In a progressive effort toward sustainability, the Municipality of Gerona, Tarlac, under the leadership of Mayor Eloy C. Eclar, has completed the installation of solar-powered street lights in Brgy. Pinasling. This project worth PHP 1,787,330.09, funded through the FY 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLG-IF), underscores the LGU’s dedication to community safety and environmental responsibility.

The new lighting system now illuminates the lives of approximately 4,800 residents, enhancing visibility and safety for nightly activities while aiming to curb electricity costs and reduce crime rates. Embracing renewable solar energy, the initiative highlights Gerona’s commitment to sustainable development and echoes the LGU’s mission to promote energy-efficient infrastructure.

Mayor Eclar extended his gratitude to DILG Tarlac for their steadfast support, affirming that the project embodies Gerona’s standards of good governance under the SGLG program. Key officials, including DILG Tarlac Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, CESO V, Cluster Team Leader Dennis A. Daquiz, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Jessica J. Esguerra, joined the project inauguration alongside Mayor Eclar and Gerona’s department heads.

On October 27, 2024, DILG Tarlac participated in the conduct of the 2024 2nd Semester Barangay Assembly, with San Nicolas, Victoria, Tarlac as its Provincial Showcase Barangay. With the theme “Talakayan sa Barangay: Aktibong Diskusyon ng Pamayanan Tungo sa Masigla at Maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” the assembly served as an essential platform for transparent governance and community engagement at the grassroots.

As mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991, the assembly provided the community an opportunity to hear the Barangay’s semestral report on its various programs, projects, and activities (PPAs), alongside the pressing issues within its jurisdiction. The residents were informed of key developments, with presentations from Punong Barangay Paul Joseph Tabangay on the status of barangay PPAs, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Carl Lewis Rendon on the utilization of SK funds. Updates on DILG-initiated programs were also discussed, highlighting the importance of community involvement in governance.

DILG Tarlac Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, CESO V, emphasized the significant role of barangay assemblies in fostering transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation. PD Bactad described barangay assemblies as an opportunity for the residents and the barangay officials to listen, exchange insights, and collectively identify solutions to address local needs. As a resident of Barangay Nicolas herself, she encouraged residents to participate actively, noting that this engagement forms the foundation of a well-informed, empowered, and progressive Victoria.

Punong Barangay Tabangay expressed his gratitude to the residents for their support and engagement, emphasizing that their commitment and active involvement empower the barangay to function with integrity and responsiveness. He highlighted that community support is instrumental in ensuring the effectiveness and success of governance initiatives, strengthening the barangay’s role in the continuous pursuit of good governance.

Also in attendance were DILG Tarlac’s Cluster Leader Jeffrey S. Manalastas, MLGOO Precious Ava E. Guevarra, En.P, alongside other DILG Tarlac personnel; the Municipality of Victoria’s local elected officials led by Mayor Rex Villa Agustin, Vice Mayor Tristan Reevo Guiam, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and Barangay San Nicolas council members and personnel.

The success of the 2024 2nd Semester Barangay Assembly in Barangay San Nicolas underscored the power of community-driven governance, where local leaders and residents come together to shape a stronger, more resilient future. By fostering transparency and building mutual trust, the assembly reinforced the role of each resident as an active stakeholder in their barangay’s progress, where every voice contributes to the shared vision not only of a progressive Victoria but more importantly, a prosperous Philippines.

On November 20, 2024, DILG Tarlac conducted its Provincial Team Conference graciously hosted by the Municipality of Capas, under the leadership of Mayor Roseller B. Rodriguez. The conference served as a platform to review accomplishments, discuss updates, and prepare for year-end activities.

Reports from the Capability Development Section, Monitoring and Evaluation Section, and Finance and Administrative Section were presented, highlighting significant achievements and ongoing efforts to strengthen program implementation and service delivery across the Province.

A key focus of the conference was the upcoming 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Awarding Ceremony, set to be held in December. This year, an outstanding 18 out of 19 local government units (LGUs) in Tarlac have qualified for the prestigious recognition, underscoring the Province’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and exemplary governance.

As the year draws to a close, DILG Tarlac Office Caretaker LGOO VII Dennis A. Daquiz expressed gratitude to the entire team for their hard work and urged everyone to remain steadfast in fulfilling the Department’s reportorial requirements and maintaining excellent service to their clientele.

The DILG Tarlac team remains unwavering in its commitment to good governance, exemplifying resilience and dedication amidst every challenge that comes its way.