DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council is exploring the establishment of a People’s Council, a body mandated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to promote the active participation of civil society organizations in local governance.

Committee on Cooperative Development and People’s Participation chairperson Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre confirmed the plan during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum on Monday afternoon, Jan. 12.

Alejandre clarified that the proposed People’s Council is separate from existing cooperative councils, as it will be composed of non-government organizations and associations that will formally participate in city government processes.

The councilor stated that the council will serve as a platform for these groups to propose policies and address community concerns. He added that the People’s Council is required under DILG guidelines for all local government units.

According to the DILG, members of the council are expected to come from accredited civil society organizations, including sectoral groups such as farmers’ associations and other community-based organizations, but excluding cooperatives.

DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-054 stated that the People’s Council is envisioned as a mechanism to strengthen transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in local governance.

It provides a venue for citizens to participate in decision-making, monitor government programs and budgets, and ensure that the concerns of marginalized sectors such as farmers, women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities are heard.

Alejandre said the process is currently on the consultation stage, with discussions expected to lead to a general assembly, which the executive branch will initiate through the Davao City Planning and Development Office.

He added that the city council will await recommendations from the city planning office, which they will then submit to the City Mayor’s Office for possible issuance of an executive order or the passage of an ordinance creating the People’s Council.

Alejandre said the proposed People’s Council is expected to enhance collaboration between the local government and civil society, helping ensure that policies and programs are responsive to community needs and grounded in local realities.

Meanwhile, a proposal to amend Davao City’s existing dog ordinance is now underway, with plans to expand its scope to cover the welfare of all animals, according to Committee on Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food, and Animals chairperson Councilor Ralph Abella.

Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum, Abella said the amended measure will be renamed the Animal Welfare Ordinance to encompass all animals and promote responsible pet ownership.

Abella said under the dog ordinance, dog owners and breeders will be required to ensure that their pets are adequately vaccinated and registered, with mandatory dog tags to help identify ownership.

He said the measure intends to regulate dog ownership and reduce the number of stray dogs in barangays. Abella added that once the city council approves the amendment of the ordinance, it will cover not only dogs but also any other pet animals.

The councilor said that pet owners will no longer be allowed to let their pets roam freely outside their residences or territory, warning that penalties will be imposed on violators, as identification will now be required through microchips or tags.