MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The city government is magnifying how crucial the tie between the people’s organization and the local government unit is to the advancement of good local governance.

Mayor Lawyer Majul Gandamra stressed that while it is true that the community depends greatly on the leadership of the administration to have a smooth flow of day-to-day operations, he still believed that the people's involvement in running the community could make a great difference. 

He stated that gone are the days when people would just limit their calls to the government and plebiscite when things didn't go as they wanted them to. 

Gandamra underscored that nowadays, the perception is that people should take part in the community’s affairs because, as voters, they, too, have a say.

"The goal now is for people to be informed, knowledgeable, concerned, and active in local governance. Remember, too, that this country is democratic," he said.

Gandamra shared that in other parts, particularly the progressive ones, the participation of the people in local governance has resulted in more inclusive, responsive, and people-friendly governance.

He detailed that in all his travels outside Lanao del Sur province and the country, people’s organizations were so active and vibrant that they already had an esteemed place in their localities and were able to improve the quality of lives of the people.

Nonetheless, Gandamra is elated to remember that his own place also has an organization called the Lanao del Sur People’s Council (LDSPC) that manifests how the citizens are welcomed to partake in the administration of their respective localities.

He highlighted that the existence of the aforementioned council would always be a testament that there are Maranaos who are dedicated to being of service to their fellowmen.

"The Lanao del Sur People’s Council, Inc., is proof that there are Maranaos who have made the commitment to be proactive and more concerned about what is happening here in the province," said Gandamra. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)