Tagkawayan strengthens government-citizen partnership at CSO conference

By Rowena T. Cruz Mayor Carlo Eleazar delivers his keynote address during the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Conference 2025, emphasizing ...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Mayor Carlo Eleazar delivers his keynote address during the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Conference 2025, emphasizing the importance of participatory governance in Tagkawayan. (Tagkawayan PIO)

TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon—A new era of inclusive governance is underway in Tagkawayan as the local government and community leaders convened today, August 25 for the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Conference 2025. The event was designed to fortify the partnership between the municipality and its citizens by providing CSOs with essential information on the official accreditation process, a step viewed as crucial for enabling community groups to participate in the town’s development planning.

Mayor Carlo Eleazar, a proponent of his administration's Participatory, Transparent, and Accountable Governance agenda, emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in local decision-making. His remarks highlighted the belief that shared responsibility is fundamental to community progress, stating that the government alone cannot effectively address the complex challenges of urban and rural development without the active voice and participation of its people.



In his address, he said, "Hindi puwedeng kami lang ang mag-iisip, hindi puwedeng kami lang ang magdedesisyon, gusto po namin ay kasama kayong lahat, tulong-tulong po tayo para sa pagpapa-unlad ng ating bayan."

The conference featured presentations and open forums led by local officials, including MLGOO Thelma Beñabon and CSO Desk Officer Simon Basilio A. Rufo Jr., who detailed the mechanics of the accreditation process. The discussions focused on how accredited CSOs can formally engage in local special bodies and contribute to policymaking, ensuring that a diverse range of community needs are considered.

Mayor Eleazar added that this inclusive approach is a key component of the municipality's growth strategy. "Ang bawat isa sa atin ay mayroong boses at ang boses na ito ay mahalaga para sa ikauunlad ng ating komunidad."

The conference served as a formal invitation for all local CSOs to seek accreditation, encouraging groups who join various sectors—among them health, education, environment, and social welfare—to apply. This initiative aims to formalize their role in the governing process, ensuring that a broad range of community perspectives are considered in policy and planning.