CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jun. 29-Jul. 2 – Demonstrating its commitment to inclusive and people-centered governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 10, through the Support for the Local Governance Program (SLGP), convened Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk Officers from across Northern Mindanao for a two-batch capacity development program to enhance citizen participation, strengthen LGU-CSO partnerships, and advance transparent and accountable local governance.

In his welcome message during Batch 1, DILG Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Edward Bhagwani, 𝐽𝐷, 𝑀𝑁𝑆𝐴, 𝐶𝐸𝑆𝑂 𝑉, challenged participants to see themselves not merely as coordinators but as catalysts for meaningful citizen engagement.

“Effective local governance begins by listening to the people. As CSO Desk Officers, you bridge government and communities, transforming participation into meaningful action and ensuring that every voice helps shape local development,” he said.

Meanwhile, DILG 10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga, 𝐶𝐸𝑆𝑂 𝑉, welcomed the participants of Batch 2, underscoring the vital role of collaboration in building responsive and effective local governments.

“Inclusive governance begins by giving every voice a seat at the table. As CSO Desk Officers, you are champions of collaboration who empower communities and help shape the future of local development. Let this training inspire stronger partnerships founded on shared responsibility, mutual respect, and our collective commitment to nation-building,” she emphasized.

She likewise encouraged participants to maximize the learning sessions and translate their insights into concrete initiatives that would further enhance collaboration between LGUs and civil society organizations throughout the region.

The activity featured interactive learning sessions that deepened participants’ appreciation of citizen participation in governance. Through engaging discussions and experiential learning techniques, resource person and facilitator Dr. Dixon Q. Yasay transformed complex governance concepts into collaborative, hands-on activities. Participants explored local planning and budgeting, project proposal development, advocacy for Local Development Council representation, CSO-LGU dynamics, conflict management, and the Enhanced Local People’s Council (LPC) Framework, with the innovative approach fostering reflection, dialogue, creativity, and practical problem-solving.

Complementing these sessions, DILG 10 CSO Focal Person Rezza Mae T. Docallos discussed the key provisions of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-054, while DMO IV Caezar Ian E. Encarnacion of the SLGP Regional Coordination Team facilitated the sharing of best practices and guided participants in crafting self-assessments and action plans tailored to their respective local government units.

The training culminated in participants formulating individual action plans to strengthen and institutionalize CSO participation within their LGUs, ensuring that the knowledge and strategies gained translate into sustained local governance reforms.

In their closing messages, LGCDD Chief Hazel L. Occeña and Assistant Division Chief Michelle A. Espedido underscored that empowering civil society is fundamental to building resilient, transparent, and people-centered local governments. They challenged participants to champion inclusive governance beyond the training by turning their action plans into concrete initiatives, strengthening partnerships with communities, and serving as catalysts for meaningful citizen participation. They also reaffirmed DILG 10’s commitment to providing continuous technical assistance and capacity development to advance participatory, responsive, and accountable local governance.

Conducted in two batches, the activity gathered participants from Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iligan City on June 29–30, 2026, followed by representatives from Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental on July 1–2, 2026.

Through the SLGP, DILG 10 continues to strengthen local governance by empowering LGUs and CSOs to advance transparency, accountability, and inclusive development across Northern Mindanao. (𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝟭𝟬 𝗟𝗚𝗖𝗗𝗗 | 𝗚. 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀)