DILG Region VI Strengthens CSO Engagement Through Capability Building for CSO Desk Officers
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI, through its Support to Local Governance Program (SLGP), successfully conducted the virtual training entitled “Regional Institutional Development Support for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): 2026 Capability Building for CSO Desk Officers” on June 17–18, 2026 via Zoom, gathering 91 CSO Desk Officers from across Western Visayas.
The two-day capacity-building activity reaffirmed DILG’s commitment to fostering participatory governance by enhancing the competencies of local government personnel tasked with facilitating meaningful engagement between local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations.
In her opening message, Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV, emphasized the critical role of CSO Desk Officers in advancing transparency, accountability, and responsive governance at the local level. She underscored the need to continuously strengthen partnerships with civil society stakeholders and equip frontline officers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively support CSOs and Local People’s Councils (LPCs).
Highlighting their strategic role in local governance, Sardua stressed, “The CSO Desk Officer is the strongest link between the CSOs and the LGU.” She noted that empowered and capable desk officers are instrumental in ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and integrated into local development processes and decision-making.
The training served as a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of CSO Desk Officers, the institutionalization of participatory governance mechanisms, and the promotion of productive partnerships between LGUs and civil society organizations. Discussions also focused on relevant policies, programs, and best practices that support inclusive governance and strengthen community participation in local affairs.
Further enriching the learning experience was the collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region VI. Through this partnership, participants gained practical insights on coaching CSOs in local development planning and budgeting, enhancing CSO-LGU relations, and identifying effective strategies for citizen engagement.
The activity also provided participants with opportunities to learn from successful practices across local government units, assess the functionality of existing CSO Desk and Local People’s Council mechanisms, and formulate localized action plans aimed at strengthening participatory governance in their respective areas.
By investing in the capacity of CSO Desk Officers, DILG Region VI continues to advance its mission of empowering local governments and communities to work together in creating more inclusive, accountable, and responsive governance systems. The initiative further highlights the Department’s recognition of civil society organizations as indispensable partners in local development and nation-building.