All local government units in the region have been tasked to establish a civil society organizations (CSO) desk and institutionalize a people’s council in each LGU to provide a mechanism for citizens’ views and opinions in various areas of governance to be heard and considered.
“The presence of the CSO desks in the LGUs will ensure effective and appropriate participation of CSOs at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making,” said Daisy Payang, chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cordillera.
She said CSO desks shall serve as an avenue to document and address the issues and concerns of CSOs in the locality; assist CSOs intending to apply for accreditation to a local special body and/or participate in local government programs, including the people’s council; and encourage the active participation of CSOs in local governance processes from planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs, projects, and activities, through volunteerism.
“The CSO desk will be responsible in the organization of federation or coalition of sectoral CSOs, including the formation of people’s council in the LGU,” Payang added.
The sanggunian bayan, through the CSO desk officer, shall issue a notice of call for the creation of a people’s council to all accredited, registered, and recognized CSOs, with copies posted in at least three conspicuous places within the city or municipality.
The sangguniang panlalawigan shall recognize a Provincial People’s Council whose members shall be elected by the nominees from the component municipal and city people’s councils within their jurisdiction.
The people’s council will be composed of CSOs that will be accredited by the sanggunian upon submission of requirements, including a proof of existence for at least one year, proof of activities, and a list of members and officers.
DILG Usec. and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the participation of CSOs in government processes is important as it will allow checks and balance and in exacting accountability.
He said an active CSO participation is an indicator of healthy participatory governance. – Press release
