March 29, 2023 | The Department of the Interior and Local Government IX – Support to Local Governance Programs (SLGP) Team and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) Zamboanga Sibugay converged at the PPDO Office, Zamboanga Sibugay to deliberate on the Capacity Development Program for CSOs in the Local Special Bodies and the People’s Council’s establishment.

In attendance were representatives from both the DILG ZSP Provincial Office and the DILG IX – SLGP Team, including Provincial Director Mario A. Baterna, Program Manager Gemma C. Sabdula, Development Management Officer III Febie L. Marquez and Community Development Officer II Jasten Dwight B. Desierto. Also present were the SB Secretary Nicasio Peña, Acting PPDC Atty. Socrates P. Villota, PBO SAO Ivy R. Relao, PBO Administrative Assistant Grace Tabo-Tabo, Board Member Richard D. Olegario, CSO Desk Officer Glocelyn Bucoy and PPDO Russel Ric Tumamot from PLGU Zamboanga Sibugay.

The purpose of the gathering was to delve into the execution of the capacity development program for CSOs in the local special bodies, emphasizing the establishment of the People’s Council in Zamboanga Sibugay.

During the meeting, the conversation centered on the critical need to enhance the abilities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Local Special Bodies (LSBs) to ensure their active participation in local governance. The DILG IX – SLGP team outlined their program plans and the extensive support they would extend to the PLGU in executing the initiative. On the other hand, the PLGU exhibited its unwavering dedication to the program, expressing a desire to join forces with DILG IX to guarantee its triumph.

The creation of the People’s Council was also a topic of discussion during the gathering. The People’s Council serves as a tool to bolster the citizens’ involvement in local governance and decision-making processes. DILG IX and the PLGU both recognized the significance of creating the People’s Council and vowed to collaborate closely to guarantee its successful establishment.

The consultation concluded with both sided pledging their dedication to the success of the Capacity Development Program for CSOs in the Local Special Bodies, as well as the establishment of the People’s Council. DILG IX and PLGU ZSP concurred to conduct frequent meetings to oversee the advancement of the program and proactively tackle any obstacles. With their shared commitment, the initiative and creation of the People’s Council are anticipated to make a substantial positive impact on the enhancement of local governance in Zamboanga Sibugay.