The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bohol has joined forces with other stakeholders to promote participatory and accountable governance in the province.
On November 27, DILG Bohol Provincial Director Jerome G. Gonzales represented the agency at the launch and signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the "Advancing Civil Society Organizations for Sustainable Citizens’ Engagement toward Promoting Participatory and Accountable Governance Project" at the MetroCentre Hotel in Tagbilaran City.
The project, spearheaded by the Bohol Integrated Development Foundation, Inc. (BIDEF) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) by enhancing their capabilities and creating an enabling environment for meaningful participation.
The initiative focuses on strengthening CSOs’ roles in Barangay-Based Institutions (BBIs) and enabling citizens to effectively demand transparency, accountability, and participatory local governance.
DILG Bohol’s participation in the project reflects its commitment to strengthening local governance through citizen engagement and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders.
"This project underscores the importance of empowering communities to drive positive change, ensuring that governance serves the people effectively and inclusively," said Gonzales.
The project is part of the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Cities for Enhanced Engagement and Governance (CHANGE) Project in the Philippines, which aims to promote good governance and citizen engagement in local government units.