The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has forged a strategic partnership with Local Resource Institutes (LRIs) and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy Alumni to co-develop a localized training module geared toward strengthening internal governance on August 6 and 7, 2026 at the DILG Regional Office XII, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

This initiative falls under Component I of the region’s pioneering CSO Academy, which focuses on reinforcing the internal frameworks of CSOs which will eventually translate to enhancing their active and meaningful participation in local governance.

The DILG has secured the commitment of leading educational institutions across the region to ensure the curriculum is both academically rigorous and highly practical. Partnering LRIs include Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Mindanao State University (MSU), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Meanwhile, CSO Academy Alumni have been brought on board to inject vital grassroots insights into the curriculum. The alumni are helping tailor-fit the module by integrating their firsthand experiences to address the specific needs, realities, and challenges faced by local CSOs on the ground.

This collaborative approach also aims to foster community ownership and sustainability. Once the localized modules are finalized, these same CSO alumni will step into the role of facilitators, leading the training for future batches of the CSO Academy.

Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESO III, DILG XII Regional Director lauded the initiative and highlighted the strategic advantage of merging theoretical frameworks with practical, community-level experience.

Additionally, Ms. Liza D. Lopez, Executive Director of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. emphasized that the contribution of the alumni will greatly contribute to creating a program that is truly designed by the community, for the community.

The CSO Academy, an initiative of Region XII, is designed to strengthen civil society organizations and foster deeper partnerships with local government units.