DILG Region V conducts CSO Caravan

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region V conducted the CSO Caravan on September 30, 2026 at Proxy by The Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay, bringing together CSO Desk Officers from across the Bicol Region and valued Civil Society Organization (CSO) partners in support of participatory governance.

The activity highlighted the significant contributions of CSOs in addressing local service delivery gaps and provided an avenue to strengthen awareness of how CSOs can actively participate in local governance processes, consistent with the Department's CSO accreditation-related policies.

Joining the activity virtually was Ms. Patricia Schene Trinidad, CSO Accreditation Focal Person of the DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision, who discussed the salient features of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-060, or the "Guidelines on the Accreditation of Civil Society Organizations and Selection of Representatives to the Local Special Bodies."

CSO partners shared their insights, experiences, and perspectives during the activity, namely:

• Ms. Melany M. Vargas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Bicol Development
• Mr. Joshua Carl Barcelon, Executive Director of the Albay Young Farmers Organization, Inc.
• Mr. Francis Nohmer M. Esguerra, Board of Director of Gayon Cares, Inc.
• Rev. Fr. Eric Martillano, Executive Director of the Social Action Center Legazpi

The event was also graced by Ms. Mary Lyn A. Letran, Administrative Assistant II, of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Ms. Cristine C. Cantes, Cooperatives Development Specialist II, of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Beyond the CSO Caravan, the DILG Region V continues to strengthen collaboration with CSOs and LGUs, recognizing the civil society as an important partner in advancing participatory governance and responsive local development.