As it further strengthens its aim of implementing a people-centered form of governance in Pasig, the local government began the first of a series of meetings to integrate civil society organizations (CSOs) in the development of the city’s programs and projects.

A total of 380 persons, including local CSO representatives who were appointed as members of the local special bodies in the government, joined the activity.

The meeting was held after the first semester meeting of the City Development Council at the Rizal High School Gymnasium last April 4.

(Pasig PIO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The meeting was the first step in the engagement of the local government with CSOs in relation to the programs, projects, and activities for the proposed 2024 Annual Investment Program.

Through the meeting, CSOs were given a platform to provide their insights and opinions on the proposed PPAs within the AIP and determine which ones must be prioritized. Specifically, they gave their inputs on whether the PPAs are able to meet the goals, objectives, targets, and strategies of the local government.

Sectoral co-chairs and members of five sectors in the local government were stationed around the room, with information regarding their respective PPAs posted in their designated viewing spaces. The CSO representatives were asked to proceed to the sector that includes or centers their particular advocacies, and study the sector’s PPAs. They also roamed around other sectors to inquire about their PPAs.

The CSO participants were each given three stickers which they placed on the PPAs they deemed as priorities. These chosen PPAs were presented to in a plenary session.

The meeting also aimed to give CSO officials practical experience and knowledge in government processes such as investment programming and budgeting. They were also able to interact with local government officials directly.

The Pasig local government has been making strides in deepening relations with CSOs to become an “exemplar of participatory good governance.”

Just last year in 2022, it launched the city’s first accreditation process for CSOs and opened the first CSO Academy in the country in Pasig.

Organized and led by the City Planning and Development Office, another meeting with department heads will be conducted at a later date to discuss and use the results of this meeting.