Baler, Aurora – DILG Aurora launched KAAGAPAY (KAtuwang sa Adhikain at Gabay sa Aktibong PAkikilahok at pagYabong ng mga CSO), a new initiative of Local Governance Resource Center TAMBULI, which aims to upscale local governance through citizen empowerment on July 16, 2025.
The activity commenced with a compelling message from Dr. Armida C. Palispis, EnP, Provincial Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk Officer and Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, who emphasized the significance of collaborative partnership in governance and the CSOs’ pivotal role in bridging communities and the government.
KAAGAPAY is a multifaceted approach designed to empower the CSOs as active partners in identifying community problems and their corresponding solutions, influencing local decision-making, inspiring governance reforms, and uplifting the lives of the people they represent.
During the presentation of the program’s overview and road map, Program Manager Reyner L. Buenconsejo encouraged the participants: "Each of you is advocating for a certain change. May mga gusto po tayong baguhin [...] sa current condition ng ating lipunan tulad ng: poverty alleviation, economic inclusion efforts, environmental protection and climate change, gender equality, and improved service delivery [...] You can be that change. You can start [...] by actively participating in local governance.”
As one of the avenues of participation, LGOO V Gerald Philip DC. Esteves apprised the participants on the updated CSO accreditation process and selection of their representatives to Local Special Bodies (LSBs) pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-060.
Furthermore, LGOO II Denn Jennings Angel M. Oviatt introduced the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which calls for the institutionalization of open government practices to further the transparency, accountability, and inclusivity of local governance. To complement this effort, KAAGAPAY will integrate the OGP documentation tool into the province-wide monitoring and evaluation of CSO participation in various local government operations, as well as the LGU’s efforts in citizen empowerment and establishing meaningful civic spaces.
After the sessions, Pastor Noel Bornales Jr., CSO Representative of Adventist Community Services-Aurora, shared his takeaways about the program: “Mas lalo po kaming na-inspire, nakita po namin ang partnership ng government at private organizations. Nakikita po namin ang pagtutulungan… sa isang adhikain na maging maayos at nasa tamang landas po ang ating government. [...] Makakatulong ito kahit dun sa mga vulnerable sector ng ating lipunan at [...] sa ating mga government officials kung paano po maipatupad ang mga dapat ipatupad.”
For more information on the KAAGAPAY Program and CSO accreditation processes, please visit https://www.riseaurora.region3.dilg.gov.ph/lgrc/innovation/kaagapay
