PHILIPPINES

Liberal Caucus of Congressional Staff (LCCS) Training Held to Strengthen Political Advocacy

In April 2024, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy organized the Liberal Caucus of Congressional Staff (LCCS) Training in Baguio City to advance liberal causes. The event aimed to empower political and community mobilizers, experts, and academics with the skills and strategies needed to engage effectively with their communities, build coalitions, and influence policy outcomes in line with liberal values.

The main goal of the training was to equip participants with the necessary tools to become strong advocates for their constituents. It focused on helping them contribute to positive legislative outcomes while fostering skills that would enable them to drive meaningful change within their political spheres.

In addition to the core training objectives, the event provided a platform for participants to engage in open discussions, exchange ideas, and form valuable connections with fellow political and community workers. It was designed as a safe space where attendees could collaborate, share insights, and strengthen their networks.

Rep. Edcel Lagman, President of the Liberal Party, and Dr. Almut Besold, Country Director of FNF Philippines, delivered messages to the participants, setting the tone for the workshop. Former Senator Leila de Lima, Vice President for Policy, Platform, and Advocacy of the Liberal Party, also addressed the group, providing an overview of the national situation.

The three-day workshop followed the Energize-Mobilize-Organize framework for political organizing. It was a participatory event, focusing on experiential learning through interactive sessions, feedback, and group discussions. Topics included a national and local situationer, an introduction to liberalism, and various sessions on political organizing and mobilization, such as "People and Power," "Mapping Your Terrain," and "Sustaining Momentum."

The workshop also covered strategies for engaging political bases, identifying key stakeholders, and sustaining momentum in advocacy efforts. By teaching participants how to effectively mobilize and organize, the training aimed to build a cadre of informed and motivated individuals who could push for change in the areas of individual rights, equality, social justice, democracy, and the rule of law.

With legislative offices playing a key role in shaping policy, this training was crucial in preparing participants to become leaders capable of driving positive change through collective action.

This article is written by Pie Escobar, the Communication Officer for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippine Office.