The new leadership of Naga City aims to institutionalize a more empowered and actively engaged Nagueño—regardless of gender—in local governance. This vision is embodied in Mayor Leni Robredo’s Executive Order No. 019, which designates a new Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk Officer and updates the roles and functions of the CSO Desk.
Mayor Robredo has appointed Dave Bercasio, interim executive director of the Jesse M. Robredo Center for Good Governance, as head of the CSO Desk.
The directive is aligned with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2021-054, which amends Memorandum Circular No. 2021-012. These issuances provide updated guidelines on establishing CSO Desks and institutionalizing People’s Councils in local government units (LGUs), including the specific functions of the CSO Desk and Desk Officer.
EO No. 019 enhances the effectiveness of the Naga City CSO Desk and revises the earlier Executive Order No. 2021-003 to better support inclusive governance.
The CSO Desk is envisioned to: Serve as a platform to document and address issues and concerns raised by CSOs; Assist CSOs seeking accreditation to Local Special Bodies and/or wishing to participate in LGU programs, including the People’s Council; Promote the active involvement of CSOs in all governance processes—planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation—guided by the spirit of volunteerism.
The CSO Desk Officer is mandated to: Facilitate, in coordination with the DILG, the formation of the People’s Council in the city; Mobilize and ensure the participation of recognized and accredited CSOs in various LGU processes and activities; Promote women’s participation by ensuring at least 40% representation of women in local government bodies, especially special bodies;
Monitor, through the People’s Council, the participation of CSOs in the planning and implementation of LGU programs and projects; Coordinate with the Sangguniang Panlungsod on matters relating to CSO accreditation and the selection of CSO representatives to Local Special Bodies (LSBs), and prepare and submit monitoring reports to the City or Municipal Local Government Operations Officer.
Through this strengthened initiative, Naga City reaffirms its commitment to participatory and inclusive governance. | via Jason Neola
