CSO academy launched in Alabat to expand civic participation

By Rowena T. Cruz Mayor Eizelle “Ays” M. Avellano-Canimo leads the launch of the CSO Empowerment Academy on March 25 in Tayabas City, Quezo...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Mayor Eizelle “Ays” M. Avellano-Canimo leads the launch of the CSO Empowerment Academy on March 25 in Tayabas City, Quezon, aimed at strengthening civil society participation in local governance. (Alabat PIO)

ALABAT, QUEZON — Gaps in skills and involvement among civil society organizations have affected their participation in local governance in Alabat. In response, the municipal government introduced the CSO Empowerment Academy to improve coordination and expand their role in decision-making.

Mayor Eizelle “Ays” M. Avellano-Canimo led the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen civil society participation in governance. The program positions CSOs as active partners in supporting community development and carrying out local programs.



The program was conceptualized and developed by Joseph Leo F. Lagorra, Special Assistant to the Mayor for Policy and Development. He also served as the principal author, highlighting a structured approach to strengthening the skills of organizations.

Through structured training and support mechanisms, the initiative aims to address key gaps in the skills of local organizations. It is designed to enable CSOs to actively participate in local governance and contribute to service delivery.

To ensure continuity and measurable impact, the Academy includes a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system. The system is intended to track the progress of organizations and assess how effectively the skills they gain are applied over time.

With continued support and structured training in place, the initiative is expected to strengthen the capacity of CSOs. It reinforces their role as active partners in governance and long-term development efforts.