DILG Iligan and MSU IIT Deepen CSO Engagement for Community Driven Development

Strengthening Governance Through Iligan Focused Collaboration

The Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology facilitated an exclusive Focus Group Discussion dedicated to advancing the Citizen Satisfaction Index System in Iligan City. The session gathered numerous Civil Society Organizations to emphasize the critical role of citizen based data in shaping evidence grounded agenda setting for the local government. The discussion reinforced Iligan as a model for participatory governance, where community voices directly influence service delivery improvements in key sectors.

Project Manager Asst. Prof. John Gieveson Iglupas and the MSU IIT team presented an overview of the CSIS framework and its findings across seven major LGU service areas. These included Health, Support to Education, Social Welfare Services, Governance and Response, Public Works and Infrastructure, Environmental Management, and Economic and Investment Promotion, all of which are vital indicators for enhancing LGU services in Iligan.

Key Benefits of CSO Participation in Local Governance

Active involvement from Civil Society Organizations strengthens accountability and deepens community synergy. Highlights from the discussion included:

• Expanded Awareness of LGU services in Iligan
• Increased Availment of essential community programs in Iligan
• Stronger Satisfaction levels toward governance initiatives in Iligan

Representing the Department of the Interior and Local Government Iligan City, LGOO Mohajir S. Licawat encouraged CSOs to be active partners in raising community awareness, availment, and satisfaction of local government offerings. He also shared the DILG accreditation pathway for CSOs seeking to co implement programs, projects, and activities. The Civil Society Participation Fund, a small grant facility for qualified applicants, was introduced as an opportunity to further strengthen civic engagement.

Act Now Strengthen Iligan Through CSO Led Community Action

Community participation is one of the strongest drivers of progress in Iligan. CSOs, stakeholders, and advocates are encouraged to stay engaged, maximize available government programs, and take an active role in shaping responsive services for residents. With initiatives like the CSIS and CSPF, the path to a more empowered Iligan has never been clearer.