KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Graduates of the South Cotabato Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy are being equipped to become mentors and resource speakers who will help Local People’s Councils (LPCs) and grassroots organizations strengthen their skills and participation in local governance.
The Office of the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer (OPCDO) conducted the Capacity Building of CSO Academy Alumni on September 22, 2026, to organize graduates into a Pool of Mentors and Resource Speakers who can provide coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, and learning support to local CSOs.
The initiative received support from Atty. Renette B. Bergado, Provincial Cooperative Development Officer and Acting Provincial Administrator; Board Member Nilda B. Almencion, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chair on CSOs and Cooperatives; and DILG-South Cotabato Provincial Director Hayd-Ali S. Suwaib, who was represented by Chrysanthea D. Zorilla.
Almencion assured the participants of the provincial government’s continued support for initiatives that strengthen civil society organizations.
“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is here to support the programs for you through ordinances and resolutions, as well as by allocating budgets for them,” Almencion said.
Julius Cesear Maniego said the capacity-building activity also seeks to strengthen the competencies of CSO Academy graduates so they can take on greater roles in their respective communities.
“It also seeks to strengthen the competencies of CSO Academy alumni to serve as mentors, resource speakers, and CSO representatives to Local Special Bodies in their respective local government units,” Maniego said.
During the activity, participants were introduced to the Academy for CSO Excellence (ACE)–South Cotabato and the purpose of establishing a pool of experts and resource persons composed of CSO Academy graduates.
Participants also underwent practical training on four basic facilitation skills—attending, observing, listening, and questioning—facilitated by resource person Mary Luzviminda Tagle-Herezo.
Through role-playing activities, the alumni practiced applying these skills in situations they may encounter while mentoring and assisting fellow CSO members.
The initiative will also develop a mentoring and resource-sharing plan that will guide the engagement of mentors, Local Special Bodies representatives, and resource persons in providing continued support to Local People’s Councils and grassroots CSOs across South Cotabato.
