Written by: F. Marquez | Photos by: J. Teoganco

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX successfully conducted a Refresher Course for CSO Desk Officers at GAB Hotel, Liloy, attended by 48 CSO Desk Officers from across the region. The activity aimed to enhance their role as vital links between Local Government Units (LGUs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), fostering participatory governance and citizen engagement.

The program opened with a welcome message from Municipal Mayor Roberto L. Uy, who emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure that community voices are reflected in local development plans. Participants actively shared experiences, discussed challenges, and explored strategies to strengthen CSO participation in governance.

During the course, participants worked together to map existing CSO engagements in local special bodies and community programs, identifying how each organization contributes to local development. They also discussed the challenges and gaps in CSO participation, examining barriers that limit citizen involvement and collaboration with LGUs. Using these insights, the officers developed action plans and practical strategies to improve coordination, enhance reporting systems, and expand citizen engagement initiatives, ensuring that community voices are meaningfully integrated into local governance.

As the refresher course concluded, the representative from the Support for Local Governance Program (SLGP) PMO delivered the closing message, commending the officers for their active participation and dedication. The message emphasized the importance of sustaining the outputs generated during the course and encouraged CSO Desk Officers to continue fostering collaboration, transparency, and accountability in their respective LGUs.Through this activity, the 48 CSO Desk Officers translated learning into concrete actions, strengthening networks and reinforcing their role as champions of inclusive governance and participatory development.