The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII, in partnership with the DILG- Bureau of Local Government Supervision, successfully conducted an on-site monitoring for the Boosting Engagement and Civic Awareness through Open Communication Networks (BEACON) Project on May 26, 2025 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City.
The initiative is part of the FY 2024 Civil Society Participation Fund (CSPF), aimed at strengthening open governance and active citizenship in General Santos City.
The monitoring event was graced by representatives from the DILG – BLGS led by Director Debie Torres, CESO IV. Meanwhile, DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE delivered a strong message of support underscoring the project’s impact in bridging communication gaps between citizens and local government.
Also in attendance were Mr. Ian Blanker and Ms. Ezza Lou Marquez, representing Mahintana Foundation, Inc.
“This is not just a compliance activity—it is a celebration of partnerships and shared governance,” said RD Mahinay-Sero in her address. “The BEACON Project embodies our national commitment to participatory governance, as emphasized by President Marcos during the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Regional Meeting.”
The BEACON Project was a strategic response to the findings of the 2023 Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) conducted in General Santos City. While the survey showed high satisfaction in various public service areas, it also revealed a significant gap in citizens’ awareness and availment of government services due to insufficient information dissemination.
Implemented from August 15 to December 15, 2024, BEACON achieved notable outcomes through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Highlights included:
• Digital Communication Training: Over 20 social media managers from the City Government were trained to optimize the LGU’s online presence. Eight tailored social media plans were developed to enhance transparency and information dissemination.
• Infographic Design Workshops: A separate training session empowered 23 LGU staff with skills in infographic development, making government services more accessible to the public.
• CSO Information Sessions: Nine Civil Society Organizations under the People’s Council of Gensan conducted 15 outreach activities, reaching over 1,200 participants with IEC materials that boosted awareness of government programs and services.
The project’s success was made possible through strong LGU support, a formal Memorandum of Understanding, and sustained engagement with CSOs. However, the monitoring team also identified persistent challenges, such as limited departmental capacity for content creation, fragmented information systems, and the need for a centralized communication platform. To address these, the project team recommended continued capacity development, enhanced digital infrastructure, and institutionalization of Mahintana’s information sharing mechanisms.
The BEACON Project stands as a model for civic engagement and responsive governance—demonstrating how open communication, citizen feedback, and intersectoral collaboration can lead to more inclusive and effective public service delivery.
