DILG Antique pushes establishment of CSO Desks, People’s Council at LGUs

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Antique enjoined all local government units (LGUs) in the province to establish a Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Desk and to institutionalize a People’s Council (PC) to further engage CSOs in the local government processes.

A provincial roll-out on the Establishment of CSO Desk and Institutionalization of People’s Council in the LGUs was held on September 22, 2021 via online platform towards this endeavor.

Antique is the first province in the region to conduct a Provincial Roll-out after the regional orientation.

“The CSOs participation and involvement in the implementation of various government projects at the local level have been proven to help increase the responsiveness and efficiency of local governments in delivering services,” DILG Provincial Director Cherryl P. Tacda said.

The activity oriented Local Chief Executives, designated CSO Desk Officers and DILG Field Officers on the establishment of CSO Desks and institutionalization of the People’s Council in the LGUs, as stated in DILG Memorandum Circular 2021-054.

It also highlighted the contribution of CSOs especially in COVID-19-related response and recovery programs of the government, which is required in DILG MC 2020-135.

Explaining the salient points of DILG Memorandum Circular 2021-054, LGOO V Angelica Quijano, DILG Regional Focal Person shed light on the processes and requirements in the establishment of CSO Desks and creation of the People’s Council.

The CSO Desk Officer is designated by the local chief executive through an executive order, with the responsibility of documenting and addressing CSO-related concerns; assist CSOs in the accreditation process to the local special body and/ or participate in the programs of the local government units; and encourage the active participation of CSOs in decision-making and in all local governance processes.

On the other hand, all municipalities are encouraged to create and institutionalize a People’s Council to expand the participation of CSOs in local governance.

The PCs will be composed of CSOs that shall be accredited by the local Sanggunian upon submission of documentary requirements, including proof of existence for at least one year, proof of activities, list of membership and officers, among others.

In addition, LGOO II Judy Mae Sajo, DILG Antique Provincial CSO Focal Person presented the status of the CSO Mobilization of the Province of Antique in the COVID-19 related response and recovery programs of the government.

The CSOs in the province, in coordination with national government agencies and LGUs have been conducting activities in the four areas of engagement highlighted in DILG MC 2020-135, which are to increase contact tracing capacity of LGUs; change in people’s behavior by following health protocols; resilient and healthy community; and, opportunity for livelihood and social enterprise.

Sajo noted that 18 out of the 37 accredited CSOs and private organizations in the whole province engaged in the implementation of COVID-19 related response and recovery, are active in conducting activities to help curb the effects of COVID-19.

PD Tacda extended her appreciation to all the CSO partners, CSO Desk Officers, DILG Field Officers and Local Chief Executives, present during the activity, for actively contributing to government programs during the pandemic, and said that she looks forward to further strengthen the partnership of CSOs and LGUs in the province.