Student leaders from Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) various student organizations and councils proudly joined Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Regional Local People’s Council (LPC) Forum organized by the Department of Local and Interior Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) on September 30, 2026.

The Regional LPC Forum was attended by different CSOs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) from the Cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig, Quezon, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela, as the DILG-NCR ramps up its initiatives in strengthening participatory governance in the Metro Manila region.

As an institutional partner of the DILG-NCR, Pandayang Rizalia opened its halls for the conduct of the forum, acting as a bridge between the national government and the people.

Student leaders from the RTU Supreme Student Council and various RTU college and institute student councils were also invited to participate in the forum, providing the young leaders with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience in mobilizing their constituents while serving as the primary advocates of student welfare and as liaisons between the student body and the university management.

In her opening message, Ms. Maria Jasmin D. Diaz, Acting Chief of the DILG-NCR Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD), acknowledged everyone’s participation in the forum and emphasized that the event is an opportunity for collaboration, saying, “This is a space where we, both government and citizens, work hand in hand.”

She also underscored that despite the differences in priorities, the goal and vision of both the government and civil society remain the same—good governance. She believes that despite the differing views, collaboration remains an enabling practice towards progress. She said, “This challenge should remind us why we must continue thriving, and enable collaboration and civic participation.”

The forum also featured discussions relevant to the establishment of CSOs, such as the accreditation process with relevant government agencies such as the DILG, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Philippine Council for NGO Certification. Ms. Sherlynn Mae T. Lucas from the DILG-NCR discussed CSO participation in local development planning and budgeting, underscoring the critical role of CSOs in governance. Mr. Dennis R. De Paz, Assistant Chief of DILG-NCR LGCDD, elaborated on how to manage the dynamics between LGUs and CSOs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strong relations between the citizens and the government.

One of the highlights of the event was the sharing of LGUs’ good practices in LPC operations, wherein the LGUs of Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City shared the policies, practices, and mechanisms that effectively foster active participation from their cities’ civic groups. The sharing allowed the other participating CSOs, NGOs, and LGUs to gain insights into integrating the shared best practices in their own localities.

As our student leaders gain valuable insights and knowledge through their participation in the Regional LPC Forum, the Rizaliano community gains momentum in fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between student leadership and university management, allowing for enhanced collaboration within the Rizaliano community