Galing Pook 2014 • 1 2014 Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs Contents

3 The Galing Pook and its Partners 4 Message from His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III 5 Turning Localities into Progressive and Stable Units DILG Secretary Mar Roxas 6 Innovative Programs that Lead to Strategic Gains GPF Chair Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando 7 Sparks of Hope and Optimism PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Ma. Joseϔina M. dela Cruz 7 Fostering a Spirit of Relevant and Earnest Aid LANDBANK President and CEO Gilda E. Pico 8 From Arms to Farms Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte 10 Affordable Homes for the Urban Poor Quezon City 12 Profi table Public-Private Partnership Legazpi City 14 Towards Effective Urban Renewal Dipolog City 16 A Thriving Night Market Tagum City 18 Coupons for Free Medical Services Quezon Province 20 Providing Quality Eye Care to Indigents Tarlac Province 22 A Pioneering Health Clinic Quezon City 24 Pooling Resources for a Sanitary Landfi ll South Cotabato Province 26 Large-scale Mangrove Replanting Quezon Province 28 2014 Galing Pook Awards Finalists 32 2014 National Selection Committee 34 Galing Pook Foundation Board of Trustees and Secretariat 35 Galing Pook Hymn

Cover design, magazine layout, and articles by Tomahawk Publications • References supplied by LGUs • Cover photo supplied by Kauswagan LGU • Photos courtesy of LGUs and GPF Files

2 • Galing Pook 2014 The Galing Pook

he Galing Pook awards is a pioneering program that recognizes innovation and excellence in lo- Tcal governance. It started in October 21, 1993 under the joint initiative of the Local Government Academy-Department of the Vision Interior and Local Government, the Ford Foundation, We are a leading resource institution that promotes and other individual advocates of good governance innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment, and from the academe, civil society and the government. excellence in local governance.

More than 280 programs from at least 165 local gov- ernment units have already won recognition, including the current batch of 2014 awardees. The Galing Pook Mission winners are chosen each year from a wide array of We promote excellence in local governance through programs from local governments after undergoing a recognition, sharing of information and support of ef- rigorous multi-level screening process. forts to replicate best practices at the local level.

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

The Partners

FORDFOUNDATION

Galing Pook 2014 • 3 MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA

My warmest congratulations to the awardees of the 2014 Galing Pook Awards and the 2nd Jesse Robredo Leadership Awards.

Local governments, being the most in contact with our communities, are in the best position to uphold the welfare of our countrymen and rally the entire populace to contribute to our collective advancement. In order for us to realize our vision of an equitably progressive Philippines, it is imperative that we create more self-sustaining, dynamic, and eficient localities.

The Galing Pook and Jesse Robredo Leadership Awards recognize those who have helped bring us closer to this goal. They are bestowed upon outstanding local government units and leaders whose initiatives were crucial in alleviating poverty, spurring economic development, and empowering people in their respective areas. By recognizing their achievements, we provide valuable examples for other local government units to replicate in other parts of the country.

My administration remains steadfast in instituting reforms, initiated by the late Sec. Jesse Robredo, that will help foster an ideal environment where local government can succeed and lourish. It is my hope that, through these measures, we can bring to fore higher standards of governance at the grassroots level and help create more effective partners in nation-building.

Again, congratulations to all the awardees.

BENIBENIGNOGNNO S.S. AQUINOAQUQ IN III

M A N I L A 21 October 2014

THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

4 • Galing Pook 2014 Turning Localities into Progressive and Stable Units

would like to congratulate the 2014 Galing Pook awardees for their outstanding achievements. The same goes to the offi cials and members of the Galing Pook Foun- I dation for their zeal in recognizing the exemplary performances and programs of model local government units (LGUs) throughout the country.

The Foundation continues to motivate and bring out the best in LGUs as it highlights their capacities in providing effective and effi cient services to the public. It also shows their important role as partners of the national government in pursuing progress and development.

Recognition such as the Galing Pook Awards (GPA) proves that our local governments are capable of introducing innovations and best practices in governance.

To the awardees, may your shining examples inspire other local governments to come up with feasible programs and policies that will address the plight of our true bosses – the Filipino people.

The DILG looks forward to establishing a more active and dynamic partnership with the Foundation. Together, let us work hand in hand to transform every locality into progressive and stable units, as we continue our journey towards the “Daang Matuwid” governance of this administration.

Again, congratulations to all the winners!

MAR ROXAS Secretary Department of the Interior and Local Government

Galing Pook 2014 • 5 Innovative Programs that Lead to Strategic Gains

et us celebrate this year’s harvest of good local gover- In Davao del Norte, Tagum City established the night mar- Lnance programs as we witness promising innovations in our ket to organize and improve the lot of its many ambulant country. We are much honored to put forward and recognize vendors while improving the income generation of the local the new set of local development models for the 2014 Gal- government that the latter uses to fi nance its public services ing Pook Awards even amidst the backdrop of perturbing and its other development programs. Finally in Zamboanga events happening almost everywhere in the world. del Norte, Dipolog City transformed the degraded mostly coastal areas for recreation and appropriate economic ac- This year’s good governance examples undoubtedly have tivities and provided low-cost housing and alternative liveli- positively transformed the lives and communities in our coun- hood for displaced families to ensure a better and more try. Yet these programs that we are recognizing are uncom- decent living condition for them. plicated. Surprising in their simplicity, they can readily be adapted in barangays, municipalities, cities and provinces The 2014 Galing Pook winners offer us interesting studies by the local public offi cials with their constituencies and de- on high fi nance ventures with the most minimal capital outlay velopment partners. from LGUs but with greater short term, long term and stra- tegic gains for the constituents, communities, the local gov- There are two winners this year who garnered two awards ernment itself and the latter’s development partners. There each. One is the Provincial Government of Quezon with its are also winning programs where we see local governments massive mangrove propagation sustaining the protection and lean more on soft initiatives that have far more development rehabilitation of its marine environment; and its health pro- impacts for people and communities than the hard infrastruc- gram that provided accessible, effi cient and quality health ture projects favored by most politicians. care from the provincial capital to its farthest barangays. Second is Quezon City with its creative solutions to fund its The winners and fi nalists of the 2014 Galing Pook Awards socialized housing that is affordable and does not displace prove true the good news of continuing innovation in local the poor while addressing urban blight; and its sundown governance. Indeed, may the tribe of Galing Pook LGUs be clinic that improved access for the mostly neglected clients sustained and keep increasing. to avail of quality health services in a stigma-free and non- discriminatory environment. Mabuhay ang Magagaling na Pook!

The Provincial Government of Tarlac with its Linaw Tingin program is able to provide adequate and accessible qual- ity eye care services for the prevention and reduction of avoidable blindness, visual impairment and the increasing incidence and prevalence of sight loss and visual problems with special consideration for its marginalized and poor con- stituents. Legazpi City in the Bicol Region boasts of its mod- ern integrated land transport terminal that is safe, acces- sible, and effi ciently managed transforming the landscape and bringing positive changes in the lives of the stakeholders while generating sizeable revenue increases for the city gov- ernment enabling the latter to provide further benefi ts for its people and communities.

Mindanao delivered four models of good governance in the roster of winners for the 2014 Galing Pook Awards. In South Cotabato, its Provincial Government ventured into the sani- tary landfi ll project with its constituent local government units MA. LOURDES C. FERNANDO contributing resources, effectively utilizing its services and Chairperson equitably sharing its benefi ts. The Municipality of Kauswa- Galing Pook Foundation gan in Lanao del Norte gave us its unique peace promoting initiatives integrating local economic development projects in its From Arms to Farms program.

6 • Galing Pook 2014 Sparks of Hope and Optimism

ith utmost felicitations, let me amid a number of controversies in the ees jointly smooth the path to a road Wcongratulate this year’s recipi- country’s political landscape. marked with opportunities, progress ents of the Galing Pook Awards. and growth. We at PHLPost are honored to be a Through the course of its existence, Gal- part of this endeavor that mirrors the Again, congratulations and God ing Pook Awards has been a beacon same ethos that we are espousing in speed! of excellence in search for outstand- the corporation. We value efforts ing government programs that thrive geared towards innovation, solving in promoting innovative practices in the problem, and making a difference, local governance arena. in the same way that this year’s out- standing local government programs As you join the roster of good gover- had pioneered transformation, ad- nance champions, your winning pro- dressed problems and made an im- gram has become an instrumentality pact in the society. for genuine reform, public accountabil- ity, and transparency. Let this achievement lead you one step closer to a more meaningful journey This recognition will serve as an inspira- of arousing other communities to rep- tion among government offi cials to har- licate your winning program in their ness their creative minds and available locale. local resources so as to cultivate novel MA. JOSEFINA M. DELA CRUZ ideas and developmental programs Truly, the hope for a better tomor- Postmaster General and CEO responsive to the needs of their con- row, a better future, and a better Philippine Postal Corporation stituency. Further, this will spark hope Philippines, is within reach as Galing and optimism at the grass-roots level Pook Awards Program and award- Fostering a Spirit of Relevant and Earnest Aid

oming together as one family the thrusts of LGUs across the coun- Cwith a singular vision of sustain- try have allowed for the remarkable able prosperity for the countryside, development of rural communities for we extend our warmest regards to the more than two decades. Hand in hand awardees of this year’s Galing Pook is the hope of bringing in more part- Awards, guests, partners as well as the nerships and programs that will foster men and women of the Galing Pook a spirit of earnest aid, both relevant Foundation. to the changing times and needs of the marginalized sectors. The capacity to create lasting social and economic opportunities is a chal- As you celebrate the rewards of lenge that all able institutions must your noble efforts, may you further be willing to embrace. For it is in the strengthen the foundations of your strength of others that our marginal- hard work, inspire and widen your ar- ized brothers and sisters can start to eas of social and economic inclusion, build on their own abilities that will help and remain true to your core of usher- GILDA E. PICO them steer their own paths to success. ing excellence in local governance. President and CEO Land Bank of the Philippines It is with this knowledge that LANDBANK Congratulations once again to all the fuels its own commitment to the valu- winners and the Galing Pook Founda- able causes and efforts of our LGUs tion, and more power to your future and entities such as the Galing Pook enterprises. Foundation. Your endeavors alongside

Galing Pook 2014 • 7 Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte he municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte has been at Tthe receiving end of large From Arms to Farms scale death and destruction for sev- eral decades due to armed clashes culture (DA) and the Agricultural Education and training played a between warring forces—between Training Institute (ATI) fi nanced vital role in enhancing the capaci- the Blackshirts (Maranao fanatics) some of the programs and activities ties of the farmers. It improved the and the Ilagas (Christian fanatics) identifi ed by the communities, and confi dence of the younger genera- in the early 70s and between the helped train the farmers in organic tion to engage in farming entre- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) farming methods. The new LGU ap- preneurship. So much so, that there and government armed forces as proach led to a 40% improvement was a noticeable increase in the recent as in 2008. in farmer incomes. scholarship benefi ciaries and enrol- ment in the Doña Laureana School As a result, Kauswagan is ranked Within two years, more MILF reb- for Practical Agriculture in the mu- among the municipalities with a high els began to participate in the nicipality. The school is a product poverty incidence rate—as high as socio-economic activities. Four MILF of the Public-Private Partnership 79%, in 2009. Massive displace- commanders and 100 of their men for Justice, Peace and Develop- ment and dislocation of communi- returned to the fold of the govern- ment between the LGU and the As- ties led to deterioration in health, ment, laid down their arms and re- sisi Development Foundation, Inc. education and economic measures. emerged as farm entrepreneurs in The school introduced methodolo- Worse, the situation created an at- organic farming. They planted vari- gies that encouraged the students mosphere of mistrust between the ous crops, raised livestock and man- to pursue entrepreneurial farming Muslims and the Christians. aged fi shponds. Pretty soon, these through organic agriculture. The former rebels were earning good school training reshaped the think- A change in the local leadership in incomes. At present, there are nine ing of the MILF rebel returnees and 2010 brought with it much needed commanders participating in the convinced them to pursue organic local reforms. The new LGU leader- program. farming. ship began to implement a partici- patory approach in the governance The positive impact of the program LGUs from other cities and munici- of the municipality as a means to is quite evident. Poverty incidence palities have begun visiting Kaus- entice rebels to return to the fold decreased from 79% in 2009 to wagan to learn how the signifi - of the law. 47.5% in 2013. The peace and cant changes and transformations order situation also improved; the brought about peace and bridged The municipal LGU began pursuing guns and cannons became silent, the gap that divided the Christians the program “From Arms to Farms.” and crimes such as cattle rustling and Muslims. Many of the visitors Peace building measures such as were eradicated. also want to know how the pro- Peacepath workshops were pur- gram increased incomes and re- sued in collaboration with the com- A signifi cant contribution of the pro- duced poverty. The answer lies in munities and with the assistance of gram was cultivating entrepreneur- the commitment and perseverance local NGOs and POs and even the ship among the farmers and rebel of the LGU in ensuring community religious foundations. Even the mili- returnees. The LGU provides an participation in all the aspects, from tary helped in organizing the rebel initial capitalization assistance to project conceptualization, through returnees into socio-economic asso- the rebel returnees under a cost re- implementation, and up to monitor- ciations. covery scheme. The funds are paid ing and evaluation. The approach is back without interest by the rebel simple but it requires patience and Project planning, budgeting, moni- returnees as soon as they have perseverance. toring and evaluation was done gained enough economic power. through a bottom-up approach, This way, the assistance can be with the communities and rebel rolled-out to other farmers, fi sher- returnees identifying projects and folk and rebel returnees. This also Mayor Rommel C. Arnado activities that are relevant to their ensures the sustainability of the Email: [email protected] needs. The Department of Agri- program. CONTACT

8 • Galing Pook 2014 The multi-faceted and participatory approach in the implementation of the program increased incomes and reduced poverty incidence, and enticed rebel returnees.

Galing Pook 2014 • 9 Quezon City Affordable Homes for the Urban Poor

bout a third of the total to team-up with the Housing Board, ects with multi-purpose facilities households in Quezon City the Task Force on Socialized Hous- through which government can ex- Areside in slum areas be- ing and Blighted Areas, and the tend public services such as health cause they cannot afford to rent, Mayor’s Offi ce to address the vari- and day-care education. This way, much less, buy decent homes. Most ous facets of the program such as the upgrading of the living condi- of them do not have regular in- engineering, social services, plan- tions of the poor and the removal comes and some of those who do, ning and development, housing of urban blight are achieved simul- such as the public school teachers, and resettlement. The HCDRD was taneously. Under the program, the have very meager incomes that tasked with the identifi cation and urban poor communities partici- they cannot afford decent housing census of informal communities, the pate in formulating housing policy at commercially available rates. planning and programming of ef- and social preparation activities. fective resettlement solutions, social The private sector is also well rep- For years the Quezon City gov- preparation, provision of livelihood, resented. As a result, the program ernment relied on the National and guides to estate management has elicited their cooperation, which Housing Authority (NHA) and the and community administration. is in stark contrast to the resistance Socialized Housing Finance Corpo- of informal settlers to previous re- ration (SHFC) to provide low-cost With the Idle Land Tax and the settlement programs. housing units for the poor. But the Socialized Housing Tax, the LGU housing program of these agencies is able to generate about PhP70 Public school teachers from Holy fell short. Thus, the LGU decided to million and PhP250 million a year Spirit Elementary School and San come up with a more multi-dimen- respectively to fi nance the in-city Bartolome Elementary School were sional program beginning in 2010. socialized housing projects. To date, among the fi rst benefi ciaries of the the LGU has eight low-cost hous- housing project in Payatas. Those First, the LGU came up with a shelter ing projects that can accommodate from the Quezon City Polytechnic plan to systematically study housing 2,367 households. The target is to University were the fi rst benefi cia- needs, causes and solutions. Then, keep dwelling unit construction costs ries in the second housing project. it organized and upgraded its de- to less than PhP450,000 so that The other benefi ciaries were urban partments to establish a structure the benefi ciaries can afford the re- poor families who were squatting with multi-stakeholder participation payment terms. Financing is done on the housing site. These house- and tasked it to coordinate and through the Pag-ibig Fund and holds now reside in communities develop sustainable solutions to the SHFC loans for those who qualify with cemented roads, street lamps, housing and resettlement problem. and can afford the amortization. and large breathable spaces-- It also enacted revenue measures to The other benefi ciaries can avail generally, 58% of the project site is generate and mobilize funds for the of LGU in-house fi nancing, which devoted to residences, while 42% is housing project. Lastly, it entered has an interest rate of 5.1% and for roads and open spaces. Apart into partnership agreements with a graduated monthly amortiza- from having access to electrical and land owners, housing developers tion starting at PhP1,500 for the water utilities, the households also and civic organizations to expand 1st year, with an increase of 10% receive a package of assistance the resources and facilities for its each year until the 5th year and which include livelihood, scholarship low-cost housing program. PhP2,500 on the 6th year onward and medical programs. The settle- until the 30th year. ments are also conveniently located The project structure is designed so near schools, major commercial ar- that the Housing, Community Devel- Quezon City’s socialized housing eas, and crossroads, which make opment and Resettlement Depart- program aims to create slum-free them highly accessible. ment (HCDRD), which was formerly communities by transforming them the Urban Poor Affairs Offi ce, has into well-organized housing proj-

10 • Galing Pook 2014 Quezon City’s socialized housing program aims to create slum-free communities by transforming them An estate management program is put in place to help promote sustain- into well-organized housing projects. ability. The benefi ciaries are orga- nized by the LGU into homeowners associations who maintain cleanli- ness and order in the new commu- nities. These associations also serve as conduits between the LGU and the residents for self-help programs that can help improve their income and living conditions. Since the pro- gram is buttressed by the appropri- ate legislation, it will continue to be implemented well after the incum- bent LGU offi cials have left.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista Tel. Nos. (02) 988 4242 Loc. 8300 Email: [email protected] CONTACT

Galing Pook 2014 • 11 Legazpi City Profi table Public-Private Partnership

bout 350,000 students, souvenir shops and with a nearby PhP4.1 million in 2011 after the businessmen and tourists mall for entertainment and leisure. Grand Terminal was built. There Afl ock into Legazpi City dai- was a marked increase in visitors ly. This translates into traffi c con- The construction of the terminal was which boosted incomes for the vari- gestion and potential chaos in the initially opposed by informal set- ous entrepreneurs. city during the day. To cope with tlers in the area. But after stake- the infl ux, the city government de- holder consultations and dialogues The terminal offered employment cided to put up an effi cient and were conducted, a “win-win” solu- opportunities for porters, janitors, world-class transport terminal. tion was put in place. The souvenir guards, stall helpers, ticket sellers, stall owners who were temporarily dispatchers and cooks among oth- The city government lacked re- relocated to give way to the ter- ers. Souvenir stores that relocated sources for the construction of the minal’s construction were organized to the terminal experienced in- terminal but this was not a deter- into an association and given pri- creased sales and income. A large rent. They invited private entities ority in the distribution of the slots. grocery store chain was also en- and businesses to partner with them Tricycle drivers who catered to ticed to put up shop near the vicin- in community building and devel- arriving tourists and visitors were ity of the terminal. opment. LKY Development Cor- organized to instill discipline and poration agreed to undertake the discard unlawful practices. Those The city government has clearly construction of the Grand Central who would be hired by the terminal demonstrated that Public-Private Terminal under the Build-Lease- for various jobs were given semi- Partnerships (PPP) can contribute Operate-Transfer scheme. Under nars to improve their knowhow and immensely to economic develop- the agreement contract, LKY will skills. The displaced informal set- ment. But, essential to the PPP’s manage, operate and fi nance the tlers were also organized and giv- success is the community’s involve- project at “no cost” on the part of en livelihood trainings before they ment and ownership of the project the city government. were absorbed by the Association as these guarantee sustainability. of Urban Poor and relocated. The Since the private developer is as- LKY will have a lease period of owners of adjoining lots that will sured of the return of their invest- 25 years after which the opera- be affected by road openings and ments, the viability and uninter- tion and management, inclusive of construction work were consulted rupted operations of the terminal is the structures and fi xtures of the and compensated. also ensured. In anticipation of the terminal, will be turned over to the eventual turnover of the terminal to city government. LKY is allowed to Today, the buses, jeeps, vans and the city government, a committee collect reasonable fees, rentals and tricycles have unhampered access has been tasked to devise mecha- other charges for the use of the fa- to a safe, accessible, and effi cient nisms that would smoothly transition cilities so that it could recover its in- terminal, and passengers can now the management and operation of vestment. But, it would also be pay- travel in comfort. Departures and the terminal once the lease is ter- ing PhP3.6 million in rental fees to arrivals are punctual and there are minated. the city government annually. suffi cient vehicles to ferry passen- gers. Careful planning and total com- Located at Brgy. Bitano, the 3.45 mitment on the part of the LGU, hectare lot housing the temporary Land valuation eventually in- the community and the developer transport terminal has been trans- creased, which was favorable to partner are essential ingredients. formed into the fi rst state-of-the-art the city government because it also But, the developer-partner’s fi nan- transport terminal in Southern Lu- meant additional income from the cial capacity also needs to be veri- zon. The terminal is now a bustling real property tax. Income from fi ed and the people’s participation business commercial center with a rentals and business licenses and should be secured by LGUs which- number of dining establishments, taxes increased from PhP92,000 plan on undertaking a similar proj- in 2009 (from the old terminal) to ect.

12 • Galing Pook 2014 The city government has demonstrated that Mayor Noel E. Rosal Tel. No.: (052) 480-0139 Public-Private Partnerships can Email: [email protected] CONTACT contribute immensely to economic development.

Galing Pook 2014 • 13 Dipolog City Towards Effective Urban Renewal

ities offer economic oppor- mind, they embarked on a project, (such as road networks, water and tunities that attract people called “Construction of Sea Wall electricity, toilet facilities, drain- Cfrom the poor barrios. Many and Foreshore Development” or age systems and docking area for of them end up occupying public simply the “Dipolog Boulevard.” fi shing boats) and that they will be vacant lands which are soon over- provided with livelihood opportu- crowded over time. In the case of The project would entail the trans- nities or ample compensation and Dipolog City, the informal settlers formation of the degraded areas rehabilitation assistance. Some of occupied the coastlines with their into a venue for economic activities the informal settlers were even em- makeshift homes. Bereft of proper and recreation. It would also in- ployed in the construction of the Di- sanitation and proper waste man- volve the development of low-cost polog Boulevard. agement, these areas were soon housing subdivisions for displaced fi lled with so much contaminants families and the provision of alter- Completion of the core houses at the that the city government had to native sources of livelihood to the relocation site were the full respon- ban swimming and other water rec- displaced families. In May 2000, sibility of the settlers. This process, reation activities along the beaches the City Council passed a resolution plus the awarding of stewardship in 1998. establishing the guidelines and pro- contracts, cultivated in them a sense viding the blueprint for the resettle- of ownership and belongingness in In 1999, the LGU began to plan ment of informal settlers. the resettlement area. This sense of the rehabilitation of the public ar- belongingness was reinforced when eas along the coast of Barangays With the help of the NGOs, the they were employed in the construc- Central and Miputak. Their aim was LGU carried out social prepara- tion of the Dipolog Boulevard. to provide decent housing and im- tion activities to elicit the coopera- prove the well-being of the infor- tion of the informal settlers. There About 599 families or 2,995 infor- mal settlers, restore and improve was initial resistance but they soon mal settlers were provided with de- the natural ambiance of the en- cooperated after they saw that the cent housing. An elementary school vironment, and minimize erosion relocation sites contained all the was opened to give the children in the coastal area. With these in required infrastructure amenities

14 • Galing Pook 2014 Mayor Evelyn T. Uy Tel. Nos. (065) 212 2902/8269 Email: [email protected] CONTACT

The project transformed the degraded areas into a venue for economic activities and recreation. easy access to primary education; The quality of the coastal environ- ment under the approved Compre- the school has 435 pupils, com- ment was eventually restored. In hensive Land Use Plan of Dipolog posed mostly of the resettled chil- 2013, the shore of the Dipolog Bou- City. Thus, any other use of the area dren. A cooperative was organized levard became a nesting area for other than what it is intended un- and it is now managing a sari-sari sea turtles; 185 baby sea turtles or der the CLUP would constitute a store and a bakery. hatchlings were recently released violation of the local ordinance as by the city government to the sea. well as national laws concerning Linkages with the national govern- environmentally critical areas. In ment and other agencies helped The infl ux of tourists soon followed. addition, the Legislative Council is the city generate a total funding Dipolog Boulevard became a place currently in the process of passing assistance of PhP218.6 million for for leisure walks, physical fi tness, an ordinance institutionalizing the the project from the World Bank, family bonding, and a venue for establishment, operations and man- National Housing Authority, De- festivals, such as the Bamboo and agement of the Dipolog Boulevard. partment of Public Works and Gongs Festival of the National Highways, and the Department of Commission for Culture and the Arts. The city offi cials stressed that com- Tourism. It also obtained PhP99.35 The natural ambiance and the clean, munity preparation and a compre- million of funding commitments for orderly, safe and congenial atmo- hensive awareness campaign are 2015. sphere enticed visitors and locals to vital elements for the successful repeatedly visit the area especially implementation of any program or At the Dipolog Boulevard, a large in the late afternoon or evening. project. They also emphasized that Commercial Complex was construct- in pursuing infrastructure projects, ed. This currently houses 15 estab- Regular monitoring and evaluation special attention should be placed lishments with a combined capital- of the project’s implementation en- on the social aspects, especially ization of PhP4.65 million. Along abled the city to explore oppor- when the project causes the dis- designated areas in the boulevard, tunities to revise and improve its placement of families. In the con- 40 marginal families are engaged strategies so that it could improve struction of the Dipolog Boulevard, in vending food and beverages; its services for its constituents. With the city government spent millions in they earn between PhP6,000 to the near completion of the Dipolog the compensation and comfortable PhP60,000 per month. The stall Boulevard, enabling mechanisms resettlement of displaced families, rental fees, meanwhile, provide the were put in place for the proper and in the provision of alternative city government with a monthly in- management of the area; it has livelihoods. come of PhP393,000. been included for utility develop-

Galing Pook 2014 • 15 16 • Galing Pook 2014 Tagum City A Thriving Night Market

decade ago, mounds of rubbish such as the beauty salons and mas- in the formulation of policies and left behind by ambulant ven- sage clinics. The 1,268 employees regulations. It also enhanced the A dors who occupy Tagum City’s in the night market are composed capacities of the vendors by con- major sidewalks during night time of working students, parents and ducting trainings and workshops would greet early risers. During out-of-school youths. on legal matters, values formation, the night, some of the vendors and health awareness, fi nancial literacy their clients would become victims to A cash ticket system, locally known as and management, food handling, petty crimes such as theft. arkabala, enables the LGU to earn entrepreneurship, solid waste man- revenue by as much as PhP20,000 agement and other programs that This messy situation soon came to nightly. This effi cient nightly collec- are essential to the development of the attention of the city government tion system has made the city’s rev- the night market business opera- which decided to organize these enue generating unit one of the few tions. These activities guaranteed ambulant businesses to enforce earning economic enterprise offi ces community ownership of the pro- orderliness and at the same time in the Philippines. Instead of being gram. enhance the vendors’ earning ca- subsidized by the local government, pacity and fi ll the city’s coffers. The the offi ce has contributed to the The dynamic partnership between City Council enacted an ordinance General Fund, and this has enabled the LGU and the night market ven- in October 2004 that regulated the the city government to fi nance its dors association is a major factor night market. It mobilized the City developmental programs and proj- in the success of the program. As Economic Enterprise Offi ce (CEEO), ects. The city also collects an annual such, regular meetings are being the City Environment and Natural night market fee of 150 pesos. In conducted to constantly monitor Resources Offi ce, the City Health the fi rst quarter of 2014 alone, the and evaluate operations. To fur- Offi ce and Civil Security Unit (now night market was able to generate ther ensure “check and balance,” the Security Management Offi ce) to a total collection of PhP1.75 million. an Economic Enterprise Regulatory put an order to the night market. Board will soon be institutionalized. To entice visitors, the local govern- There was initial hesitation and re- ment organized security teams that The Local Government of Tagum sistance from the ambulant vendors. roam the area to make sure that City is now a favorite Lakbay-Aral But public consultations were effec- the general public feels safe when destination of LGUs which want to tive in explaining the program and dining out, shopping or just stroll- replicate its best practices in gov- obtaining their cooperation. The ing around the area. Since the start ernance and development. vendors were encouraged to form of night market operation in 2004, an association that meets monthly. petty crimes have been wiped out Their stalls were arranged in the and not a single crime has been re- The City Council streets according to the product corded. they sold. Currently, the vendors of enacted an ordinance the Night Market occupy a 1.5 kilo- Solid waste management was also that regulated and led meter stretch of roads and operate strictly implemented; the vendors nightly from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM. practiced the proper disposal of to a better thriving their respective waste and adopted Way back in 2004, there were only the clean-as-you-go method. After night market. about 82 vendors operating in the 2:00 AM, the streets are already night market. At present, there are free of clutter and garbage. about 317 registered vendors and Mayor Allan L. Rellon business owners operating in the In the implementation of the proj- Tel. Nos. (084) 655 6456 Night Market selling food, foot- ect, the local government made mayorsoffi [email protected] wear, used clothing and bags, and sure that the benefi ciaries took part CONTACT gift items. Others offer services

Galing Pook 2014 • 17 Quezon Province Coupons for Free Medical Services

edicines and medical ser- A monthly report on the usage of Lingap Kalusugan was able to vices are expensive. With the coupons is submitted by the benefi t indigent families in all the Mearnings of only PhP48.70 community hospitals to the Offi ce of 1,242 barangays of Quezon Prov- per day, the indigent households in the Provincial Accountant to ensure ince, including the 147 remote and Quezon province cannot afford to proper accounting. In turn, the pro- island barangays, where access is buy medicines, much less avail of vincial government replenishes the hindered by sheer distance and medical services. But their access to medical supplies of the community inadequate public transportation. medicines and medical care start- hospitals based on the submitted Some of the benefi ciaries travelled ed to improve in 2010 when the monthly reports. The LGU also al- between 75 to 80 kilometers by provincial government launched its locates funds for the improvement boat and by walking on land for an “Lingap Kalusugan Para sa Baran- of hospital facilities. entire day just so they could avail gay” program. The LGU aimed to of the free health services from the provide quality health care that is From January 2011 to December community hospitals. accessible, effi cient, evenly distrib- 2013, a total of 138,547 people uted, adequately funded, fairly fi - benefi tted from the program. The Close interactions between local nanced and appropriately used by coupons were used to pay for a government offi cials and the citizens the citizens. total of PhP128.36 million worth strengthened community bonds. of medicines and medical services. The program empowered the lo- In 2012, the Provincial Council en- Of the total coupons, 58% were cal offi cials to directly and swiftly acted the health coupon ordinance, used to buy medicine, while 19% address the needs of the benefi - which would allow indigent families were used to pay for medical, den- ciaries, and to implement a more to use coupons supplied by the pro- tal and laboratory fees. A fi fth or equitable distribution of the health vincial government to pay for med- 20% were used to pay for patients’ coupons. And because the informal icines and medical services. Under food and hospital accommodation. leaders among the indigent fami- the program, the provincial gov- The remaining 3% were used for X- lies were also tasked to assist the ernment distributes PhP50,000.00 rays, CT scans and other radiologi- local barangay offi cials in identify- worth of coupons to each of the cal services. Based on the number ing benefi ciaries and in distributing barangays annually. The barangay of benefi ciaries and total cost of the coupons, community involvement captain is responsible for distrib- services covered, the typical ben- was ensured. uting the coupons to deserving in- efi ciary used an average of three digent families, who are screened to four coupons worth PhP926.50 The distribution of coupons instead and selected with the help of infor- during a year. of cash to the benefi ciaries guaran- mal leaders in the communities. The teed that the assistance provided amount of coupon given to each in- About PhP186 million worth of would be used solely for medical digent family is based on the medi- coupons were distributed to the and health needs. The potential for cal charges billed by the commu- barangays. Of these, PhP128.36 corruption is also reduced since the nity hospitals and also depends on million were used by the benefi - barangay captains and community the availability of coupons. ciaries, which meant a utilization hospitals do not handle cash. Last- rate of 69%. The coupon utilization ly, funding support is guaranteed The benefi ciaries surrender the ap- rate dropped drastically in 2013 through legislation that mandates propriate amount of health coupons only because the use and distribu- an annual appropriation from the to the hospitals as full or partial tion of the coupons were temporar- general fund. All these features payment for medicines and medi- ily halted as part of election ban added up towards the program’s cal services. If the amount charged regulations. A total of PhP110.36 success. to the benefi ciary is greater than million has also been earmarked by the total face value of the coupons, the provincial government for infra- Governor David C. Suarez the benefi ciary will have to shell out structure projects that will improve Tel. No.: (042) 3736007; 3736008 cash for the expenses not covered hospital facilities and services. E-mails: [email protected] by said coupons. CONTACT [email protected]

18 • Galing Pook 2014 In 2012, the Provincial Council enacted the health coupon ordinance, which would allow indigent families to use coupons supplied by the Provincial Government to pay for medicines and medical services.

Galing Pook 2014 • 19 Tarlac Province Providing Quality Eye Care to Indigents

lindness and visual impair- Capacity development was integral ter they refract patients and pro- ment result in dependence to the program. In 2013, the pro- vide low cost spectacles of good Band reduces the productiv- gram developed the competencies quality. There are 6 optometrists ity of both the patient and the of Primary Eye Care Trainers so who have also signed Deeds of caregiver. In the Philippines, 75% that they, in turn, could effectively Undertaking with TPHEC. of blindness and visual impair- train community health workers ment result from three preventable on blindness prevention and eye As a result, the number of patients or treatable conditions: cataract health promotion. To date, there that are able to access quality (62%); refractive error (10%); and are at least 720 eye care workers but affordable eye care services childhood blindness (3%). If prior- in the province. have increased by 400% in just ity is given to these three diseases, two-and-a-half years, from only then in 2020, it is calculated that Linaw Tingin also addressed the 2,582 in July 2011 to 13,810 the number of blind people will be lack of ophthalmologists and op- patients by the end of December signifi cantly reduced by 62% from tometrists in government hospitals. 2013. 790,000 to only 300,000 people. Before the program started, there were only 12 ophthalmologists and The Tarlac Provincial Health Re- But eye care is expensive--a cata- 30 optometrists in the private hospi- ferral System serves as an avenue ract operation in Tarlac Province tals in Tarlac, as compared to only to promote advocacy for eye care for instance would cost between one ophthalmologist and no avail- among the marginalized and the PhP30,000 to PhP90,000. In 2010, able optometrist in the government poor—by imparting the knowl- eye care services available in Tar- hospital. With the establishment of edge that blindness can be avoid- lac were primarily in private health the Tarlac Eye Center and launch- ed and that the poor can seek facilities and clinics. ing of the Linaw Tingin Program, professional eye care at a lower the number of ophthalmologists cost. An indigent patient is also as- To address the problem, the pro- and optometrists increased. There sured that he will be attended to vincial government came up with are now 12 ophthalmologists and 7 immediately, will be informed of its Linaw Tingin or Clear Vision optometrists serving in government- the right diagnosis and be given program which makes eye care af- run hospitals. referrals for proper medical ser- fordable to the marginalized and vice and follow-on care. School the poor. Since its inception, Linaw Ophthalmologists from the private children are provided with proper Tingin has conducted 26,563 eye hospitals were tapped to provide eye care and examinations through consultations and 3,624 cataract quality services, and were encour- the involvement of the Department surgeries. The Philippine Health aged by the assurance that they of Education. Insurance Corporation (PHIC) re- are paid 100% of their profession- imbursed 94% of the surgeries, al fees through the PHIC. The nine Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) making it possible for the Tarlac ophthalmologists willing to be con- serve as the vision screeners, iden- Provincial Hospital (TPH) Eye Cen- sultants at TPH Eye Center signed tifying patients with visual impair- ter to remain fi nancially sustainable Deeds of Undertaking in 2011, and ment and ocular disorders need- in the long term. About 39% of the as of 2013 there are 11 private ing specialized care. Currently, benefi ciaries who are able to avail ophthalmologists attending to pa- there are 600 BHWs and 70 ru- of PHIC services for their operation tients at TPHEC. The same process ral health physicians and nurses come from the poor. For patients was carried out in the engagement who do not have health insurance of optometrists to refract patients but need surgery, the program co- at the TPH Eye Center. Optome- ordinates with the Provincial Gov- trists in the Philippines are confi ned Governor Victor A. Yap ernment of Tarlac to conduct cata- to private practice with no public Tel. No. (045) 982 1236 loc. 130/103 Email: [email protected] ract missions. health component. At TPH Eye Cen- CONTACT

20 • Galing Pook 2014 trained as Primary Eye Care Work- ers and Mid-level Eye Care Work- ers, respectively enabling proper referral and quality eye care de- livery.

Private sector supporters of the program include the SUKOB Foun- dation, which provides equipment, personnel and some supplies dur- ing cataract missions, the UERM De- partment of Ophthalmology, which provides volunteers to do surgeries, and the Fred Hollows Foundation. Public-Private Partnerships enabled the program to attract more oph- thalmologists to practice in the gov- ernment hospitals. The Eye Center is now one of the few provincial com- munity eye care programs in the country that demonstrate a sustain- able and replicable model. The Linaw Tingin or Clear Vision program makes eye care affordable to the marginalized and the poor.

Galing Pook 2014 • 21 orldwide, unprotected sex between men and Wwomen is the main route of Sexually Transmitted In- fections (STI), such as the Human Immunodefi ciency Virus (HIV). In Quezon City Australia, HIV has mainly been transmitted through unprotected sex between men. In Quezon City, A the LGU also monitored a sudden rise in STI/HIV infections, especially Pioneering among Men Having Sex with Other Men (MSM). Health While Social Hygiene Clinics (SHCs) Clinic are mandated by National Laws, and in some LGUs by local ordi- nances, to be at the forefront of STI/HIV prevention and control, there were none, prior to 2012, that catered mainly to the needs of MSM clients.

Before 2012, the Quezon City government had three SHCs which served as the main facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs. The clients were mostly those working in entertainment establish- ments who fl ock to the clinic for the weekly gram stain. Like most clin- ics, its regular offi ce hours were conducted from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This meant that the MSM cli- In October 2012, QCHD established Klinika Bernardo as a stigma-free and non-discriminatory environment for MSM clients.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista Tel. Nos. (02) 988 4242 Loc. 8300 Email: [email protected] CONTACT

22 • Galing Pook 2014 ents, who were young male stu- Klinika Bernardo became the fi rst initiation, retention and adherence dents and professionals, could not sundown clinic operated solely by to treatment as well as provide readily avail of the services of the an LGU. This clinic was conceptual- early access to and maintenance of SHCs as they were attending class ized and operational before na- comprehensive package of health or working at the offi ces during tional guidelines on MSM-Transgen- and social services, and improve these hours. Moreover, the regular der (TG) interventions or programs the quality of life of people living SHCs are operated by an almost were formulated. In 2013, the with HIV (PLHIV). In addition, Klini- all-female staff, as these catered QCHD registered a 133% increase ka Bernardo—which is limited to mostly to females who work in the of VCT among male clients. providing only primary health care entertainment establishments. Sur- for PLHIV—helped establish a func- veys showed that the MSM clients Regular consultations with Communi- tional Service Delivery Network were reluctant to go to these clinics ty Based Ogranizations (CBO) are (SDN) of providers to link together as they did not want to be associ- undertaken by Klinika Bernardo health and non-health services for ated with these female clients. to gather relevant information and the care of PLHIV and their fami- recommendations. These are con- lies. The network aims to strengthen HIV cases among MSM clients in ducted during the regular meeting the referral process and coordina- Quezon City increased from 1.4% of the Quezon City STI/AIDS Coun- tion mechanism, to ensure continu- in 2009 to 6.6% in 2013, which cil (QCSAC), a multi-sectoral body ous provision of needed services meant a new set of clients with spe- that provides directions to the HIV and monitor outcomes of individual cifi c needs. In response, the Quezon response of the city. Klinika Ber- referrals. City Health Department (QCHD) nardo also partners with private or- began to put in place MSM-specifi c ganizations such as the Association Klinika Bernardo shows the impor- interventions such as the hiring of 20 of Spa, Massage parlor, Clubs, and tance of addressing access issues Peer Educators that were assigned KTV bars Operators (SAMACKA), not only in terms of distance and to increase referrals for MSM ser- Take the Test, Inc. (TTT)—an MSM cost but also in the light of confl icts vices in these SHCs. But, the infl ow organization—and AIDS Society in time and confi dence and trust in of MSM clients in the SHCs re- of the Philippines (ASP) to promote personnel. It also demonstrated that mained low. Surveys revealed that HIV prevention. By monitoring so- minor innovations can result in major a more MSM-friendly clinic has to cial networking sites, Klinika Ber- gains, particularly community par- be put-up to entice them to avail of nardo identifi ed and engaged 25 ticipation and involvement and the HIV Voluntary Counseling and Test- MSM clans in Quezon City. These value of peers. These are simple ing (VCT). clans hold events or face to face strategies that can be replicated gatherings (called eyeballs) every by other LGUs. In October 2012, QCHD estab- weekend; Klinika Bernardo pro- lished Klinika Bernardo as a stig- vides voluntary counseling and test- ma-free and non-discriminatory ing during these clan events. Taking environment for MSM clients. It is its cue from a USAID project, Klinika housed in the same facility as the Bernardo also made use of mobile Bernardo SHC, but operates from technology as a channel to provide 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Its person- MSMs with information on HIV/ nel are composed mainly of males AIDS including available testing who were chosen from the roster and treatment services. The Quezon of QCHD personnel and trained City government institutionalized on STI/HIV interventions. Initial re- SMS4MSM by providing funds to sources for the operations were al- enrol 25 MSM clans. located from the regular budget of the department. Peer educators In collaboration with the Reach- provide VCT for HIV. STI diagnosis ing Out to Most at Risk Population and treatment as well as distribu- (ROMP) project, a Case Manage- tion of condoms and lubricants are ment Approach Team was started in also done in the facility. Klinika Bernardo to increase client

Galing Pook 2014 • 23 South Cotabato Province ll the open and controlled dumpsites in the country Ashould have been closed Pooling Resources for in 2006, if the LGUs complied with the Ecological Solid Waste Man- agement Act of 2000. To date, only a Sanitary Landfi ll about 10% of the LGUs have com- plied with this mandate because most of them lack the resources to put up a Sanitary Landfi ll Facility (SLF).

The same law encouraged LGUs to pool resources so that they could jointly address Solid Waste Man- agement (SWM) concerns. So, in 2005, the provincial LGU and its component LGUs started co- operating in the formulation and implementation of their 10-year Integrated SWM plans. They also conducted a series of consultations, workshops and social preparation activities in their communities. The LGUs even underwent training in Waste Assessment and Character- ization Studies and took a study tour of the Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte SWM model. A refl ection workshop in November 2006 led to the selection of Surallah as the location of the common waste dis- posal facility. A consultative meet- ing in December 2007 resulted in the proposed cluster approach.

In December 2008, six municipal LGUs signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial LGU to establish an SLF that can be shared by a cluster of LGUs. Under the agreement, the provincial LGU provides fi nancial and technical support for the construction of the shared facility. The member LGUs pay the host LGU tipping fees that

Governor Daisy P. Avance Fuentes Tel. Nos. (083) 228 3754 Fax No. (083) 228 2620

CONTACT Email: [email protected]

24 • Galing Pook 2014 cover the cost of operating and maintaining the facility. By sharing a facility and distributing the cost to operate and maintain the SLF, each LGU was able to comply with RA 9003 at the least possible cost.

The total investment cost incurred for the development of the fi rst cell amounted to PhP12.2 million— PhP5.7 million was shouldered by the municipal government of Sural- lah while the remaining PhP6.5 mil- lion was provided by the provincial government of South Cotabato. The construction of the Cluster SLF start- ed in October 2009 and it started operating in June 2011. The estab- lishment of the Surallah Cluster SLF enabled the provincial government to save PhP46 million.

According to the National Solid Waste Management Commission, the Surallah Cluster SLF is the fi rst and only provincial-led SLF pro- gram in the country. It is the only SLF that accepts only residual wastes, which compels the LGUs to observe proper waste segregation, diver- sion and management. The Design and Monitoring Team is composed of in-house units of the LGU, which enabled the province to save on consultancy and construction costs. The MOA for the SLF cluster pro- vided the institutional mechanism for sustaining the program.

LGUs from all over the country are now trying to replicate the cluster approach in their respective areas and want to learn what institutional arrangements were put in place to elicit the cooperation of LGUs in putting up a cluster SLF. The key lies in enhancing LGU capacities and strengthening linkages as well as entering into public and private partnerships.

Galing Pook 2014 • 25 Quezon Province ors and municipal ENROs. Various organizations and agencies were Large-scale invited, including DepEd, PNP, AFP, NGOs and private organizations. The province’s indigenous popula- tion was also tapped. The latter, Mangrove Replanting in fact would prove crucial in the implementation of all phases of the angroves are home to 33% of the total provincial popula- program. varied species of fi shes, tion. Mcrustaceans and mollusks. On June 30, 2012, a total of For coastal communities, mangrove To restore its mangroves, the Pro- 39,002 residents of the prov- forests are crucial to maintaining vincial LGU implemented its “2 in 1 ince from all walks of life, repre- a healthy marine population. The program,” involving a massive and senting 196 barangays, planted unique roots trap and hold sedi- record-breaking activity to plant 2,766,342 mangrove propagules ments and siltation from the uplands, two million mangrove propagules in in 221 hectares along the Lamon, thus promoting water quality and under 24 hours. This program aimed Tayabas and Ragay coastlines. Of growth of corals and sea grasses. to restore, protect, and manage the the total planted, 1,775,353 of the They also protect the shoreline from marine resources. The Provincial propagules made it to their second soil erosion. A wall of mangrove Environment and Natural Resourc- year, resulting in a survival rate of also provides defense against in- es Offi ce (PG-ENRO) personnel 61%, which is way above those of coming waves and storm surges. surveyed and mapped the entire previous mangrove-planting pro- length of Quezon’s 1,034-kilome- grams elsewhere in the country. In the Philippines, there has been ter coastline to designate suitable (The majority of mangrove-planting signifi cant decline in mangrove planting beds for the propagules, programs in the Philippines result in forest cover that if the post-1980 as well as to work out the number of a disappointing survival rate of be- trend continues, it is expected that propagules needed for each site. It tween 10-20% due to lack of moni- there will be less than 100,000 then mobilized the communities for toring and maintenance.) Replenish- hectares by the year 2030. Que- the replanting. It held project orien- ment of another 164,768 brought zon Province, which has the third tations for the participants on their the total number of surviving man- longest coastline in the country, has role in the actual planting, and to groves to 1,940,139, according to not been spared by the decline. Of impress upon them the importance the PG-ENRO. the 1,242 barangays in the prov- of maintaining and monitoring the ince, 403 or 25% are coastal ba- mangroves. Mobilization was done PG-ENRO in coordination with rangays, with 659,462 residents or in close coordination with the may- designated local partners moni-

26 • Galing Pook 2014 tored the growth and survival of also improved. Four barangays re- the maintenance and survival of the the propagules, replacing dead ported a revival in the previously mangroves is not an afterthought, seedlings to maintain the targeted extinct population of shellfi sh and but an integral part of the 2 in 1 number of surviving mangroves. crabs. Long-time residents testifi ed program. Six barangays have even It helped organize the Luntiang that for the fi rst time in many years, passed resolutions aimed at pro- Katipuneros--1,980 volunteers, there has been a resurgence of sar- tecting the mangroves in their re- mostly fi shermen and farmers--and dines and crabs in the bay, along spective vicinities. tasked them to monitor the growth with mussels, oysters and shells. Re- of newly planted mangroves along duction in siltation is also evident, The Provincial Government also the coastline and to replenish those based on the clearer coastal wa- formally declared June 30 as Man- that did not survive. ters. grove Day, through Resolution No. 2012-1386. This commemoration is Prior to the implementation of the Community involvement is key to the part of the present administration’s 2 in 1 program, crab harvest and success of Quezon’s 2 in 1 program. goal to institutionalize the program fi sh catch was very minimal. With- Community ownership of the pro- and conduct mangrove planting on in two years, fi shermen began to gram ensured that the mangroves a regular basis. This also ensures enjoy gathering crabs, crablets, will be continuously protected. program continuity beyond the shrimp and other crustaceans, as And unlike most mangrove reha- present administration. well as fi sh. Coral reef conditions bilitation and greening projects,

The “2 in 1 program” involved a massive and Governor David C. Suarez Tel. No.: (042) 3736007; 3736008 record-breaking activity to plant two million E-mails: [email protected]

CONTACT [email protected] mangrove seedlings in under 24 hours.

Galing Pook 2014 • 27 2014 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

Arakan, Cotabato Land Utilization Program for Sustainable Livelihood

The Municipal LGU of Arakan consulted with ex- perts and various stakeholders to develop a program that could sustainably improve agricultural productiv- ity. They came up with the Land Utilization Program for Sustainable Livelihood of Arakeños or LUPA program. They issued a Municipal Ordinance in 2006 to insti- tutionalize the LUPA Program as a fl agship program for agriculture and environment with an initial budget allocation of PhP1 million. Participatory approaches were employed to elicit the support and participation of the farmers in sus- Ilocos Norte Province tainable organic farming. The LGU partnered with Re-affi rming Ilocano Greatness NGOs and government agencies to provide various assistance and agricultural extension services to the Alarmed by the exodus of talented Ilocanos, the farmers. The program also institutionalized Barangay deterioration of educational and governance facilities, Agricultural Technicians as community-based extension and appalled by the bureaucratic apathy, the provin- service providers. The program also entailed the es- cial government initiated a Visioning-Workshop “to tablishment of Farmer Field Schools that helped im- make Ilocos Norte great again.” prove the capacities of the small farmers. The program Achieving the Millennium Development Goals also encouraged the farmers to engage in diversifi ed (MDGs) became a priority—MDG interventions were farming. This eventually resulted in better agricultural localized and innovative programs were introduced to output and better incomes. The success of the program rekindle Ilocano greatness: Iskolar ni Manang Imee; prompted the LGU to increase budgetary support to Kuryente Mo, Sagot Ko; 100% Free Education; Saguip PhP2 million. Maestra; Brain-Gain Policy; Provision of Sirib (Knowl- The LUPA Program has transformed Arakan into a edge) Buses; Capitol Express; Task Force Trabaho; Ti- model for Sustainable Development, Public and Pri- tulo a Natalged (Massive Titling Program); Sirib Mile vate Partnership, Community Empowerment and Par- (S-Mile) and the provincial I-hub (modern library). ticipatory Governance. These programs are all focused on advancing educa- tion and cutting down poverty and unemployment. Capacity development trainings such as but not limited to those conducted by the Development Acad- emy of the Philippines, Asia Pacifi c Policy Center and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were carried out to improve the delivery of services and achieve the MDGs. The bureaucracy was restruc- tured to harness the full potential of its human and fi nancial resources. Relevant offi ces were institutional- ized to meet the demands and challenges of the new millennium. Various stakeholders in the province—from national to provincial and local offi ces, non-govern- ment organizations, people’s organizations, private and business sectors—were consulted to generate ideas and opportunities for development. Idle lots and

Governor Imee R. Marcos Mayor Rene V. Rubino Tel. No.: (077) 772 1212 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] CONTACT CONTACT

28 • Galing Pook 2014 2014 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 properties were developed to generate more income late upland community development. The CFV utilizes that could be used for projects that would improve the a participatory, multi-stakeholder, community-based quality of life of every Ilocano. approach to the development, application, validation, The capacity development trainings enabled Ilocos promotion, and utilization of an integrated farming Norte to be the fi rst province to achieve full, top-to- system. bottom ISO 9001:2008 Certifi cation. The province is Its components included multi-stakeholder project now compliant with international standards of trans- orientation, community organizing, and planning; par- parency and accountability. Poverty incidence in the ticipatory rapid rural appraisal and site characteriza- province has also decreased from 14.7 in 2009 to 9.9 tion; capacity building including trainings and work- in 2012. The province has also garnered the Seal of shops; establishment of science and technology-based Good Housekeeping and is recognized by the DILG conservation model farms; provision of livelihood and as one of the Top Ten Best Performing LGUs for 2012. other support mechanisms; and mainstreaming support systems through enhanced local governance and the in- stitutionalization by incorporation of CFV activities into the LGU Annual Investment Plan. The project’s overall goal is to improve human lives in the target communities through environmental se- curity, increased agricultural productivity, and better livelihood opportunities in the marginal sloping upland ecosystem. It aims to help upland farmers improve their economic conditions by strengthening their capacities against environmental degradation while sustaining their livelihood.

Luba, Abra Healthy Barangay Awards

La Libertad, Negros Oriental The LGU’s participation in awards programs spon- Conservation Farming Villages sored by the DILG impressed upon them that such awards are effective tools in mobilizing stakeholders An analysis of data gathered and validated dur- particularly the barangay people towards coopera- ing various stakeholder consultations in La Libertad, tion and shared governance. In 1993 and in 2003, the Negros Oriental revealed that the critical problems LGU sponsored a competition which focused on health undermining the development of the upland communi- and nutrition, and natural resources management. The ties of LGU La Libertad are extensive deforestation, barangays responded positively and this led to the im- forestland degradation, and soil erosion. These prob- provement of barangay services, empowered women, lems result in low land productivity and subsequently protected forests and waterways, and freed the streets low farm incomes of upland farming communities. of garbage. But due to lack of resources, the com- Conservation Farming Villages (CFV) were intro- petition was discontinued. In 2008, the LGU revived duced in the uplands as a modality for mobilizing re- the competition and called it the “Healthy Barangay sources for sustainable upland development. It utilizes Awards” or HBA, which gave offi cial recognition to ba- a basket of strategies, technologies, and interventions rangays that excelled in good governance, health, en- to catalyze the widespread transformation of tradi- vironment, infrastructure, and peace and order. tional upland farming systems into resilient and sustain- Financial transactions became transparent and re- able upland production systems to address not only sponsive to the needs of the people. The HBA improved the adverse effects of climate change but also stimu- revenue collections, particularly the real property tax

Mayor Lawrence D. Limkaichong, Jr. Mayor Marcelo A. Biscarra, Sr. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] CONTACT CONTACT

Galing Pook 2014 • 29 2014 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

established at the far-fl ung barangay Ratag in Siasi, Sulu. The extension school accommodated high school students from the 10 remote barangays of Siasi. The school opened in 2009, with a total of 32 students. Of these, 28 graduated from High School in March 2013. Currently, the High School has 105 students en- rolled in the four high school levels. The most recent batch of graduates numbered 22 students. Graduates who could not afford to go to college were given skills training through TESDA and Synergeia Foundation in partnership with the Siasi Municipal Government. Skills training in welding, commercial cooking, agricultural crops production, small engine, refrigeration and air conditioning with Level II national certifi cation are pro- vided to the OSY so that they could obtain a profi table livelihood. To ensure sustainability, the program is supported by an ordinance and allocated funds for its operations. collection. Community participation in government pro- grams also increased from 80% to 98%. The whole community participated in implementing infrastruc- ture projects, while the barangay provided meals and snacks. Through the HBA, the households learned to segregate their garbage. They also began to be more food secure by having their own vegetable and herb gardens. In the health sector, the number of malnour- ished children decreased from 85 in 2012 to 79 in 2013. All the cash prizes went to the General Fund of the barangay, which they used to implement more programs and activities. The Sangguniang Bayan of Luba enacted an ordinance institutionalizing the HBA. This year, PhP300,000 was allotted for the program.

Siasi, Sulu High School Extension Class

The Siasi High School Extension Class Program aimed to reduce the number of Out of School Youth Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte (OSY) in Barangay Buan, Bakud, Duggo, Manta, Siow- Pangkabuhayan Centers ing, Siburi, Sipanding, Siolakan, and Barangay Latung by 50% by year 2015, and to provide equal ac- When the new Mayor of Siayan assumed offi ce in cess to affordable quality secondary education to the 2010, she vowed to transform the municipality into a indigents in the far-fl ung areas of Siasi. A survey by “self-reliant community, empowered by skilled and en- the Local School Board in January 2009 revealed that terprising people conserving the richness of bio-diver- there were 358 OSY from those remote barangays. sity and culture”. Through a consultative assembly, she Through a partnership between the LGU and the launched the Community Enterprise Development Pro- Lapak Agricultural Colleges, an extension school was gram-Pangkabuhayan Centers (CEDP-PCenter) in July,

Mayor Mussah M. Muksan Mayor Flora L. Villarosa Email: [email protected] Email: mayorfl [email protected] CONTACT CONTACT

30 • Galing Pook 2014 2014 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

in 2009. The system provided an effi cient and more secure method of patient data recording, retrieval and management. Through the Electronic Health Re- cord (EHR) of the WAH, patients also receive alerts via SMS to encourage and remind them to attend maternal, family planning and child care visits. The mobile midwife program aims to equip midwives, who are in charge of delivering primary health services in the barangays, with mobile devices for speedier recording, reporting and retrieval of health data. By encoding patient health data at the point of care (barangay health stations), WAH minimizes mistakes and therefore promotes more reliable health data re- porting as it also allows more time for clinician-patient interaction as a result of reduced time for recording and transmission of reports. By 2011, the system was expanded to cover 66 clinics located in 38 municipalities and cities in 14 2011. The CEDP-PCenter is a mix of old and new inno- provinces. These include all the public clinics in Tarlac. vations which are implemented through the coopera- The system is compliant with national health reporting tion of the various stakeholders, who agreed to pool standards like the DOH’s Field Health Service Infor- their resources and pursue development efforts. Out mation System (FHSIS) and the National Household of the 21 PCenters, 15 have evolved into cooperatives Tracking System (NHTS). that are now federated under the Siayan Pangkabu- Clinicians noted that the system helped reduce hayan Federation of Cooperatives. waiting time for the patients because retrieving pa- The PCenters are currently operating as general tient information was almost instantaneous. This meant merchandise stores in 19 barangays and 2 sitios with better service delivery in clinics that have been using a membership of 1,131 which is 58.97% of the pro- the system for at least a year. WAH also helped im- gram target. These stores charge only 10% as their prove the quality of health data reporting; errors and profi t margin. Annual sales reached as high as PhP11 discrepancies between manual and electronic reports million, with a net surplus averaging more than half were drastically reduced. Finally, since electronic re- a million pesos annually. Sustainable agriculture was ports can be aggregated and disaggregated, health also promoted by the LGU, which distributed 20,239 managers and decision-makers alike are able to track rubber seedlings. These were planted in 40 hectares up-to-date health indicators and do timely health in- of farmlands tilled by 405 members. The LGU also tervention like logistics and personnel planning, and distributed 173 heads of farm animals to encourage medicine purchases. livestock production. Lastly, the LGU had 76 kilometers of roads and 16 kilometers of critical slopes paved with concrete. Needless to say, the people of Siayan are now much better off than four years ago.

Tarlac Province Wireless Access for Health

The Wireless Access for Health (WAH) Initiative is a computerized patient information management sys- tem that was piloted in four rural health units (RHUs)

Governor Victor A. Yap Tel. No. (045) 982 1236 loc. 130/103 Email: [email protected] CONTACT

Galing Pook 2014 • 31 2014 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

ALEX BRILLANTES, JR. is Commission- Executive Director of the UP Center for dation. She served as an award-win- er at the Commission on Higher Educa- Integrative and Development Studies ning Mayor of Marikina City from July tion on secondment from the University (CIDS), the UP system-wide interdisci- 2001 to June 2010. Under her lead- of the Philippines National College of plinary research center. ership, Marikina City was judged as Public Administration and Governance one of the most competitive metropoli- where he is Professor. He obtained his MA. NIEVES CONFESOR served as tan cities in the Philippines. She is also PhD and MA from the University of Ha- Chairperson of the Galing Pook Foun- a Founding Chair of the Alliance for waii, and MPA and AB from the Univer- dation (from 2011 to 2013) as well as Healthy Cities. She was voted among sity of the Philippines. He has published the Kaunlaran ng Manggagawang Pili- top ten world mayors during her term extensively in the areas of develop- pino, Inc. She continues to serve as Fac- in offi ce and continues to advocate for ment administration, local governance ulty at the Institute with research and women’s issues and good governance. and higher education. He has been a training focus on leadership develop- consistent recipient of the International ment, development management, stra- JAIME GALVEZ TAN is a Professor of Publications Award from the University tegic negotiation, human resource man- the University of the Philippines Col- of the Philippines. He earlier served as agement and development; and was lege of Medicine; and the President Executive Director of the Local Govern- Executive Director of the AIM-TeaM of Health Futures Foundation, Inc. He ment Academy of the DILG and Chair Energy Center for Bridging Leadership. was Vice Chancellor for Research of of the Philippine Social Science Council. She had served as Secretary of Labor the University of the Philippines Manila and Employment, as well as consultant/ and Executive Director of the National VICTOR GERARDO BULATAO rep- trustee to various companies, educa- Institutes of Health Philippines (2002- resents agrarian reform benefi ciaries tional institutions, and multi-lateral 2005). He served as Regional Adviser and serves as an Independent Director organizations. She has also served as in Health and Nutrition for East Asia in the Board of the Land Bank of the Chairperson of the Government Panel and the Pacifi c Region of UNICEF in Philippines, the leading lender to local negotiating with the CPP-NDF-NPA. Bangkok in 1996. He served the Phil- government units, as well as small farm- She also sits as independent director ippine Department of Health as Sec- ers and fi shers. He continues to be ac- of the Philippine Veterans Bank. retary in 1995 and as Undersecretary tive in the Board of fi ve rural develop- and Chief of Staff from 1992-1994. ment NGOs. In the 1980s and 1990s RAFAEL COSCOLLUELA was Adminis- he served in the Department of Agrari- trator of the Sugar Regulatory Admin- JOSE RENE GAYO is currently the an Reform in various capacities, the last istration from 2007 to 2010 and most Executive Director of the MFI Farm as Undersecretary for Field Operations recently served as National President Business Institute (formerly Meralco and Support Services. of the Confederation of Sugar Pro- Foundation Inc.) and President of the ducers’ Associations, Inc. (CONFED) Foundations for People Development. EDNA ESTIFANIA CO is full profes- from 2012 to September 2014. He Formerly he was Executive Director of sor of public administration and for- was also Presidential Adviser on Co- PAREF Southridge School in Alabang mer dean of the National College of operatives and Presidential Adviser (May 2005-June 2008). He serves on Public Administration and Governance, for Western Visayas after serving as the Board of Trustees of the University University of the Philippines. She was Governor of Negros Occidental for of Asia and the Pacifi c (UA&P), MFI a post-doctoral research fellow at three consecutive terms, during which Foundation and in a number of social the Institute for Development and Pol- time the province garnered two Gal- development organizations like the icy Management at the University of ing Pook Awards. He is an incumbent Organic Producers Trade Association Manchester in England and was Visit- Trustee of Synergeia Foundation and (OPTA), Galing Pook Foundation, and ing Lecturer at the City University of currently serves the Province of Negros the Sapientes Milites Educational Foun- Hong Kong and the Meiji University in Occidental as Consultant on Trade De- dation. He is also an active member Japan on social development admin- velopment, Export Promotion and Inter- in a number of foundations like the In- istration and citizen participation in Agency Coordination. ternational Visitors Program Philippines governance. She lectures at the Ateneo and Hands On Manila. He is a member School of Government and the Ateneo MA. LOURDES FERNANDO is the of the Management Association of the School of Law. Dr. Co is currently the Chairperson of the Galing Pook Foun- Philippines (MAP) and chaired its Agri-

32 • Galing Pook 2014 2014 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 business and Countryside Development EMMA PORIO is Professor of Sociol- petence include local governance and Committee (2007-2010). Since 2005 ogy at the Department of Sociology capability building, strategic manage- up to the present, he is the project and Anthropology, School of Social ment, institutional development, partici- manager of the Farm Business Schools Sciences of the Ateneo de Manila Uni- patory assessment, poverty reduction, project of the MAP. versity and Science Research Fellow at and community-based resource man- the Manila Observatory. She is on the agement, among many others. MILWIDA GUEVARA is President of Executive Council of the Internation- Synergeia Foundation with a mission to al Sociological Association (Madrid, ELMER SORIANO is the Country Man- enable every Filipino child to complete Spain), Global Development Network ager at Civika Institute. Dr. Soriano elementary education. She served as (Washington D.C.) and edits the Phil- has over 15 years of experience in Undersecretary in the Department of ippine Sociological Review (Journal- public health and development man- Finance, Republic of the Philippines, re- on-Line). Dr. Porio has done extensive agement. He was actively involved in sponsible for revenue generation and research and published widely in inter- a governance innovations program in tax reforms. Her career path includes nationally peer-reviewed journals on the Philippines and wrote a number of serving as a Tax Advisor of the Inter- development issues related to urban papers on health governance and has national Monetary Fund, Program Offi - governance, children, women, housing, published works under the ILO, GTZ, cer of the Ford Foundation, and Faculty poverty and climate change. WHO and World Bank. He is currently Member, Ateneo Graduate School of involved in the Governance Innovation Government. For her integrity, excel- VICTOR RAMOS currently chairs an Lab, Resiliency Lab, and Urban Renew- lence in public fi nance, and her leader- NGO, Kaibigan ng Kalikasan at Kaun- al Lab which are innovation-focused ship in improving the quality of basic laran, which advocates science-based partnerships with various partners. He education, she was conferred the 2nd solutions to environmental problems. holds an MPA from the Harvard Ken- Gawad Haydee Yorac Award in 2008. He also sits as trustee of various foun- nedy School of Government, Masters dations for good governance. He is in Development Management from the VINCENT LAZATIN is the Executive currently developing an arboretum of Asian Institute of Management and a Director of the Transparency and Ac- native trees in his small farm in Pan- doctor of medicine degree from the countability Network (TAN), a Philip- gasinan. When he was Secretary of Philippines. pine-based network of 26 civil society Environment and Natural Resources, organizations, non-governmental orga- the Philippines was recipient of two VERONICA VILLAVICENCIO has de- nizations, and academic and research awards from the United Nations Envi- voted her career and professional institutions focusing on transparency ronment Program (UNEP) and the U.S. work to building knowledge and prac- and accountability in governance. He Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) tice on social development and change is a member of the Construction Sector for the “best country implementation of management. Currently, she lends her Transparency Initiative (CoST) Global the Montreal Protocol”, for dramatical- facilitating expertise in combined stra- Program Interim Board, based in Lon- ly reducing the country’s use of ozone- tegic planning and stakeholder con- don, and the chairman of CoST Philip- depleting substances that cause global sultation processes to government and pines. He is also the immediate past warming from 1995 to 1997. At the non-government organizations. She is chairman and a current member of end of his term, he was conferred the a member of PILIPINA - a homegrown the Civil Society Coalition for the UN Philippine Legion of Honor for “out- Filipino women’s organization - and Convention against Corruption, based standing performance in the Philippine INCITEGov, an NGO for politics and in Berlin, Germany. Mr. Lazatin is a Cabinet.” governance for democratic outcomes. member of the Board of Trustees of She has served as Secretary and Lead the Galing Pook Foundation. Prior to MARIVEL SACENDONCILLO is the Ex- Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty his full-time work with TAN, Mr. Lazatin ecutive Director of the Local Govern- Commission, as Executive Director of spent 17 and a half years in the fund ment Academy and the President of the Peace and Equity Foundation, and management industry, both in the Unit- the Local Government Training and Re- Grants Director of the Foundation for ed States and the Philippines. search Institutes – Philippine Network the Philippine Environment. (LOGOTRI-PhilNet). Her areas of com-

Galing Pook 2014 • 33 Board of Trustees (2014-2015) Edna Estifania Co Executive Director, UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies Rafael Coscolluela Trustee, Synergeia Foundation; Former Governor, Negros Occidental Edicio dela Torre President, Education for Life Foundation Miguel Rene Dominguez Trustee, Synergeia Foundation; Former Governor, Sarangani Province Jose Rene Gayo Executive Director, MFI Farm Business Institute Elisea Gozun Former Secretary, DENR; Former Presidential Assistant on Climate Change Vincent Lazatin Executive Director, Transparency and Accountability Network Marivel Sacendoncillo Executive Director, Local Government Academy Veronica Villavicencio Former Lead Convenor, National Anti-Poverty Commission

Secretariat Eddie Dorotan, MD, MPA, Executive Director Lorenzo Ubalde, MDM, Program Offi cer Galing Pook Foundation Adrian Adove, Program Offi cer 25 Mahusay cor. Malinis Sts., UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City Genevive Gabion, Finance Offi cer Tel. Nos. (+632) 4334731 to 32, (+632) 9264136 Monette Montemayor, Program Assistant CONTACT www.galingpook.org Edith Ramos, Administrative and Finance Assistant Christine Beltran, Administrative Assistant

34 • Galing Pook 2014 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 Ang sabi ng iba, ang galing ng Pilipino Maalwang hinaharap Magaling na mang-isa, mandaraya, manloloko Ang sakit sa tenga, kahit di mo matanggap Sa punyagi at kusa Ganyan daw talaga, yan ang sabi ng lahat Munting pamayanan Sa husay kinilala Subalit doon sa aming mumunting komunidad Umani ng karangalan Namayani ang maraming kabutihan ang hangad Pinaghusay ang lokal na gobyernong niluklok Kayraming nagsasabing Pinagpala’t natanghal na isang Galing Pook! Ang galing galing daw namin Saan ba nanggagaling Ano ba’ng anting-anting? Ang sabi ng marami, Pilipino ay tamad Walang respeto sa sarili, dangal at dignidad Simple lang yan Palakasang palasak, boto na nilalako Kaya mo yan, Bay! Lider na nagbubuhat ng sarili ring bangko

Sa malikhaing paraan, sa paraang malikhain Di man maikakaila ay huwag nating lahatin Kasama ang mamamayan, mamamaya’y pagsamahin Di mo rin maitatatwa, di man sukat akalain Pagbabago na lantad, lantad na pagbabago Magandang mga balita sa mga suluk-sulok Tuluy-tuloy na pag-unlad, tuluy-tuloy na pag-asenso Kayraming halimbawa ng mga Galing Pook

Sa dami ng balakid Sa dami ng hadlang Ang diwang nalulupig Nagtitiis na lang Visit www.galingpook.org to download lyrics and music Ngunit huwag kang papayag Huwag kang pabubuway Tadhanang ating palad Nasa ating kamay

Chorus counterpoint: Galing Pook..

Galing Pook 2014 • 35 36 • Galing Pook 2014