Network is spearheading this year's celebration focusing on local governance and accreditation.

At a press conference Wednesday, acting NEGORNET president Dr. Cristita Umbac said, the organization is planning to increase its membership by urging more organizations to accredit with the province.

The NEGORNET, which was organized in 1992, is the duly accredited and recognized NGO network by the province and currently has 25 members.

Its development agenda also includes people resource development, rural development, environmental protection and preservation, gender and development, child and youth development, industrialization and economic empowerment, and peace initiatives.

NEGORNET has also recently teamed up with the Peace and Equity Foundation for the network to be a Partnership and Access Center.

During the celebration, lectures on local governance and partnership, NGO-PO accreditation and certification, exhibits, children's advocacy on-the-spot drawing contest, and the launching of the 2nd Timbayanong Awards for Outstanding LGU and NGO/PO Partnership were held.

NEGORNET officials said that people are now encouraged to take on an active role in improving their own communities, with the help of the NGOs and POs and the local government.

They added that there is relative accomplishment in the various member-organizations proved by the continuous donations of various international aid agencies supporting their programs.*JG

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