ORMOC CITY — City officials, led by Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez and Congressman Richard Gomez, officially launched the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Week 2026 at SM Center Ormoc on October 26, 2026. The opening program celebrated the vital partnership between the local government and grassroots organizations in driving inclusive progress.
A Partnership for Sustainable Growth
Organized by the City Planning and Development Office through its dedicated CSO Desk, the week-long celebration highlights the critical role of civil society in promoting sustainable economic growth and livelihood development. It firmly underscores the local administration's ongoing commitment to fostering active, vibrant grassroots participation.
SP Member Tomas Serafica, Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives, Accreditation of CSOs, and People’s Participation, joined Mayor Lucy in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Their joint action powerfully symbolized a unified front in empowering community-driven initiatives and local volunteerism across the rapidly growing city.
Showcasing Community Initiatives
The opening day featured the official launch of the CSO Exhibit at the Ground Level near Mayong’s inside the busy mall. The exhibit provides a highly visible platform for local organizations to proudly showcase their meaningful initiatives, ongoing projects, and significant contributions to the Ormocanon community.
Distinguished guests also graced the well-attended event, including City Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr., SP Members Ari Larrazabal and Kia Mercadal, and SM Center Ormoc Assistant Mall Manager Lene Abarca. Their presence strongly affirmed the broad multi-sectoral support actively backing these civic engagements.
A Packed Calendar of Meaningful Events
The week-long festivities continue today, October 27, with the highly anticipated Dagyaw Town Hall Meeting under the theme "Sustainable Livelihood Development." This crucial dialogue aims to generate actionable strategies that will directly uplift local families and strengthen grassroots enterprises in the province.
Tomorrow, October 28, the city will host the Cooperative Month Culmination, followed by the World Food Day observance on October 29. The food day theme focuses on transforming food systems through circular economy practices, proactive climate action, and significant food waste reduction.
These diverse activities emphasize the city's holistic approach to social welfare. By addressing everything from economic livelihood to food security and environmental sustainability, the local government ensures that the CSO Week delivers tangible and lasting benefits to the community.
Honoring Outstanding Contributions
The culminating event is scheduled for October 30 with the much-anticipated CSO Awards. This special ceremony will formally recognize the outstanding achievements and tireless contributions of various civil society organizations in shaping a more progressive, resilient, and highly engaged city.
By dedicating a whole week to these organizations, the local government reinforces its commitment to transparent and participatory governance. The active engagement of CSOs ensures that essential community needs are effectively addressed and integrated into the city's overarching development agenda.
Ultimately, the success of this week relies on the continuous synergy between the public and private sectors. Moving forward, the city aims to deepen these collaborative efforts to ensure no sector is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable and equitable urban development.
