On July 23, 2024, Baganihan Hall in New Lucena, Iloilo, buzzed with the energy of community leaders and representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). They gathered for the much-anticipated Orientation on the Accreditation Process and Reconstitution of the Barangay Development Council (BDC). The event, orchestrated by SEA Staff, aimed to streamline the accreditation of Barangay-Based CSOs and restructure the BDC for more effective community governance.
The Day Unfolds:
The event kicked off at 9:00 AM with a smooth registration process facilitated by the ever-efficient SEA Staff. Attendees eagerly penned their names and affiliations, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and networking.
Opening Program:
By 9:30 AM, the hall was filled, and the program commenced with an invocation, setting a reflective tone for the day’s activities. Mr. Wilfredo Labaro, the CSO Federation President, delivered a heartfelt welcome message, emphasizing the pivotal role of CSOs in fostering community development and resilience. His words resonated with the audience, reminding them of the significance of their contributions.
Following Mr. Labaro, Ms. Rosanna Constantino, the SEA, Inc. Municipal Coordinator, took the floor. She acknowledged the diverse group of participants and clearly outlined the objectives of the orientation. Ms. Constantino highlighted the importance of the accreditation process and the reconstitution of the BDC, stirring enthusiasm for the sessions to come.
Main Program:
At 10:00 AM, the spotlight turned to Ms. Jennifer E. Ealdama, the MLGOO of New Lucena, Iloilo. With a blend of expertise and clarity, Ms. Ealdama delivered an in-depth presentation on the accreditation process for Barangay-based CSOs and the reconstitution of the BDC. Her talk covered the necessary steps, and required documents, and underscored the significance of having accredited CSOs actively participating in local governance.
Why Accredited NGOs Matter:
Ms. Ealdama passionately explained the critical role accredited CSOs play in local governance:
Representation of Community Interests: Accredited CSOs ensure the voices and needs of the community are heard in decision-making processes.
Service Provision: They provide vital services in education, health, livelihood, and environmental conservation, directly benefiting residents.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Their involvement fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the barangay.
Inclusive Development Plans: Their representation in the BDC ensures that development plans address the genuine needs of the community.
Moving Forward:
The session also highlighted the submission of reports as requested by the DILG Provincial Director, ensuring compliance and the efficient dissemination of guidelines. Ms. Ealdama detailed the responsibilities of the DILG Provincial Director and the DILG HUC/ICC and Component City/Municipality, emphasizing the importance of support and technical assistance throughout the accreditation process.
Response from the Participants:
Isabelo Luscares: “Challenge accepted!” declared Isabelo Luscares with a mischievous grin. “I’ve faced tougher tasks than this back in my day. If I can teach a chicken to fetch, I can handle this accreditation process no sweat. Let’s roll up our sleeves and show everyone what we’re made of!”
Purisima Permosil: Purisima Permosil’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Finally, our barangay CSO Organizations will get the recognition they deserve! I can’t wait to see the positive changes this will bring to our community. This is a big step forward for all of us, and I’m thrilled to be part of it!”
Results and Benefits:
The orientation proved to be a milestone for New Lucena. Participants left with a clear understanding of the accreditation process and the vital role of the BDC. Accredited CSOs are now better equipped to actively contribute to community development, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and represented. The event fostered stronger collaboration between CSOs and local government units, paving the way for more transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance.
Conclusion:
The success of this orientation marks a significant step towards empowering our local communities. Accredited CSOs will undoubtedly play a transformative role in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for New Lucena. The Sangguniang Barangay’s invitation for CSOs to apply for accreditation remains open, promising continued growth and active participation in local governance.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in our journey towards a stronger, more united community!
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