DISCERN Project Forum marks milestone in advancing inclusive and participatory governance

The DISCERN Civic Engagement Forum gathered civil society partners, government representatives, and advocacy leaders on November 21, 2025, at Seda Hotel Vertis North, Quezon City. Organized by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and We Effect, with support from the European Union, the event marked a significant milestone in concluding Phase 2 of the Developing and Strengthening CSO Capacities for Empowered Representation (DISCERN) Project.

The forum highlighted the gains of civil society organizations (CSOs), shared local advocacy experiences, and presented mechanisms to sustain people-centered policymaking in local governance.

In her welcome message, PLCPD Executive Director Ms. Ma. Aurora Quilala expressed appreciation to We Effect, the European Union, CSO partners, LGUs, legislators, and community representatives, noting that their presence “reflects our shared commitment to inclusive governance and people-centered development.” She emphasized how DISCERN deepened PLCPD’s long-standing local policy work by strengthening CSO capacities to engage meaningfully in policy processes. She underscored the legal mandate for CSO participation under the Local Government Code and highlighted how DISCERN empowered communities to influence policies on housing, environment, and livelihoods.

Ms. Quilala also stressed the vital role of CSOs in ensuring transparency and responsive, corruption-free public service, especially amid governance challenges. She recognized the Advocacy Fund (FSTP) for expanding opportunities for five CSO partners to deepen and institutionalize their advocacy efforts. She closed by reaffirming PLCPD’s commitment to sustaining subnational advocacy and strengthening local legislation through initiatives like the Alliance of Local Legislators for Human Development (ALL4HD).

A music-documentary presentation traced DISCERN’s journey since 2023, followed by presentations from CSO partners:
MUAD–Negros – Strengthening collaboration among LGUs and farmers to improve soil and water conservation.
IPCSED (Caloocan City) – Building constituencies for gender-responsive housing policies.
CONCERN, Inc. – Advancing the rights and recognition of street vendors through inclusive urban governance.

Moderated by Ms. Floreen Simon, participants reflected on local experiences, sustainability strategies, LGU engagement, and coalition-building for long-term advocacy.

Local legislator of Basey, Samar and National Treasurer of ALL4HD, Coun. Ariel P. Duran, shared how Circle Forge, PLCPD, and DISCERN have been invaluable partners in Basey’s local policy work. With their support, the municipality successfully enacted several human development ordinances, including the recently passed Local Housing Board Ordinance, a key policy for disaster-affected communities.

He closed his message with calls to action for the CSOs to continue engaging with LGUs to ensure legislation reflects community realities, and to the LGUs and legislators to embrace participatory governance and work hand in hand with CSOs to advance human development. He expressed deep gratitude to PLCPD, We Effect, and the European Union for their partnership through the DISCERN Project.

In her closing message, Ms. Floreen Simon, the Country Manager of We Effect, emphasized the importance of sustaining CSO–LGU partnerships and ensuring that platforms supporting citizen-led policymaking continue beyond the project.

The DISCERN Civic Engagement Forum served not only as a culmination of project achievements but also as a springboard for continued collaboration. With strengthened CSO capacities, the momentum of the Advocacy Fund, and the institutional leadership provided by ALL4HD, the gains of DISCERN are poised to influence local governance and community empowerment well beyond the project’s completion.