The partnership between the sub-Local Governance Resource Centers (LGRC) of the Province of Aurora - "Tambuli" and Province of Camarines Norte – "Bantayog", the first collaboration of its kind, was formalized through a Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Undertaking on October 16, 2023. This is in line with the Celebration of Local Government Month this October 2023 and to continually promote a culture of learning, knowledge sharing, utilization, and support in sustaining the gains in promoting excellence in local governance.
In her opening remarks, PD Melody E. Relucio expressed her delight in the idea, and now actualization of the partnership between the two Provinces through the respective LGRCs. She also highlighted that the SAIL FAR for SKs Program shall be a platform for the recognition of the five (5) years tenure of the youth leaders and the results shall be used as basis in the effective provision of technical assistance to LGUs and address the gaps in youth governance.
Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, DILG Region 3 Regional Director, in his recorded message, hoped that this partnership between sub-LGRCs will not be limited to one engagement alone. It will be a beginning of a continued sharing of knowledge, expertise, innovations and best practices that promotes and sustains good local governance.
DILG Region V Assistant Regional Director Jhoaden G. Lucero, on the other hand, congratulated both offices in this initiative and innovation of conceptualizing performance assessment and recognition of achievements and gauging the performance of SKs. Likewise, she commended the collaboration of sub-LGRCs of Aurora and Camarines Norte in embodying the idea that nobody has monopoly of knowledge – all has each of expertise, and looking into possibility of achieving more by learning from others.
Aside from the sub-LGRCs partnership formalization, the activity also served as the venue to launch the collaborative Program "Significant Achievements in Leadership through Fostering Accountability and Responsiveness for Sangguniang Kabataan (SAIL FAR for SK)", a performance assessment and recognition program which aims to uphold and give distinction to remarkable performance of Sangguniang Kabataan across governance areas as they transition to full devolution. This is to recognize the important role of the Sangguniang Kabataan in the sustainable development and inclusive transformation of the community and of the nation.
LGOO VI Florenz Zaira B. Buenconsejo of DILG Aurora and CH Jerwin A. Novio, Ph.D. of DILG Camarines Norte discussed the Salient Features of SAIL FAR for SK Implementation Guidelines focusing on its assessment criteria, performance areas and indicators, assessment tools and forms, phases of implementation, schedule and responsibilities of all offices concerned. Specifically, for CY 2023 pilot implementation of the program, the principle "3+3" applies where an SK needs to pass on all the three (3) core areas and at least three (3) areas out of the five (5) essential governance areas.
PD Ener P. Cambronero, then, committed that DILG Aurora, with the support of DILG-3 Regional Director, will give its best for the success of this endeavor. He further stated that DILG Aurora builds a Provincial Team culture to always go the extra mile, above and beyond, in providing service to its clienteles.
The National Youth Commission from Region V and Region 3 represented by Ms. Nydia P. Delfin and Ms. Rose Chell Anne Rojas, respectively, also expressed their gratitude in coming up with this endeavor and commits their support in empowering and supporting the youth in good governance.
The activity was attended by MLGOOs, Local Youth Development Officers, SK Municipal Federation Presidents, SK Chairpersons of pilot barangays, Youth Organization representatives, and DILG Provincial Personnel of both Provinces.