Galing Pook 2011 • 1 20112011 GalingGaling PPookook Contents 3 The Galing Pook 4 Global Public Innovation Network 5 Message from President Benigno S. Aquino III 6 Honoring the Brilliance of LGUs DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo 6 Promoting a More Inclusive Growth Process GPF Chair Ma. Nieves Confesor 7 Development Strategies Worth Emulating LBP Pres. and CEO Gilda Pico 7 Supporting Innovative LGU Initiatives DBP Pres. and CEO Francisco del Rosario, Jr. 8 Justice on Wheels Sarangani 10 Poor Municipality Can Eliminate Malnutrition Limasawa, Southern Leyte 12 Turning Red to Green Misamis Oriental 14 Rural Community e-Center Upi, Maguindanao 16 LGU-Led Cadastral Survey Maribojoc, Bohol 18 Empowering the Subanen People Zamboanga del Norte 20 Community-Based Mental Health Management Real, Infanta, Gen. Nakar, Panukulan 22 Bringing High Schools Closer to Home Alimodian, Iloilo 24 Rabies Prevention and Elimination Bohol 26 Health Strategy for MDG Attainment Albay 28 2011 Galing Pook Awards Finalists 32 2011 National Selection Committee 34 Galing Pook Foundation Board of Trustees and Secretariat 35 Galing Pook Hymn

Cover Design, Layout and Main Articles by Allen M. Mariano • References supplied by LGUs • Photos courtesy of LGUs and from Galing Pook File Photos

2 • Galing Pook 2011 The Galing Pook

he Galing Pook awards is a pioneering program that recognizes innovation and excellence in local Tgovernance. It started in October 21, 1993 under the joint initiative of the Local Government Academy-Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Ford Foundation, and other individual advocates of good governance from the academe, civil society and the government.

The Asian Institute of Management carried on the awards program until 2001. Earlier in 1998, the Galing Vision Pook Foundation was formed as a juridical institution We are a leading resource institution that promotes to sustain the program. innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment, and excellence in local governance. Since 1994, more than 250 programs from at least 160 local government units and alliances have already won recognition. The Galing Pook winners are chosen Mission each year from a wide array of programs from local We promote excellence in local governance through governments after undergoing a rigorous multi-level recognition, sharing of information and support of screening process. efforts to replicate best practices at the local level.

The winning programs are selected based on positive We encourage partnerships among civil society results and impact, promotion of people’s participation organizations, private sector, and government and empowerment, innovation, transferability and agencies at local, national and global levels to improve sustainability, and efficiency of program service quality of life. delivery. Partners

Galing Pook 2011 • 3 Global Public Innovation Network

he Global Public Innovation Network, established Tin 2002, is a collaborative network of 10 public policy awards programs from around the globe. With support from the Ford Foundation and contributions by the individual programs, the Innovation Network gathers and disseminates knowledge about innovations in public service provision, public action, and governance. These innovations represent significant contributions to the collective well-being of citizens and to the reduction of social, economic, political, gender, and ethnic inequalities. By sharing successful local practices through an international network, the impact of each awards program can extend far beyond its country’s borders. Innovation Network activities include workshops, research, and publications.

Partner Programs The Global Public Innovation Network includes the following programs:

American Indian Tribes in the United Mexico: Government and Local States of America: Honoring Nations Management Award Program Peru: Participation and Local Brazil: Public Management and Management Program Citizenship Program Philippines: The Galing Pook Chile: Citizen Participation and Public Foundation Awards for Outstanding Politics Program Local Government Programs

China: The Innovations and South Africa: Impumelelo Innovations Excellence in Chinese Local Award Trust Governance Program United States of America: Innovations East Africa: The Mashariki Innovations in American Government Awards in Local Governance Awards Program Program

Source: Harvard Kennedy School: Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Website (http:// www.ash.harvard.edu/Home/Programs/Innovations-in-Government/Global-Public-Innovation-Network), accessed January 5, 2012.

4 • Galing Pook 2011 Malacañan Palace Manila

It is my pleasure to congratulate the recipients and finalists of the 2011 Galing Pook Awards, and I commend the Galing Pook Foundation for spearheading this annual recognition of exemplary community programs.

Local government units are our key partners in implementing reforms at the grassroots level, serving as the national government’s arm in ensuring an environment of equitable progress. This occasion demonstrates your commitment to uphold the system of decentralization with efficiency and excellence. The innovative activities that the awardees and finalists have carried out in their respective localities redound significantly to our agenda of good governance, which includes the resolution of socio- economic issues such as poverty, health, and peace. Thus, I applaud your steadfast dedication to work toward the fullest development of your territories. Your initiatives indeed strongly contribute to forging self-reliant communities. May your endeavors inspire others to foster dynamism in public service.

I exhort our LGUs, represented by the different local leaders, to sustain accountability and transparency in fulfilling our Social Contract with the Filipino people. May our paths be guided by our aspiration for genuine reforms in this time of renewal.

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

Manila January 2012

Galing Pook 2011 • 5 Honoring the Brilliance of LGUs

he Department of the Interior and Local Government would like to extend its sincerest Tcongratulations to the 2011 winners of Galing Pook Awards. Galing Pook Awards does not only recognize but more importantly honors the brilliance of local government units that continue to provide stories of hope and inspiration as a proof that good governance is alive and thriving in the country.

I salute the LGUs that have taken part and showcased the best practices in their localities. It is my fervent hope that they sustain and upscale the efforts they started.

I would also like to acknowledge our strategic partners from the private sector and the civil society organizations for their continued efforts in helping us promote good local governance. Jesse M. Robredo Secretary I believe that by working hand in hand we can make positive changes in the lives of our Department of the Interior people. and Local Government Congratulations and Mabuhay! Promoting a More Inclusive Growth Process

oday, we recognize that millions of poor Filipino families, systemic approach to eliminate rabies in the province of Bohol; Tincluding many women and children, in both rural and for achieving zero-mortality rates for Limasawa, Southern urban areas, continue to be left behind even as the country's Leyte; for an LGU-led cadastral survey, with simultaneous economic prospects have improved. The challenge is to systematic adjudication to address the conflict "fall-out" from promote a more inclusive growth process --- one that sustains clearly plotted lines and boundaries; establishment of an competitiveness and robust economic growth performance, inter-local health zone for community-based mental/psycho- while ensuring that wealth creation provides the widest social health management; creation of strategically located possible benefits, notably for the expanding low-income and much needed high schools in barangay clusters in population. Growth alone, while critically important, does Alimodian; and the first community e-center in the country in not necessarily alleviate poverty and reduce inequality. There Upi. Peace-building initiatives, through Misamis Oriental is convincing evidence that inequality does retard growth province's Lantad Peace-building Experience and and render growth to be "sporadic" and short-lived in Zamboanga del Norte's program to bring the lumads to access developing economies such as ours. mainstream services, continue to be recognized. Sarangani's JEEP (Justice Enhancement and Empowerment Program) Thus, eighteen years and more than 250 awardees later, the creates "inclusive growth" by bringing the justice system to search for innovative sustainable arrangements are "co- the people, by setting up mobile courts, among others, with created" by local governments and communities, even in the clear results. most challenging of conflict conditions, to ensure that growth is for ALL, and not captured by an elite. "Acting locally", Organizations, be they public or private, fail to create the such local governance mechanisms have been sustained by future not because they fail to predict it but because they fail transparency, clear accountability, expanding inclusion of all to imagine it. Congratulations to the awardees and finalists! stakeholders, and their increasing empowerment. They have imagined and they have created.

For many of those in leadership, whether exercised with authority or not, the choice to lead has been marked by courage to create. For many of those who have been recognized, the programs have produced leaders, not with the capital "L", but by a growing band of innovators, leaders with a "small l", as some would say. Such courage would account for re-configuring the system and multi-sectoral relationships for the early attainment of millennium Ma. Nieves R. Confesor development goals in the province of Albay; mobilizing a Chairperson Galing Pook Foundation

6 • Galing Pook 2011 Development Strategies Worth Emulating

or yet another remarkable year of worthy causes, LANDBANK commends all Fthe winners of the 2011 Galing Pook Awards who have made tireless efforts to effect changes especially in hard-to-reach communities.

We also laud the Foundation for continually finding new and innovative measures to help people attain economic growth and sustain livelihood projects. Having programs sparked by local governance is a clear indication of the significant strides of LGUs in empowering people and their communities toward a culture of responsible economy. We are more than grateful for the commitment they have shown in providing lasting opportunities of employment and development strategies worth emulating by other institutions and societies.

With the success of LGUs in implementing projects of socio-economic influence, the Gilda E. Pico nation is well on its way to a quality of service that is anchored on efficient President and CEO delivery of basic needs in education, health, housing, and other basic services that Land Bank of the Philippines will soon be standard among all Filipinos. As the LGUs continue to promote avenues for model countryside development, so shall LANDBANK remain a dedicated partner in advancing your public service objectives ripe with sustainable impact.

To the 2011 Galing Pook Awardees, a well-deserved congratulations!

Supporting Innovative LGU Initiatives

he Development Bank of the Philippines congratulates the winners of the 2011 TGaling Pook Awards. Truly, your stories have shown how powerful our local government units are in promoting progress in their communities, particularly those in the countryside.

DBP has been a staunch ally of the Galing Pook Foundation in recognizing the best practices in local government in line with the bank’s commitment to promote good governance in the country, particularly on the local level. We in DBP believe that good governance results to the responsible use of public funds, growth of local communities and efficient delivery of services. We encourage our local government units to adhere to the anti-corruption and good governance directives set by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Francisco F. Del Rosario, Jr. President and CEO As one of the two policy banks of government, DBP will remain steadfast in Development Bank of the Philippines supporting the initiatives of our local government units. We have more than P69- billion in available funds to support various priority projects, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and logistics, environment, social services, and micro and small enterprises. We can help LGUs in their funding requirements for projects such as farm-to-market roads, public markets, housing, mariculture parks, schools, hospitals, clinics, water supply and sanitation, solid waste management, sanitary landfill, among others.

Again, congratulations to the winners! May you all continue to be shining examples of how genuine public service can bring a positive effect on the lives of millions of Filipinos.

Galing Pook 2011 • 7 limited access of litigants and witnesses to the courts— Sarangani physically as the farthest municipality is about 117 kilometers from the lone Regional Trial Court and financially as most of the litigants were impoverished Justice on Wheels and have limited funds to pursue court cases, let alone pay fare for transport. The confluence of these factors ustice dictates that the punishment should fit the left many of the detainees serving more than the Jcrime. But in the real world, justice is not efficiently mandated length of sentence if they were convicted carried out. Take the case of the farmer in Sarangani of their crimes. who remained a detainee for 13 years for stealing a carabao and a cheap loaf of bread. The injustice of Armed with the findings, the Sarangani LGU designed his plight is so glaring especially when personalities JEEP to hasten the disposition of cases involving accused of graver crimes do not spend even a night indigent litigants whose family member remained a in jail. detainee in jail because of the slow pace of litigation. JEEP involved the provision of a mobile court dubbed There are other poor souls in Sarangani’s jail who “Justice on Wheels” or JOWs. Essentially, it is a bus remain detainees longer than they should because of that has been reconfigured into a court room so that the slow disposition of their cases. Learning about their hearings can be conducted inside it when the bus is plight prompted the provincial government to put in deployed to the municipalities. It is the only mobile place a program that would hasten the resolution of court with a permanently assigned judge and which court cases and reduce jail congestion. Thus, was born has been authorized by the Supreme Court to assist the Justice Enhancement and Empowerment Program the regional trial court. In 2008, this mobile court was (JEEP) in 2006. deployed to the municipalities to improve access to indigent litigants and witnesses. Sarangani’s jail was designed to accommodate only 220 inmates, but it is now home to more than 600. A As part of JEEP, an Alternative Dispute Resolution baseline study done by the LGU revealed that the component was institutionalized to encourage litigants jails are congested mainly due to the snail-paced to arrive at an amicable settlement instead of disposition of cases, which in turn was due to the very elevating their case to a court litigation. A Provincial limited number of trial courts. The study also cited the Mediation Center was established for this purpose.

8 • Galing Pook 2011 This component is also covered by the Court Annex Mediation (CAM) program of the Supreme Court, which involves court-trained mediators in the settlement of disputes.

Lastly, JEEP also organized Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs) who would detect and help settle brewing disputes at the community level so that the petty disputes are managed and do not needlessly get elevated to a lengthy trial process.

When the program started, 60 percent of the pending cases at the RTC were turned over to JOWs for litigation, considerably de-clogging the docket of the RTC. The JOWs program has conducted hearings for more than a thousand cases since then. As a result, detainees who have practically been serving more lengthy sentences than if they were convicted have been released from jail. JOWs has also halved the number of provincial jail inmates from 600 to 286 as of June 2011and this has also translated into reduced maintenance expenses for the jail.

Meanwhile, 43 percent of cases referred to CAM between 2008 and 2010 were successfully settled through mediation. Needless to say, this reduced the number of cases that were elevated to court litigation.

More importantly, the community leaders who were trained as BJAs have been quite successful in resolving petty conflicts at the family or clan level. More Sarangani residents have also taken legal awareness trainings at the community level and this mechanism has effectively reduced the cases that get elevated to the Barangay Court and Trial Courts.

With so much accomplished in just a few years, the JEEP program indicates that the wheels of justice can spin much faster with the proper impetus. Sarangani’s example also shows that with a little inventiveness, poverty-stricken provinces can still make substantial gains even with very limited resources at their disposal.

“Justice on Wheels” is a bus that has been reconfigured into a court room. It is the only mobile court with a permanently Gov. Miguel Rene A. Dominguez assigned judge and which has been authorized [email protected] Fax (083) 508-2258 by the Supreme Court to assist CONTACT the Regional Trial Court.

Galing Pook 2011 • 9 Limasawa, Southern Leyte Poor Municipality Can Eliminate Malnutrition any advertisements are trying to sell products Mthat purportedly help improve the health of buyers. But, Limasawa’s program on proper nutrition and healthy living seems to be much more effective in convincing people to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Limasawa’s LGU was able to accomplish this feat by developing an innovative nutrition plan with clearly defined roles for the stakeholders. This plan aimed to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among pre- school and school children and promote healthy living among adults. The plan was designed with the help of the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC), which is multi- sectoral and is composed of the Sangguniang Bayan Members, National Agency representatives, Municipal Government Department Heads, Barangay Captains, School Administrators and non-government organization representatives.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office spearheaded the feeding program for the malnourished pre-school and schoolchildren. Meanwhile, the Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Elementary School Class Advisers were tasked to monitor the weekly growth status of the pre-school children and the monthly weighing of the schoolchildren.

The Women’s Health Teams (WHTs) and Breastfeeding Support Groups (BSGs) were tasked to monitor the children’s nutritional status from womb to birth. Pregnant women were closely tracked to ensure that they complete their prenatal visits and develop their birth plans in cooperation with the Rural Health Unit (RHU). A “Healthy Baby Contest” was regularly held to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

Interestingly, the fathers were also trained about the proper care and feeding of infants and schoolchildren. Under the “Tatay Ko, Kaagapay sa Kalusogan Ko” Program, the fathers in the barangays are gathered every quarter for a lecture on good nutrition, breastfeeding and responsible parenthood.

Under the “Gulay Bawat Bahay, Hahaba Ang Buhay” Program, households, schools and barangays were encouraged to maintain vegetable gardens for household consumption. The Municipal Agriculture

10 • Galing Pook 2011 Office (MAO) provided seeds, seedlings, planting materials and technical assistance. To motivate the residents and school children, cash prizes were awarded to winners of the “Best Barangay Garden” and the “Best School Garden” contests that were organized yearly by the MAO.

Livelihood skills trainings were also provided to families with malnourished children so they can augment their income and buy sufficient food. In addition, motor bancas with fishing gear were given to these families.

Every quarter, residents who are 20 years old and above are encouraged to report to the Barangay Nutrition Outpost for the calculation of their Body Mass Index (BMI). Those categorized as at risk, overweight and obese are then urged to participate in the “Healthy Lifestyle” campaign. An Executive Order was issued requiring Municipal Officials and Employees to participate in an hour-long exercise session every Monday afternoon and sports activities every Friday afternoon. The municipality also holds a “Biggest Loser” contest to encourage people to lose weight. Limasawa showed that even To promote proper hygiene among its residents, the th LGU launched the “Handog Pamasko sa LGU” a poor, 6 class island-municipality Program. Households without toilets were given a can eliminate malnutrition through toilet bowl, a bag of cement and iron bars so that innovative strategies. they can build their own under the supervision of the Rural Sanitary Inspector. Mayor Melchor P. Petracorta [email protected] With these programs in place, the residents of 032-3433612 Limasawa are now healthier than before. The regular CONTACT supplemental feeding helped bring up the nutritional status of children from below normal to normal. The To augment its limited budget, the LGU used various prevalence of malnutrition among pre-school children fund generation schemes such as solicitations, raffle went down from a high of 8.8% in 2004 to 2.61% in draws, placing coin banks in strategic places for 2009 and from 6.0% to 2.17% among school children. donations, fines from illegal fishing, diving fees and The close tracking of pregnant women by the RHU forging partnerships with donors. resulted in a zero mortality rate since 2007. Almost all infants from 0-6 months old were also exclusively Just recently, Limasawa earned the Nutrition Honor breastfed. Award—the first for Region VIII—given by the National Nutrition Council. For a 6th class island- In just a few years, food production in the locality municipality, eliminating malnutrition is quite a feat, blossomed to a point where the need for vegetable but one that is easily replicated. Among the key supply in the municipality was also addressed. factors to the program’s success are innovative Remarkably, the household gardens used organic strategies, eliciting active community participation and fertilizer from the vermiculture project to produce the judicious enactment of ordinances. varieties of vegetables.

Galing Pook 2011 • 11 Misamis Oriental Turning Red to Green

solated communities, especially those that seldom Eventually in 2005, when the Provincial Peace and Ireceive government social services, fall prey easily Order Council was already in place, the Misamis into the hands of insurgents. More so, when the Oriental LGU began to literally pave the way to peace insurgents offer alternatives that seem better than and development. After a visit to the area showed nothing. Sitio Lantad in Brgy. Kibanban, Balingasag them the extent of government neglect in Lantad, the not only fell prey; it became an insurgent stronghold provincial government employees painstakingly in the hinterlands of Misamis Oriental. brought in sand and gravel by the kilo to initially construct a solar dryer for the community and to start Accessible only by foot or by horse, Lantad is home the construction of a road. Sand and gravel had to to an indigenous people, the Higaonons. A valley with be brought up the mountain by foot because there rough terrain, treacherous trails, steep elevations and was no road yet. This painstaking effort by the LGU hairpin curves, it was physically isolated and neglected helped them gain the trust of the residents of Lantad. for a long time by the government. During its fight against the Marcos regime, the Northern Mindanao During the crucial road opening phase, the community Revolutionary Committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF expressed its support and ownership of the road transformed Lantad into its Regional Headquarters building project by voluntarily mobilizing Higaonons and the area soon erupted into a war-zone. Caught to guard and protect the heavy equipment of the in the cross-fire between government and insurgent Provincial Engineering Office. This motivated the forces, the settlers either had to flee or join the engineering team to hasten the completion of what insurgents to survive. Hundreds died in the fighting was back then an inconceivable road development and many residents fled. project. The 25-kilometer road development project stretched from the national highway into the heart of The conflict continued even well after the Marcos the once isolated Higaonon community. In July 2006, regime had been ousted. The difference this time was Lantad finally became accessible to wheeled vehicles that the Higaonons began their struggle to reclaim and the 16-vehicle convoy of the provincial their ancestral domain. For the most part, government government was welcomed warmly by the residents remained deaf to their pleas, while the NDF provided when they came to visit again. land titles which had no legal teeth.

12 • Galing Pook 2011 Balay Mindanaw, an NGO and active PPOC member, have also returned to Lantad. From 500 residents in assisted in the formulation of a Barangay Peace and 2005, a total of 1,033 people now reside in Lantad Development Plan through a participatory process that and the Internal Revenue Allotment of its mother encouraged the community to share their own peace barangay has also increased. and development agenda and to hold discussions concerning local governance, barangay peace and Today, Lantad is a showcase of how peace and development and partnership initiatives. development efforts should be pursued—not by might but through sincere and concrete efforts to reach out In 2007, Lantad was declared as a Special Agrarian and make a difference in the lives of people. The Reform Community by the Department of Agrarian PPOC was successful in making inroads into Lantad Reform (DAR). Subsequently, the community became because it was able to re-engineer its organizational a beneficiary of DAR’s Solar Power Technology structure towards greater transparency and Support (SPOTS) program, which provided electricity participation. Its membership includes the broadest to 128 homes, to the community area, and to the spectrum of possible peace and development school building. The community also obtained a DVD stakeholders. Tribal leaders are now key members of player and TV set for the education of the children. the Council. In sum, building the capacities of the Lantad also erected a health center with a freezer people and empowering them to stand on their own for medicine storage and a properly lit community paved the way to a successful peace and development center for public meetings and activities. The SPOTS campaign. program also included the construction of a multi- purpose building, which housed the AC-10 solar power Misamis Oriental’s success has bolstered its confidence station as well as the mini theater, mini grinder, chipping in pursuing similar peace-building initiatives in Sitio machine, peanut sheller, videoke, and computers of Sio-An, Barangay Malinao, Gingoog City in the coming the community. years.

In addition, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources implemented a 60-hectare Reforestation Program for the community. Meanwhile, The Lantad peace-building the Department of Education provided school buildings experience demonstrates and facilities and implemented the Mobile Teacher Program which taught 106 residents to read and write. the paradigm shift of the Provincial Peace and Order Subsequently, the new Lantad Multi-Purpose Cooperative was formed as a vehicle for socio- Council from reactive, sometimes economic empowerment. Corn, banana and peanut passive approaches, production improved. Families who fled in the 90’s towards a pro-active Council advancing Social Equity, People Empowerment, Building of Roads and Bridges, and Access to the best possible social services.

Gov. Oscar S. Moreno [email protected] Tel. (08822) 729995 Fax. (08822) 729894 CONTACT

Galing Pook 2011 • 13 Upi, Maguindanao Rural Community e-Center nternet access is prevalent in Technology (ICT) projects in the nil and Upi residents had better Iurban communities these days but municipality. access to more information and is still almost absent in most rural income-earning opportunities. The communities. As a result, many rural Similar to most privately-run CeC made it to the top ten e- communities get left behind in terms internet access businesses, the CeC centers in the country that of access to information that is vital offers a host of ICT services such represented the country in the to their development. as internet access, document 2005 APEC Digital Opportunity encoding, scanning, photocopying, Center contest in Taipei, Taiwan. Such was the case of Upi’s residents printing, CD/DVD writing, PC repair While remaining a rural community, before 2004. Back then, the and maintenance, IT consultancy, Upi and its residents now enjoy Municipality of Upi used to be an system development, IT training urban amenities and services. isolated rural area with very limited and tutorials. What sets it apart was telecommunications services. There that it ventured into broadcast The Upi CeC helped improve the were no landline phones nor fax media to expand its reach. The CeC computer literacy of the women services, let alone broadband helped establish the local radio and youth of Upi through the Step- internet services. Calls made to station DXUP-FM and now also UP Project, a partnership between trading centers were expensive as manages a local TV channel which the Visayan Forum and the Local these were carried out through airs LGU activities and projects Government’s Gender and mobile phones. Thus, the LGU had through its daily public affairs Advocacy Program. It also helped difficulty transacting business with program, The Working Public in the computerization of Datu regional offices and its trading Servant. The CeC is now also Paglas Municipality. The CeC now partners. Limited courier service responsible for the photo and plans to train barangay officials on meant that those who needed to video documentations of events in computer literacy and to conduct send packages had to travel for the municipality. a campaign against internet crimes two hours over dilapidated roads in the schools so that students can to Cotabato City to mail urgent In addition, the CeC maintains the avoid becoming victims. In terms of documents. The delivery of local LGU’s eNational Government economic development, the Upi and national newspapers was Accounting System in partnership CeC also plans to accept web always delayed and Cotabato with the Commission on Audit. It also advertisements, engage in e- radio stations were the only reliable hosts the Legislative Tracking ticketing, e-banking, and e- source for local and national news. System and the municipality’s commerce. It has plans to organize Students also had difficulty official website. These services Upi residents working abroad and conducting research because there helped improve the financial create a foundation for ICT projects was no public library. efficiency of the LGU, the and programs in Upi. legislative transparency of the Realizing that better access to Sangguniang Bayan, and While the CeC was established by information could substantially introduced Upi to the world. the LGU, it is managed by an ICT improve their situation, Upi’s LGU Council which is composed of 13 proceeded to install wireless The community has since been representatives from various broadband Internet connection in transformed and empowered in sectors—LGU, women’s, indi- October 2004 and establish their various ways. Business transactions genous people’s organization, Community e-Center (CeC). This between Upi’s residents and their REACT, student council, out-of- move encouraged other govern- domestic or foreign partners could school youth, federation of PTCAs, ment agencies to pursue their now be conducted daily and almost business sector and the academe. Information and Communications in real-time. Communication This multi-sectoral composition of expenses were reduced to almost the council encouraged broader

14 • Galing Pook 2011 participation in the planning, decision-making, and approval of the CeC’s annual work plans. The council sets the directions, guidelines and strategies for the e-Center and ensures that the program framework is consistent with the community’s culture. The council also sets the policies and procedures relating to the CeC’s membership, usage, data collection, financial management, and other operations.

The Upi CeC has been operational for seven years and is now located in a new, separate building with 15 units of computers for instructional and research purposes, 3 work stations, and 2 computer servers. It also has image, video capture and printing equipment. There are more than 750 Community eCenters established in the country. But Upi CeC remains as the only fully operational CeC in Maguindanao Province. With its success and service expansion, it hopes to inspire neighboring municipalities to follow its footsteps and is willing to help other Maguindanao municipalities establish their own CeCs. Like most privately-run internet access businesses, the CeC offers a host of ICT

services. What sets it apart is that Mayor Ramon A. Piang, Sr. it ventured into broadcast media [email protected]

to expand its reach. CONTACT

Galing Pook 2011 • 15 Maribojoc, Bohol LGU-Led Cadastral Survey

he primary objective of a cadastral survey is land Ttitling. Other land use information that are obtained in the process are gathered to support tenure or legal hold. However, the results of the cadastral survey can also be used as basis for Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA. The IRA is the money received by all LGUs from the national government. Its amount is based on an LGU’s land area, population and tax collections remitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. technical descriptions of the cadastral surveys; determine barangay boundaries; provide cadastral The Department of Environment and Natural Resources map of the approved survey; delineate or exclude (DENR) first commissioned a surveyor in the 1960s to land considered as salvage zones, watersheds and conduct cadastral surveys of the coastal town of municipal/barangay roads; train LGU personnel Maribojoc in Bohol. This was followed by a series of assigned as CDAs and adjudicators and to process surveyors who failed to produce the desired results. free patent applications (FPAs) with DENR Project In 2003, the town’s LGU commissioned three surveying Implementation Office and the Register of Deeds. companies to conduct cadastral surveys. But these also went to naught. Land valuation has since appreciated and there has been a significant increase in Real Property Tax (RPT) Fed up with the lacklustre performance of the collection. The LGU has earned additional income from surveyors, the Sangguniang Bayan issued an certification fees and payments of arrears. The ordinance rescinding the contract of one of the acquisition of land titles is now simplified and faster companies and urging the others to hasten the process. to process. More importantly, the tenurial status of The LGU also lobbied for inclusion in the DENR’s Land title holders have been secured at a minimal cost and Administration and Management Project 2 (LAMP2), land grabbing has been reduced or eliminated. which aimed to automate land records through Boundary disputes that were resolved led to improved computerization. relations between neighbors.

In 2008, Maribojoc became the first LGU-led The intensive Information, Education and participant to the LAMP2. In the agreement between Communication campaigns undertaken by LGU-led the Maribojoc LGU and DENR-PENRO Bohol, LAMP2 team encouraged the participation of Maribojoc will oversee the overall conduct of the stakeholders in the cadastral survey. Survey cadastral survey and land titling; appoint Community applications were religiously scrutinized for accuracy. Development Assistants (CDAs) and adjudicators; The applications were then submitted to the DENR- provide funds for the CDAs and adjudicators, office LAMP 2 office for screening and validation. In turn, supplies, computers and transportation expenses; the Register of Deeds approved the FPAs and issued provide office space; conduct initial sketching in land titles to qualified land owners. As of June 30, coordination with the survey team; mediate initially 2011, 830 land titles have been issued to land owners. on land disputes; conduct information dissemination; and mobilize barangay officials to assist the survey Eliciting active community participation and a team in their areas. committed LGU leadership were the key ingredients in the successful implementation of the cadastral DENR-PENRO’s responsibilities were to: provide survey project of Maribojoc. So far, the Maribojoc technical supervision and the survey team; monitor LAMP 2 project has been replicated in the towns of the actual progress of the survey with the LGU; verify Talibon, Garcia-Hernandez, Balilihan, Candijay and the completed survey to avoid overlaps; approve Trinidad.

16 • Galing Pook 2011 The tenurial status of title holders have been Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. secured at a minimal cost and land grabbing [email protected] has been reduced or eliminated. Boundary Tel. (O38) 504-9979 Fax. (038) 504-9555 disputes that were resolved led to improved CONTACT relations between neighbors.

Galing Pook 2011 • 17 Zamboanga del Norte Empowering the Subanen People

iver dwellers who now reside Rin upland areas—these are the Subanens, the indigenous people (IP) of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte. Like most of their IP brethrens, the Subanens are largely marginalized. Forced to relocate upland by the migration of people from the Visayas and Luzon and by the intrusion of large mining campaigns in their ancestral domains, the Subanens suffered countless indignities, discrimination and ridicule. And for several decades, the Subanens were left with limited education and livelihood opportunities and lacked access to government services.

Their situation changed for the better recently when the provincial leadership intervened to bring them back into the mainstream of government processes. On February 26, 2008, the provincial government issued Executive Order No. 08-03-A to create the Provincial Indigenous People Coordinating Unit (PIPCU), which was primarily tasked with promoting the welfare of the Subanen people and empowering them economically, socially and politically. In 2011, the Subanen numbered 367,906 or 38.4 percent of the total provincial population of 957,230.

Subsequently, the PIPCU introduced and implemented the following programs and activities, namely: Kasalan ng Bayan Program; Free Registration of Marriages and Live Births of Children; Livelihood Activities; Documentation of Subanen Culture, Customs and The free registration of marriages ensures that the Traditions, Arts and Music; and Formal Organization event and the births of the couple’s children are of the Subanen People in the Barangays. Formal recorded with the Local Civil Registrar’s Office and organization of the Subanens aims to provide them the National Statistics Office (NSO). So far, 1,552 legal personality and enable them to access live births have been registered with the MCRO and government services. NSO. This activity effectively provides legal documentation to the Subanens which they can then The Kasalan ng Bayan serves to formalize and show when accessing government services, enrolling solemnize the relationship between common-law their children in school, getting a job or obtaining couples who number in the thousands among the medical services. Subanen. In conducting the marriage rite, Subanen customs and traditions are followed. To date, a total The provision of livelihood activities is primarily carried of 2,501 common-law couples have been formally out through the introduction of appropriate farming married under the program. technology so that the Subanen farmers can increase the productivity of their farms, attain food security

18 • Galing Pook 2011 tasked to coordinate the collective participation of The creation of the Provincial the Subanens in various development processes. The Indigenous People Coordinating Councils of Elders were also formally organized at the barangay level to serve as mediators during Unit (PIPCU) encouraged the disputes among the Subanens. Composed of Timuay Subanen people to participate in Labis, Timuays and Salilings, the members of the community development and in Councils of Elders now total 4,343.

government processes. PIPCU has been tasked to continually document Subanen culture, customs, arts and traditions, and it now has a compilation of Subanen rituals, clothing and ornaments, and musical instruments. To further preserve the Subanen culture, PIPCU also organized Tribal Dance Congresses, Costume Parades and a Battle of Festivals showcasing Subanen art, tradition and culture.

With these programs in place, the bond between married Subanen couples have been strengthened and responsible parenthood is now more widely practiced. More importantly, the Subanens can now provide marriage contracts or birth certificates in transactions requiring such legal documents. For instance, they can now access government programs such as Philhealth and the Pantawid Gutom Program (Conditional Cash Transfer) to name a few. They now have legal instruments that enable the enrolment of their children as well as facilitate their employment and travel abroad.

With the introduction of appropriate farming technology and the establishment of formal linkages with agricultural agencies, the Subanen Indigenous Councils were able to profit from the sales of their agricultural produce. While their total earnings were modest, it was a feat that they had never experienced before.

Clearly, the creation of PIPCU encouraged the Subanen people to participate in community Gov. Rolando E. Yebes development and in government processes. They [email protected] readily provided labor and project sites as Tel No. (065) 212 2597 counterparts for the government programs. This shows Fax No. (065) 212 3563 CONTACT that the “pahina” or “bayanihan” spirit is also practiced by the Subanen people. Slowly but surely, the for their households, judiciously manage their Subanens in Zamboanga del Norte are now getting environment, and increase their family’s income. integrated into the mainstream. And this was simply accomplished by putting in place a coordinative To facilitate the delivery of basic services to the mechanism that elicited cooperation and participation; Subanen communities, PIPCU helped organize 19 an innovation that can be easily replicated by other councils which were registered with the Department LGUs with an IP constituency. of Labor and Employment. These 19 councils are

Galing Pook 2011 • 19 psychiatrists held consultations in Real, Infanta, Gen. Nakar, barangay halls. and Panukulan, Quezon Since medications for mental disorders are available only in Metro Manila health institutions Community-Based Mental and pharmacies, the ILHZ II purchased medicines from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Health Management and National Mental Health Center (NMHC) for stockpiling and retail n the aftermath of the flash floods establishment of a psychiatric clinic. to patients. The availability of Ithat claimed hundreds of lives in The program is now managed by medicines in the ILHZ II Pharmacy Infanta and General Nakar in the ReINaPan local government bridged the physical distance of November 2004, mental distress units of the ILHZ II in partnership ReINaPan municipalities from PGH afflicted the survivors. Psychosocial with ICDAI, CMRMDH and UP-PGH- and NMHC. The ILHZ II also ensured intervention was provided so they WAPR-Phil. that medicines would be more could move on. This intervention accessible to indigent patients. A led to the partnership between the Several strategies were socialized scheme was developed Infanta Integrated Community implemented, namely: establish- where indigents pay only 25% of Development Assistance, Inc. ment of a psychiatric clinic; conduct the actual medicine cost, while (ICDAI), the University of the of psychiatric consultation and those who could afford pay the full Philippines-Philippine General treatment; implementation of amount. Hospital (UP-PGH) and the World socialized rate of psychotropic Association for Psychosocial medicines; telepsychiatry; mental The psychiatric consultations, Rehabilitation-Philippines (WAPR- and psychosocial health education coupled with the administration of Phil). They developed the and information dissemination; medicines, proved to be successful Community-Based Mental/Psycho- formation of family support in addressing mental health social Health Management groups; and, capability building on problems in the area. From 2006 Program which the Inter-Local mental health service delivery. to 2010, additional cases were Health Zone (ILHZ) II adopted in recorded each year albeit in a 2008. After four years of implementation, decreasing pattern—from 110 the program increased the new cases in 2006; 59 additional The community-based mental/ knowledge and skills of LGUs in cases in 2007; 55 new ones in psychosocial health management mental health care. It improved program pools together resources delivery of general health care in from various sectors to address and the municipalities, with mental and The community- fill in the gaps in mental/ psychosocial health now included based mental health psychosocial health care and the in the LGU’s regular health care management shortage of mental health program and with municipal health professionals in the ReINaPan officers and area-based physicians program pools (Real, Infanta, Gen. Nakar, and providing psychiatric consultation together resources Panukulan) area. Over time, the and treatment. from various sectors program broadened its scope from psychosocial processing and The Psychiatric Clinic in CMRMDH to address and fill in stress debriefing to mental and was established with the assistance the gaps in mental psychosocial health consultation of the Northern Quezon Medical and treatment. Society in which the partner- health care and the psychiatrists and trained general shortage of mental In 2006, a partnership with the physicians in the locality hold health professionals in Claro M. Recto Memorial District consultations. Prior to the Hospital (CMRMDH) led to the establishment of the clinic, visiting the ReINaPan area.

20 • Galing Pook 2011 2008; 36 more in 2009; and another 28 cases in 2010. These figures indicate improved aware- ness about mental health care.

In 2009, a radio program dubbed as “ILHZ II in Action” served as medium for ILHZ II to reach a wide number of people and encourage more families to bring their patients for consultation and treatment. The program also convinced the community to show more compassion for mental patients. There is now a growing acceptance among families that this condition is not something to be ashamed of; that it is manageable and that suggests that any LGU can provide and human resource limitations mental patients deserve mental mental health care service and that were addressed by the pooling of health care. the absence or lack of mental resources among the partners. UP- health professionals in the area is PGH-WAPR-Phil provided their Many of those with mental not at all a hindrance as there are technical knowledge and disorders have been brought back external stakeholders that can be professional expertise to the ILHZ to normalcy. Some of the tapped to assist the LGUs in II so it could identify those who schizophrenic patients who developing their capacity in the needed care. exhibited violent behavior, delivery of mental health care auditory hallucination, and service. Meanwhile, ICDAI provided unhygienic practice are now able financial support and technical to help in household chores and Telepsychiatry in CMRMDH allows expertise, and took the lead in are doing productive work outside real-time communication between building family support groups. On their homes. the remote site in CMRMDH and the the other hand, the LGUs together hub site in the Department of with the CMRMDH provided The formation of family support Psychiatry/National Telehealth funding, human resources and groups also contributed in hastening Center in UP-PGH. A telecon- created mechanisms to enhance the the recuperation of patients. ference among the stakeholders is program. Dialogues and activities between now also possible through Skype. the families strengthened their With this mechanism in place, the The cooperation of the families of resolve to provide proper mental partner psychiatrists are able to individuals with mental disorders health care for their patient and remotely assist the trained was also crucial. Without their gradually break the stigma of municipal health officers and support, their patients would not mental disorder. general physicians in diagnosing have been referred for and formulating mental health care consultations and treatment. What is notable is that the program plans for the patients. In addition, is being successfully managed by the psychiatrists could also provide Lastly, capacity development of the medical personnel who are not continuous capacity development/ LGU’s health personnel and mental health professionals. This enhancement through tele- volunteer health workers, and mentoring. general physicians in CMRMDH ensures sustainability in the Mayor Filipina Grace R. America Partnership building is the key provision of mental health care in [email protected] factor that made the implemen- the area. Tel. (042) 535-4045 tation of the program in the Fax. (042) 535-2281 CONTACT ReINaPan area successful. Funding

Galing Pook 2011 • 21 Alimodian, Iloilo Bringing High Schools Closer to Home

istant education facilities are the 25-kilometer or one-hour drive classrooms forced the teachers to Damong the reasons why there from Seven Cities to the poblacion. hold classes in hallways and even is low attendance and low under the trees. academic performance in rural high A large number of students coming schools. This is especially true in from the upland barangays cannot Consultations between the communities with rough terrain such afford secondary education Department of Education (DepEd), as Seven Cities of the Municipality because of high costs for board, the LGU and the Parent-Teacher of Alimodian. lodging, allowances and Association (PTA) led to the transportation and are consigned to proposed establishment of four A 3rd class municipality, Alimodian helping their parents in crop and new high schools. This proposal is composed of 51 barangays vegetable farming. was developed into the program clustered into nine districts. called Hugpong Barangay, Transportation is scarce especially In 2005, there were only two Edukasyon Parapit sa Balay or during bad weather because of the secondary schools in the Bringing Education Closer to Home. mountainous and steep terrain. The municipality—the Alimodian The program aims to bring lone jeepney ferries passengers National Comprehensive High secondary education closer to only twice a day—once in the School (ANCHS) and the Gines students by establishing secondary morning and another in the National High School (GNHS), which schools in strategically-clustered afternoon, while motorcycles are are located in the Poblacion and in barangays. The aim was to provide rented at PhP150.00 per trip for Barangay Gines. The congested secondary schools which are accessible and affordable to the

22 • Galing Pook 2011 community, improve the quality of In the construction of the high Association of Barangay Councils living through education, train schools, community residents and PTA was passed to ensure that people to become economically contributed bamboo poles or tracts school improvements are efficient in livelihood programs and of land. Meanwhile school implemented and given priority. projects, and to lower the equipment were provided or Provincial School Board resolutions percentage rate of out-of-school purchased through donations and were also passed to support the youth in the community. fund raising activities. program.

Normally, approval for the The strong leadership of the Local Eventually, the schools produced establishment of a new school takes School Board (LSB) was 342 graduates who went on to a long time. But the collective effort instrumental in the success of the pursue college education through of the communities, Parents- program. The LSB took the lead in scholarships and work student Teachers Association (PTA), DepEd, conceptualizing, implementing, programs. private associations and individuals, monitoring and evaluating the non-government organizations program. The PTA and Barangay The Department of Education later (NGOs), and the LGUs hastened Council took the lead in the public ranked Bancal National High the process. Thus, the first extension meetings and consultations, School as 2nd and 3rd in the search school of the ANCHS was identification of proposed sites, for Outstanding Schools in the 2nd established in Barangay pooling of materials, construction Congressional District in 2009 and Cabacanan, which was identified as of buildings, and monitoring of 2010, respectively. the most accessible site within the progress. In addition, the PTA Seven Cities area. The school was campaigned for support, raised Constructing four secondary later renamed Adriano Cabardo funds and helped in the completion schools in a municipality within five National High School in honor of of the documentary requirements years may seem impossible for the lot donor. Three more campuses of the DepEd. other LGUs. But through Hugpong were established in 2008, 2009 Barangay, Edukasyon Parapit sa and 2010. On the other hand, the local DepEd Balay, the people of Alimodian took responsibility in the showed that innovation and The establishment of the high completion of all the required dedicated action can bring about schools closer to the communities paper work. Through the LGU- the desired results. allowed the families to reduce their Community-DepEd partnership, school expenses. It also led to Barangay Officials enhanced their improved academic performance capacity to prioritize projects and The establishment of among the students. efficiently allocate their budget. the high schools closer Local NGOs such as Taus Puso to the communities The high schools also encouraged Foundation, Inc. and Tagipusuon over-aged (17 and above) Foundation, Inc. were involved in allowed the families to individuals to resume their studies the consultation and implemen- reduce their school and pursue a high school diploma tation process, together with expenses. It also led as in the case of the 22-year old religious groups, youth mother who graduated Class representatives and senior citizens. to improved academic Valedictorian last March 2011. A performance among total of 809 out-of-school and Barangay and Municipal over-aged individuals were given resolutions and ordinances were the students. the opportunity to go back to passed adopting the establishment school because of the program. of the secondary schools through the “Hugpong Barangay, Edukasyon Mayor Juanito T. Alipao New schools meant employment Parapit sa Balay”. A bill was also [email protected] Tel. (033) 331-0288 opportunities for licensed teachers passed in Congress for the Adriano Fax. (033) 331-0450 and 48 were hired. NHS. A Joint Resolution of the CONTACT

Galing Pook 2011 • 23 Bohol Rabies Prevention and Elimination

abies is a fatal disease that is been no reports of death by rabies barangay (Bantay Rabies sa Reasily preventable. Yet, it still since October 8, 2008. Barangay or BRB) levels. poses a significant public health problem in many countries in Asia A Knowledge, Attitude, Practices The BRB organized Barangay and Africa. More than 99% of all (KAP) survey in 2009 revealed that Rabies Elimination Task Forces that global human rabies deaths occur 94% of local people already knew compiled a master list of dogs and as a result of being exposed to about rabies, 61% had knowledge dog owners through house-to- infected dogs. about rabies transmission, and 89% house surveys and arranged mass were aware of the rabies vaccination in their areas. It was In the Philippines, about 250 elimination program. More people the responsibility of the BRBs to people die each year due to were also seeking medical secure the registration of dogs, rabies because victims failed to assistance for dog bites. The collect fees and facilitate the seek immediate treatment or number of potential rabies carriers sharing of the collected fees with vaccination. About ten of those was also reduced by 24% as the the provincial and municipal LGUs. who die are reported in Bohol, dog population in Bohol decreased They also helped settle disputes which made the province rank 4th from 100,572 in 2007 to 76,407 in arising from dog bite incidents or among the top ten provinces in the 2009 as reflected in the barangay other violations of the program. country for human rabies deaths. master list of dogs. About 70% of To correct the situation, the the dog population was also Today, there are more than 15,000 provincial LGU of Bohol developed registered and vaccinated within people actively involved in its Rabies Prevention and that period. implementing the program. The Elimination Program (BRPEP) in bulk are made up of community March 2007, with the goal of Bohol’s LGU attributes the volunteers and teachers. Various eliminating rabies cases in the successful program implementation organizations such as the Bohol Tri- province by 2010. to the collaboration and Media Association and different cooperation of various stake- government agencies such as the Institutionalized through an holders. Community participation Department of Health and the ordinance, the BRPEP initially was deemed crucial in various Department of Education continue involved 124 government aspects of the program namely, to work in concert to implement the employees from the provincial dog population control, mass dog program. This cooperation has down to the barangay level, who vaccination, dog bite management, effectively transformed the spearheaded a massive infor- veterinary quarantine, surveil- awareness campaign on rabies mation drive. To hasten program lance and monitoring. prevention and elimination from a implementation, community partici- government-led to a community or pation was enlisted in carrying out At the provincial level, the program people-led program. The Philippine various aspects of the program. is managed by the Bohol Rabies National Rabies Awareness Month And to help defray the high Prevention and Eradication Council, in March and the World Rabies program costs, the LGU developed which is chaired by the provincial Day on September 28 are partnerships with private sector governor and whose members regularly observed by the province organizations. represent various sectors and to continually remind people about agencies. This multi-sectoral the importance of eliminating The results were dramatic. In the composition of the council is rabies in Bohol. first half of 2008, the number of mirrored at the municipal (the human rabies deaths decreased by Municipal Rabies Prevention and Bohol has since become one of the 50%. More importantly, there have Elimination Council or MRPEC) and first provinces in the country to

24 • Galing Pook 2011 integrate lessons on rabies and responsible pet ownership in the curriculum of all its elementary schools. Given that 25 percent of the rabies fatalities have been children below the age of 15, this innovation is very effective at increasing awareness on rabies prevention, especially among school-aged children. This also helps inculcate responsible pet ownership for the next generation.

International recognition of Bohol’s success is now evident as the provincial government has also been invited to share its experience in rabies elimination to an international audience. The LGU sent its program manager to present the program during the International Conference on Rabies in Vietnam in September 2009, in Indonesia in March 2010, and in Mexico in October 2010 during the 21st Conference on Rabies.

The Global Alliance of Rabies Control is helping replicate the Bohol Program in the Bicol Region and Palawan. Last July, international rabies experts met in Bohol to learn from the province’s experience and to explore the possibility of replication in other countries with high incidence of rabies. Transforming the public’s attitude

Transforming the public’s attitude and cultural practices towards and cultural practices towards responsible pet ownership is responsible pet ownership is perhaps Bohol’s longest lasting perhaps Bohol’s longest lasting contribution to the global campaign contribution to the global campaign to eliminate rabies. With rabies to eliminate rabies. elimination and responsible pet ownership integrated into the public elementary school Gov. Edgardo M. Chatto curriculum, the younger generation [email protected] will surely grow up to be more Tel. (038) 412-3300 aware about responsible pet Fax. (038) 412-3063 CONTACT ownership and help eradicate the disease altogether.

Galing Pook 2011 • 25 Albay Health Strategy for MDG Attainment ayon Volcano comes to mind Mwhen the Province of Albay is mentioned because it is its most prominent landmark and tourist attraction. It is an active volcano that has erupted 47 times since 1616, with the recent ones occurring in August 2006 and December 2009. Albay also happens to be one of the most typhoon-prone provinces in the Philippines. In late 2006, the province was also hit by two major typhoons, Milenyo and Reming. These series of disasters in that year posed a significant threat to the health situation of the people in the province.

In the following year, the newly and for the public which is workers; and, supporting the elected governor’s policy sustainable through multi-sectoral immediate and efficient provision declaration was to “make MDG the contributions, revenue shares, and of health care through health goal and the rest follows.” He meant a domestic-universal health information. that policies, resource mobilization, insurance to help anchor the program implementation and provincial health reform program To date, Albay is either close to institution building should be on a realistic solid base.” achieving or has achieved the geared towards achieving the major indicators under MDG 4 Millennium Development Goals The Albay Health Strategy towards (Reduce Child Mortality), MDG 5 (MDGs). The MDGs are eight inter- Early Attainment of MDGs became (Improve Maternal Health Care), national development goals that all a focused approach to health MDG 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria United Nations member states have reform implementation to ensure and Other Diseases), MDG 1 agreed to achieve by the year that all Albay residents, especially (Eradicate Extreme Poverty and 2015. They include eradi- the poor, could receive the benefits Hunger) and MDG 7 (Ensure cating extreme poverty, redu- of health reform and the province Environmental Sustainability). cing child mortality rates, fighting can attain the health-related MDGs disease epidemics such as AIDS, much earlier than 2015. Albay has been certified by and developing a global Philhealth as having close to partnership for development, to The health program is composed of universal health coverage. The name a few. six strategic instruments, namely: health budget of the province providing financial risk protection likewise increased from 2007 to To improve the health situation of through reimbursements; improving 2010 by 67.66%. This improved Albay’s residents, the provincial access to quality medical facilities; access to health services and LGU implemented a health ensuring equitable access to health expanded the supply of health improvement strategy that was services, medicines and services. aimed at mitigating the negative technologies; establishing impacts of the 2006 disasters and mechanisms for efficiency, A total of 30 Basic Emergency hastening the attainment of the transparency and accountability Obstetric and Newborn Care health-related MDGs. The LGU and public-private partnerships; Centers and 3 Comprehensive aimed to “build a health system by enhancing the capacities of health Emergency Obstetric and Newborn

26 • Galing Pook 2011 Care Centers cater to expectant for pre-hospital care. Bicol In sum, the provincial government mothers. Community Health Teams University conducts LGU-subsidized managed to successfully pursue its actively track pregnant women and emergency paramedic training for strategy because of the help them with their birth plan. The government personnel and the involvement of various stake- province has 63 ambulances province now has 457 paramedics. holders in program implementation distributed among the local LGUs and during the planning stage of and deployed to hard-to-reach In terms of policy support, the the Province-Wide Investment Plan areas to ferry expectant mothers Committee Chairman on Health in for Health in Albay. The health to birthing centers. The province the Sangguniang Panlalawigan sector alliances that have been also conducts an annual door-to- pushed for the passage of organized include the federations door immunization program for evidence-based ordinances for the of barangay health workers, the TB children. TB, Rabies, Dengue Programs and patrol (TB management councils in for the Maternal, Child Health and the barangays) and the The DOH and the World Health Nutrition Programs. The province organization of Tambal-Tandok Organization have certified Albay also issued ordinances for Smoke- healers. There are also organi- as a malaria-free province and the Free Albay and the creation of the zations that are actively involved provincial government is now Albay AIDS Council. in specific health programs in their aiming to eradicate measles, respective target areas like MIDAS filariasis and leprosy in the next By identifying strategic priorities (Mayon Integrated Development five years. To combat rabies, the through the five year province- Alternatives and Services) and LGU implements a responsible pet wide investment plan for health Gay-on Bicol for STI and HIV/ ownership program and offers free and the annual operations plan, the AIDS. treatment to dog bite victims. It also Albay provincial government implements a DOH approved managed to build on its health Ordinances and executive orders program to combat dengue. initiatives. The provincial are already in place, ensuring the government also utilized DOH- sustainability of Albay’s health With the support of AECID, a mandated governance structures sector reform strategy. When the Spanish donor agency and DOH, such as the Local Health Boards province-wide investment plan for Albay has started to renovate and (LHBs) and the Inter-Local Health health is completed by 2012, re-equip all the hospitals and Zones (ILHZs), Public Finance another sector-wide planning health centers throughout the Management (PFM) and Local session for the next 5 years will be province, including the water Health Accounts (LHA). undertaken to sustain the gains and systems of five resettlement sites. to scale up community participation Its disaster risk reduction program The skills of Albay’s health workers in the program. was enhanced to include pre- are continually improved through emptive medical care, post-disaster trainings, orientation seminars and Pursuing the attainment of the health intervention, and rapid refresher courses. The provincial MDGs diligently has worked for health assessment surveys of doctors also enhance their skills Albay. The strategy could work evacuation centers and through the residency program of wonders for other provinces as establishment of the Albay Health the Bicol Regional Training and well. Emergency Management (AHEM) Teaching Hospital. To date, Albay is either close to achieving or has achieved the major indicators under MDG 4 (Reduce Child Mortality), MDG 5 (Improve Gov. Joey S. Salceda [email protected] Maternal Health Care), MDG 6 (Combat HIV/ Tel (052)481-2555 Fax (052)480-3444 AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases), MDG 1 CONTACT (Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger) and MDG 7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainability).

Galing Pook 2011 • 27 2011 G A L I N G P O O K A W A R D S F I N A L I S T S

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog Fax: (033) 3350689 [email protected] CONTACT

also involves the cooperation of practically the whole city. In December, the festival organizing committees spearhead a clean-up and beautification campaign to prepare Iloilo City for the arrival of visitors. Barangay residents along the parade route help in cleaning the city streets. Schools in the area require the students to help in the civic action on two Saturdays preceding Dinagyang. The fire trucks of the Bureau of Fire Iloilo City Protection and other fire fighting volunteer groups conduct the water flushing of the performance areas. While the Promoting Good Governance and Human festival activities still puts emphasis in arousing interest for Capital through the Dinagyang Festival Iloilo’s arts, culture and heritage, it has prompted the city to From merely promoting religious and cultural practices, also pursue clean and green initiatives such as deploying Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival has evolved into a green festival electric driven vehicles and using recyclable materials for of sorts. A project called “Squeak for Dinagyang” has become the costumes. Dinagyang shows that festivals can be effective an integral part of the celebration. And like the festival, it vehicles to promote worthy causes and is an excellent showcase of government-private sector-NGO cooperation.

Leon, Iloilo Market Development through People Empowerment

The LGU of the municipality of Leon implemented a program that improved the operations of its market. It strictly implemented several measures such as zero waste disposal through the daily collection of segregated garbage. It imposed a no permit-no sale policy, no calibration-no sale policy and observed the price monitoring board. Curfew hours were imposed in the market and a grievance committee was in place to settle disputes between vendors. The meat and produce are categorized to provide consumers with correct information on the quality of the products they are buying. In addition, the vendors were organized into various associations with clearly identified responsibilities such as garbage collection, price monitoring and policing of ranks. To further encourage cleanliness, the LGU also holds contests such as the “Shoot for a Cause” which entails throwing empty Mayor Rolito C. Cajilig plastic bottles into a big receptacle in the Public Market. As [email protected] a result of the strict enforcement of policies and the Fax: (033) 3310036 cooperation of the vendor associations, the municipal market CONTACT has become a clean, safe and hazard-free environment for the sale of agricultural products.

28 • Galing Pook 2011 2011 G A L I N G P O O K A W A R D S F I N A L I S T S

Dao, Capiz Leading and Managing Health Innovations

Health was not a priority issue of the Dao LGU. But after Dao was included in the pilot batch of the Zuellig Family Foundation’s Community Health Partnership Program (ZFF- CHPP), the LGU began to have a better appreciation of health issues. After that, the LGU took the lead in introducing innovations in the areas of maternal and child health care, nutrition, and health information. The LGU has since increased its budget allocation for health and expanded the membership of its Local Health Board and PhilHealth programs. Expectant mothers were closely monitored and taught about pre and post natal care. The creation of Nanay Buhay Alagaan Teams (NBA teams) contributed significantly to the zero maternal and infant death in 2010. With the renovation of Dao’s RHU, the number of patient consultations increased from only 4% in 2008 to 62% in 2010. The LGU also regularly sent health workers including midwives and barangay health workers to attend skills upgrade trainings and professional education Mayor Joselito Y. Escutin courses. And the LGU also reactivated a feeding program [email protected] for pre-school and school children to reduce malnutrition. Fax: (036) 6580018 With an improved health care program in place, Dao’s CONTACT residents are now in better shape than before.

Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur Investment and Tourism Promotion

Sta. Cruz was a battlefield between government and rebel forces in the late 1980s to early 1990s. When the hostilities died down, a major policy shift from the government emboldened the LGU to transform the municipality into an Agri-Industrial Center (AIC) of the province of Davao del Sur. Subsequently, Sta. Cruz became part of the 11 Provincial AICs in Region XI. Through its Investments and Tourism Promotions Program, the LGU of Sta. Cruz was able to entice corporations to invest in the municipality. The two investors in 1994 grew to 23 multi-national investors in 2011. And total investments have now reached 21 Billion pesos. The employment rate has also increased to 64.73% in 2011 from 31% in year 2003. Community-based tourism enterprises and tourism-related establishments have also grown, as has tourist arrivals, which increased by 56% from 4,161 in 2006. Mayor Joel Ray L. Lopez [email protected] Fax: (082) 2720741 CONTACT

Galing Pook 2011 • 29 2011 G A L I N G P O O K A W A R D S F I N A L I S T S

Alaminos City, Pangasinan Bright Child Program

In Alaminos, Pangasinan, the LGU implemented the Bright Child Program which was designed to support the physical and intellectual growth of children from birth to graduation in college. A major component of the program is the supplemental feeding program which aims to eliminate malnutrition, one of the leading causes of low scholastic performance, absences and high drop out rates among pupils. The program aims to reduce the malnutrition rate by at least 5% yearly among children so that there are no more malnourished children in the city by 2013. With the assistance of the City Agriculture Office, households plant vegetables and raise animals, which the city government then purchases. The feeding program also increased economic activity in the city, particularly in raising the income of the farmers because their produce are ingredients Mayor Hernani A. Braganza in the nutritious meals. The parents and teachers prepare the nutritious [email protected] meals, which are served three times a week. Because of the program, Fax: (075) 5527109 Alaminos no longer holds the dishonor of being number one in CONTACT malnutrition in Region I. The city government is also implementing a scholarship program for poor but deserving college students. It has established 14 computer laboratories, provided internet connectivity in 43 schools, and is implementing a sports program for the students. In 2012, the LGU will broaden the feeding program to include high school students. Batangas City SWM Enterprise through LGU-Cooperative Partnership

The experience of Barangay San Jose Sico residents in Batangas shows that cooperative efforts go a long way towards improving people’s lives. When the City Government of Batangas relocated the city dumpsite within the barangay in December 2000, it helped organize 13 residents into the San Jose Sico Sorters Association, which sorted garbage and collected recyclables. Eventually, the Office of the City Veterinary and Agricultural Services (OCVAS) helped the sorters and community leaders form the San Jose Sico Landfill Multipurpose Cooperative with 29 female and 26 male members and with a paid-up capital of PhP84,600.00. After two years of learning the ropes, the Board of Directors and officers of the cooperative took over the management of Mayor Vilma A. Dimacuha the cooperative from the LGU. Operations expanded from [email protected] scavenging to direct buying of recyclables. With financial Tel. (043) 7231511 assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment Fax. (043) 7231558 and the City LGU, the cooperative has branched out into CONTACT hollow block making. The cooperative now also offers credit and loan services to its members. To date it has 187 members with a paid-up capital of PhP428,000.00 and PhP3 million in assets, indicating that indeed there is money in garbage.

30 • Galing Pook 2011 2011 G A L I N G P O O K A W A R D S F I N A L I S T S

Tagum City Watershed, River Management, Livelihood and Disaster Risk Reduction

The Tagum City LGU addressed several problems—i.e. flooding, forest denudation, eroded accretion zone, siltation and people living in danger zones— through a multi-dimensional program dubbed the Watershed, River Management, Livelihood and Disaster Risk Reduction. The project involves the management of the upland, lowland and coastal environments. It involves sustainable reforestation, urban greening, Hijo River accretion reforestation and livelihood development through Inter-Cropping Farming System, dredging and re-channeling of the river, mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation and desiltation of the river mouths. To ensure the successful implementation of the program, the LGU consulted and elicited the participation and cooperation of the affected families in the design, implementation and monitoring of the program. It also partnered with the Mayor Rey T. Uy private sector, the academe, other government institutions, religious sector, [email protected] military and the police. The denuded hills along the Hijo River Accretion Fax: (084) 2181957 Zone, mangroves along the coastal area and hills in the urban and lowland CONTACT areas were replanted with various tree species. This regenerated and rehabilitated the ecosystem in the upland, lowland and coastal areas. As a result, flooding along the Hijo River has been totally eradicated, and 288 families have been relocated away from high-risk areas to safer environments. Family incomes have also risen by as much as 135% because of the livelihood projects.

Lavezares, Northern Samar Mayor Quintin B. Saludaga Integrated Eco Farm [email protected]

CONTACT A 4.6 hectare garbage dumpsite was transformed by Lavezares LGU into what is now an Integrated Eco Farm that produces organic fertilizer through vermicomposting. Today, the Eco Farm is a model of integrated services and programs. It has a housing project whose beneficiaries were families displaced by typhoons, and are the ones who manage the Materials Recovery Facility and Vermicomposting Facility. Together with other farmers, these families produce hollow- blocks made up of pulverized non-biodegradable wastes and vermicasts from biodegradable wastes that help fertilize barren and unproductive lots. The Eco Farm is also a training facility for farmers. The organic farms that were established as a result of the Eco Farm now supply organic vegetables in the local market. Through its livestock and poultry production and dispersal program, the Eco Farm also supplies the demand for nutritious meat and poultry products in the market. Almost nothing is wasted as the manures of these animals are used in enriching the vermicompost. Local officials from three nearby municipalities have paid a visit to learn how the ecofarm operates.

Galing Pook 2011 • 31 2011 N A T I O N A L S E L E C T I O N C O M M I T T E E

NERIC ACOSTA, Ph. D. is an experienced legislator, an RAFAEL L. COSCOLLUELA, immediate past Chairman of educator, an ardent advocate of the environment, and an Galing Pook Foundation and National Selection Committee international scholar. He is Presidential Advi- Chairman for 2011, recently served as Administrator of the ser for Environmental Protection and concurrently head of Sugar Regulatory Administration, Vice Chairman of the the Laguna Lake Development Authority. He is Secretary National Biofuel Board and Chairman of the Philippine Sugar General of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats Corporation. Prior to that, he was Presidential Adviser on (CALD) and Vice-President for International Affairs of the Cooperatives and Presidential Adviser for Western Visayas Liberal Party of the Philippines. Dr. Acosta was named the after serving as Governor of Negros Occidental for three first Filipino World Fellow of Yale University in 2004 in consecutive terms, during which time the province garnered recognition of his advocacies on education and the two Galing Pook Awards. He is currently a member of the environment. As a former congressional representative, he is Board of Trustees of Synergeia Foundation and also serves the principal author of the landmark 1999 Clean Air Act, the as President of the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation 2004 Clean Water Act and the 2001 Solid Waste Foundation. Management Act. MA. LOURDES FERNANDO is currently the Vice-Chairperson VICTOR GERARDO BULATAO represents agrarian reform of the Galing Pook Foundation. She served as an award- beneficiaries and serves as an Independent Director in the winning Mayor of Marikina City from July 2001 to June Board of the Land Bank of the Philippines, the leading lender 2010. Under her leadership, Marikina City was judged as to local government units, as well as small farmers and fishers. one of the most competitive metropolitan cities in the He continues to be active in NGOs pursuing participatory Philippines. She is also a Founding Chair of the Alliance for local governance in 200 rural barangays. In the 1970s Mr. Healthy Cities. Bulatao worked with the Federation of Free Farmers and the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Men in the JAIME GALVEZ TAN has the rare combination of the following Philippines. In the 1980s and 1990s he served in the expertise: solid grassroots community work in far flung Department of Agrarian Reform in various capacities, the doctorless rural areas; national and international health last as Undersecretary for Field Operations and Support planning and programming; a faculty of colleges of medicine Services. He has a Master of Public Administration degree and health sciences; clinical practice combining North American from the Harvard Kennedy School. and European medicine with Asian and Filipino traditional medicine; national health policy development, national health MA. NIEVES CONFESOR presently teaches at the Asian field operations management, private sector health business Institute of Management, with special research and training development, research management and local government focus on general management, public policy development health development. He has worked with NGOs, international and analysis, leadership development, strategic negotiations development agencies, the academe and government and conflict management, labor-management relations, agencies. He is currently a Professor of the University of the human resources development and general management. Philippines College of Medicine and the President of Health She had served as Secretary of Labor and Employment, as Futures Foundation, Inc. well as consultant/ trustee to various companies, educational institutions, and multi-lateral organizations. She has also JOSE RENE GAYO, DBA is the Executive Director of the MFI served as Chairperson of the Government Panel negotiating Farm Business Institute and President of the Foundations for with the CPP-NDF-NPA. She is also Executive Director of the People Development. He was the Executive Director of PAREF AIM-TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Leadership, a research Southridge School in Alabang and was the Founding Dean and training center for leadership development at the AIM. of the School of Management, University of Asia and the She currently serves as Chairperson of the Galing Pook Pacific. His academic interests include agricultural and rural Foundation as well as the Kaunlaran ng Manggagawang development, agribusiness, management of NGOs, and Pilipino, Inc., both NGOs. environmental issues.

32 • Galing Pook 2011 KENNETH HARTIGAN-GO, MD is a member of the World board member of the Philippine Center for Investigative Health Organization Advisory Committee on Safety of Journalism and Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. Medicinal Products and Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, a consultant to the EU- FP7 Monitoring EMMA PORIO is Professor of Sociology and chairman of Medicines and member of the Health Policy Steering the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, School of Committee of NUS Initiative to Improve Health in Asia (NIHA). Social Sciences of the Ateneo de Manila University. She sits In June 2010, he joined AIM as core faculty at the Center for on the Executive Council of the International Sociological Development Management and in September, appointed Association (Madrid, Spain), Board of Directors of the Global Executive Director of the Dr. Stephen Zuellig Center for Asian Development Network (Washington D.C.), as well as edits Business Transformation. A member of the Board of Regents the Philippine Sociological Review (Journal-on-Line). Dr. Porio of the Philippine College of Physicians, he is currently the has done extensive research as well as published widely on president of the Philippine Society of Experimental and development issues related to urban governance, children, Clinical Pharmacology. His consultancy work with multilateral women, housing, poverty and climate change. agencies in different Asian countries, including leadership positions in various medical organizations and government MARIVEL SACENDONCILLO is the Executive Director of the (Department of Health, PhilHealth, Department of Science Local Government Academy. She is also the President of the and Technology, Congressional Commission) provides unique Local Government Training and Research Institutes – Philippine health systems perspective. Network. Ms. Sacendoncillo’s areas of competence include local governance and capability building, strategic ELISEA "Bebet" G. GOZUN is the Presidential Assistant II for management, institutional development, participatory Climate Change. She also serves as a member of the Manila assessment, poverty reduction, and community-based resource Bay Advisory Committee providing support to the Supreme management, among many others. Court in implementing the continuing mandamus for the Manila Bay clean up. She served as Secretary of the Department MARION MACEDA VILLANUEVA is currently the Canadian of Environment and Natural Resources from December 2002 Field Director of CIDA’s 8-year Local Governance Support to September 2004. Before rejoining the government, she Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED), which chaired and was President of the Earth Day Network assists clusters of local governments to grow their economies. Philippines, a movement which aims to make caring for mother Over the past decade, Marion has played senior roles in the earth the concern of all. She was also the Program Director management of the Canadian International Development for the environment of Gawad Kalinga and the Project Agency’s (CIDA) programming in the Philippines. She has in- Director of the City Development Strategy (CDS) project of depth knowledge of institutional development and public Cities Alliance with League of Cities of the Philippines. An policy issues related to governance reform, decentralization activist involved with many NGOs, she also served as and more recently in complex post-conflict regions which is consultant on environmental management and urban further enhanced by her educational, personal and development for many development agencies and was the professional experiences. Marion also has extensive program 2007 UNEP Champion of the Earth for Asia and the Pacific. management experience in NGO capacity development, participatory rural development and community MILWIDA GUEVARA is the 2nd recipient of the Haydee Yorac empowerment. Award for Public Service. She is the President and CEO of Synergeia Foundation with a mission to provide every Filipino VERONICA FENIX-VILLAVICENCIO has devoted most of her child with access to quality basic education. She built a career working years with social development organizations - as in Public Finance and served as Career Undersecretary of program developer, manager, writer and evaluator, Finance under President Ramos. She also served as Chair of particularly in the areas of biodiversity conservation and the Movement for Good Governance from 2007 to 2010 community resources management, gender and development, and Chair of the Galing Pook Foundation from 2003 to 2007. and community mobilization for poverty reduction. She has served as Executive Director of the Peace and Equity TINA MONZON-PALMA is the Program Director of ABS- Foundation. She is a member of Pilipina and of InciteGov, CBN Sagip Kapamilya and Bantay Bata 163, co-anchor of which both embody her ideal of social change through The World Tonight over the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), people’s empowerment. and host of Talkback aired at ANC. Ms. Monzon-Palma is a

Galing Pook 2011 • 33 G A L I N G P O O K F O U N D A T I O N Board of Trustees Ma. Nieves R. Confesor Chairperson. Executive Director, AIM-TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Leadership.

Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando Vice-Chairperson. Former Mayor, Marikina City.

Austere A. Panadero Corporate Secretary. Undersecretary for Local Government, Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Alex B. Brillantes, Jr. Treasurer. Professor, National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines Diliman.

Yasmin Busran-Lao Trustee. Founding Chairperson, Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro (Women for Truth and Justice in the Bangsamoro).

Karen Davila Trustee. News Anchor and Correspondent, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation.

Ma. Josefina M. dela Cruz Trustee. Postmaster General and CEO, Philippine Postal Corporation.

Jaime Galvez Tan Trustee. President, Health Futures Foundation.

Cielito F. Habito Trustee. Director, Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development. Secretariat Eddie Dorotan, MD, MPA • Executive Director Lorenzo Ubalde, MDM • Program Officer Marie Guzman • Administration and Finance Officer Adrian Adove • Program Assistant Monette Montemayor • Program Assistant Edith Ramos • Administration and Finance Assistant Christine Beltran • Administrative Assistant

Galing Pook Foundation 25 Mahusay cor. Malinis Streets UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines Tel. Nos. (+632) 4334731 to 32

CONTACT (+632) 9264136 www.galingpook.org

34 • Galing Pook 2011 Galing Pook music and lyrics by Gary Granada vocals: Gary Granada, Bayang Barrios, Noel Cabangon, Shane and Dave of Crazy as Pinoy, PETA kids, Luke Granada

Ang aming adhikain Ay simple lang naman Sapat sa pangunahing Mga pangangailangan

Saan mahahagilap Ang mga munting pangarap Makaigpaw sa hirap Maalwang hinaharap

Sa punyagi at kusa Munting pamayanan Sa husay kinilala Umani ng karangalan

Kayraming nagsasabing Ang galing galing daw namin Saan ba nanggagaling Ano ba’ng anting-anting? Ang sabi ng iba, ang galing ng Pilipino Magaling na mang-isa, mandaraya, manloloko Simple lang yan Ang sakit sa tenga, kahit di mo matanggap Kaya mo yan, Bay! Ganyan daw talaga, yan ang sabi ng lahat Sa malikhaing paraan, sa paraang malikhain Subalit doon sa aming mumunting komunidad Kasama ang mamamayan, mamamaya’y pagsamahin Namayani ang maraming kabutihan ang hangad Pagbabago na lantad, lantad na pagbabago Pinaghusay ang lokal na gobyernong niluklok Tuluy-tuloy na pag-unlad, tuluy-tuloy na pag-asenso Pinagpala’t natanghal na isang Galing Pook! Sa dami ng balakid Sa dami ng hadlang Ang sabi ng marami, Pilipino ay tamad Ang diwang nalulupig Walang respeto sa sarili, dangal at dignidad Nagtitiis na lang Palakasang palasak, boto na nilalako Ngunit huwag kang papayag Lider na nagbubuhat ng sarili ring bangko Huwag kang pabubuway Tadhanang ating palad Di man maikakaila ay huwag nating lahatin Nasa ating kamay Di mo rin maitatatwa, di man sukat akalain Magandang mga balita sa mga suluk-sulok Chorus counterpoint: Kayraming halimbawa ng mga Galing Pook Galing Pook..

Visit www.galingpook.org to download lyrics and music

Galing Pook 2011 • 35 36 • Galing Pook 2011