Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), through Local People's Councils (LPCs) across Central Luzon, converged at the Subic Bay Traveler's Hotel on June 23–24, 2025, for the impactful event "Boses ng Mamamayan Para sa Mas Maunlad na Pamayanan: Central Luzon’s LPC Forum Driving CSO Empowerment."

The two-day forum was specifically designed to empower these vital community pillars by fostering their capacity to drive progress and development within their respective localities.

The forum also marked a critical initiative for local governance and participatory democracy, aiming to strengthen the voice of the citizenry in building more progressive communities. Participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops, insightful discussions, and collaborative planning sessions focused on enhancing the effectiveness of CSOs.

Key topics highlighted the role of empowered CSOs in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in local governance. The forum served as a platform for these organizations to network, share experiences, and collectively address the challenges faced by communities in Central Luzon.

Attendees expressed optimism about the forum’s outcomes, citing a renewed sense of purpose and enhanced capabilities gained from the sessions. The "Boses ng Mamamayan Para sa Mas Maunlad na Pamayanan" forum is expected to translate into more community-led initiatives and a stronger partnership between citizens and local authorities—paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable Central Luzon.