𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐎𝐆𝐏 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

On November 14, 2024, Mahintana Foundation Inc., in collaboration with DILG Region XII, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Mahintana-led & Dole Philippines, Inc.-supported projects such as the ProPEACE Programme and the COMPACT Project, successfully held the Mindanao OGP Regional Forum and ProPEACE Learning Exchange at Venue 88 in General Santos City. The event, themed “𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑮𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒚 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑻𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓,” brought together representatives from government and civil society organizations across Regions X, XI, XII, and BARMM to share insights, foster collaboration, and promote Open Government Partnership (OGP) best practices.

The forum highlighted South Cotabato’s accomplishments as the OGP Local Member in the Philippines, presented by Arch. Carlito Uy, South Cotabato Integrity Circle/CSDO-SC. Additionally, Atty. Rochelle Mahinay-Sero, DILG XII Regional Director, shared Best Practices through ProPEACE Programme, COMPACT Project, People’s Council, CSO Academy and USAID’s Local Governance Process Democratization Continuum. Transformative Stories from the Peoples Councils, CSO Academy Scholars, and Child-led Groups in the ProPEACE Programme and COMPACT Project were also shared by Ms. Amira Kalim, President of the Bangsamoro Women of South Cotabato Organization (BMWScOr), Ms. Jenellyn Joy Depaloma, Executive Director of SOCOTECO I Foundation and CSO Academy Scholar, and Ms. Vanessa Mae Radana, Child-led Group Leader from Brgy. Kawas, Alabel, Sarangani Province

The forum also provided valuable discussions on relevant legislation, including RA 9184 vs. RA 12009 on “What Communities Need to Know about the New Procurement Law and Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation (NPCP),” led by ARD Atty. Libertine Cagang-Guanzon, DBM XII Assistant Regional Director. Ms. Angelita E. Visayas, Capacity Building and General Administrative Officer at DSWD XII, also facilitated a session on the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP).

Also featured messages from Sec. Amenah F. Pangandaman, PH-OGP Steercom Chair & DBM Secretary, and Ms. Aurora “Araw” Chavez-De Guzman, PH-OGP Steercom Co-Chair, delivered via AVP. Special guests included Dr. Jose Orlando Acharon, SP-CMO City Councillor; Ms. Liza Duropan-Hora, Executive Director of Mahintana; Ms. Ivy Caballes, Save the Children Philippines General Santos Office Field Manager; Mr. Ibrahim S. Sangcupan, EPAHP Regional Program Coordinator, DSWD XII; Mr. Jobe C. Tubigon, Executive Director of Kasilak Development Foundation; and ProPEACE partners through Kasilak Development Foundation, OND-HESED Foundation, Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, and Maguindanaon Development Foundation.

The forum also marked the launch of the “Online-Based Local Governance Process Democratization Continuum,” an innovative platform empowering local governments to independently assess and enhance governance practices. This milestone was celebrated with a dynamic cultural performance by the Landan National High School IP Cultural Dancers, showcasing the rich heritage of Region XII. The new platform is a critical tool in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and sustainable governance practices in the region.

This event underscored the power of collaboration and shared purpose among local leaders, change makers, and peace advocates to advance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. The forum represents an important step forward in building a more resilient and inclusive Mindanao, collectively striving for a stronger and more peaceful future.

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