Civil society organizations (CSOs) refer to groups of nongovernmental and noncommercial individuals or legal entities that are engaged in non-coerced collective action around shared interests, purpose and values. (Sec. 3(d), R.A. No. 11166)

Civil society organizations (CSOs) refer to non-State actors whose aims are neither to generate profits nor to seek governing power, such as nongovernment organizations (NGOs), professional associations, foundations, independent research institutes, community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations, people’s organizations, social movements, networks, coalitions, and labor unions, which are organized based on ethical, cultural, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations. (Sec. 6(c), R.A. No. 11148)

Civil society organizations (CSOs) as defined in Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, refer to non-state actors whose aims are neither to generate profits nor to seek governing power such as nongovernment organizations (NGOs), professional associations, foundations, independent research institutes, community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations, people’s organizations, social movements, and labor unions which are organized based on ethical, cultural, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations. (Sec. 3(e), R.A. No. 10821)