Forum celebrates shared accomplishments, lessons learned in participatory governance

A civic engagement forum organized by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), in collaboration with We Effect Philippines, brought together stakeholders to celebrate achievements, share experiences, and reflect on lessons learned about the critical role of civil society organizations in participatory governance and the advancement of social equity.

Held on 27 November in Quezon City, the forum was organized under the DISCERN Project or “Developing and Strengthening CSO Capacities for Empowered Representation,” which is implemented jointly by PLCPD and We Effect Philippines with local CSOs in 13 project areas nationwide and co-funded by the European Union.

“Fostering meaningful participation in governance is vital at both local and national levels. Initiatives like DISCERN are crucial in empowering civil society organizations and emphasizing the importance of participatory governance,” said Mr. Romeo Dongeto, Executive Director of PLCPD.

The DISCERN Project seeks to promote inclusive and responsive local governance by building the capacities of CSOs and empowering communities to actively engage in local decision-making processes. By bridging the divide between stakeholders at the grassroots and government institutions, DISCERN contributes to fostering a more inclusive governance framework.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Mark Aeron H. Sambar, speaking at the forum, underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in governance.

“Bridging the private sector, legislators, and executive departments often encounters delays due to gaps and bureaucratic red tape. Recognizing CSOs as vital contributors is key to overcoming these challenges,” he remarked.

The forum also showcased the efforts of CSO partners in engaging with the government and fostering cooperation nationwide. Among the participating organizations were Circle Forge, Center for Emergency Aid, Rehabilitation, and Development (CONCERN), Davao Federation of Farmers’ Integrated Services Cooperatives (DAFISCO), Foundation for Agrarian Reform Cooperatives in Mindanao (FARMCOOP), Institute for Philippine Cooperatives and Social Enterprise Development (IPSCED), LUPA Pilipinas, Multisectoral Alliance for Development (MUAD), Pambansang Kalipunan ng mga Manggagawang Impormal sa Pilipinas (PATAMABA), and Samahan ng Mamayan Zone One Tondo Organization (SM ZOTO).