Mr. Rudy Assesor, CSO Desk Officer, Municipality of New Lucena with fellow CSOs.

In local governance, collaboration is key. The People’s Council, mandated under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-054, is a vital body of civil society organization (CSO) representatives that ensures active community participation in decision-making. This council is not just a policy requirement—it’s a cornerstone for transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability in governance.

What is a People’s Council?

According to Section 5.7 of the DILG Memorandum Circular, the People’s Council is composed of CSOs recognized or accredited by the LGU. It serves as a platform for citizens to engage in governance, voice concerns, and contribute to policymaking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Documenting and addressing community issues.
• Assisting in CSO accreditation and participation in government programs.
• Promoting inclusive planning and policymaking.
• Organizing coalitions of sectoral CSOs for stronger advocacy.

Why LGUs Need a People’s Council

1. Amplifies Community Voices
   Governance should reflect community aspirations. The People’s Council ensures marginalized groups—farmers, women, youth, and PWDs—are heard.
2. Fosters Transparency and Accountability
   By involving CSOs, the council acts as a watchdog, ensuring ethical implementation of LGU programs and budgets.
3. Promotes Grassroots Solutions
   CSOs bring local expertise and innovative ideas, addressing challenges like disaster resilience and public health effectively.
4. Strengthens Governance Structures
   Continuous engagement creates a dynamic governance framework that evolves with community needs.
5. Builds Resilient Communities
   Inclusive participation fosters shared accountability, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.

How SEA Inc. and IPAT-SIAD Help LGUs Establish People’s Councils

The process of forming a People’s Council can be daunting for LGUs, but SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD program bridges the gap by providing:

1. Capacity Building for CSOs
   Training and workshops empower CSOs with skills for accreditation, advocacy, and collaboration.
2. Guidance in Accreditation
   SEA Inc. assists LGUs in navigating DILG requirements for recognizing CSOs.
3. Inner Conditioning Workshops (ICW)
   These workshops foster empathy and purpose-driven leadership among LGU officials and CSO representatives. As MSWDO Head Celna Ramos of New Lucena remarked, “I now work to serve, not just to comply.”
4. Coalition Building
   SEA Inc. helps organize sectoral CSOs into federations, ensuring diverse representation and stronger collective advocacy.
5. Fostering Inclusive Governance
   Participatory dialogues have yielded tangible results, such as New Lucena’s recognition as the “Most PWD Friendly Champion” in 2023 and runner-up in 2024.

Sustaining Good Governance

• Institutionalized Framework: Embedding the People’s Council into LGU structures ensures continuity beyond leadership changes.
• Ongoing Training: Continuous capacity-building equips CSOs and LGUs to address emerging challenges.
• Community Ownership: Inclusive governance cultivates a sense of shared responsibility, driving resilient development.

A Shared Path to Success

The People’s Council is proof that collaboration transforms governance. With models like SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD program, LGUs can create inclusive, transparent, and sustainable systems.

As the saying goes, “If you want to go far, go together.” For LGUs, the People’s Council is the path forward—because good governance is built on listening, not just leading. Let’s make every decision a shared victory.