The Timbayayong Award for Outstanding  LGU & NGO/PO Partnership hatched in 2005 with the passing of a Resolution by the Sangguniang Panlalalwigan of Negros Oriental is now going to be institutionalized as a regular Provincial Award Program with the enactment of the Provincial Ordinance No.60 series of 2017 (October 23, 2017 Regular Session). The Ordinance is authored by Hon. Ma. Antonia E. Villegas.

Since 2005, the Negros Oriental Network of NGOs (NEGORNET) has been tasked as partner to spearhead the yearly implementation of the Award Program designed “to recognize excellent partnership of Local Government Units (LGUs) and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or People’s Organizations (POs) in local governance and development; to motivate LGUs and NGOs/POs to strive for a functional partnership; and to promote effective local governance and partnership.”

Since the inception of the Timabayong Award Program, the 16 LGUs and 62 NGOs/POs who participated in the Timbayaong Award for Outstanding LGU & NGO/PO Partnership and received varying cash prizes depending on the level of winners.

For this year 2018, the search or call of nominees for the Timbayayong Award started in March 15, with the Award Recognition Program scheduled on August 3, 2018 in time for the NGO & PO Week Provincial Celebration of Negros Oriental. The Provincial Governor is expected to grace the occasion and present the award and cash prizes which are now increased to grand Prize (PhP350K), Ist Runner-Up (PhP200K), 2nd Runner-Up (PhP150K) and some consolation cash prizes.

Ever since, the Timbayayong Award for Outstanding LGU & NGO/PO Partnership has been a joint undertaking of the Office of the Provincial Governor and the Negros Oriental Network of NGOs (NEGORNET) in association with the DILG – Negros Oriental Office.

Greg Fernandez, Jr. is the Executive Director of NEGORNET.