Balangayan Constitutional Reform Provincial Roadshow

The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 1 (DILG R1), together with the Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform – Project Management Office (CFCR-PMO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders conducted a “balangayan” activity, dubbed as Constitutional Reform (CoRe) Provincial Roadshow, to advocate the importance of effecting surgical amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

It was attended by more than 8,000 participants from the local government units (LGUs), business sector, religious groups, academe, and ordinary citizens, among others.

The CFCR-PMO, who served as the resource speakers, was composed of Secretary Gary B. Olivar, Professor Eric Daniel C. De Torres, and Professor Jose Ramon C. Casiple.

The CoRe Roadshow, divided into three components – Media Forum, Townhall Meeting, and Convention Rally and CoRe Talk, was conducted in the four (4) provinces to elicit massive public support. (as shown in Figure 1)

The Media Forum provided the venue for discussion among the CFCR, media, elected officials, and LGU leagues such as the Philippine Councilors League (PCL). Issues and concerns on the difference between Federalism and Constitutional Reform, and their pros and cons were addressed. The media served as a force multiplier in the campaign to strengthen the national discourse on CoRe.

The Townhall Meeting operated as a gathering for various stakeholders where updates and accomplishments on the CoRe advocacy campaign were reported by the CFCR. The four pillar-message house composed of (1) Pagyamanin ang Probinsya, Paluwagin ang Metro Manila; (2) Gobyerno para sa Tao, Hindi para sa Trapo; (3) Bukas na ekonomiya nang lahat ay may pag-asa; and (4) Bagong konstitusyon para sa bagong henerasyon were also explained for the participants to have a better appreciation of its relevance.

The Convention Rally and CoRe Talk catered to the questioning minds of elected officials, CSOs, academe, barangays and the youth. The CFCR emphasized on the message, “Baguhin ang lumang Sistema! Isulong and bagong konstitusyon!” They clarified that the drive to modify the Constitution means adapting to and addressing the ideals and needs of the youth and the future generations. They also stressed that CoRe will eliminate the development restrictions provided for in the present Constitution. This stirred the interest of the participants as manifested in a very dynamic open forum. 

What happens today affects the future. The CoRe Provincial Roadshows work as a strong foundation. Expect that the DILG R1’s campaign for people awareness, involvement, and readiness to accept change will only intensify. 

(LGOO IV Rhealiza A. Delos Santos & CFCR-RPO Willy D. De Vera)

Malacañan hails Santo Tomas, La Union as Child-Friendly

President Rodrigo Duterte awarded Santo Tomas in La Union along with other LGUs in the awarding ceremony for the 2018 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACMFC) at the Malacañan Palace on November 28, 2019.President Rodrigo Duterte awarded Santo Tomas in La Union along with other LGUs in the awarding ceremony for the 2018 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACMFC) at the Malacañan Palace on November 28, 2019.Santo Tomas, La Union bagged the presidential award for child-friendly fourth to sixth class municipality category besting municipalities of Sapian in Capiz, Silago in Southern Leyte and Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao. 

Short-listed in the regional and national level, Santo Tomas was validated by members of the National Awards Committee on May 28-31, 2019. Both the DILG Regional Office I and La Union had prepared the LGU in its bid for the presidential award. The 4-day validation activity involved assessment of physical facilities and documentary review in the LGU as well as three selected barangays. Key informant interviews were also conducted.

The LGU’s best practices were highlighted during the validation where they had institutionalized child center set-up at the LGU’s reception area where their clients’ children may play and read books while completing their transactions. Moreover, play and reading area in the evacuation center was set-up, and relief items such as milk, diaper and bathing materials are stockpiled.Barangays Patac, Ubagan and Casilagan in Santo Tomas, La Union were also validated specifically their Day Care facilities, Health records maintained by barangay health workers, play and reading area, programs for youth and children, LCPC Plans, crafted Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC) and developed Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLJIP).

“The LGU maximized their collaboration practices where the barangays are really cooperative and they initiate in improving their programs,” said Santo Tomas MLGOO Iszel O. Guray. 
“The Mayor and the LGU is supportive and considers suggestions and recommendations from its stakeholders while the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) in the municipality and barangays are really pro-active,” added MLGOO Guray.

As part of their sustainability efforts, Santo Tomas conducts functionality assessment every first quarter of the year to include children and youth programs, and LCPC.  These allows the municipality to highlight strengths and work on opportunities for improvement

“We will continue to serve our people without being repaid. It is a tough job but it brings joy in our hearts to see our constituents happy and contented with our service,” expressed by Santo Tomas Mayor Severino Carbonell. (LGOO VI Iszel  O. Guray and LGOO II Hedrich V. Calderon)

#WeAreChange2018  #YOVO  #BSKE2018  #BotoNgPagbabago2018