ACCREDITATION. The Antique Provincial Board passes on final reading an ordinance for the accreditation of barangay-based civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations during their regular session on Monday (Jan. 29, 2024). Board Member Egidio Elio said the accreditation is a means to become active partners in local governance. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique provincial board approved an ordinance prescribing guidelines for the accreditation of barangay-based civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during its regular session on Monday.
Board Member Egidio Elio, author of the Barangay-Based Organizations Ordinance of the Province of Antique, said the Local Government Code of 1991 provides mechanisms for CSOs and NGOs to become active partners in local governance, including their accreditation and representation in the Barangay-Based Institutions (BBIs).
“The CSOs and NGOs may identify the BBI that they want to render their services [to] or sit as members, subject to the approval of the barangay council,” he said.
They could actively participate in the Barangay Development Council, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Council and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams.
They only need to submit an application letter seeking accreditation and a filled-up accreditation form to the barangay.
“Selected CSO and NGO representatives to the BBIs may be provided with allowance subject to the availability of barangay funds,” he said.
For CSOs and NGOs to take responsibility for their roles, the barangay council is also encouraged to set a mechanism for replacing representatives in cases of cumulative absences and failure to perform their functions. (PNA)
