DILG hosts Dagyaw 2024, highlights CSO role in governance

By Juliane Judilla

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the Western Visayas Network of NGOs (WevNet), hosted Dagyaw 2024, the annual regional open government town hall meeting, on Friday, Sept. 13, at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

With the theme “Kusóg sang Katilingban: Pagpabaskog sang Pagpakigbahin sang CSOs para sa Maayo nga Panggobyerno” (The Strength of All: Empowering CSO Participation for Good Local Governance), the event emphasized the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in local governance.

It provided an accessible platform for citizens to engage with government officials and gain insights into various initiatives, programs, and processes implemented by local government units (LGUs) and CSOs.

“Our goal is clear—to foster genuine dialogue among the various stakeholders in Region 6,” said DILG 6 Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero in his opening message.

“Maximizing people’s participation and empowerment, as well as the relationship between LGUs, NGOs, POs, and the private sector, is clearly outlined in the Local Government Code,” Ingeniero added.

Rev. Msgr. Meliton B. Oso, Director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), also spoke during the forum, emphasizing the significance of collaboration among citizens, the church, and local government.

He underscored the vital role of CSOs and people’s organizations in advancing pro-people campaigns that benefit communities.

“With everyone’s help, especially CSOs, achieving the common good is possible,” Msgr. Oso said. He also stressed the importance of educational campaigns in remote areas with limited resources.

The event concluded with an open forum featuring panelists from various organizations, national government agencies, and the private sector.

Dagyaw 2024 aimed to identify key strategies that national government agencies (NGAs), LGUs, and CSOs should adopt to promote open, equitable, and accountable governance throughout Western Visayas.