LGU Collab: What works?
In a follow up to the webinar, “Collab Works,” social enterprise partners of the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) shared their experiences in dealing with the local government to foster collaboration towards a common agenda.
Kauyagan Savers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Manager Imelda Esteban and Bayanihan Millennium Multi-Purpose Cooperative Manager Leonila Secadron told stories about their engagements with the local government in their areas, and the challenges, and opportunities faced by their organizations.
“The success of our partnership is anchored on our CHARM”, Esteban said.
CHARM stands for clarity, honesty, acceptance, or respect, and management of time, which are essential traits an organization must have to effectively engage with the local government.
She noted that organizations should always take part in the municipal development and management plan.
“We need to formalize this partnership through a document – a memorandum of agreement – in case a problem arises in the future,” she said.
Secadron meanwhile added that organizations should be accredited in the barangay and municipal councils for their plans and programs to be recognized.
“Dahil sa accreditation, kasama na tayo sa municipal development council. Kahit may mga pagbabago sa liderato ng mga nasa LGU, nasa priority na ang ating mga programa sa community,” she said.
Executive Director Denie Lyn Ocampo and Program Officer for Advocacy Sandino Soliman of the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) also discussed strategies, good practices and requirements for accreditation that CODE has learned over the years of engaging with the local government.
“We should continue to partner with LGUs in developing communities for prosperity and resiliency,” Ocampo said.
PEF experience
PEF Senior Area Officer Peter Nabong also shared his experiences in engaging with the local government of Padre Burgos to push for the Foundation’s development agenda for fisherfolks in the municipality.
“Nakita natin sa stakeholder assessment na malaki ang stake ng local government sa ating mga proyekto. Kaya nag-courtesy call kami sa municipal hall kasama ang ating partner sa area,” he said.
The interactions eventually bore fruit, as Padre Burgos Mayor Ruben Uy Diokno pledged a processing center and other equipment for the fisherfolk communities of Padre Burgos, Quezon when they visited the community of Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The webinar is part of PEF’s 20th anniversary knowledge events series in search for moving forward strategies and solutions under the new normal.