The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XII (DILG XII) formally sealed its partnership with Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-Gensan) through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) in General Santos City last May 14, 2025.
Held at the Wagi Hall of DILG XII’s Regional Office in Koronadal City, the event was graced by key representatives from DILG XII, MSU-Gensan, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of General Santos City.
DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, led the ceremonial signing, while Project Manager, Prof. Berlinda Y. Disca, represented MSU-Gensan on behalf of Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM. Executive Assistant Lou Bernandino stood in for the City Government of General Santos, representing Mayor Lorilie Pacquiao, reinforcing the LGU’s commitment to citizen-focused governance.
The CSIS is a performance management tool designed to gauge citizen satisfaction with the delivery of local government services. Through data-driven insights, the program aims to empower LGUs to craft responsive and evidence-based policies. As part of the national Citizen/CSO Participation Partnership Program (CSO/PPPP), the initiative highlights the government’s push for transparency, accountability, and active citizen engagement.
The initiative is supported through a P300,000 fund allocation from the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act
In her welcome remarks, RD Sero underscored the significance of the partnership, highlighting MSU-Gensan’s long-standing collaboration with DILG XII that dates back to 2014. “The CSIS is one of our key tools to amplify the voice of the people,” Sero said. “More than a survey mechanism, it reinforces the principle that governance must be guided by the needs and voices of the people it serves.”
The event also featured the presentation of the MOA’s salient provisions by LGOO V Frances Kristene B. Alvero-Laguda of the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED). She explained the shared responsibilities of the DILG XII and MSU-Gensan in conducting the survey, processing the results, and facilitating citizen-driven action planning. A message of commitment was delivered Prof. Disca, who reaffirmed the university’s dedication to quality research, public service, and partnership for social good. Meanwhile, Executive Assistant Lou Bernandino relayed the City Government’s support for the initiative. The event culminated with a message from LGMED Division Chief Ian Jon S. Clemente, who emphasized the vital role of collaboration among the academe, civil society, and government in achieving meaningful, citizen-responsive development.
As the CSIS continues to evolve under a new five-year framework, the DILG XII-MSU Gensan partnership stands as a testament to the power of multi-sectoral collaboration in promoting transparent, inclusive, and accountable local governance.
