BUTUAN CITY – To sustain the gains in strengthening the citizen’s participation in a transparent governance, the different registered/accredited civil society organizations (CSO) in the Caraga region took active part in the CSO Exposition 2023, held recently at Almont Hotel Inland Resort, this city.
According to Maria Loisella Lucino, regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, the CSO Expo 2023 entices more organizations to get involved and strengthens partnership with the government.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga headed by regional director Maria Loisella Lucino, initiated the conduct of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Exposition on November 8, 2023, at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City. Photo courtesy of PIA-Caraga
The DILG chief emphasized that working along with the CSOs, the implementation of the different developmental programs in the communities have been easier and faster, as they [CSO] are also hands on in the delivery of basic services to the populace.
“The civil society organizations serve as a bridge between the government and the community as they represent the various sectors in the grassroots, and have proven to be an effective way for an enabling environment for transparency and reduction of corruption in the government,” said Lucino.
CSO Expo 2023 with the theme, “Sustaining the Gains in Strengthening Citizen’s Participation in Governance: Caraga Experience,” held at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City. Photo courtesy of PIA-Caraga
Winston Salvador of Propegemus Foundation, Incorporated in Caraga region, vowed to continue its good working relationship with the DILG and the rest of its partner agencies and stakeholders in fulfilling the common goal towards uplifting the lives of the Caraganons.
“The CSO Federation in the Caraga region is now in its fifth year of operation and it has already extended several notable assistance to the different communities along with the government agencies,” he said.
Also, Jun Gallego, representative of the Local People’s Council (LPC) of Tubajon in the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI), emphasized that the CSOs and POs in the province have been consistent in strengthening its ties with the provincial government particularly in bringing various basic social services and projects down to the barangays.
“Regardless of whoever is in the political posts, the LPC remains to fulfill its mission and vision because we always look forward and ensure that we are able to help the vulnerable sectors in the community, especially the children. The LPC should be able to inculcate in the minds of the local citizens that along with the government are the CSOs and POs that are willing to work together for the progress of every barangay,” said Gallego.
Meanwhile, the DILG Caraga also handed over the plaque of recognition to the LGUs which are hailed as best implementers of the Comprehensive Development Plan and best implementers of the CSO policies of the DILG.
Different civil society organizations in the Caraga region expressed support to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga during the conduct of the CSO Expo 2023, held on October 8, at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City. Photo courtesy of PIA-Caraga
Civil Society Organization refers to a non-state and non-profit association that works to improve society and the human condition. Basic types of CSOs include non-governmental organization, people's organization, civic organization, cooperative, social movement, professional group and business group.
According to various national government agencies, there are approximately 378,500 CSOs registered in the Philippines, as compared to 362,000 in 2020. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
