2026 DAGYAW TOWH HALL MEETING

The activity brought together government representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and other stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue aimed at promoting open, transparent, participatory, and inclusive local governance. In his opening message, Dr. Jeremias C. Singson, h.c., Governor of the Province of Ilocos Sur, emphasized that meaningful development happens when government is willing to listen and when stakeholders are willing to engage through dialogue and co-creation. He underscored the importance of transforming participation into tangible actions, responsive programs, and meaningful results that create opportunities and improve the lives of the people of Ilocos Sur. Providing the participants with a deeper understanding of the advocacy, LGOO II Ann France G. Burgonio presented an overview of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and its localization in the Philippines, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and collaboration in strengthening local governance. Anchored on the theme “Co-Creating One Ilocos Sur Bazaar,” the activity featured the presentation of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur’s flagship program, the One Ilocos Sur Bazaar, presented by Executive Assistant II Genesis R. Forneas. The One Ilocos Sur Bazaar is an initiative that seeks to connect farmers, fisherfolk, agri-preneurs, MSMEs, and local entrepreneurs directly to consumers, creating opportunities for local products and enterprises while strengthening civic participation in local economic governance. Through the initiative, local producers and entrepreneurs are provided with opportunities to showcase their products, expand their market reach, and contribute to the growth of the local economy. Complementing the presentation, Divina C. Quemi, CEO of the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC), showcased various cooperative products for possible inclusion in the One Ilocos Sur Bazaar. She likewise presented the cooperative’s programs on agribusiness, marketing, and enterprise development, highlighting efforts to empower farmers and support them in building sustainable enterprises. Meanwhile, Amado Valdez, President of Ilocos Sur Provincial Organic Producers Association Inc. (ISPOPAI) presented the organization’s range of naturally grown, pesticide-free, and organic-based products, further demonstrating the potential of local producers and community-based enterprises to contribute to the One Ilocos Sur Bazaar. The presentations were followed by an open forum and dialogue, or talakayan, where stakeholders actively exchanged ideas, shared experiences, raised concerns, and contributed recommendations for the continued development and implementation of the One Ilocos Sur Bazaar. The discussion provided an avenue for government and stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and explore ways to further strengthen the initiative through collective action. The Dagyaw Town Hall Meeting served as a platform for co-creation and meaningful government-citizen engagement, demonstrating how dialogue and collaboration can help shape responsive local initiatives that address community needs and create opportunities for local economic development. Through Dagyaw, DILG Ilocos Sur and PGIS continue to strengthen the culture of transparency, accountability, participation, and collaboration, advancing the principles of open government toward more inclusive and people-centered local governance. 💙♥️ 💛 #dagyaw #DILG #MATINOMAHUSAYATMAAASAHAN