Kicking off the year, the DILG Zambales convened on January 16, 2024, at the Provincial Office for its first Team Conference to come up with strategic plans aimed at increasing effectiveness and aligning the team's preparations as they gear up for the forthcoming assessments. 

ADA IV Lloyd Janver S. Apan presented the status of reports submission under the Monitoring and Evaluation Section (MES), and LGOO II Lui Felise B. Pantaleon and Engr. Princess Ivy B. Coloma discussed the topics under the Capability and Development Section (CDS), and Locally-Funded Projects (LFPs), respectively. The Quality Management System (QMS) updates were also discussed during the meeting by the respective process owners. 

The acting MES Chief, LGOO II Paulin Johanne L. Reyes, presented the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and Local Legislative Awards (LLA) audit results focusing on the strategies to address the identified gaps on various aspects of local governance. 

LGOO II Alled Aron C. dela Cruz presented the comparative assessment results of the various Functionality Audits, namely Peace and Order Council (POC) and Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Functionality Audits, and the GAWAD KALASAG. LGOO II Dela Cruz also gave updates on the new set of audit indicators. 

The assessment results of the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), and its updated audit indicators were discussed by LGOO II Aljon S. Bautista.

The issues concerning the field offices were tackled by CTL Melissa D. Nipal. She also reminded the Field officers to give extra attention to the locally-funded projects and ensure that the implementation follows strictly the guidelines and policies. Further, CTL Nipal, as one of the Board of Directors of DILG Region 3 KBPCC, also gave updates on the health card of the members who availed it, and other matters pertaining to the cooperative. 

In his message, PD Martin Porres B. Moral, CESO V expressed his gratitude for the hardwork and dedication of every personnel. He also highlighted the achievement of the Locally-Funded Projects (LFP) Team, and that it should be sustained for the coming months. PD Moral also shared that Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. acknowledged the efforts and dedication of the DILG Zambales Field Officers and Provincial Office staff.  He encouraged everyone to remain committed in their roles in order to sustain the significant improvements of the team. “Excellence in local governance don’t just happen. It is a result of persistent efforts and determination”, he added. 

 By: LLOYD JANVER S. APAN