April 03-04, 2023 | The Local Government Unit of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government IX spearheaded an immersive two-day program focused on the Capacity Development for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Local Special Bodies (LSBs) and Formation of People’s Council.

This event was held with the ultimate goal of arming the accredited CSOs members in the LSBs with valuable skills and knowledge to operate efficiently in the Local Development Council and establish a fully functioning People’s Council in the municipality.

The event was held in compliance with the DILG Memorandum Circular 2022-083, which advocates for the LGUs to conduct capacity-building programs for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) members within the Local Special Bodies (LSBs). In addition, the activity was also aligned with the DILG Memorandum Circular 2021-054, which urges the LGUs to initiate the establishment of the People’s Council.

A total of thirty-six (36) accredited CSOs in the municipality graced the event with their presence. The attendees actively participated in a series of lively discussions, engaging open forums, and exhilarating role-plays that replicated the real-life scenario of LGUs during council/committee meetings.

The topics were skillfully facilitated by the esteemed resource speakers from the Department of the Interior and Local Government IX, Febie Marquez, DMO III and Ju Wackem L. Autida, LGOO II, who tackled topics ranging from “Development” to “Local Development Council Operation” to “Soft Skills.”

To further enhance the participants’ learning experience, the plenary was strategically grouped into two (2) clusters for riveting group activities.

The People’s Council was also instituted amidst the event, where Mr. Nolie Indini and Norman Pague emerged as the Council’s Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively. Additionally, positions such as Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Head Committee in Development Council, Head Committee in School Board, and Head Committee in Health Board were competently filled in. The Council unanimously agreed to convene quarterly for future meetings.

Upon conclusion of the event, the LGU Payao pledged its unwavering support towards the endeavors of the CSOs and the People’s Council, in close collaboration with DILG IX.

In light of this, the LGU remains hopeful that the acquired proficiency of the CSOs and the establishment of the People’s Council will usher in favorable transformations in the development of the municipality.