TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Over 55 accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) participated in a lecture-seminar hosted by the City Barangay Affairs and Community Relations Office (CBACRO) on October 30, 2024, at the City Conference Hall.
Designed to improve both internal and external operations, the seminar presented critical knowledge and skills to assist CSOs in increasing their community impact.
Oliver Layugan, Officer-in-Charge of CBACRO, welcomed attendees and explained the goal of the seminar which is to provide CSOs with the tools they need for productive operations and a better organizational presence. He emphasized the importance of official accreditation, which not only provides formal recognition to CSOs but also qualifies them for further funds and support from the city.
The conference included workshops on records management, project proposal development, and CSO accreditation. Joy Dapeg, an instructor at Kalinga State University, led the Records Management session, focusing on establishing an organized, systematic approach to managing records from creation to disposal. She highlighted those well-maintained records ensure accuracy, accessibility, and security, supporting legal compliance and preserving important information for both strategic and historical uses.
Mallani Aguilan’s session on Project Proposal Development guided CSOs through the fundamentals of drafting effective proposals, emphasizing that well-documented and organized proposals are essential for securing budgeting approval. Meanwhile, Daisy Faith Apatas and Krystal Dane Agyao discussed the accreditation process for CSOs who are aspiring to become representatives to the barangay-based institutions in their respective barangays. They explained how accreditation empowers CSOs to engage in key community initiatives, such as the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council, health programs, peace and order projects, and sports and physical fitness initiatives, ultimately enhancing their role in supporting and developing local barangays.
CBACRO intends to organize follow-up events, including interactive workshops, to further involve CSOs in hands-on training. The conference concluded with participants obtaining new insights and practical skills, resulting in a stronger, more unified network of CSOs committed to improving their communities throughout Tabuk. By Jesse Maguiya