CSO Representatives During the FGD in Dumaguete City.

A small group discussion among Civil Society Organization representatives was conducted on 16 January, 2 o’clock in the afternoon at UCS 204, College of Computer Studies, Silliman University. The discussion validated results of the survey of the study “Enhancing Citizen Engagement with Open Government Data“.

The focused group discussion was attended by Ms. Ma. Teresa Ragay (Extension Services Officer, DCCCO Multipurpose Cooperative), Atty. Sheena A. Alesna, Executive Director, Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation, and Mr. Hipolito Quillan (General Manager, Kristohanong Katilingban Credit Cooperative). It was facilitated by Dr. Dave E. Marcial, research lead for Negros Oriental, and John Daniel Uy, research assistant.

The survey, validated in the FGD was intended to identify the training needs articulated by more than 20 CSO respondents in a training needs analysis (TNA) conducted in Dumaguete last December 2014. The results of both FGD and survey will  serve as basis for a capacity building program on “Enhancing Citizen Engagement with Open Government Data”.