IBA, Zambales — A total of 21 accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) in Zambales went through a stringent selection process to gain representation in local special bodies of the provincial government, as part of the local thrust for participatory governance.

In a meeting held October 29 at Balin Sambali here, DILG-Zambales OIC Provincial Director Melissa D. Nipal, with the assistance of Provincial Planning and Development Office head Emmanuel Adaoag and Supervising Cooperative Development Specialist Albert M. Aquino Jr. as provincial CSO desk officer, reviewed the qualification of CSOs based on their relevant experience and expertise, credibility and integrity, non-partisan political stance, and collaboration skills with local government units and agencies.

The selected CSOs will serve as a bridge between government and the civil society and help ensure participatory, inclusive, at transparent local governance.

The CSOs that went through the selection process for six different local special bodies are:

PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (PDC):

• Pagkakaisa ng Bayang Zambaleño (PABAZA)

• National Chaplains of the Philippines (NCP), Inc.

• Samahang Magmamangga Ng Zambales Inc.

• Bigkis ng Mangingisdang Pazambat

• Sambales Aruga and Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (SAFACO) Metro Zambales Multipurpose Cooperative

• Confederation of llocano Association Inc.

• Zambales Provincial Fisherfolk Association

• Mother Rita Multi-Purpose Cooperative

• National Organization of Filipinos Uniting for Sustainable Environment Inc.

PROVINCIAL HEALTH BOARD (PHB):

• Kalinga sa Bata at Kabataan (KABAKAI) Inc.

PROVINCIAL SCHOOL BOARD (PScB):

• Zambales Olongapo Association of Pastors Inc.

PROVINCIAL PEACE and ORDER COUNCIL (PPOC)

• Kabalikat Civicom Association Inc.-Zambales Provincial Council

• Citizens Crime Watch Zambales Association Inc. (CCW)

• Highway Patrol Group Force Multiplier Inc.

PROVINCIAL ANTI-DRUG ABUSE COUNCIL (PADAC):

• Kalinga sa Bata at Kabataan (KABAKAI) Inc.

• National Chaplains of the Philippines (NCP), Inc.

• Pastors League of Zambales, Inc.

PROVINCIAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (PDRRMC)

• National Organization of Filipinos Uniting for Sustainable Environment, Inc.

• Bantay ng Masa National Federation (BNMNFI), Inc.

• Social Action Center of Zambales (SACZ)

• Kabalikat Civicom Association Inc.-Zambales Provincial Council

The selected CSOs for the local special bodies will serve as a bridge between government and the civil society and help ensure participatory, inclusive, at transparent local governance. 