PH-OGP Localization Program: Cohort LGU mentoring and technical assistance activity for flagship program formulation

On 14 July 2026, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region V successfully conducted the PH-OGP Localization Program: Cohort LGU Mentoring and Technical Assistance Activity for Flagship Program Formulation in the Municipalities of Bula and Magarao, Camarines Sur, under Phase 2 of the PH-OGP Co-Creation Process — Selection of the Flagship Program.

In Bula, the activity gathered its Steering Committee, comprising local officials, department heads, and civil society organizations (CSOs), in identifying a flagship program that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of the community.

Mayor Manuel A. Ibasco, Jr., underscored that being selected as one of the eight (8) first-cohort LGUs is not only a recognition, but a responsibility to embed the values of transparency, accountability, and participation in local governance.

Hon. Nellie P. Largo, Vice Mayor, likewise reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between the LGU, the Sangguniang Bayan, and CSOs, recognizing citizen participation as essential in identifying priority programs and ensuring that development initiatives reach those who need them most.

Building on the municipality's successful initiatives such as the CSO Academy, Community-Driven Development Program, and Expanded Project Monitoring and Evaluation, stakeholders emphasized that effective planning must be rooted in evidence, community participation, and collaborative decision-making.

In Magarao, Mayor Atty. Maria Maruja A. Señar expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the local government and civil society would further elevate the municipality's governance achievements. Emphasizing that progress cannot be attained by the government alone, the Mayor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of CSOs and community stakeholders in advancing local development.

Participants also refined their flagship program concept by leveraging the municipality's Goal Achievement Matrix (GAM) results and exploring sustainable capacity development initiatives and strategic partnerships to empower community enterprises.

PH-OGP R5 Regional Technical Team (RTT) Member Mr. Francis Nohmer Esguerra, President of Gayon Cares, provided technical assistance together with SLGP RCT DMO IV Frances Alen Arcos and IO III Cathrynn Joyce Miraña. The activity was also facilitated and documented by Ms. Melany M. Vargas and Ms. Franchezka Madeleanne Soncuya of Coalition for Bicol Development (CBD).