Extending and Sharing Local Governance with the Private Sector and Civil Society
As part of the local governance ecosystem, the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) also have large roles in exercising the governance paradigm at the local level. Though not directly handling government affairs, their claim as stakeholders and their potential contribution to the local communities as alternative source of service provision is increasingly sought out in the recent years.
We therefore extend our support to the private sector – particularly the companies and enterprises operating at the local level, for them to fully understand local government dynamics as well as processes to carry out smooth interaction and transaction at local offices. Helping LGUs through complementing and cooperating, rather than competing is among the core ideas of courses provided for the private sector. These can be in the form of Know and Inform Sessions or special courses which focus on the interest of the company in dealing with LGUs.
Likewise, we work with the various civil society groups at the local level to create a better appreciation of local governance with their roles as partners, and a venue for checks and balances in the activities of local administrations. The interaction of CSOs with local governments are given premium in light of participatory governance – enabling the people have a voice in managing local affairs. With this, we work and converse with local CSOs on the interests and advocacies they represent, and keeping it aligned and in harmony with the thrusts of the local governments. Programs can take the form of special courses dealing with technical competency of the CSO staff, Know and Inform Sessions, and how to effectively deliver and make people understand their advocacies.