SUPPORT TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM
Focal Person: DMO Caezar Ian E. Encarnacion and DMO Celinna Jane P. Feliciano
The Support for the Local Governance Program (SLGP) promotes citizen participation and strengthens local governance through technical assistance, CapDev activities, and forums. It aims to enhance the capabilities of Local Development Councils (LDCs), engage communities to ensure programs and projects address real needs, and improve local governance using a needs-based approach. Its efforts include:
1. The Regional Institutional Development Support Program (RIDS), introduced in 2024 under the Support for the Local Governance Program. RIDS supports region-specific initiatives that address performance gaps in local governance. Using the Seal of Good Local Governance results as basis, it enables DILG regional offices to develop innovative solutions that improve systems, processes, and engagement mechanisms at the local level.
2. The Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Localization Program, launched by the DILG, which aims to further strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. In 2025, open governance practices have been documented across selected local government units in Region 10. Ten LGUs have then been identified as pioneering partners. Through resolutions, these 10 LGUs have committed to participate in the full implementation of the program this year (2026).
a. DAGYAW Open Government Townhall Meetings, derived from a Hiligaynon word meaning bayanihan, which serves as a platform where citizens, civil society, and government come together for meaningful dialogue. Since its launch in 2018, DAGYAW has overcome various challenges and continues to stand as a trusted space for citizen engagement. At the heart of DAGYAW is co-creation. Civil society organizations are not just participants, they are co-equal partners in designing, implementing, and evaluating the town halls. Through these engagements, DAGYAW promotes citizen awareness, strengthens social accountability, and fosters constructive collaboration between the public and the government, all within a safe and inclusive environment.
3. The Regional Institutional Development Support for Civil Society Organizations (RIDS for CSOs) is a capacity-building and partnership initiative designed to strengthen the organizational effectiveness, governance, and participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in local governance and development processes. Through a series of training programs, technical assistance, and collaborative engagements, RIDS for CSOs aims to enhance the capabilities of CSOs in policy advocacy, project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and accountability mechanisms. The program also promotes meaningful collaboration between CSOs, local government units (LGUs), and other development partners to foster inclusive, transparent, and participatory governance at the regional and local levels.
a. Capacity Development for CSO Desk Officers – To strengthen participatory governance and enhance collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations (CSOs), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10 is implementing the Capacity Development Program for CSO Desk Officers. This initiative aims to equip CSO Desk Officers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively perform their roles in facilitating CSO engagement, promoting meaningful participation in local governance processes, and strengthening partnerships between LGUs and CSOs. Through this capacity-building effort, DILG Region 10 seeks to foster more inclusive, responsive, and citizen-centered governance across Northern Mindanao.
b. Establishment of CSO Academy – In line with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) commitment to strengthening participatory governance and enhancing civil society engagement, the establishment of Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academies in Region 10 seeks to provide a structured and sustainable capacity development platform for accredited CSOs. The initiative aims to equip CSOs with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively participate in local governance processes, policy development, planning, budgeting, project monitoring, and the operations of Local Special Bodies (LSBs). By institutionalizing continuous learning and leadership development for CSOs, the CSO Academy will foster stronger partnerships between local government units and civil society, promote meaningful citizen participation, and contribute to more transparent, accountable, and responsive governance across Northern Mindanao.
c. Local People’s Council (LPC) Forum – To promote meaningful citizen participation and strengthen collaborative governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10 convenes the Local People’s Council (LPC) Forum as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnership-building among local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders. The forum aims to enhance the understanding of LPCs as mechanisms for institutionalized citizen participation, facilitate the exchange of good practices, and support the strengthening of participatory governance structures. Through this initiative, DILG Region 10 seeks to foster greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in local governance across Northern Mindanao.
SLGP’s initiatives reinforce a shared goal: building more transparent, accountable, and participatory local governance where citizens are not just heard, but actively involved in shaping their communities.
