VISION The Department is the primary catalyst for excellence in local governance that nurtures self-reliant, progressive, orderly, safe, and globally-comprehensive communities sustained by God-centered and empowered citizenry. MISSION The Department shall promote peace and order, ensure public safety and strengthen capability of local government units through active people participation and a professionalized corps of civil servants.

Mayor Bonifacio Ondona of Cagwait, is shown receiving the Gawad Pamani ng Lahi Award from Secretary Jesse Robredo at the PICC. Other winners are the province of and Surigao City

The DILG awarded the Gawad Pamana Performance Challenge Fund of the DILG Editor’s Notes 2 ng Lahi 2011 winners during the Biya‐ and are governed by certain policies as heng Pinoy Celebration, last October at provided for by the General Appropria‐ LGC 20th Year 3 the Philippine International Convention tions Act of 2011 and will be used by the Center, . winners to finance projects that are RMCC in Action 10

This award was given as a recogni‐ geared towards the attainment of the tion of exemplary performance in local MDGs, local economic development or DRRM & CCA 8 governance based on the different those that relate to adaptation to cli‐ indicators: a.) average result of the mate change and preparedness for dis‐ service areas of the local governance asters. MCAMS Employee’s Corner 9 performance management system for 2010, b.) result of the seal of good CSO‐LGU partnership 3 housekeeping in 2011, c.) innovations introduced for the last three years and Butuan City‐ The Department of the In‐ d.) regional or national awards/ terior and Local Government Region XIII, LOLONG @ Bunawan 6 distinctions received in 2010. in partnership with the Local Govern‐ ment Academy (LGA) and the Agencia Agusan del Norte emerged as the winner for the provincial level and was Española de Cooperacion Internacional Kitcharao’s Hope 7 given a cash award in the amount of Para el Desarrollo (AECID) through three million pesos (Php3,000,000.00). the Strengthening Local Governments in 28Million Grant 5 In the case of cities, Surigao City is the the (SLGP) Project, call on winner and was also given a cash award the local government units of Region XIII Legally Speaking 5 of two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00). (Caraga) to review implementation of Lastly, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur is the the provisions of Republic Act 9485 also winner for the municipal level category known as the Anti‐Red Tape Act of 2007 and received one million pesos during the conduct of the Forum dubbed (Php1,000,000.00) cash award. as: “Governance Forum Towards Trans‐ The prizes were taken from the parent and Efficient Frontline Ser‐ vices recently at the Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant. continue to page 2... Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise When we were little, we used to change our plain day clothes to rainy day attire while armed with umbrellas when we see gloomy skies. We were still able to predict the weather for the entire day just by looking at the skies or interpreting the signs. Days passed when we had to rely on weather forecasting just to know sunny, rainy and stormy days. And as of this time, weather forecasts have become so unreliable that we are not able to foresee the weather condition for the entire week and even for the day. This is one notable manifestation of the impacts of climate change brought about by the destruction of our environment by a force so great that the life expectancy of the planet is getting Such steps are designed to minimize, if shorter ‐ MAN. Had we become kinder not eliminate, the unwanted to mother nature, we would not have consequences of atypical weather or experienced the devastating results of climate. The process involves activities typhoons Ondoy, Pedring and Quiel, to designed to prevent and address the name a few. adverse effects of global climate Preemptive/preventive evacuation is change as well as sea‐level rise, considered one of the keys to reduce changing climate variability in coastal the damage especially to a Third World and marine areas through risk country like the Philippines, which is assessment, adaptation planning, and vulnerable to the effects of climate policy development, by climate change. This is mainly because of the proofing infrastructure, and through From page 1 geographic exposure, low income and community and other development greater reliance on climate sensitive initiatives. The forum was participated by representa‐ sectors, particularly agriculture since the tives from six (6) cities and eight (8) se‐ latter is our primary source of income. This process involves preparation/ People exposed to the most severe design of adaptation measures at the lected municipalities which exhibited high climate‐related hazards are often those project level as well as capacity implementation of R.A.9485. The purpose least able to cope with the associated building, including institutional of the forum is to present and integrate the impacts, due to the limited adaptive strengthening and human resources results of the recently conducted survey development for adaptation. People on ARTA implementation from the selected capacity. This in turn poses multiple will be equipped with the relevant threats to economic growth and poverty knowledge and techniques based on cities and municipalities of the region. The reduction. Have you watched the news the adaptive assessment of the LGU, survey generated and identified possible lately? You can see people who fell which in turn taps and maximizes the recommendations in strengthening the victim to floods, landslides, extremes of financial and human resources for a implementation of the ARTA Law and was the La Niña and El Niño phenomena that conducted by DILG XIII to assess the com‐ cause damage to crops, livelihood and better mobilization of climate change infrastructure. What then are the adaptation initiatives. It follows an pliance of the abovementioned LGUs to the national and the local governments integrated approach through the Anti‐Red Tape Act as well as measure the doing to allay these hazards? How do active and sustained engagement of level of satisfaction of their customers/ we at least limit the effects while we various experts and stakeholders from clientele. the scientific community, decision DILG Assistant Regional Director Lilibeth A. can still do so? makers, and public and private sector Our local government units play a major operators, as well as non‐government Famacion said that before the passage of role in limiting the ecological organizations and representatives of the ARTA Law, red tape was too rampant destruction for the benefit of their civil society organizations. and fixers greet taxpayers or clients trans‐ constitutents. Preemptive/preventive This approach has not yet been fully acting business in the city/municipal evacuation should not always be the halls. To avoid ubiquitous and long queues, case despite that it limits the effects but institutionalized in the Philippines. still it does not cure the damage. LGUs That is why in the eventuality of a clients usually bribe fixers or unscrupulous may further adopt risk management tropical storm hitting our shores, vast public servants to do business for them. strategies in addressing the impacts of devastation and tragedy ensues. ARD Famacion also said that the civil soci‐ climate change such as “climate‐ Perhaps the devastation serves as an ety organizations (CSOs) play an integral eye‐opener for us , especially part in enhancing the Anti‐Red Tape Act to proofing” infrastructure projects. our local leaders, to at least stand Climate proofing is a process that together now and consciously exert a ensure transparency and good govern‐ employes a risk‐based approach that unified effort to prevent not only the ance. has a lot of phases. However, it is not loss of properties but also the loss of The Anti‐Red Tape Act aims to eliminate just an end state; and while the lives. red tape, graft and corruption through objective may be quite impossible to transparency, accountability and predict‐ attain, vision‐empowered operational After all, an ounce of prevention is still steps towards achieving a protected better than a pound of cure, and that ability by simplifying frontline procedures society is surely an attainable goal. no amount of cure is will make a and formulating service standards to be difference once there is already loss. observed in every transaction. The DILG in So if you really think you are Filipino partnership with the Civil Service Commis‐ enough to admit your mistakes, then sion and other agencies is responsible in do what you can to correct them. monitoring implementation of the ARTA. Page 2 The Department of the tion Center, this City. tify and determine factors Interior and Local Gov‐ that either reinforce or ernment Region XIII, in its DILG Regional hinder the maturation of commitment to aggres‐ Director, Atty. Rene K. Bur‐ the partnerships, to be sively scale up interven‐ deos, said that the forum able to come up with a Mu‐ tions through the active aims to strengthen and tual Plan of Action‐which involvement and participa‐ enhance Local Government will serve as their roadmap, tion of non‐government ‐Civil Society Organization for further promotion of organizations in achiev‐ collaboration as active civic consciousness and ing transparency, account‐ partners in local govern‐ regular partnership work‐ ability, participation and ance geared towards at‐ shops. The participants for performance in govern‐ taining empowered and the forum were the follow‐ ance, conducted a forum accountable local gov‐ ing: CSO City/Provincial dubbed as “Localizing Pov‐ ernment units. Officers, League Presidents erty Reduction: Conver‐ and Multi‐Stakeholders gence Forum of CSO‐LGU He further said Advisory Committee mem‐ Partners” on October 6‐ that through the forum, bers. MCAMS 7,2011, Luciana Conven‐ the DILG was able to iden‐

The landmark legislation on local autonomy and decentralization known as the Local Government Code of 1991 marked its 20th year celebration on the 10th of October 2011 with the theme, Local Government Code: 20 Participants identify factors that hinder the strengthening of CSO-LGU partnership Years of Gains Towards A More Meaningful Auton‐ omy. The celebration aims to reflect the two decades of accomplish‐ ments made possible by the Local Government Code highlighting the To further equip the System and Citizen’s their respective duties, continuing challenges in punong barangays and Charter in a functions, and responsi‐ local governance and ex‐ barangay secretaries government; culture of bility in their areas of plore possibilities for fu‐ ture evolution of the with the necessary transparency, respon‐ jurisdiction. Speakers code provision to en‐ knowledge, skills and siveness, accountability for the 3‐day training hance local autonomy attitude to make them and participation in the were LGMED Division toward national develop‐ more effective partners barangay; and skills in Chief Donald Seronay, ment. Local Government for effective govern‐ drafting minutes, reso‐ LGOO V Arturo Bombeo, Units were strongly en‐ ance,a 3‐day seminar‐ lution, ordinance; and LGOO V Alice couraged to hold appro‐ workshop on the updat‐ reporting. Other topics Robles, LGOO V Daniel priate and fitting cere‐ ing of Government Poli‐ discussed were the Longaquit, LGOO V monies to make the cele‐ cies, Systems and Proce‐ proper recording and Mary Nol Aban and bration more meaning‐ dures for Punong Baran‐ filing of records and the LGOO V Madolyn V. Lim. ful. To coincide with this gays and Barangay Sec‐ role of Punong Baran‐ Participants expressed celebration, the conduct retaries was jointly con‐ gays in the implementa‐ their gratitude to the of the mandatory Baran‐ DILG for initiating the gay Assembly every Oc‐ ducted by the Munici‐ tion of government pro‐ tober was held on Octo‐ palities of San Francisco, grams and projects. seminar as their basic ber 9, 2011 pursuant to Esperanza and Sibagat Participants underwent questions regarding Proclamation No. 260 recently workshops on the their roles and functions which was issued by the at the White Beach Re‐ preparation of the State were clarified. DILG Pro‐ President on September sort, Tagcatong, Car‐ of Barangay Governance vincial Director Arleen 30, 2011. Barangay Offi‐ men, Agusan del Norte. Report (SBGR) and on Ann R. Sanchez graced cials were enjoined to The seminar focused on the basic steps and pro‐ the final day of the un‐ hold the Barangay As‐ the relevance of Baran‐ cedures in conducting a dertaking and distrib‐ sembly on October 9, gay Government Per‐ session. The Partici‐ uted the Certificates of 2011 instead of the 3rd formance Management pants also role played Completion to the par‐ Saturday of October. ticipants. MARY NOL P. ABAN Page 3 By: Lucia B. Garrido - Supervising Admin Officer The time will come when The Bible says, “God has The Department of the students on crime our hearts will stop beat‐ planted eternity in the Interior and Local prevention topics. ing. Nobody knows when human heart; Ecclesiastes Government Region XIII In his closing will be the end of our time 3:11”. God has prepared a joined the Civil Service message, DILG Regional here on earth. Death will better place for His people come anytime to every‐ to live in forever. In (II Co‐ Commission, the Director, Atty. Rene K. one. Maybe, some of us rinthians 5:1) it says, Department of Social Burdeos thanked the could say that this circum‐ “When in this tent we live Welfare and participants for the stance seems unfair. The in, our body here on earth Development, the support extended to the end of our earthly body is is torn down, God will National Police sponsoring agencies. not the end of the story. have a house in Heaven Commission and the “This is the first The truth is… we are cre‐ for us to live in, a home He Philippine National Police time in Caraga that the ated not for the time but Himself has made, which in the simultaneous sponsoring agencies have for eternity and eternity will last forever”. Opening Ceremony of the converged together and offers only two—heaven God wants His children to 111th Philippine Civil agreed to have a joint and hell. As a child of God join HIM in eternity. That Service Anniversary, the kick‐off,” RD Burdeos we ought to shape the fu‐ is in Heaven where there National Filipino Family said in his speech. ture where to go. In is no more pain, sorrow, Week and the National “I do hope that heaven or hell? rejection, and tear. Our Crime Prevention Week these agencies will celebrations. continue their The Program advocacies in this triple kicked‐off with a celebration especially in walkathon participated crime prevention,” he The Lupong Tagapama‐ from DILG‐BLGS. While by government agencies, added. yapa of Brgy. Poblacion, the team that visited the socio‐civic organizations A press Barobo, Surigao del Sur Lupong Tagapamayapa of and academic institutions conference held at the and Brgy. , Brgy. Quezon, Mainit, showing signs of unity, DILG Butuan City Office Mainit, Surigao del Norte were support and participation wrapped the Opening were selected by the Lu‐ composed of Fiscal Rosa‐ in the advocacies of each Ceremony. Those pong Tagapamayapa In‐ lina P. Aquino of DOJ, Dir. sponsoring organization . present during the press centives Awards (LTIA) Myrna Medina of NAPOL‐ A Hataw Dance Exercise con were: DILG Regional National Awards Com‐ COM and Ms. Estelita sponsored by the Rotary Director‐Atty. Rene K. mittee (NAC) as National Brondial of DILG‐BLGS. Club of Midtown Butuan Burdeos, NAPOLCOM Finalists for the 1st to The national finalists added color to the event Regional Director ‐ 3rdClass Municipalities that were visited by the Category and 4th to validating teams were as participants dance to Atty.Remeneo D. th the tunes of hitbacks Valenzuela, PDEA 6 Class Municipalities the top three lupons in from the 80s and to the Regional Director‐Mr. Category, respectively. As their respective catego‐ grind of present times. Joel Plaza, CHR Regional national finalists for this ries. “The national final‐ The DILG supports Director‐Atty. Marlyn year’s search for out‐ ists will be sure winners the Napolcom and the Pintor, PNP Information standing lupons, the of a Presidential and Philippine National Police Officer‐Psupt Martin S members of the LTIA Na‐ Cash Awards to be tional Board of Judges awarded in Malacañang,” from pre to post activities Gamba, BJMP Officials‐ (NBOJ) and National Se‐ said Justice Abesamis. by providing technical Jail Senior Inspector Paas cretariat conducted an The Lupong Tagapama‐ assistance in the conduct and Jail Inspector Parnay. on‐site validation visits to yapa Incentives Awards of information drive for MCAMS the said lupons last Au‐ (LTIA) was established gust 24, 2011 and Sep‐ since 1997 as a means to tember 6, 2011, respec‐ institutionalize a system tively. of granting economic The validating benefits and other incen‐ team that visited the Lu‐ tives to the Lupong Taga‐ pong Tagapamayapa of pamayapa that demon‐ Brgy. Poblacion, Barobo, strates exemplary per‐ Surigao del Sur were formance in settling dis‐ composed of Hon. putes at the grassroots Bernardo P. Abesamis, level. The assessment former Justice of the period for this year’s Court of Appeals and search covered the PSupt Martin Gamba of the PNP, Atty. Marlyn Pintor of the now Chairman of the 3rd and 4th Quarters of CY CHR, Atty. Remeneo Valenzuela of the Napolcom and Atty. Board of the Career Ser‐ 2009 and 1st to Rene K. Burdeos of the DILG answer questions during the Press th Conference vice Executive Board 4 Quarters of CY (CESB), Asst. Director 2011. RAY GREGORY F. Mariano A. Gabito and JARANILLA‐LGOO V / Mr. Celso Batalla, both LTIA Anchor Person Page 4 The municipalities of Si‐ barangays with high level Through Capacity release of 40% fund to be bagat, La Paz and Pros‐ of waterborne diseases, Building Activities con‐ used for the preparation peridad of the province in resettlement areas and ducted by DILG, DOH of the Detailed Engineer‐ of Agusan del Sur were public health centers and NAPC, the 3‐LGU ing Design (DED). Said among the 115 local gov‐ without access to safe beneficiaries had al‐ LGUs also fully complied ernment units nation‐ water. ready completed and with the Full Disclosure wide identified by the The Department submitted their Simpli‐ Policy (FDP) as one of the National Anti‐Poverty of Health – Center for fied Feasibility Study requirements on the ap‐ Commission (NAPC) Health Development (SFS) which were ap‐ proval of the subprojects. based on the National (DOH‐CHD) is responsible proved by DOH‐CHD for LGOO IV Engr. Renelou F. Household Targeting Sys‐ for the provision of grant recommendation on the Jaranilla tem for Poverty Reduc‐ financing for the imple‐ tion to receive the Php mentation of the pro‐ 28M water supply system jects, the DILG is respon‐ project. sible for enhancing the capacity of the LGUs and The program known water service providers as the “Sagana at Ligtas to plan, implement and na Tubig sa Lahat,” is operate the projects, and designed to provide grant the NAPC is responsible financing and capacity for the overall coordina‐ building for the imple‐ tion and monitoring of mentation of water sup‐ the Program. ply projects in waterless municipalities; in poorest

Legally Speaking… by Atty. Anthony P. Vitor, MDR ruled that private attor‐ municipality, he, or his neys cannot represent a wife, or child, is pecuni‐ body is just a temporary province or municipality arily involved, as heir residence of the spirit and in lawsuits even if the legatee, creditor or oth‐ all things in this planet will service is gratis neither erwise. pass away. “Those in fre‐ may they do so even in With regard to the legal quent contact with the things of the world should collaboration with au‐ officer, Section 481 (3)(i) make good use of them thorized government of the Local Government without becoming attached lawyers. This is an‐ Code provides that he to them for this world and chored on the principle “represents the local all it contain will pass away. Issues: that only accountable government unit in all —1 Corinthians 7:31” public officers may act civil actions and special Most of all, we need to i. Who has the legal au‐ for and in behalf of pub‐ proceedings wherein the know more about HIM. Our thority to represent lic entities and that pub‐ local government unit or love relationship with God is a municipality in lic funds should not be any official thereof, in his so important than any other lawsuits? expanded to hire private official capacity, is a thing in this world. Despite ii. If an unauthorized lawyers. The provincial party: Provided, That, in of our unrighteousness, God still loves us so much. He lawyer represents a fiscal, provincial legal actions or proceedings knows what is best for us municipality what is officer and municipal where a component city today and in the future. We the effect of his par‐ legal officer should rep‐ or municipality is a party can come to Him anytime ticipation in the pro‐ resent a municipality in adverse to the provincial and request through our ceedings; and its lawsuits unless dis‐ government or to an‐ prayers to save us and help iii. May a local govern‐ qualified other component city or us even in the most difficult ment official secure The prosecutor is dis‐ municipality, a special situations. Philippians 4:6— the services of a pri‐ qualified to represent legal officer may be em‐ ”Be anxious for nothing but vate counsel in an the municipality when: ployed to represent the in everything by prayer and action filed against the original jurisdiction adverse party”. supplications with thanks‐ him in an official ca‐ of case involving the Second Issue: Effect on giving let your requests be pacity? municipality is vested in Proceedings by Adoption known to God.” Because of First Issue: Who is Au‐ the Supreme Court, of Unauthorized Repre‐ His love for us, there is a thorized to represent the municipality is a sentation Although a mu‐ great promise! In the book nicipality may not hire a of John, chapter 3, verse 16; municipality in its Law‐ party adverse to the private lawyer to represent it says “He gave His one and suits? provincial government it in litigations, in the in‐ only Son, Jesus Christ, that In Ramos, et.al.vs. Court or to some other mu‐ terest of... continue to page 8 anyone believes in Him shall of Appeals (G.R. No. nicipality in the same not perish but have everlast‐ 99425 March 3, 1997) province, and ing life.” Glory to God! the Supreme Court in a case involving the Page 5 Page 6 Bunawan : Home of the Biggest Rescued Salt‐Water Crocodile Arturo O. Bombeo – MLGOO, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur

Once, it was just a town only known as the gateway to Agusan Marsh but its fate turns and changes when the 21‐ foot ‐ long and 2,370 pounds crocodile was captured. Now, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur is widely known worldwide as the Home of the Biggest Salt‐Water Crocodile in captivity. Bunawan is located at the southeastern side of the landlocked province of Agusan del Sur in the Caraga Region. Resting at 8º17’ latitude and 125 º 52’ and 126 º 13’ longitudes. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Rosario; on the east and south by the municipalities of Trento, Sta. Josefa and Veruela; and on the west by the Municipalities of Loreto and La Paz. It is 49 kilometers away from the Provincial Government Center in Patin‐ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and 126 and 163 kilometers from Butuan and Davao Cities respectively. It has a total land area of 51,218 hectares. In the recent census, it has a total population of 36,205. It is composed of 10 barangays; 5 of which are located along the National Highway: Liber‐ tad, Bunawan Brook, San Andres, Consuelo, and San Teodoro while the other 5 barangays are situated along the Simulao River: Imelda, Mambalili, Poblacion, San Marcos, and Nueva Era. In 2009, an incident in the marshland strucked the whole community. A certain 12‐year old girl was beheaded and killed by a crocodile while sitting aboard a small boat. The tragedy prompted the Local Government Unit of Bunawan through the leadership of the former Mayor Gilbert G. Elorde, the older brother of the incumbent mayor, to lay out a plan for the cap‐ ture of the crocodile before it could victimize more residents living along the creek. In a matter of days, the initial stage of the plan was implemented – the construction of the crocodile’s cage. After two years of trial and error in building a cage strong enough to hold the giant reptile, the most durable cage was finally completed. Meanwhile, another attack of the crocodile was reported. The victim was a young carabao tied along the river‐ bank. Witnesses tried to help and save the carabao by pulling its rope but their collective strength could not even equal the strength of the starving reptile. The present local administration pursued the plan of the previous administration commissioning experts from the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center to help capture the crocodile alive. And at 2:30 A.M. of September 3, 2011 at Barangay Nueva Era, Bunawan, the crocodile was successfully ensnared with the help of about a hundred town folks. According to Mayor Edwin G. Elorde, the LGU rescued the crocodile from the rage and vengeance of the people residing along the creek who reportedly were planning to hunt and kill it themselves to stop it from inflicting further damage to them and to their livelihood. The rescued crocodile is a male and is named “Lolong” as derived from the nickname of Ernesto Goloran Cañete, the team leader of the experts from Palawan, who died of a heart attack while working on the captivity. After captivity, “Lolong” was brought to its temporary sanctuary at Sitio Masapya, Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Security forces and barangay tanods are mobilized and assigned in the area to ensure the security of the crocodile as well as of the people visiting the place for viewing. “Lolong” is the biggest saltwater crocodile in captivity worldwide, beating the one captured in Australia which is only 17 ft. long. With the help of advanced communication technology, news about “Lolong” instantly spread all over the world. Local and international personalities visit the place to see for their very own eyes the biggest salt‐water crocodile in the world. Per‐ sonalities such as Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Directors of different government agencies, and news anchors from different television stations including CNN, were among those who flocked to Bunawan. “Lolong” is now a famous star and with that, benefits are pouring out in the Municipality of Bunawan. An estimated PhP 40,000.00 to PhP 50,000.00 daily income from the entrance fee to the cage (PhP 20.00 for adult and PhP 15.00 for children) goes to the LGU’s treasury. Also, local government officials’ horizon has widened on the potentials of eco‐tourism. The Guinness Book of World Record is planning to visit “Lolong” which the local officials perceived as another opportunity for the municipality. The experts from Palawan have not really proven if “Lolong” is responsible for killing the child and the young carabao be‐ cause reports say that numerous crocodiles allegedly proliferate in Agusan Marsh. Currently, the LGU is making more improvements in the area where “Lolong” is placed. A bigger cage is now being con‐ structed for the female crocodile which according to reports is much bigger and heavier than “Lolong”, and prepared in ad‐ vance. Local officials are planning to build the area as an Eco‐park and Wildlife Conservation Center similar to that in Pala‐ wan. The plan, if realized, would further augment local income which would be used to finance not only tourism but also the total town development.

DILG XIII Assistant Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion with Bunawan Municipal Mayor Edwin G. Elorde Feature Stories Page 7

A picture of a typical day in the Kitcharao Community Learning Center (CLC), located along the highway in Barangay San Roque, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, includes a group of learners‐‐‐a mother of ten, a member of a mamanwa tribe, an out‐of‐school youth, an elder, a laborer, a househelper, a househusband, etc.—all gathered together as beneficiaries for a series of learming sessions from the CLC. The sessions conducted are designed to capacitate them with basic education in an informal setting to prepare them for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) Test. Passing the ALS A&E Paper and Pencil Test will enable the beneficiaries receive a certificate/diploma from the Department of Education, certifying to their competencies as comparable to the graduates of the formal school system. Elementary level passers already become qualified to enroll in high school while secondary level passers can now enroll in college. The Kitcharao CLC offers classrooms designed for those who could not attend formal schools for a number of reasons. It also gives you a classroom environment accommodating enough for students who choose to attend CLC classes than enroll in formal schools to avoid getting bullied by regular students for exceeding the normal academic age requirement. The learning center adopted the ALS Curriculum which has five (5) learning strands that are life‐long skills oriented, to wit: communication skills, development of self and a sense of community, critical thinking and problem solving, expanding one’s world vision, and sustainable use of resources/productivity. The CLC Manager, Ms. Maribel E. Grino, mans the CLC, trains and monitors the CLC facilitators who conduct learning sessions utilizing a handful of ALS Programs. It is the municipality and the barangays which ensure the sustainability of the CLC and provide funding support for its operationalization in the hope of uplifting the lives of its constituents from a high poverty incidence by increasing literacy and enhancing skills for livelihood opportunities . Kitcharao’s aim of affording every children the education it deserves gives ripples of hope to the people of the Municipality as shown by the increasing number of enrollees over a span of five years. It is amazing to note that ALL ENROLLEES are COMPLETERS since the completion rate at the Kitcharao CLC reaches a 100%. It can also be seen in the Accreditation and Equivalency Results that there is an increasing trend of passing rate among the completers who took the A & E Test conducted by the Department of Education. It simply proves that there is no reason enough to stop each student from learning; not to mention the varying degree of circumstance possessed by each and every student. There are many good stories that came out of every individual success. These stories are instruments for the number of recognitions Kitcharao CLC has already earned since its operation. In the 2008 National Literacy Awards, the Municipality of Kitcharao was commended as an Outstanding Literacy Implementing Local Government Unit (Class B). In 2009, the DepEd Caraga recognized the Kitcharao CLC as the Most Functional Community Learning Center. That same year, KCLC was awarded as the 1st Place Most Functional Community Learning Center at the national level. In 2010, it was again awarded as the Most Functional CLC in the Region and also nominated to the national level. Nevertheless, with or without recognition, what matters in the heart of the Municipality of Kitcharao is the fulfillment that is drawn out of experience in giving diplomas to those who thought they could never have and make them take a big leap.

Feature Stories From page 5

Another feather is added to Erlpe John M. Amante distinction in 2008 when it substantial justice how‐ its cap when the province of received the Plaque of won the People’s Choice ever, a municipality may Agusan del Norte recently Exemplary Performance Award for the outstanding adopt the work already bagged the prestigious and a check worth 3 million presentation of its Website. performed in good faith Regional Gawad Pamana ng pesos in behalf of the In 2010, it received the Lahi Award of the DILG. The province on October 11, Best Performance Health by such private lawyer, Gawad is a total award 2011 at the PICC Plenary Program and Best Blood which work is beneficial system and is conferred Hall in Pasay City during the Collection Unit, for the to it (1) provided that no annually to a province, City culminating activity of the regional level. Moreover, injustice it thereby and Municipality for Biyaheng Pinoy, a year‐long the province also met the heaped on the adverse exemplary performance in celebration of the 20th requirements for the Seal party and (2) provided Administrative Governance, anniversary of the Local of Good Housekeeping and further that no compensa‐ Social Governance, Economic Government Code. With has introduced significant tion in any guise is paid Governance and him receiving the award innovations within the last therefore by said munici‐ Environmental Governance were Vice Governor Enrico 3 years such as the pality to the private law‐ that can be found in the Local R. Corvera and Provincial implementation of yer. Unless so expressly Government Performance Administrator Percianita G. Participatory Initiative in Management System Racho. The award received Governance (PING) and the adopted, the private law‐ (LGPMS). is a testament to the Province‐ wide yers work cannot bind the Agusan del Norte bested 4 provincial officials’ and Computerization Project. municipality (Ramos, other provinces in CARAGA employees effort over the These were the major et.al. vs. Court of Appeals region in the Provincial Level years in keeping with the considerations in judging (G.R. No. 99425 March 3, Category in terms of: a.) mandate of ensuring the process that made the 1997). Average result of the service general welfare of the province excel among the Third Issue: May a local areas of the local governance people and of being a contenders. Hopefully, government official secure performance management responsible local Agusan del Norte will the services of a private system for 2010; b) Result for government in the capture the same award in counsel in an action filed the seal of good advancement of economic 2012 and will thus vie for against him in an official housekeeping in 2011; c) prosperity, social well‐ the national award. Search Innovation introduced for the being and environmental for the National Award will capacity? last 3 years, and d) Regional integrity. It can be recalled be implemented starting It depends on the nature or national award/citations that Agusan del Norte next year. LGOO VI Ellen Vee and the relief sought to received in 2010. Governor received a national P. Chua—PIO be considered. When a public officer is sued in his private capacity, he may engage the services of a private counsel. Never‐ Butuan City– Eight local gov‐ emy (LGA) of the Depart‐ theless, the Supreme ernment units (LGUs) in ment of the Interior and In response to the capacity Caraga Region have com‐ Local Government (DILG) Court approved the repre‐ development needs of the sentation by private coun‐ pleted the two‐day Basic Ori‐ under the project Congressional District Office entation on Disaster Risk Re‐ “Strengthening Local of the 1st District‐ Butuan sel of a provincial gover‐ duction Management and Cli‐ Governments in the Phil‐ City and Las Nieves, the nor sued in his official ca‐ mate Change Adaptation for ippines” funded by the Department of the Interior pacity, where the com‐ LGUs recently at the Almont Agencia Española de Co‐ and Local Government plaint contained other Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. operación Internacional Region XIII prepared a allegations and a prayer The eight LGUs were the city para el Desarrollo capacity building program for moral damages, of Surigao and the municipali‐ (AECID). for the personnel and staff which, if due from defen‐ ties of Dapa, Gigaquit and So‐ It aims to en‐ of the said constituency dant, must be satisfied by corro in the province of Suri‐ hance LGU’s capacity to office. The program has 3 him in his private capacity gao del Norte, the city of Bislig better understand the phases which include: a.) (Albuera, et.al. vs. Torres, G.R. and the municipalities of San concept of disaster risk pre‐assessment and No. L‐9634, October 30, 1957). Agustin and Barobo in the reduction and climate profiling; b.) “Workshop on province of Surigao del Sur change adaptation. It also the Strengthening of the Customer Service (LGOO V and the municipality of San aims to familiarize DRRM Operations of the Ray Gregory F. Jaranilla); and Jose in the province of Dinagat Act of 2010 (RA 10121) Congressional Office” which d.) Records Management Islands. Participants from each and CCA Act of 2009 (RA was conducted last and 5 S Process (Planning LGU were composed of the 9729) including the dif‐ Sepember 30‐October 1, Officer Sheila D. Jaramillo.) A Mayor, Administrator, Plan‐ ferent local and interna‐ 2011; c.) Finalization and workshop on Monitoring and ning and Development Coordi‐ tional frameworks, tools Printing of Standard Knowledge Management nator, Social Welfare and De‐ and techniques to facili‐ Operating Procedures (SOP); Audit is scheduled to be velopment Officer, Health Of‐ tate planning and devel‐ and d.) Monitoring and conducted by the DILG ficer, Agriculturist, Engineer, oping local DRR/CCA ac‐ Evaluation (Knowledge Regional Assessment team in Budget Officer, Liga President, tions.(RAY GREGORY F. Management Audit). During November. NGO representative, DepEd JARANILLA‐LGOO V / the 2‐day workshop, the The program is a joint effort Supervisor and the Local Gov‐ RDRRMC Action Officer) following topics were of the DILG Butuan City and ernment Operations Officer. discussed : a.) Norms of the DILG Regional Office XIII The activity was conducted by Public Service and Servant Local Governance Regional the Local Government Acad‐ Leadership (City Director Resource Center (LGRRC). Romeo A. Solis); b.) Service LGOO V/City Information Standards (LGOO IV Officer Dulce Amor M. Page 8 Emmylou P. Burias); c.) Moran By: JACKY MELLORIN

In line with the PCSA's cially when it comes to your (Philippine Civil Service Anni‐ bosses' tables, who wouldn't DILG Regional Director Atty. versary) activities, the DILG sweat a few drops?" Rene K. Burdeos reminded Region XIII, had implemented the 5S method. LGCDD: "Some employees local officials during the 69th The 5s originates from Japan, have not been graded due to Caraga Regional Development by formal definition "5S is the travels and other significant name of a workplace organiza‐ reasons" Council Meeting held in Tan‐ tion methodology that uses a "The participants dag City, Surigao del Sur, list of five Japanese words have no definite knowledge on which are seiri, seiton, seiso, the scoring system for evalua‐ recently to make use of seiketsu tion." the Rationalized Plan‐ and shitsuke. Transliterated or "5s method is very translated into English, they all helpful in imposing discipline ning System (RPS) in start with the letter "S". The among personnel in achieving crafting their respec‐ list describes how to organize cleanliness and productivity." tive local develop‐ a work space for efficiency LGCDD had even placed their and effectiveness by identify‐ suggestions and recommenda‐ ment plans. ing and storing the items used, tions for the betterment of the RD Burdeos said that maintaining the area and assessment, which is highly items, and sustaining the new commendable despite their local government units order. The decision‐making busy schedules. process usually comes from a "The rater shall de‐ can call national line agencies for the presentation dialogue about standardiza‐ vise a rating form and present of their programs and projects for the possible tion which builds a clear un‐ it to the participants for com‐ harmonization in their local plans. Under RPS, all derstanding among employees ments and improvement and of how work should be done. feedback must be given to stakeholders in the locality including national gov‐ It also instills ownership of the personnel concerned on his / ernment agencies form part of the expanded process in each em‐ her rating (s). so that appropri‐ ployee." (Wikipedia) ate action could be done to technical working group of the functional sectoral The Personnel Division of the address shortcomings. committee concerned. agency spearheaded the activ‐ With this article, we would like ity along with the other mem‐ to thank all of the employees bers from respective divisions who took the time to answer It has been envisioned that the municipal/ in explaining the necessity of our questions and to repre‐ such a method for an efficient sent their respective divisions city comprehensive development plan captures/ and highly organized work‐ as well. And as a little brain harmonizes plans, programs and projects of all place. It was then followed by teaser, just to check if you a weekly assessment of each read well, can you identify stakeholders as it strengthens links of planning, personnel's workstation. which statements from the budgeting, investment programs and expendi‐ But what are the reactions and employees above is say, con‐ tures management as being articulated by the insights of the employees of tradicting to the 5s method? If the office who underwent the you can't then you haven’t Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2007 assessment? Here are the been reading seriously.:D among DILG, NEDA, DBM, and DOF. things that they wanted to Here's a clue, it's in the first share to us… three comments. God bless. ORD: "The process made me realize that I can work well when my files are organized and my workplace is clean." “I can find my things better when its messy.” "It harmonizes individual and organizational workflow" LGMED: "Happy >> learned significant things especially discipline "…improved my or‐ ganizational skills" 5s evaluators check office files of DILG XIII personnel "In terms of assess‐ ment it was rather challenging as you are tasked to assess things that are personal, espe‐ Page 9 Camp Rafael C Rodri‐ taken by the CNN on‐ cated at Sito Kinalabla‐ Claver for air support to guez, Libertad, Butuan board one Grandia color ban, Cagdianao, Claver, the responding troops City… Around 10:30 AM, gray van and proceeded Surigao del Norte was thereat. October 3, 2011, two to the project area of also attacked by more Police Regional hundred (200) heavily Taganito Mining in Ha‐ or less two hundred Office 13 Director, armed members of the yanggabon, Claver, Suri‐ (200) fully armed CNN. PCSUPT REYNALDO S CPP, NPA and NDF gao del Norte. Other Security guards of said RAFAL condemned these (CNN) under unknown group of CNN also con‐ company were dis‐ terroristic acts of the leader raided Taganito ducted road block at armed. CNN. The PNP and AFP Mining Corporation situ‐ Baoy Bridge situated at Around 10:40 are on top of the situa‐ ated in Claver, Surigao the boundary of Claver‐ AM September 3, 2011, tion. RD RAFAL also re‐ del Norte. Report re‐ Gigaquit, one in Brgy joint elements of Ha‐ quested the cooperation ceived that the Resident Hayanggabon, one in yanggabon Patrol Base, of the citizenry to imme‐ Manager of Taganito Sitio Capangan, Baran‐ 13th RPSB, Claver Mu‐ diately report to the Po‐ Mining Corporation, Mr gay Urbiztondo and at nicipal Police Station lice any suspicious per‐ Jose B Anievas, together Claver Public Cemetery , and troops from DRC, sons or situation to the with other unidentified all of Claver, Surigao del 4ID, PA proceeded to nearest police station. VIPS and security guards Norte. Taganito, Claver for re‐ PSUPT Martin M Gamba were allegedly taken by Further, at the inforcement. Two Huey the CNN. While two same time and date, helicopters from Philip‐ managers of said Mining The Platinum Metals pine Airforce took off company were also Group Corporation lo‐ from Davao City to

“Wala kamo gikalimtan sa include crime prevention as Gobyerno!” said Provincial their mission so that crimes Director Arleen Ann San‐ will no longer proliferate DILG chez to the inmates of and will be totally knocked Agusan del Sur Provincial out. As one of the 5 pillars Jail. of the criminal justice sys‐ PD Arleen Ann San‐ tems, correction and reha‐ chez and staff of the DILG bilitation, institutes refor‐ Agusan del Sur (Local Gov‐ mative and productive ac‐ The Municipal Government of Sta. Josefa, ernment Sector), SPO1 tivities for the inmates so Leonides Yaoyao and PO1 that they will be accepted Agusan del Sur, donated one (1) unit firetruck to Genevieve Romero of the once mainstreamed back to Philippine National Police, society. the Bureau of Fire Protection during the SInsp Augusto Cesar of the With the event, the celebration of the municipality’s “Taphag Bureau of Fire Protection, 195 inmates charged with and JO3 Bernardino Palen murder, rape, robbery, and Festival.” of the Bureau of Jail Man‐ drugs received spiritual in‐ agement and Penology re‐ puts from Pastor Rympha cently visited the one hun‐ Pulmones, Head Interces‐ Sta. Josefa Municipal Mayor, Hon. Glenn dred ninety five (195) in‐ sor of the Evangelical Mis‐ mates of the Agusan del sion of the Philippines‐ M. Plaza graced the turnover ceremony for the Sur Provincial Jail. Agusan del Sur Chapter. donated firetruck as it was received by SINP The activity is one Also, each of them received of the identified activities a bag of goods containing AUGUST CESAR N KINZAO, pursuant to in the observance of the face towel, toothbrush, Resolution No. 244-2011, a resolution thanking 17th National Crime Preven‐ soaps, toothpastes, and tion Week (NCPW), sup‐ shampoos. (RENA L. NAGUITA‐ the Provincial Fire Marshall, for his exemplary ported by the Provincial LGOO V/Provincial Information Offi‐ Government of Agusan del cer of DILG Agusan del Sur) contribution to the municipality in assisting Sta. Sur. It aims to relay the Josefa not only in the field of fire protective message of hope to the persons behind bars and services but also in the cultural heritage of the the message that the Gov‐ municipality as well as in exemplifying the spirit ernment is concern about their welfare. of dedication, excellence in public service, and In his talk, Mr. Ga, Jail Warden, explained the inter-governmental cooperation. th 17 NCPW theme and en‐ PD Sanchez distributes a bag of couraged the inmates to goods to the inmates DILGODOKU FOR THE PERIOD: AUGUST‐OCTOBER

Difficulty Level:

E G F C I PAGePAGe G B C D A B A I Poetry in motion By: Mr. Arvin Silvosa D C E I A Sometimes you lose, some‐ We have to listen to what our times you win coach has to say Sometimes you get bruises His words are our battlecry, he E I H and wounds on your skin, shouts as we play, Sometimes you’re on top, He has his strategies and plans H B sometimes you’re under which are our guide But these things happen and As we excel in our efforts and ANSWERS TO THE LAST ISSUE it makes you wonder, in winged feet we ride,

I D H B E A F C G Life is like basketball, it goes It’s all part of life, the ultimate up and down game F A G D I C E B H One second you smile, the In which we’re in the hall of next you frown, fame and not of shame, E B C F G H I D A The referee blows a whistle We are all victors and we are and you heed the call all winners D I F C H B A G E At times you’re the player, But we have to ask forgiveness but often you’re the ball, for we are also sinners, C G E A F I B H D Passed around, dribbled, One thing that keeps us going A H B G D E C I F slammed and shot is our love for life G E D I C F H A B If you could have swells, you’d There is always an ending to have a lot, every pain and strife, H C A E B G D F I We keep living the lives as We have different teams and hard court heroes different players B F I H A D G E C But looking at the scores, we But, all of us, we all pray the all got zeroes, very same prayers,

Life is meaningless if we don’t Life is like a very long basket‐ B C G D I E F H A know how to play ball game The basketball of our lives Of which in reality our dreams D A F B G H C I E that we live today, became, E I H F C A D B G We must play by the rules or We go back to the bench and else we’ll end up him we approach G H D I A F B E C Seeing the whole game come Standing there smiling, God is to a stop, everybody’s coach. A F E G B C I D H I B C E H D G A F

F E I A D G H C B Help LOLONG find his MEAL C D A H F B E G I H G B C E I A F D

Featured ICT TACT Team Member J e L o t z

Her close friends would call her “Boss Lot”, but don’t even think she’s got a hole in her soul because she’s always “whole”. A whole soul and a whole heart, that’s what. Jelotz would blurt out “kalay‐ kalay!” as she raises her “kilay‐kilay” and exchanges jokes and jests within the office. She gets the job done with finesse and a laughter that is as contagious as scarlet fever. She’s definitely the “Madam Anna” of the Regional Office because of her wide knowledge and lengthy experience with the DILG. Kuha mo? Page 11