DOrSU Champions Participatory Governance at CSO Partners Summit in Mati

Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) actively participated in the recently concluded Civil Society Organization (CSO) Partners Summit, organized by the City Planning and Development Office of the City of Mati. Held on March 7th at the City of Mati Sambuokan Hall, the Summit convened around 150 participants representing various CSOs from key sectors, including transportation, agriculture, health and environment, business, and social development. The event marked a significant step toward realizing LGU Mati’s vision of becoming a community-driven hub of development, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering collaboration among CSOs and the City Government.

Representing DOrSU were Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, Director for Extension, along with faculty researchers and extensionists, Dr. Jeralyn N. Hemillan, Ms. Jeni A. Nicolas, Ms. Kristine Mae Y. Ramiro, and Mr. Mark Aljen D. Binocal. The team facilitated Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), allowing participants to identify key challenges, explore potential solutions, and propose actionable interventions that Mati’s Local Government Unit (LGU) could implement.

Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, who also served as the moderator during the open forum, underscored the importance of meaningful dialogue between the City LGU and CSOs in driving inclusive and community-centered development. “This summit is a great opportunity for us to listen firsthand to the challenges and aspirations of our local CSOs. It also reinforces the University’s commitment to working alongside these organizations and the City LGU in finding sustainable and community-driven solutions,” said Dr. Bauyot. “DOrSU remains dedicated to turning these insights into concrete actions through collaborative research and extension initiatives.”

The data gathered from the FGDs will serve as crucial input for research initiatives jointly conducted by DOrSU and LGU Mati to develop evidence-based, research-driven policies, projects, and programs. These initiatives are expected to produce actionable interventions that can address the specific concerns raised by the CSOs during the summit. By leveraging empirical evidence, both the LGU and DOrSU seek to foster community empowerment and sustainable local development.

For years, DOrSU has maintained strong partnerships with various CSOs and community-based organizations across Davao Oriental. These partnerships have allowed the University to co-develop practical and innovative solutions that address a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges in the province.

The University’s active involvement in the CSO Partners Summit is a testament to its steadfast commitment to transformative education, research, and community extension. By maintaining strong collaborations with local CSOs and government agencies, DOrSU plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of marginalized sectors, influencing inclusive policy-making, and driving regenerative development.