TACLOBAN CITY – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a two-day seminar workshop on Thursday, October 12. The event titled "Safe Space and Trust Building in Governance" targets Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to bolster transparent governance, promote social accountability, and foster community engagement.
The event, held at the Rosvenil Hotel, is a vital component of the Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) program.
Facilitated by USAID Change Project Component Leads Maria Paz Christi Moneva and Redempto Parafina, along with City Governance Coordinator Gemma Borreros and Program Coordinator Julie-Ann Deus, the seminar aims to enhance collaboration and understanding between CSOs and government bodies. Mayor Alfred Romualdez, underlining the event's significance, stressed the need for informed decision-making and policies aligned with local culture to drive sustainable development.
Expressing gratitude for USAID's pivotal role during the city's recovery from Super Typhoon Yolanda, Mayor Romualdez reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring meaningful outcomes from the seminar. The event has seen active participation from diverse CSOs, including the City PWD Federation, One Way Bike Club, World Vision, United Leymar Transport Cooperative, Kabalikat Civicom, United Architects of the Philippines Metro Tacloban, and PICE.
A core objective of the CHANGE program is to deepen CSO involvement and oversight in local governance processes, aiming for alignment with government endorsement and support. Tacloban City is among the nine secondary cities chosen for CHANGE initiatives, pushing for the local city council's approval of a memorandum of understanding, anticipated to be finalized by the third week of November 2023. —iTacloban (Source: CIO)