Representatives from various civil society organizations (CSO) based in Tagbilaran City flocked to the City Hall Atrium to witness the launching of the CSO desk of the City Government.
This comes as City Mayor Jane Yap signed an executive order (EO) creating the CSO desk to be manned by the CSO desk officer.
The signing of the EO was also followed by the signing of a partnership agreement between the local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran and the CSOs with the aim to jointly develop a strategic framework for Tagbilaran City.
Moreover, Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala also read during the event, the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution authorizing Mayor Yap to enter into an agreement with CSO: represented by the Tagbilaran City People’s Council led by its chairperson, Marietta Gasatan.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks lauded the city government for its partnership with external stakeholders such as various CSOs.
“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,” Eubanks said.
Mayor Yap encouraged the various CSOs to work together. The mayor encouraged openness and transparency, emphasizing that it is in the healthy exchange of ideas that meaningful change is 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 quipped that the partnership between the City Government and the CSOs would be fruitful if the concept of safe space is achieved.
“Safe spaces aim 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.