The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), in its continuing support for the formalization of the Pasig City CSO Academy (PCCA), convened with its institutional pillars — the City Government of Pasig, DILG Pasig City Field Office, Advocacies in Praxis for Leadership and Community Development, Inc., Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig, and Rizal Technological University — for the Operations Manual Writing Workshop held on October 8–10, 2025 at the Astoria Plaza, Ortigas. This initiative is also made possible through the assistance of the Support for Local Governance Program – Project Management Office (SLGP-PMO), which continues to assist in strengthening CSO Academies across the country as platforms for advancing participatory governance and inclusive local development.

Inspired by the vision of “Mapanglahok na Pamamahala” (Inclusive Governance), the workshop encouraged the Academy’s Pillars to look back on their beginnings and reaffirm their shared commitment to providing timely and effective capacity development interventions. It also served as a platform to strengthen their mission of creating spaces for co-creation of policies and projects, promoting renewed good governance, and establishing the Pasig CSO Knowledge and Resource Center (KRC) as an accessible data hub for all Pasigueños.

In her opening remarks, City Director Visitacion C. Martinez, CESO V, of the DILG Pasig Field Office emphasized that the writeshop marks a pivotal step in advancing the  PCCA’s mission to strengthen local governance and capacity development. She underscored that the development of an Operational Manual will institutionalize systems, processes, and standards that promote consistency, accountability, and continuity in the Academy’s initiatives. Director Martinez highlighted that this manual will serve as the heart and compass of the PCCA, steering its operations toward greater efficiency, impact, and long-term sustainability.

As the Academy advances in the process of developing its Operations Manual, and with the guidance of workshop facilitator Dr. Norbie Casabal, its Vision and Mission, along with its Anchors and Advocacies, were thoughtfully and collaboratively formulated — a momentous milestone marking four years since the Academy’s establishment.

The three-day writeshop concluded as a significant and fulfilling achievement for the Pasig City CSO Academy (PCCA), as highlighted by Mr. Luigi D.C. Pilarta, Division Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division. The drafting of the Operations Manual solidified the spirit of collaboration, integrity, and citizen-driven governance. Through the active participation and dialogue among its Pillars, the Academy has taken a major step toward institutionalizing its systems — ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in its operations.

The workshop also ignited renewed enthusiasm among the Pillars to continue striving toward the full formalization of the PCCA. As the session concluded, the group identified the succeeding capacity development initiatives, which include the Strategic Planning, People’s Participation Clinic, Builders Program, Executive Mentorship Program, and Curriculum Development — setting the direction for a more empowered and participatory civil society movement not just in Pasig City but also around the country.

This collaborative effort signifies another milestone in strengthening the PCCA’s foundation as a platform for genuine people’s participation, capacity building, and inclusive local governance.