About 15 civil society organizations (CSO’s) from the different parts of the region attended the consultation workshop organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development held recently at Fiesta Ballroom, Legazpi City.

DSWD Director Arnel Garcia said that the activity is one of the government’s commitments to integrate citizen’s participation in the budget process as a means of enhancing transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds. It likewise aims to establish formal agreement with prospective civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the preparation and submission of the annual budget proposal.

There are about 24 civil society organizations who are in close partnership/coordination in line with the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and 12 Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWADAS) licensed and registered.

Garcia said that the CSOs involvement in the implementation of social protection program is in line with the directive of Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s public – private partnership in fulfilling his platform of good governance and poverty reduction. # # # eejerusalem