The Department of the Interior and Local Government MIMAROPA, through the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU), conducted the 2025 Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) Results Presentation and Exit Conference on November 21, 2025, in Quezon City.
The activity gathered the Regional Management, Regional and Provincial PDMU, representatives from the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), and the Synergeia Foundation Inc., serving as the partnered Civil Society Organization (CSO) for the monitoring cycle.
This is to present the TPM findings for Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) projects and reinforce participatory, transparent, and accountable infrastructure governance across the region.
DILG MIMAROPA Regional Director Karl Ceasar R. Rimando, CESO III, emphasized that the TPM process provides an opportunity to recognize both strengths and areas for improvement in project implementation. DILG OPDS Director Alfonso A. Maralli, Jr., CESO IV, shared that “Yes, LGUs can embrace transparency. And yes, communities can meaningfully participate in the process. Not because the process is perfect, but because we are working together with sincerity.” He added that the exit conference marks a new beginning, with lessons that will guide the continued improvement of the TPM program.
The Synergeia Foundation Inc. presented both commendable practices and areas needing improved flexibility for LGUs, as well as enhanced support for CSOs. Dr. Milwida M. Guevara, founding president and general counsel of Synergeia Foundation Inc., highlighted that the initiative demonstrated how “when the DILG works with the local government, the process can be very efficient, very transparent, and very participative.” She emphasized that TPM emerged at a time “when people are losing hope,” positioning it as a credible approach for restoring public trust and strengthening community-driven infrastructure delivery.
Through the 2025 TPM Results Presentation, DILG MIMAROPA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing participatory monitoring, enhancing transparency, and upholding the integrity of local infrastructure programs. The region continues to champion collaborative governance, empowering LGUs, CSOs, and communities to take part in shaping resilient, accountable, and people-centered development across MIMAROPA.