The activity welcomed participants from Region 6, 7, 8, and the Negros Island Region (NIR), composed of LGU functionaries, DILG Field Officers, members of civil society organizations (CSOs), and Local Project Monitoring Committees (LMPCs) whose insights and experiences are essential in the development of the standardized TPM Manual which shall be used in the nation-wide rollout.

The TPM program is a key initiative of the DILG that promotes independent evaluation of local government projects through accredited civil society organizations (CSOs). It aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust by providing external reviews of governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement, particularly in LGSF projects.

The two-day activity facilitated by the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation (GKCDF) led by Dr. Victor Emmanuel A. Orazzaga, commissioned by the department, through the DILG CARAGA, ensured the guided participation of all stakeholders present.

Expressing his support and encouragement, DILG 8 Regional Director, Arnel M. Agabe, emphasized the continued efforts of the department to encourage CSOs and community participation in local infrastructure governance.

“Through the independent lens of our CSO partners, we ensure that the projects we monitor and evaluate are indeed implemented to the highest standards and will deliver real impact to our communities,” RD Agabe, highlighting the importance of the third-party monitoring in ensuring effective implementation of locally-funded projects and its lasting impact to the society.

The activity was also attended by the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) Director, Alfonso A. Maralli, Jr., together with other OPDS functionaries namely Fe Priscilla M. Banluta, Engr. Riolyka Z. Manalaotao, and John Patrick B. Cababa. Moreover, Dir. Maralli emphasized that the consultation workshop is a crucial step forward, through which participants will co-develop a standard manual that will serve as a common reference for expanding the TPM to all regions in the country.

The TPM Consultation-Workshop in the region is the second batch of the initiative which began on May 19-20, 2025 in Butuan City, attended by participants from Mindanao regions. It will continue on its 3rd and final batch in NCR for Luzon regions.

This initiative signifies the DILG’s commitment in reinforcing good governance through strengthened CSO partnerships institutionalizing the TPM Manual to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the projects implemented across all regions.