The Mahintana Foundation Inc., in partnership with DILG XII and the Department of Budget and Management, has successfully conducted the Mindanao Open Government Partnership (OGP) Regional Forum and ProPEACE Learning Exchange with the theme, "Advancing Local Governance: From Policy Actions to Results Towards an Inclusive and Peaceful Future Together," at Venue 88, General Santos City today, November 14, 2024.
Some 150 local leaders, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), peace advocates, and government representatives from Regions 11, 12, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) convened to share transformative strategies and best practices in promoting open governance, transparency, and peaceful community development.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP), an international initiative launched in 2011, has aimed to foster transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. The Philippines, a member since 2011, has made strides in strengthening these values, formalizing its commitment in 2023 with Executive Order No. 31. This order led to the establishment of a national steering committee composed of government officials and civil society leaders, with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at the helm. In Mindanao, the Mahintana Foundation represents local CSOs, advocating for inclusivity and community participation in decision-making processes.
Among the highlights were presentations on South Cotabato's Open Government Partnership (OGP) milestones, the ProPEACE Program, a GCERF-funded initiative promoting peace among tri-people communities in South Cotabato; Project COMPACT, a Save the Children-supported endeavor focusing on child-centered governance and social accountability, Procurement Law, and Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty.
DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE expressed her appreciation to the said program and project for helping in the region’s peace-building initiatives.
Director Mahinay-Sero also shared the Department’s strategies for promoting participatory governance, including the CSO Academy of SOCCSKSARGEN, a program for developing CSO leaders in the region in partnership with Mahintana and DBM, XII; and the establishment of Local People’s Councils in the local government units.
“In 2023, Region 12 was recognized for achieving the highest increase in Local People’s Council establishment, with a remarkable 76% growth from 2022 benchmarks. South Cotabato leads the way as the first province in the country to establish Local People’s Councils across all its component LGUs,” she said.
Currently, 84.91% of LGUs in Region 12 have established their Local People’s Council.
Transformative stories from the Peoples Councils, CSO Academy Scholars, and child-led groups in the ProPEACE program and COMPACT Project also inspired all guests and participants during the said event.
