Koronadal City, South Cotabato| August 27, 2025 — To strengthen citizen participation in local governance and development initiatives, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato has officially approved resolutions accrediting 32 civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and cooperatives for the administrative term 2025–2028.
These accredited organizations are now formally recognized as eligible to part in the formulation of local development policies and programs, especially through their representation in the Provincial Development Council and other local special bodies.
The approved list includes a wide range of organizations representing various sectors such as youth, agriculture, cooperative development, education, environmental planning, and humanitarian work. Among those granted accreditation under Resolution No. 2025-321 are:
- South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc.;
- Polomolok Multipurpose Cooperative;
- Mahintana Foundation Inc. (MFI);
- Grace Youth Organization, Inc. ;
- Coalition of Social Development Organizations-South Cotabato;
- Maguindanao Development Foundation, Inc. (MDFI);
- OND HESED Foundation, Inc.:
- SOCOTECO-1 Foundation;
- Liwanay SN Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative;
- Girl Scout of the PhiiiDDines:
- Lake Sebu National High School Multipurpose Cooperative;
- Tboli Farm Growers Multipurpose Cooperative;
- Tibud sa Katibawasan Multipurpose Cooperative;
- South Cotabato Foundation, Inc.:
- Social Action Center-Diocese of Marbel;
- Association of Foundation Phils., Inc.;
- Rizal 3 SN Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative;
- Bangsamoro Women of South Cotabato Organization (BMW-SCOR);
- Unified Engineering Workers Multipurpose Cooperative;
- Boy Scouts of the Philippines;
- South Cotabato Credit Surety Fund COODerative:
- Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners-SOCCSKSARGEN;
- Banga Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (BARCCO);
- Polo Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative;
- Save the Children Philippines (SCP), Inc.; and
- Green Valley College Foundation, Inc.
In addition, five more organizations were accredited through Resolution No. 2025-340, namely:
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines South Cotabato-General Santos City Chapter;
- South Cotabato Business Association, Inc.;
- Manuel Guianga and Sirib Growers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative;
- Cannery Multi-Purpose Cooperative;
- Upper Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Furthermore, the Association of Vocational Education and Training Institutions in South Cotabato (AVETSCO), Inc., has been approved though Resolution No. 2025-351.
According to the resolution, all organizations have satisfactorily complied with the documentary requirements under Rule XIII, Article 64 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991, as well as DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-72.
Board Member Hon. Nilda B. Almencion, Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives and People’s/Non-Governmental Organizations, emphasized the importance of accreditation in ensuring inclusivity.
“As much as possible, ginabuligan naton ang mga cooperatives and association nga ma-accredit diri sa South Cotabato para sa ila nga participation sa aton when in comes to planning development and sustainability sa aton province.” said Almencion said.
South Cotabato has established itself as a leader in strengthening the role of civil society and cooperatives in local governance. The province created the Provincial Cooperatives Development Office (PCDO) to assist CSOs, NGOs, and cooperatives in accreditation and capacity building.
In 2022, it launched the country’s first Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy, producing its first batch of graduates in 2023 to enhance governance and partnership skills.
More recently, the province institutionalized citizen participation through the Provincial People’s Council, giving accredited CSOs a stronger voice in policymaking. These initiatives highlight South Cotabato’s commitment to empowering organizations as partners in development and transparent governance.
