Published on: May 22, 2023 | By: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

May 16-17, 2023 | The Department of the Interior and Local Government IX and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government joined forces in an enriching two-day endeavor of benchmarking and knowledge sharing on programs relative to citizen participation.

The primary focus was to facilitate a dynamic exchange of invaluable insights and wisdom surrounding the strategies adopted by DILG IX and its LGUs on onboarding Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in local governance.

The MILG – BARMM team, composed of five personnel from the Local Government Development Division, included Tarhata L. Balading, LGOO VII/Chief of LGDD; Marline P. Pasil, LGOO VI/Assistant Chief; Raijannah K. Ampuan, Information Officer/EPPLog Focal Person; Islambai Adtuluganan and Zulficar Zamil Sero, both Technical Staff members. Accompanying them were representatives from the DILG IX SLGP and LGRRC teams: Alvin Rex M. Lucero, LGCDD Chief; Pamela Grace G. Amantiaad, DMO IV and Febie L. Marquez, DMO III.

The first half of the benchmarking endeavor showcase the programs of the Municipality of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, where a remarkable feat had been accomplished – the establishment of the People’s Council within the confines of the local government unit (LGU).

Hon. Roberto Uy, Jr., the Municipal Mayor of Liloy, extended a gracious reception to the team, gracing the occasion with a brief, heartfelt address. Following this, Mr. Geoffrey Gomisong, the visionary catalyst behind Liloy’s People Council, generously imparted profound wisdom encompassing the organization’s historical journey, primary issues, and formidable hurdles.

During the discourse, the deliberation on the CSO Accreditation process shone a spotlight on its role as a strategic maneuver aimed at augmenting the roster of registered CSOs in Liloy. Moreover, two members from the People’s Council took center stage to elucidate their personal journeys and recount the unwavering support they received from the LGU in furtherance of their respective organizations. Rogelio F. Quilaton, the distinguished leader at the helm of Liloy’s People’s Council, stood as the steadfast representative of the Kahugpungan sa Makugihon nga Mag-uuma sa Kayok, while Francisca T. Valenzna advocated for the VCS Rural Development Club.

On the subsequent day, the MILG-BARMM delegation visited the DILG IX Regional Office to explore into the region’s dynamic programs and groundbreaking initiatives centered around Citizen Participation. The assembly was participated by the Division Chiefs and the members of the Support for the Local Governance Programs (SLGP) team. Setting the stage for the event’s enlightening Knowledge Sharing session was Alvin Rex M. Lucero, the Chief of LGCDD, on behalf of DILG IX Regional Director, Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III.

Tarhata Balading, LGDD Chief, eloquently shared insights into the Engaging People’s Participation in Local Governance (EPPLoG) program, which was skillfully conceptualized by the MILG-BARMM. Furthermore, Febie L. Marquez shed light on the harmonious orchestration of Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs), Memorandum Circulars (MCs), and the dynamic Capacity Development (CapDev) initiatives within the region. The focal point of her discourse was the utmost significance of LGU compliance with CSO accreditation protocols and the consequential establishment of the People’s Council.

The collaborative benchmarking and knowledge-sharing endeavor unfurled as an invaluable avenue for the exchange of wisdom and firsthand encounters, propelling the pursuit of unrivaled proficiency in local governance through robust CSO involvement. The notable insights garnered from the successful experiences of Liloy’s People’s Council, coupled with the region’s trailblazing programs and initiatives, shall undoubtedly galvanize the ongoing refinement of potent strategies that underpin the fabric of effective local governance.