LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The Regional Task Force 1-ELCAC, spearheaded by NTF-ELCAC SUCBEM Cluster, conducted the Ilocos leg for the series of Regional Conferences on Peace and Development (RCPD) on May 27, 2021 at Pangasinan State University Conference Hall, Lingayen Pangasinan. This activity was the first phase of the SONA Campaign Plan of the President.
The event was attended by representatives from various sectors of the community such as Indigenous Peoples (IP), Laborers, Farmers, Fisherfolks, Peasants, Women, and the Youth. It was conducted in a controlled and well-managed face-to-face conference with standard health protocols being employed throughout the activity.
The activity intends to provide a framework for advocacy of legitimate sectoral issues and concerns, validate governance and development gaps of communities and identify needed government interventions to address them. This also provided an avenue for the sectors to lobby sectors’ social reform agenda and for government agencies with sectoral mandates to regain its role as champion for protection and promotion of peoples’ right and welfare.
The activity was graced virtually by CORDS-1/NSA Secretary Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr... In his opening message, he reiterated that the RCPD is the first of the three phases of the SONA Campaign Plan and that inputs of the sectoral participants are vital in crafting the Peace and Development Agenda that shall be used as reference for the formulation of policy recommendations to address the gaps in governance.
Moreover, ARD Agnes A. De Leon, representing the DILG, sets the tone by discussing thoroughly the RCPD, with its objectives and goal setting, in relation to the pre-SONA Campaign Plan.
The activity was successfully implemented through efforts and collaboration of member-agencies of the SUCBEM Cluster led by DILG. Also present were NGA RDs, ARDs, and representatives – DA, DAR, BFAR, DSWD, NAPC, NCIP, DEPED, & CHED.
Along with attendees from the national government agencies, all sectoral representatives took an oath by reading the manifesto – expressing their full commitment to the shared advocacies towards peace and development. This commitment was sealed by a ceremonial tarpaulin signing.
In conclusion, DILG Undersecretary Epimaco V. Densing III, who also joined thru Zoom platform, gave his closing remarks quoting that – insurgency is not a sole responsibility of the government, rather a shared responsibility of the whole nation.
-LGOO V EDITHA S. CASTILLO and DMO III ALDRIN D. NOLASCO
EPAHP Convergence Program Ceremonial Launching
A Ceremonial Launching on the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Convergence Program was held on September 10, 2021 via Google Meet. The highlight of this event was the virtual signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the Regional Directors from the following agencies as a manifestation of their support for this undertaking: DSWD, DAR, DA, DILG, DepEd, DOH, NNC, DOST, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 1, DTI, BFAR, NIA, Phil. Crop Insurance, DA – Phil. Carabao Center at Mariano Marcos State University (Batac, Ilocos Norte), DA – Phil. Carabao Center at Mariano Marcos State University (Rosario, La Union), POPCOM, BJMP, NFA (together with Giant Agribest Trading Corporation)
The collaborative efforts of the EPAHP partners would create greater synergy and convergence in engaging the urban and rural communities to enhance social capital and optimize economic resource base through supplementary feeding and other government feeding programs, food production and livelihood programs and essential support services, including the participation of Community-Based organizations (CBOs) in government procurement as partners and/or service providers.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Chairperson of EPAHP, who was also present during the ceremonial launching, said that the small farmers and fisherfolks are the priority sectors and programs and measures of the EPAHP which may helped them cope up with the ongoing pandemic.
389 Barangays in R1 retained their status as Drug-Cleared Barangays
The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) convened at Hotel Arianna, Paringao, Bauang, La Union for the validation of barangays with drug cleared status on August 19, 2021. Out of the 389 drug-cleared barangays regionwide, Ilocos Norte has 10, Ilocos Sur has 40, La Union has 12 and Pangasinan has 327. Said barangays were declared by the Committee to have maintained their Drug Cleared Barangay status.
The ROCBDC is composed of PDEA as the Chair, DILG as Vice-Chair and the members are from PNP, DOH and Representatives from the Provinces of Pangasinan and La Union.
Aside from the validation of drug cleared status, two (2) barangays were vetted for being unaffected barangays, namely Baliw-Laud, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur and Barangay Cabalitian, Sual, Pangasinan. They are declared on a provisionary status pending submission of additional documents as required by the members of the Committee.
The Anti-Drug campaign is a continuous activity of the government even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
by: LGMED Chief Rhodora G. Soriano
“Steering” LGUs Towards Full Devolution
With the clock ticking for National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) to prepare for the full devolution prompted by the signing of the Executive Order No. 138 series of 2021 by Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 1 headed by Regional Director Julie J. Daquioag, Ph.D., CESO III and Assistant Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon, CESO V took the first step in “steering” the LGUs of Region 1 towards full devolution by conducting a one-day regional orientation on the preparation of Local Government Unit Devolution Transition Plan (LGU-DTP) via zoom video conference on August 10, 2021.
The purpose of the activity was to apprise the provincial, city, and municipal participants on the prescribed components, processes, and mechanisms in preparation of LGU DTPs, as well as in filling-out the necessary forms; and capacitate City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs) in providing coaching assistance in the formulation of LGU DTPs.
“The Executive Order No. 138 is a huge and new milestone for all of us,” RD Daquioag said during her opening message. She expressed her gratitude to all of the participants for joining the orientation. She encouraged the LGUs to clarify matters in order to have a common understanding in the preparation of their LGU DTPs.
The regional orientation was divided into three (3) sessions. Session 1 focused on the following topics: 1) Overview of the Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court Ruling and EO No. 138 series of 2021; 2) Communications Plan Strategy: Key Messaging and Branding; 3) Capacity Development (CapDev) Agenda Process. Session 2 covered the Guidelines in the preparation of LGU DTPs and the Components of the LGU DTP . Resource speakers during the 1st and 2nd session came from DILG Region 1 and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 1.
During the last session, representatives from the National Government Agencies (NGAs) in Region 1 presented their draft DTPs to give LGUs heads up on the possible functions, services, and facilities that will be devolved to them.
Among the NGA representatives who presented their respective draft DTPs are Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 1, Department of Health (DOH) Region 1, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 1, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The regional orientation was participated by DILG Provincial Offices, DILG Field Officers, concerned NGAs, and LGUs.
By: LGOO II Jeslen B. Tesoro
Follow Through Activity on FINALIZATION OF MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY SANITATION AND HYGIENE MASTER PLAN (MWSSMP)
The Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of DILG RO1 conducted the activity, Follow Through Activity on FINALIZATION OF MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY SANITATION AND HYGIENE MASTER PLAN which aims to deepen the understanding of the participants in the importance of proper planning, handling and management of water supply sanitation and hygiene. This will also train LGUs to complete the baseline data that will be incorporated with the Philippine Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Plan (PWSSMP).
In her opening remarks, DILG RO1 Regional Director Julie J. Daquioag CESO III, welcomed all participants through a virtual message. She expressed her warm gratitude towards all the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Municipal Engineer, Municipal Health Officer/Rural Sanitary Inspector, LGU Encoder and Municipal Local Government Operation Officer present in the event and her excitement to work with them again.
Moving on to the overview of the training, PDMU Chief Engr. Sharwyn M. Sangel, EnP presented the issues and challenges concerning the water supply and sanitation, contributing to the national and global commitments. She discussed the water sector reforms and initiatives, 8 key roles for MWSSMP, short, medium and long-term targets under the PWSSMP, investment required for the Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) and the Roles of DILG under Water Supply and Sanitation. Also, she mentioned what the participants may expect and to look forward to during the course of the training.
The activity focuses mainly on the management of Tool 1-8 being used in conducting the assessment to household and the details that are required in the assessment data form. PDMU Engineers; Engr. Andy O. Quiaoit, Engr. Cherry U. Adriano and Engr. Jan Patriz L. Mariano took turns in explaining these tools, elaborating and giving examples in order for the participants to understand and have a broader knowledge to each of the said Tools. They also taught the participants how to input data in the assessment data forms and provided examples of LGU who already accomplished the said assessment data forms. Issues were raised after each tool was discussed and were answered by the PDMU Engineers. At the end of the training, the participants took part in the data input of the assessment data forms and presented their outputs. Participants committed to conduct their own assessment to their respective LGUs to be submitted on or before July 15, 2021. (IO II Dann Ariel S. Genese)
FY 2021 PDMU Mid-Year Performance Review on DILG LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FUND PROJECTS
Performance review is a central part of the organizational performance management process. It is vital in supporting a culture of on-going feedback and recognition, and to achieve better business results. In many organizations, annual performance reviews are conducted for their entire workforce. However, more and more organizations are moving toward a frequent feedback performance management system done quarterly, monthly, or even weekly. When done right, performance reviews can help employees understand what they’re doing well, how they can improve, how their work aligns with larger organizational goals, and what is expected of them. With that being said, the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of DILG RO1 hosted its 2021 PDMU Mid-Year Performance Review on DILG LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FUND PROJECTS which intends to diagnose the progress and performance of the Provincial teams and individual members demonstrated to date, to plan strategies for the remainder of the year to ensure the achievement of 2021 targets and to prepare workable plan for the completion of carry-over projects and submission of lacking documentary requirements.
In her opening remarks, DILG RO1 Regional Director Julie J. Daquioag welcomed the participants present and those who joined via virtual conference. She expressed her warm gratitude to all participants and acknowledged those newly hired employees as part of her welcome speech. Soon after, each provinces presented their progress, performance report, issues and concerns and their action plans for the remainder of the year. It is followed by an update to the SUBAYBAYAN status by its focal person. A workshop was facilitated by the resource speaker, Dr. Ma. Rosalinda M. Lacsamana, former DILG Regional Coordinator. Other part of the activity is the introduction of newly-joined members of PDMU and the creation of vision board which was also facilitated by Dr. Lacsamana. From the Central Office; the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) gave an update on the Governance Reform Targets particularly LRNDP development, CapDev activities and Budget Utilization of CMGP funds were discussed via Zoom Video Conference. Also, each focal person assigned to different Locally Fund Projects (LFPs) and Capacity Development Projects gave updates to the status of each project, highlighting accomplishments and giving commitments to undergoing and pending projects. PDMU Chief Engr. Sharwyn M. Sangel, EnP gave her insights and recommendations after each presentation. This performance review activity gave the participants a clearer view on where they are and where they are heading in terms of accomplishment, and help them have a better action plan for the rest of the year 2021 through catch-up planning. (IO II Dann Ariel S. Genese)
