South Cotabato, Philippines – The Province of South Cotabato successfully concluded the second implementation of its Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy on May 27, 2025, with 21 participants from various CSOs completing the program as part of “Batch Kahiladman.”
This milestone marks the successful completion of the province’s second CSO Academy—a program designed to strengthen the voice and role of civil society in local governance.
Led by the administration of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., the CSO Academy reflects a growing commitment to participatory and inclusive governance. Governor Tamayo emphasized the importance of working with communities, particularly in crafting policies and programs that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
“Ang goal natin is to capacitate the private sector, para mabigyan sila ng boses kung paano magpatakbo ng gobyernong mayroon tayo,” Governor Tamayo said during the ceremony. “Sa pamamagitan ng academy na ito, kayo [private sector] ang magiging katuwang namin sa pagpapatakbo ng ating gobyerno—gobyernong nakikinig sa mga pangangailangan ng mga tao.”
Throughout the program, participants underwent a series of learning sessions focused on local governance, policy advocacy, transparency, budgeting, and community involvement. The sessions were conducted in collaboration with partner agencies such as the Association of Foundations Philippines, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
This year’s batch was dubbed “Batch Kahiladman,” a name that symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment. It embodies the academy’s vision—to nurture engaged citizens who help bring clarity and direction to public discourse and development work.
Meanwhile, graduates expressed their eagerness to put their learning into action—whether through monitoring government projects, joining dialogues with local officials, or mobilizing communities around shared goals.
With the second batch now concluded, plans are already underway for the next cycle of the CSO Academy, continuing the momentum of citizen empowerment under the leadership of Governor Tamayo.
With every graduate, South Cotabato moves one step closer to a more open, responsive, and people-centered government—marking the hallmark of its “Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo” brand of public service.
