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AN AUDIO VIDEO PRESENTATION
In a bid for a successful conduct of assessment on various legislative measures passed by local government units (LGUs) in the province, the 2024 Zambales Exemplary Achievement as Legislators (ZEAL) provincial orientation was held, October 14, 2024, via zoom platform. Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in collaboration with the Vice-Mayors League of the Philippines (VLMP) – Zambales Chapter and Philippine Councilors League (PCL) – Zambales Chapter, the activity aimed to prepare local legislators for the upcoming assessment.
ZEAL, launched in 2023, is an awards system designed to recognize the exemplary performance of local legislative councils in fulfilling their mandate. The initiative highlights the councils’ efforts in crafting impactful resolutions and ordinances that promote socio-economic development and advance the general welfare of their constituents.
In her message, Hon. Joan D. Ballesteros, VMLP President of Zambales Chapter, emphasized that the assessment goes beyond evaluating legislative measures passed by the Sanggunian; it will also serve as a forum for collaborations, sharing of best practices, and innovative ideas aimed at strengthening public service and policy development. She reminded the legislative councils that policies, resolutions, and ordinances should be based on constituents' daily experiences, making them more relevant and effective. ".[we] should not be reactive but proactive in addressing our constituents' needs through relevant and effective policies", she commented.
Meanwhile, Martin Porres B. Moral, CESO V, Provincial Director of DILG Zambales, provided a detailed overview of the activity. He explained how the DILG Provincial Office Staff, along with the Provincial Awards Committee (PAC) Members, enhanced the 2024 ZEAL Assessment Tool to ensure a more thorough evaluation process. PD Moral also commended the legislative councils for their dedication for establishing effective local government and development for the Zambaleños.
During the orientation, the seven (7) main assessment areas were discussed in which the 13 Sangguniang Bayan will be rigorously assessed, namely, (1) Responsiveness of the Legislative Agenda; (2) Availability of Legislative Documents; (3) Effectiveness of Performance of Sanggunian; (4) Efficiency of Performance of Sanggunian; (5) Legislative Citations and Awards; (6) Capacity Development for Legislators and Staff; and (7) Legislative Accountability and Compliance.
In her closing remarks, LGOO VII Melissa D. Nipal, Cluster Team Leader of DILG Zambales, expressed her gratitude to local legislative council members for actively participating in the activity. She also encouraged everyone to keep the flame of public service alive in order to bring about growth and development for the people of Zambales.
With ZEAL, Zambales aims to set a higher standard for legislative governance, ensuring that local policies continue to drive meaningful and inclusive development across the province.
