ILIGAN CITY (PIA) -- The Iligan City People’s Council (ICPC) Summit marked a significant milestone in boosting citizen engagement in local governance as 117 individuals from the academe, business, cause-oriented, professional, and socio-civic sectors converged to work together.

The city government funded the summit after the establishment of the ICPC through an ordinance for the Iliganons to have the opportunity to actively engage with the city government through their respective civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and people's organizations.

The summit started a symbolic unity walk dubbed “Panagtagbo sa mga CSO Iliganon alang sa Panaghiusa, Kalinaw, and Kalamboan” (Convergence of CSOs Iliganon for Unity, Peace, and Progress), where individuals from different sectors joined hands to make a difference.

 “Siyempre importante ni because we really wanted the private sector to be involved in local governance, especially in policymaking nato, to be involved sa local special bodies  para naa gyud people’s participation. That is why one of the first ordinances na gihimo nato as city councilor is the creation of the Iligan City People’s Council kay nakita nato ang importansya nga kinahanglan maminaw ta sa katawhan,” said Councilor and Lawyer Maria Paz Teresa “Betsy” Zalsos.

[Of course, this is important because we really want the private sector to be involved in local governance, especially in our policymaking, and to be involved in local special bodies so that there is indeed people’s participation. That is why one of the first ordinances I made as a city councilor was the creation of the Iligan City People’s Council because we see the importance of needing to listen to the people.]

Zalsos  emphasized the importance of understanding people's thoughts and concerns to better serve them. Additionally, she said that the ICPC is a platform where people can voice their concerns and issues that matter to their communities.

The Iligan Development Goals are a 15-point legislative agenda that City Administrator Darwin Manubag discussed to address key issues. Some of these goals include improving public health services, revitalizing businesses, and ensuring sufficient water supply for barangays.

The board elected a chairperson, vice chairpersons for each sector, and other officers. The ICPC will also have a seat in local special bodies like the City Development Council, Local Health Council, Peace and Order Council, Bids and Awards Committee, People's Law Enforcement Board,  City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and more to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.  The City Council will invite their representative to attend sessions and express their concerns.

The city government will allocate around P600,000 in funding to the ICPC to support the implementation of various activities for CSO Week/Month in April.

“We are congratulating Frederick Siao’s administration for the space they provided us. For all we know, not all cities have this platform. Nagpasalamat kami sa iyaha nga gihatagan kami og kahigayonan. [We are thankful to him for giving us an opportunity.] This is not just a space; it is a shared vision. CSO will continue to be a critical partner. We will not submit to anything that is not in accordance with inclusiveness, and we would like to realize our robust democracy and citizen participation,” said Abel Moya, director of Pakigdait Inc. and elected chairperson of ICPC. 

He also emphasized that they do not align themselves with any specific administration or political affiliation. Instead, they advocate for the sentiments of the people, particularly focusing on marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Some participants were from Iligan Medical Center College-Center for Community Extension and Social Development Services Inc., Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation of Iligan Incorporated, Pakigdait Inc., Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits Inc., Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan, Sumpay Mindanao Inc., Iligan Lady North Eagles Club, Community Response through Radio Communications, Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Center, Mcdonell Foundation, Rotary Club of Metro Iligan, Medical Action Group, Iligan City Association of Private Elementary and Secondary Schools, and more. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)