By PR | 10:57 AM September 28, 2023
The province of Bohol is encouraging its Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to apply for accreditation.
On Day 3 of the CSO week celebration, Sept. 27, the Bohol People’s Council (BPC) convened accredited groups and those aspiring for accreditation in a plenary session to tackle accreditation, linkages and resource generation with various regulatory agencies.
Board Member Elpidio Bonita, chair of the committee on Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), People’s Organizations (POs) and CSOs underscored government efforts to partner with CSOs in the implementation of various programs that contribute to strategic provincial development.
“Ang atong panggobyerno dako ang pagsaludo sa inyong parte sa atong mga programa ug aktibidades. Giila mo nga usa sa mga contributor, kay dili mahinabo ang programa sa gobyerno kon walay participation sa atong mga katawhan,” Bonita said as he welcomed speakers and participants on behalf of Gov. Aris Aumentado and Vice Gov. Victor Balite.
Officials of regulatory agencies including the Philippine Council on NGO Certification (PCNC), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Cooperative Development Authority, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment discussed respective registration and licensing processes and its benefits to NGOs, foundations, as well as non-profit, non-stock corporations.
Felix Tonog, PCNC executive director, explained that the accreditation of CSOs began as a response to the challenge of government to help ensure legitimacy of NGOs and foundations especially in relation to tax exemptions.
Sheara Lupangao-Tamayo of the SEC touched on the credibility of CSOs as well as the prevention of scams as a benefit of accreditation in addition to the ability to partner with various institutions and to receive financial aid in the conduct of programs and activities.
The Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Provincial Internal Audit Office, also presented its own accreditation process to avail of financial assistance.
It institutionalized the BPC through Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-004 to recognize the role of CSOs, including NGOs, POs, civil organizations, faith-based groups, cooperatives, social movements, professionals well as business groups, to enable people to pursue and protect their legitimate and collective interest and aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.
In the afternoon, Francis Bernard Batoy, chair of the BPC presided over a meeting of all 118 accredited CSOs on matters such as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Provincial Ordinance, the approval of the council’s strategic plan and its accomplishments. (PIMO/LMS)
