REPRESENTATIVES from various civil society organizations based in Tagbilaran City flocked to the City Hall Atrium to witness the launching of the CSO (Civil Society Organization) Desk in the City Government. City Mayor Jane Yap also cemented the partnership through an Executive Order reconstituting the creation of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk of the City Government and the appointment of the CSO Desk Officer.
The signing was followed by the creation of an LGU-CSO partnership geared to jointly pursue efforts and commit to attain the development of a strategic framework for Tagbilaran City.
Vice-Mayor Atty. Adam Relson Jala also read the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution authorizing City Mayor Jane Yap to enter into a Partnership Agreement with the Tagbilaran civil society organizations represented by the Tagbilaran City People’s Council, under its Chair, Marietta Gasatan.
USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks lauded the city for its commendable partnership with external stakeholders.
“Tagbilaran City has proven time and again that it is a role model in participatory governance. This allows the city to become more responsive, transparent, and accountable to its constituents, enhancing its legitimacy and effectiveness. In turn, your citizens are more empowered and have greater confidence in your local government and the democratic system,” Deputy Missions Director Eubanks said.
City Mayor Jane Yap also encouraged the various CSOs in attendance to work together. The mayor encouraged openness and transparency, emphasizing that it is in the healthy exchange of ideas that meaningful change could be achieved.
Prior to the launch and signing, the USAID Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) conducted a seminar-workshop on safe space and trust building. USAID Change Local Coordinator Dr. Rosalinda Paredes that the partnership between the City Government and the CSOs would be fruitful if the concept of safe space will be achieved.
“Safe spaces aims to create an enabling environment for people to meaningfully participate in governance. The end goal is enhanced collaboration, co-creation, and collective action. Mainstreaming safe space in the local government systems helps LGUs to make more responsive decisions. It also empowers CSOs to participate freely in governance,” Dr. Paredes emphasized. (Jeanette Busano)
