BONTOC, Mountain Province – Representatives from the different civil society organizations (CSOs) attended the CSO Conference at the Mayor’s Conference Hall of the Municipal Capitol on August 30, 2022.
The meeting was held to orient the CSOs on the accreditation guidelines as well as to raise awareness of the importance of civil society participation in the local governance processes.
This also to encourage all the CSOs operating within the municipality to submit the requirements for accreditation whether previously accredited or seeking accreditation for the first time.
Aside from their participation and direct involvement in different projects, programs, and activities of the municipal government, accredited CSOs can take full advantage of the government’s programs and services like operational funds and other grants.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., in his message to the participants mentioned that non-government organizations and CSOs have long been seen as effective partners in pursuit of development and good governance.
He added that with the Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court Ruling, CSOs should be able to fully and meaningfully participate in local governance processes as greater demand for accountability and transparency is expected from the local governments.
The meeting was facilitated by Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Lourdes Claire Peel assisted by CSO Desk Officer-Designate Knittle Jane Lingbanan.
All CSOs may acquire copies of the sample letter of application and sample form of accreditation at the Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan located on the Second Floor of the Municipal Capitol.
