The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Support for Local Governance Program-Project Management Office (SLGP-PMO) through the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) conducted the Orientation for Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk Officers of Local Government Units (LGUs) of the region on May 11-12, 2022 at the Viajera Dine and Café, City of Koronadal.  

This two-day activity was participated by 29 CSO Desk Officers of Local Government Units (LGUs) and DILG Provincial/City Focal. The select CSO Desk Officers who participated in the said orientation were among those with established CSO Desk Office in their respective LGUs. They were invited to further capacitate them to become more effective in facilitating the establishment of a functional Local People’s Council (LPC), and in assisting the CSOs in increasing their engagement in local governance processes.

RD Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III in her opening message, encouraged and challenged all LGUs in Region XII to reach a hundred percent (100%) established CSO Desk Office in Rehiyon Dose for a more meaningful and effective participatory governance. Further, RD Josephine Leysa added “this activity may be considered as reorientation for CSO Desk Officers because it is not the first time to have orientations related to CSOs, alalahanin natin na Lamang ang may Alam!” May you actively participate in the activity and become more capacitated and effective CSO Desk Officers in your respective LGUs.

The activity was graced by Arch. Carlito Y. Uy, Independent Trustee, Coalition of Social Development Organizations in South Cotabato and Dir. Liza D. Hora, Executive Director Mahintana Foundation, Incorporated as Resource Persons together with Kimberly T. Tuanzon, LGOO II of DILG XII LGMED who discussed various topics about Civil Society Organizations.

In the open forum and workshop, the participants suggested that the Department shall consider creating a permanent/plantilla position intended for CSO Desk Officers in every LGU for the continuity and effective implementation of the program. The participants were also looking forward for more trainings to be conducted for CSO Desk Officers of the LGUs. 

The two-day orientation has become successful with the active participation of the identified CSO Desk Officers.