MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--After more than a decade of oneness in serving the citizenry, the Lanao del Sur People’s Council (LDSPC) looked back to how it started and flourished through the years as it celebrated its eleventh founding anniversary.

With the theme "Pagmamahal at Pagkakaisa [Love and Unity]," the provincial government, national government agencies, Bangsamoro government’s ministries, and civil society organizations (CSOs) convened to recall the memories they shared.

LDSPC Chairperson Nabiha Lao recalled that their council was established in 2012, when then-President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III called for its formation in each province.

This was accordingly heeded by the regional and provincial governments, thus welcoming the CSOs as partners, which have been known as a powerful tie that connected the government and communities.

Lao said that after that, CSOs became allies of the provincial government because they gave suggestions and feedback, especially when local laws were being made, and because they were allowed to join local special bodies, development councils, and other standing committees.

"Ang CSOs ay talagang binigyan ng puwang sa kanilang mga contribution dito sa development ng ating probinsya. Ang mandato sa atin ay (The CSOs were really given a place for their contribution here in the development of our province. The mandate given to us is) to bridge the gap between the people and the government," she said.

Lao shared that for the past years, her council has already noted various achievements that involved stakeholders from different sectors. 

She said that during the height of the siege in the city in 2017, the LDSPC worked hard with the government to connect with the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled to Iligan City and repeat the calls for help of the affected residents to encourage the government and other stakeholders to give more help.

Going through all these, Lao shared that they currently aim to step up their strategic planning, strengthen their relationship with the government, and expand their advocacy to embrace all aspects of society.

She underscored that the government and CSOs may not partake in one endeavor, but what matters is that they are one in their goal of helping people, especially the marginalized sector.

"Ngayon, ang ating CSOs ay tumutulong sa ating gobyerno kung paano maihatid ang tulong at development sa madlang people, lalo na sa marginalized sector. This year, pinaigting ng ating gobyerno ang partisipasyon ng CSOs sa ating governance. It is really good," said Lao.

(Now, our CSOs help our government deliver help and development to our constituents, especially those in the marginalized sector. This year, our government further intensified the participation of CSOs in our governance. It is really good). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)