The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Region III conducteda3-day training-workshop under the Newly Elected Officials (NEO) program entitled, “Treading the Path towards Excellence in Local Governance: Capacity Building for Sanggunian Members and Staff”. The activity aimed to provide enriched understanding and appreciation of their mandated roles/legislative function as Sanggunian Members particularly on Local Legislative Review Process,Crafting of city/municipal ordinance and resolution,Legislative Oversight, Administrative Investigation Procedure for Elected Officials,Investigation in Aid of Legislation,Indigenous People Mandatory Representation (IPMR),Civil Service Eligibility for Elected Local Officials (RA10156), andOther LGUs Best Practices on Local Legislation. It also enabled them to review and re-plan their legislative priorities as well as update them on DILG programs.

The training–workshop held in 4 batches at Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City, was attended by a total of seven hundred eighty nine (789) sanggunian members and staff, and almost fifty percent (50%) were newly minted elected officials.

Topics discussed during the activity were Mandated Roles/Legislative Function of Sanggunian Members, Local Legislative Review Process, Crafting of ordinance and resolution, Legislative Oversight, Administrative Investigation Procedure for Elected Officials, Investigation in Aid of Legislation, Indigenous People Mandatory Representation (IPMR), Civil Service Eligibility for Elected Local Officials (RA 10156) and other LGUs’ Best Practices on Local Legislation.Speakers during the training were Atty. Genaro Jose Emeterio S. Moreno, Jr., Former Assistant Secretary for Legal and Human Resource Development of DILG-Central Office, and Atty Romeo P. Benitez, Chief Trial and Investigation Division, Legal Service.

Other highlights of the activity were the sharings of LGU best practices on local legislation by Vice Governor Daniel R. Fernando of the Province of Bulacan and Sanggunian Panlungsod Member Eduardo J. Piano of the City of Olongapo.

Regional Director Florida M. Dijan, in her message, emphasized the three roles of a leader as servants, learners, and fearless change makers. She ended her message quoting, “Always remember, a paper, a pen and a legislator can make a difference in the lives of many. Let us all aim high and continue the journey towards excellence.” She said that she expects that with this activity, number of queries to her office shall be reduced and that there will be better harmonious relationship between and among Sanggunian members.

     DILG R-3 has conducted a General Orientation for Local Government Operations Officers (LGOO) II on August 12–28, 2014 at the DILG-3 Regional Office. The orientation aims to underline familiarity on various basic concepts and areas on governance in relation to the mandate of the DILG and the official functions of the LGOOs. It also prepares and guides the trainees for their attendance to the LGOO II Center Training. A total of 43 DILG personnel participated in the orientation

    In her opening remarks, RD Florida M. Dijan welcomed everyone and gave guidance to the trainees to always do their best in everything that they do. She further mentioned the importance of having good attitude in the performance of their role as DILG Officers. Likewise, RD Dijan expressed her gratitude to the resource persons – the MLGOOs/CLGOOs for selflessly sharing their time and expertise in molding new LGOOs.

OIC-CDD Martin Porres B. Moral gave an overview of the 11-day activity and the presentation of mechanics/house rules in order to guide the participants.

Highlighted during the orientation was the role of DILG, Philippine Local Government System and Finance and Administrative Matters. Activities that were employed by the resource persons included presentations, workshops and open forum. One of the outputs was the Personal Plan of each participant which was drafted and presented to the plenary. Said plan included their mindset, goals and the different strategies that they will do to be an efficient and effective LGOO. An examination was also administered to assess the participants.

    During the closing program, CDD Chief Moral announced the results that all fifteen (15) LGOOs II passed the requirements of the General Orientation. He congratulated and thanked everyone for their support and active participation.

     In line with the government’s endeavor to aggressively scale up interventions towards a kind of governance that values transparency, accountability, participation and performance, the DILG has developed an assessment tool called Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS).

    After the 2013 implementation of the CSIS in Region III, the department deemed it necessary to formally communicate the results of the survey conducted to the six (6) pilot Cities namely: Mabalacat, Cabanatuan, Tarlac, San Fernando, Olongapo and Balanga.  The CSIS Utilization Conference was conducted in coordination with the partner Local Resource Institutes (LRI) on July 3, 8, 14, 17, 25 and August 4, 2014.   

     Attended by a total of 369 participants composed of the LGU Officials, Department Heads, CSO Representatives and other guests and stakeholders, the utilization conference became a venue for the LGU to address the areas for improvement through the Citizen Priority Action Planning.  

    DILG-3 Assistant Regional Director and concurrent Provincial Director Abraham A. Pascua clarified that what was measured is not the performance of the departments but the perception of the respondents.  He further added that based on observation, there is a need to revisit the tool. Localizing the tool will generate a more accurate result.

    Capability Development Division Chief Martin Porres B. Moral, thanked the Local Resource Institutes for accepting the challenge  in the implementation of the Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS). He emphasized that the purpose of the study is to gauge the perception of the respondents on the programs being implemented by the local government on the delivery of basic services.

    DILG Pampanga and Tarlac Provincial Directors Myrvi Fabia and Araceli San Jose shared their respective messages and expressed their hope that through CSIS people will further appreciate good governance.

     The activities were graced by Mayors of Mabalacat City Mariano “Boking” Morales, Tarlac City Ace Manalang, City of San Fernando Edwin D. Santiago, Olongapo City Rollen Paulino and City of Balanga Jose Enrique Garcia who also delivered their messages.      

   All Local Chief Executives, Department Heads, CSO representatives and other stakeholders showed their commitment in addressing the areas for improvement through the signing of the Pledge of Commitment.

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