PGMO, DILG MisOcc urges CSOs to apply for accreditation

The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental in partnership with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Misamis Occidental spearheads the conduct of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Conference held at the SP Session Hall, Capitol, Oroquieta.(DILG Misamis Occidental)

To enhance the awareness of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the importance of civil society participation and increase their capacity to effectively engage in local governance, the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental in partnership with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Misamis Occidental spearheaded the conduct of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Conference held at the SP Session Hall, Capitol, Oroquieta.

The conference aims to strengthen the collaboration between the government and private sectors, bringing the people closer to the political decision-making processes that would enable them to participate more actively in the development of the province.

Various CSOs including Women’s associations (HOA), Health workers' Associations, and other non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Misamis Occidental gathered at the venue.

In addition, DILG Provincial Director Pablio Benitez, Jr. informed attendees on the legal basis and the guidelines on the accreditation process.

LGOO VI Carel Cotales emphasized the relevance of participatory governance and codal avenues for CSO engagement.

Meanwhile, LGOO V Dannica Vicente provided the policies on the establishment of CSO Desks and the Institutionalization of the local People’s Council in the province.

The activity, according to Hon. Agnes C. Villanueva, the chairperson of the Committee on CSOs strives to guarantee that every citizen should take part in the decision-making process because they would be impacted by government policies in some manner.

Further, Hon. Heinjie B. Estaño, in his closing message, challenged the CSOs to seek accreditation at the SP Office in order to qualify for representation in the Local Special Bodies.

This year’s deadline for the submission of necessary documents to SP Misamis Occidental for accreditation of new applications and renewal based on MC 2022-083 is August 31 this year. Once granted accreditation, representatives to the LSB will be selected from among the organization with the issuance of executive orders for them to officially function in the LSB scheduled within the 1st-2nd week of September.

The CSO conference this year anticipated more inclusive local governance since this acts as a catalyst for reviving the Local Special Bodies, which are crucial to nation-building.(DILG MisOcc/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)