(USAID/EcoGov2 Project - 10 January 2008)
"Ninong" or godparent. It's an honorific in Philippine society since a "ninong" assumes the role of a child's surrogate parent.

This was the high compliment paid by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) to the U.S. Agency for International Develop-ment's Philippine Environmental Governance 2 Project (EcoGov2) during the January 5 live telecast of LMP's weekly talkshow, Lakbayin ang Magandang Pilipinas.

In the show, which had as guest EcoGov2 chief of party Dr. Ernesto Guiang, LMP credited EcoGov2 with being the "ninong" of its Mayors' Development Center. EcoGov2 helped LMP establish the Center with technical and financial assistance when the Center was being developed in late 2004.

The LMP also recognized EcoGov2 for maintaining an ongoing, active partnership with the League's members. During the telecast, Dr. Guiang explained to LMP President Mayor Ramon Guico, Jr. and LMP Secretary General Mayor Gerardo Calderon how USAID, through EcoGov2, has been helping about 130 local government units enhance their capabilities in environmental governance.

EcoGov2 helps these LGUs plan and carry out devolved and decentralized environment and natural resources functions in the management of their forest and coastal resources, and in the implementation of their local solid waste and wastewater programs. Most of these LGUs have acquired know-how and expertise in –

• curbing overfishing and destructive fishing practices in their coastal areas
• reducing illegal logging and conversion of natural forests
• improving management of their solid wastes and wastewater programs.

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