Written by: Andrea Leonar

The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) assembled for a meeting at Baganihan Hall New Lucena, Iloilo last February 13, 2024. The meeting is a follow-up on the previous CSO orientation facilitated by MLGOO Ms. Jennifer E. Ealdama last January 18, 2024. A short introduction about the Memorandum Circular No. 2021-054 or the establishment of CSO Desk Officer and the Institutionalization of People’s Council in the local government units was presented to the participants who were not able to attend the last session.

Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Jocelyn Espia is hopeful that the People’s Council in the Municipality of New Lucena will be realized through the participation of the CSOs. It was announced that the Notice of Call for Application to People’s Council was already posted in conspicuous places and FB Page of New Lucena Sangguniang Bayan. With that, the list of requirements was presented. It was agreed that their documents shall be submitted to the CSO Desk Officer on or before the follow-up meeting on March 12, 2024.

The CSOs clarified some concerns in complying some requirements since some of them are not yet registered. The CSO Desk Officer encouraged them to process their registration or seek a recognition from concerned agency where they belong to be able to participate in the council.

Mr. Wilfredo Labaro, the CIT Chairperson appreciated SEA with the IPAT-SIAD Program because through the creation of People’s Council, CSOs will have the opportunity to raise their voice up to the legislative body. He encouraged all sectors to be part of the council since the Municipal Mayor Hon. Liecel Mondejar – Seville is open to hear whatever the concerns of the people. Everybody is positively hoping for the realization of the People’s Council to be the first in Iloilo Province and even in the whole region.