The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office V successfully concluded the two-day Training on “Leveraging Local Sanggunians’ Quasi-Judicial Functions and Improving Local Government Capacity on Handling Citizen’s Complaints and Grievances,” held on December 11–12, 2025 at Gamboa’s Orchard, Malilipot, Albay.

Spearheaded by the DILG Regional Office V through the Bantay Korapsyon Program Management Office (BK-PMO) and the Support for the Local Governance Program – Program Management Office (SLGP-PMO), the activity gathered key officials of the Local Sanggunians from various Local Government Units across the region, together with their legislative staff. The training aimed to strengthen their capacity to properly exercise quasi-judicial functions and to promote open governance through active CSO/PO participation.

The activity opened with a message from Chief Administrative Officer Rico E. Gaurino, who underscored the crucial role of stakeholder consultation in policymaking to ensure the formulation of transformative ordinances that bring meaningful change to the public. CAO Gaurino also emphasized that the proper exercise of quasi-judicial functions is essential in building and maintaining public trust in local governments.

On the first day, participants engaged in knowledge-rich sessions facilitated by Regional Legal Officer Atty. Camille Astrid O. Britanico. The discussions covered enhancing Civil Society Organizations’ and Private Organizations’ involvement in the local legislative process, particularly during budget committee hearings; conducting administrative investigations and hearings; and crafting effective decisions. A workshop also enabled LGU participants to apply their learnings through the drafting of a mock decision.

The second day featured a lecture by Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ian Kenneth B. Lucero, CESO IV on the salient provisions, relevant opinions, and jurisprudence concerning the quasi-judicial process. ARD Lucero highlighted the importance of having a well-crafted Internal Rules of Procedure (IRP) to ensure the orderly conduct of administrative hearings, protect the rights of all parties, and prevent miscarriages of justice.

The training concluded with a closing message from Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., CESO III, who reiterated the importance of open governance and trust-building through the proper exercise of local legislation and quasi-judicial functions by the Local Sanggunians.

The success of this activity demonstrates DILG Region V’s steadfast commitment to promoting good local governance and fostering transparent, trusted, and responsive Local Government Units — all toward achieving a “Matino, Mahusay, at Maasahang Pamahalaang Lokal.”