BACOLOD City – Barangay-based nongovernment organizations (NGOs) must be accredited in compliance with a new directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) last week passed a resolution that urged barangay officials from 61 villages in the city to comply with the new DILG order.
The accreditation of the NGOs will ensure their participation in the barangay governance and development, the SP said.
It will also ensure proper representation in the Barangay Development Council and other barangay-based institutions.
DILG secretary Eduardo Año said barangay officials must be proactive in implementing the new order.
“As partners of the government in its pursuit for progress, NGOs play a crucial part in delivering services to the people, especially in the grassroots level. And as such, it is imperative that they are accredited to formalize their operation in the barangay and for their voices to be heard,” Año added.
Resolution proponent Councilor Sonya Verdeflor said barangay officials must therefore be careful in accrediting the NGOs.
She added that village officials must conduct an information campaign regarding the accreditation.
According to the DILG, community-based NGOs – whether previously accredited or seeking new accreditation – shall be handed with a notice of call for application and accreditation.
The notice must also be posted in three conspicuous areas in the barangay or on social and print media.
The barangay secretary shall make a list of the NGOs – including their names, contact information, services offered, and affiliations, among others.
The Sangguniang Barangay must then set a date for the evaluation of the NGOs./PN
