Focus Group Discussion on Governance Areas to Address Governance Gaps

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XI convened representatives of the Regional Council for Good Local Governance XI (RCGLG XI), National Government Agencies (NGAs), and Local Resource Institutions (LRIs), for the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Governance Areas to Address Governance Gaps on July 23, 2026, at The Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

Conducted under the Regional Institutional Development Support (RIDS) Program, the activity aimed to validate governance gaps affecting local government units (LGUs) in the Davao Region and identify strategic, evidence-based capacity development interventions. Through collaborative discussions, participants examined recurring governance issues, analyzed their underlying causes, and shared institutional insights to ensure that proposed interventions are responsive, practical, and aligned with the actual needs of LGUs.

Representatives from RCGLG XI, NGAs, and LRIs gather during the Focus Group Discussion at The Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

Using the system, participants reviewed the initial governance data of LGUs across the region and validated the findings based on their agencies’ technical expertise and field experiences. The discussions reinforced the value of evidence-based planning in designing capacity development interventions that directly address identified governance gaps.

The Focus Group Discussion also served as a venue for partner agencies and Local Resource Institutions to harmonize their existing programs, technical assistance initiatives, and available resources. By aligning sectoral interventions and strengthening inter-agency collaboration, participants identified opportunities to avoid duplication of efforts, maximize government resources, and provide more coordinated support to local government units.