Written by: Rosanna Pandes – Constantino

A newly elected Punong Barangay at Barangay Badiang, New Lucena, Iloilo is very eager in getting the participation of the people in his community. He encouraged all civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in the barangay to become member of any Barangay Based Institutions (BBIs). With that, he called for an orientation on February 5, 2024 with the CSOs about the Memorandum Circular 2022-124 or the Continuous Accreditation of Barangay Based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and he asked the technical assistance from SEA, Inc. to discuss the topic.

With the presence of several community based CSOs, Ms. Rosanna P. Constantino, the Municipal Coordinator assigned in New Lucena presented and explained the salient features of the Memorandum Circular. She emphasized the importance of CSO participation as per mandated under the R.A 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 which provides for the mechanisms to engage the participation of the CSOs to become active partner in local governance. The DILG Memorandum Circular 2022-124 is reminding and encouraged all members of the Sangguniang Barangay to conduct continuous accreditation and the selection of representatives of CSOs to the BBIs. The participants together with the Barangay Council members understood the processes to be undertaken and the CSOs verbally expressed their willingness to become member of any BBIs in the barangay.

“We will accomplish those requirements because we want to partner with the barangay and even at the municipal level”

Charlie Marco – BATODA Secretary

After clarifying some concerns of the CSOs about their organizations and the requirements to be submitted, the Punong Barangay expressed his appreciation to SEA Staff thru Rosanna P. Constantino who clearly presented the processes of accrediting the civil society organizations. He thanked the CSOs for their participation and he encouraged their active support because whatever projects would come in the barangay will benefit also the people through the sectoral organizations.