Iligan City launches academy to strengthen civic organizations

ILIGAN CITY — Local government authorities here have formalized a new institutional framework designed to build the capacity of civil society groups operating in the city. The establishment of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Iligan City government, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Region 10, and the Iligan City People's Council.

The academy will serve as a pilot program aimed at equipping civil society organizations with enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to their roles in municipal governance. According to officials involved in the agreement, the initiative targets CSOs that have been historically marginalized from formal policymaking processes.

City Mayor Frederick Siao and representatives from the provincial DILG office indicated that the academy would offer training programs, workshops, and capacity-building activities tailored to the needs of local civic groups. The curriculum is expected to cover governance frameworks, advocacy strategies, and institutional development for organizations seeking greater involvement in city affairs.

The three-way partnership underscores the municipal administration's commitment to fostering more inclusive governance structures. Officials stated that a stronger, more organized civil society sector would ultimately contribute to improved public service delivery and more responsive local government.