DILG, civil society groups pledge to set up a local people's council in Davao City

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Davao City and accredited civil society organizations have signed a pledge to work toward creating a local people's council (LPC), according to Mindanao Times.

The signing closed a two-day capacity-building activity and multi-sectoral dialogue held on October 26 and 27 at The Apo View Hotel. The DILG Davao City Operations Office organized the event, which brought together local government representatives, accredited civil society organizations (CSOs), people's organizations, sectoral groups and members of the academe.

Participating CSOs represented fisherfolk, farmers, persons with disabilities, environmental advocates, social protection groups and economic sector organizations.

DILG Davao City director Mika-Chan S. Magtulis said setting up an LPC could strengthen local governance, adding that constructive public participation makes governance better informed, more trusted and more effective rather than slowing it down. "Good governance is not only about what the government can do for the people, but also about what the government and the people can accomplish together," she said.

Sessions tackled the legal and policy basis for institutionalizing the LPC and inclusive participation under the open government partnership. In workshops, organizations assessed how ready they are to take a bigger role in governance.

Participants put forward initial recommendations for an LPC framework, covering the council's composition, mandates and functions, sectoral representation, membership safeguards and how it would operate. The CSOs also identified next steps, including which organizations would be responsible, timelines and needed support.

Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre, who chairs the City Council's committee on cooperative development and people's participation, expressed support for institutionalizing the LPC and stressed the need for unity between the city government and organizations in policy-making.

DILG Davao City said the LPC is meant to be more than a compliance requirement, describing it as an ongoing venue where communities can raise concerns, offer recommendations and help shape local development.