KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato has institutionalized the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy to strengthen the capacity of civil society groups and enhance their participation in local governance and development initiatives.
During its regular session on Monday, August 10, 2026, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan enacted Ordinance No. 60, Series of 2026, through Resolution No. 2026-401, institutionalizing the South Cotabato CSO Academy.
The ordinance was principally authored by Board Members Nilda B. Almencion and Cecile E. Diel, with Board Members Ross G. Rosal, Annabelle G. Pingoy, and Ervin B. Luntao as co-authors.
Committee on Cooperatives Chairperson Board Member Nilda B. Almencion said the academy will provide CSOs with training and capacity-building opportunities to improve their organizational and leadership capabilities while strengthening partnerships between the government and civil society.
“The program will focus on two major components: internal CSO governance through the LEAD to SERVE approach and CSO participation in local governance,” She said.
Training under the academy will cover leadership, strategic planning, financial management, organizational development, participatory governance, local budgeting, government procurement, policy analysis, and monitoring and evaluation.
The academy will select scholars from CSOs accredited by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. They will undergo a one-year program and render return service through active participation in Local Special Bodies, sectoral committees, and community programs.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO) will lead the implementation of the program in coordination with provincial offices, national government agencies, and CSOs.
The CSO Academy Technical Working Group will oversee policy and decision-making, while graduates and alumni will form a pool of trainers and resource persons who can provide mentoring, coaching, and technical assistance to local organizations.
The ordinance also mandates the Provincial Government to allocate a minimum of ₱2 million annually, subject to the availability of funds, to support the implementation of the CSO Academy.
The institutionalization of the program reinforces South Cotabato’s commitment to participatory governance by recognizing civil society organizations as key partners in policy development, community empowerment, transparency, accountability, and sustainable provincial development.
