Participatory Local Governance

Members of the Dauin CSO Coalition gathered for a strategic planning workshop to develop a three-year plan that will guide the coalition in effectively advancing the sectoral agenda of its member organizations. The activity also focuses on strengthening the capacities of its officers and members to meaningfully engage in the local governance processes in their locality.

Members of the Dumaguete City People’s Development Council (PDC) elect their representatives to the various standing committees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dumaguete City. This pioneering initiative—established through City Ordinance No. 62, Series of 2019—is the first of its kind in the country, granting civil society organizations the right to sit as regular members of the city council’s standing committees, thereby strengthening participatory and inclusive local governance.

CSO leaders from various communities in Negros Oriental participated in a two-day seminar on local legislation, where they learned the fundamentals of the local legislative process. Drawing from their sectoral concerns, each group also drafted proposed ordinances that will form part of their legislative agenda to be advocated and lobbied before their respective Sanggunian.

Together with our partner communities, we continue to engage local authorities in meaningful dialogue on issues affecting our environment and livelihoods. We actively advocate for policies and programs that strengthen community participation, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in local governance.

Officers of the Bindoy People’s Development Council met in dialogue with Mayor Enego Jabagat of Bindoy, Negros Oriental to discuss the coalition’s development agenda and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between civil society and the local government. The meeting also highlighted the importance of appointing a CSO Desk Officer to facilitate coordination, enhance communication, and ensure that the concerns and proposals of civil society organizations are effectively integrated into the municipality’s planning and governance processes.

The Dumaguete City People’s Development Council (PDC) continues to strengthen its collaboration with the Dumaguete City LGU through regular dialogue on issues affecting various sectoral groups. These engagements provide a platform for civil society to raise concerns, contribute ideas, and work with the local government in promoting participatory, transparent, and inclusive local governance.