LGSF Utilization Status
February 20, 2026 - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region III, together with the DILG Nueva Ecija Provincial Office, visited the local government unit (LGU) of the Science City of Muñoz and the Municipality of Rizal to discuss the proposed establishment of a Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy in the said LGUs.
The two (2) LGUs are among the nine (9) local government units in Central Luzon selected for the Philippine Open Government Partnership (OGP) Batch 1 cohort, reflecting their strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
The meeting was attended by Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose, CESO III; Assistant Regional Director Jay E. Timbreza, CESO IV; LG-CDD Assistant Chief LGOO VI Darryl Salvador; DMO III Mheylin Kristel Tanhueco; and DMO III Aldrian Balmero. Also present from the DILG Nueva Ecija Provincial Office were Provincial Director Atty. Ofelio A. Tactac, Jr., CESO V; Program Manager LGOO VI Donnabel E. Estipular; LG-CDS Chief LGOO VI Leovielyn H. Aduna; LGOO II Youse Nikanor P. Cruz; and LGOO II Nelcy V. Mendoza.
The proposed Central Luzon CSO Academy is envisioned as a capacity development platform aimed at strengthening the knowledge, skills, and leadership competencies of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the region. More than a training initiative, it serves as a strategic mechanism to institutionalize meaningful government–civil society engagement in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive local development.
