Butuan City - Mayor Ferdinand M. Editor’s Notes 2 Amante, Jr., took his Oath of Office Former DILG XIII Assistant as the newly-installed Regional Peace New DILG Regional 2 Regional Director (ARD) Lilibeth Director and Order Council Chairman of A. Famacion now assumes the Region under the PNOY post of being the OIC - Regional DILG XIII conducts 3 Administration before Department of Director during the Turnover Business Planning the Interior and Local Government Program on March 20, 2012 as Workshop for LGUs Secretary and Chairman of the outgoing Regional Director Atty. Caraga LGUs full 3 National Peace and Order Council, Rene K, Burdeos is transferred to blast with DRRM/ Hon. Jesse M. Robredo, during the DILG Region X. Oath Taking Ceremony and RPOC 13 Feature Stories 4 First Regular Meeting recently in The assumption of Director New DILG XIII 5 Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this Famacion is based on Department Personnel Compli- city. Order No. 2012-199 dated March ment 13, 2012 which is to take effect Secretary Robredo graced the occa- LGUs undergo Best 10 immediately. Practices Documen- sion and observed the first RPOC meeting for 2012 having a Regional Outgoing Director Burdeos, Chairperson. in his message, thanked the Legally Speaking 10 management and personnel of AECID-Sponsored 11 In his acceptance speech, Mayor DILG XIII for their support during Study Tour in Amante said that the problem of in- his five-year stint in this region. surgency will always be there when He acknowledged the hard work there is poverty. of everyone in the office that DILG Komiks 8 made Caraga a nationwide consis- PCF 9 Turn to page 2 ... tent frontrunner in program im- Words to Live by 11 plementation of this department. Turn to page 3 ... Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise The saying, “Your foolishness will go home to your body” is closely synonymous with - “Your trash or garbage will surely come back to you.”

We, Filipinos believe in that saying especially in time of calamities simply because we fail to manage our wastes. Consequently, our garbage or Arvin “Warbeast” Silvosa ‘12 trash clog our drainage and and a multimillion—peso canals, causing flood to our concern, thus, it needs to be locality. given priority. From page 1

The Birth of Republic Act 9003, This poses a great challenge otherwise known as the for LGUs to propose “Ecological Solid Waste innovations or strategies in Management Act of 2000” making solid waste makes it a policy of the State to management part of the adopt a systematic, system of their respective comprehensive and ecological constituents. As to how it solid waste management should be done and how to program. Part of its mandate is make it sustainable is bloody Director Famacion delivers Outgoing RD Burdeos turns his to ensure the protection of the (figuratively, that is) but it’s her message of acceptance. post to new OIC‐RD Famacion. public health and environment, worth everything and it will utilize environmentally - sound even save not only properties Director Famacion, in turn acknowl- methods that maximize the but lives. edged the important role of Atty. Bur- utilization of valuable resources, deos in her career path during her ac- encourage resource The process like recycling to ceptance speech. conservation and recovery, set manage or reduce wastes guidelines and targets for solid should be instilled not only in She warmly expressed her gratitude waste avoidance and volume the minds of every Filipino but for the motivation of the outgoing Re- reduction through source it should also be imprinted in gional Director Burdeos and his sup- reduction and waste his/her behavior as well. port way back when they were still in minimization measures, Once the process becomes a DILG Region VII. She also solicited including composting and way of life, managing wastes the cooperation of all employees em- recycling. It also creates a and reducing it will not be phasizing that teamwork will still be responsibility for local taken as a responsibility the key for the office to perform at par government units to encourage anymore but it becomes a or even better than other regional of- greater private sector habit. fices of the department. participation is solid waste management. Wastes will continue to exist Further, she said that everyone should as long as humans do, contribute and play their part in The law insistently demands perhaps even much longer as achieving the DILG mandate. from the LGU to instill the most scientists and importance of solving one of environmentalists cry out. It the foremost and mounting is easier said than done but it problem in any part of the has to start from us. Everyone globe—the waste problem. This can do his/her part in problem is not only hazardous preserving the chastity of to human health but also the Mother Nature. It is just a cause of depletion to our lands. matter of managing it well In our country, solid waste with a pound of intiative from management is a serious matter our local government units (LGUs), if not to eliminate it but to minimize it. Page 2 through the significant From page 1 inputs to be given by speakers which will help According to him, when there is bridge gaps relative to the no development there will al‐ management and ways be insurgency. development of their He also added that peace is not respective entrepreneurial the absence of war/anger but activities. the presence of cooperative/ collaborative efforts from He also said that among us to attain it. the workshop will stress the importance and “I will accept the challenge in purpose of business plan attaining lasting peace and we and will be an eye opener will work together, reason to‐ for LGUs to identify new gether as a committee in ad‐ business opportunities dressing these concerns,” he The Department of Development Officers, City/ which will best suit them. said. the Interior and Local Municipal Planning and Mr. Lowell C. Brillante‐ Government Regional Development Coordinators, Economic Enterprise After the Oath Taking, the First Office XIII in partnership City/Municipal Manager of Tagum City will Regular RPOC 13 Meeting pre‐ with the Local Government Accountants, Sangguniang share the City’s Best sided over by RPOC Chairper‐ Academy and Agencia Panlungsod Chairpersons Practice on LGU Economic son, Mayor Ferdinand M. Española de Cooperacion of the Committee on Trade Enterprise Practices to Amante, Jr., transpired. Internacional para el and Commerce and City / inspire LGUs of Caraga Desarrollo conducts a Municipal Local Region in improving their SILG Robredo gave his keynote Business Planning Government Operations respective economic speech during the meeting and Workshop on January 18‐ Officers. enterprise. said that the Region is identi‐ 19, 2012 in Almont Hotel’s fied as one having rich natural Inland Resort, this city. DILG Regional At the end of the resources and high poverty in‐ Director‐ Atty. Rene K. workshop, the participants cidence at the same time. Fifteen LGUs Burdeos said that the are expected to craft and attended the said training, workshop aims to assist the present action plans for the He also said that those re‐ to wit: the City/Municipal local government units’ development of their sources usually become the Economic Enterprises economic enterprises economic activities. roots of abuses by local officials and the people.

“Ang susi sa katahimikan ay The activity, which was Iligan Cities. You must be prepared maibsan ang kahirapan ng attended by the Municipal at all times to fight back disasters mamayan,” said Robredo. Disaster Risk Reduction and like Sendong which can be likened Management Officers, Municipal to an unseen enemy, a thief in the “Sugpuon ang kahirapan, Planning and Development night which strikes when least palakasin ang pamahalaan o Coordinators, Municipal Social expected. Be prepared because ang otoridad na namamahala Welfare and Development it’s not Batman or Superman who dito,” he also added. Officers, Municipal Engineers and can help us, but only us who must Municipal Local Government be prepared at all times,” she said. Robredo challenged the Peace Operations Officers, is designed and Order Council Committee to build the capacities of the During the workshop, to use all the legal means that members of the Local Disaster the participants were briefed on are possible to attain peace and Risk Reduction and Management the salient features of RA 10121 order in Caraga Region. Councils (LDRRMCs)in the known as “The Phil. DDRM Act of Twenty five (25) local formulation of DRRM/CCA Plans. 2010 and NDRRm Framework,” During the meeting, updates on government units in Region XIII In her opening remarks, Geo‐Hazard Mapping, RA 9729 the Peace and Order Situation have formulated a draft of their DILG Assistant Regional Director known as “Climate Change Act of were given by the representa‐ Disaster Risk Reduction and Lilibeth A. Famacion encouraged 2009,” and the Government’s tives’ of the Philippine Army, Management/Climate Change the LGUs to strengthen their Plans and Programs for DRRM/ Philippine National Police, Phil‐ Adaption (DRRM/CCA) Plan for LDRRMCs to mitigate if not CCA. The participants were also ippine Drug Enforcement 2012 during the DRRM/CCA prevent destruction to life, limb able to assess the vulnerability and Agency, Develop‐ Planning Workshop on January 11 and property brought by disasters capacity of their respective LGUs ment Authority (MinDa) and ‐12, 2012 sponsored by the due to climate change. She in DRRM/CCA which will gauge the Payapa at Masaganang Pama‐ Department of the Interior and further said that disasters are latter’s success/performance in yanan (PAMANA) to apprise the Local Government, in partnership strengthening the DRRM/CCA. Honorable Secretary and the inevitable and will eventually hit with Agencia Española de any place so the best that LGUs This makes a total of members of the Council of the Cooperacion Internacional para el could do is to respond and adapt forty eight (48) LGUs that were developments in their quest of Desarrollo and the Local to the vast changing of climate to trained on DRRM/CCA. The rest of attaining lasting peace in Government Academy under the mitigate its destructive effects. the LGUs, twenty five (25) of Region XIII. Strengthening Local Governments “We don’t want a them, were trained by the Office of the (SLGP) Project of Civil Defense (OCD). in Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, repeat of what happened to our this City. neighbors Cagayan de Oro and Page 3

Feature Stories

The Enchanted River in Hi‐ this will pave the way for generat‐ natuan continues to entice tour‐ ing greater income, more livelihood ists with its most striking natural and opportunities for the Hinatu‐ and mystique beauty. The truly anons. enchanting river as it is named, is The local officials of Hinatuan, found at Talisay of Hi‐ headed by Mayor natuan, Surigao del Sur. Its mysti‐ Candelario J. Viola, Jr., placed tour‐ cal blue water is abundant with ism on top of their agenda for de‐ different variety of fishes. No velopment. The Department of the wonder, more and more people Interior and Local Government sees come to get a glimpse of the to it that tourism in the Municipal‐ worth‐seeing scenery. ity of Hinatuan will benefit the LGU Unlike any tourist destination itself as well as the community in or any hot spot in the country, the general. Enchanted River magnifies the Hinatuan Mayor Viola, Jr. is image of tranquility suitable for firm in his commitment that tour‐ tourist who needs a peaceful and ism will be the bridge for creating relaxing destination for their vaca‐ revenue for the municipality includ‐ tion. This is the reason why the ing the creation of jobs. Enchanted River is known for be‐ “Tourism is definitely big busi‐ ing a secret paradise hidden ness on the local front and the gov‐ somewhere in the province of ernment remains intense on devel‐ Surigao del Sur. oping Enchanted River and other Despite the economic dol‐ tourist attractions of the municipal‐ drums, tourist arrivals increased ity without sacrificing their biggest and its constant rise can be attrib‐ unique asset—natural beauty,” uted to the river’s captivating wa‐ Mayor Viola disclosed. ter and panorama. In fact, the lo‐ The Enchanted River Manage‐ cal government continuously sup‐ ment is headed by the Manager, ports the developments around Engr. Josephine C. Lapeciros, and the Enchanted River’s premises. the Chairman of Hinatuan Tourism As of the year 2011, tourist arri‐ Council, Engr. Jose Hilario V. vals totaled 137, 955 with a signifi‐ Pandili, Jr. who have always been cant income of P2,857,338.36. at the frontline of tourism activi‐ While the peak of the summer ties. getaway is happening, tourists are expected to surge in the En‐ chanted River. The Tourism Infra‐ By: Arleigh Bautista structure and Enterprise Zone Au‐ thority (TIEZA), an attached Feliciana Bague motivated and patiently agency of the Department of Tour‐ taught him the rudiments of reading. With ism (DOT) has provided adequate funding to fully develop the En‐ so much inspiration from the teacher, he chanted River. Aside from that, it became resourceful enough to buy self- is dedicated to keep the spot study books and English reading materials attractive, responsive and at par which honed his once poor command in to the needs of the visitors. The English to respectability. He read vora- development of the Enchanted River, if already in place, is pro‐ ciously until he could easily develop topics jected to push the municipality’s even in short notice. This made him realize tourism industry, making the that he has the intelligence to cope with Enchanted River as the municipal‐ His name as a local chief execu- studies. Mayor Viola recalls the Teacher ity’s premiere tourist attraction. as heaven-sent, as she prevented him The Enchanted River Develop‐ tive rings a bell. He steered his Municipal- ment Plan is now being crafted as ity to various heights in the different fields from giving-up his quest for learning. The a guideline for the priority pro‐ of governance. His accomplishments as rest is history.

jects, specifically in the estab‐ Municipal Mayor are exemplary, numer- After passing the Bar Exams and lishment and construction of infra‐ ous and still counting. He is Atty. Cande- structures and establishments. short stints as Deputy Clerk of Court in the The crafting of the master plan lario J. Viola, Jr. of Hinatuan, Surigao del Court of 1st Instance, Ministry of Justice will enable the Enchanted River to Sur. (1975-77) and as Technical Assistant with cater more visitors which, will With the present stature of Mayor the Batasang Pambansa (1978-80), he flourish their tourism industry and Viola, no one would have thought that he went back to his beloved Hinatuan to be- at the same time attract more in‐ had serious learning struggles during his vestors in the municipality and the come Municipal Mayor under the Martial province as well. Consequently, youth. He finished primary school in eight Law regime of then President Ferdinand E. long years simply because he could not th Marcos from 1980 to 1986. When Mrs. read. Fortunately, in the 8 year of his Corazon C. Aquino took over as President, primary school, a young teacher named Mayor Viola was not spared from the mass Page 4 replacement of political leaders with “OICs”. Out of the political scene, he took the opportunity to practice law again by being Legal Consultant of the defunct Paper Industries Corporation of the Phil- ippines in nearby , until he was tapped as Provincial Adminis- trator to support newly elected Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor City Salvacion Castillo-Cejoco from 1988 to 1990. After which, he be- CD Romeo A. Solis City Director came Public Attorney-I at the Province’s Public Attorney’s Office and later became Municipal Circuit Judge of the MCTC – CAR- CANMADCARLAN from 1991 to 1992. PD Romeo A. Solis Provincial Director

Mayor Viola’s love for Hinatuan and its people streamed in LGOO VI Annabell O. Cadigal Outcome Manager his system, hence, he again vied for the Mayoralty race in 1992 LGOO VI Ellen Vee P. Chua Program Manager and his easy win jump-started him to three terms as Hinatuan Mayor (1992-95, 1995-98 and 1998-2001). His legend as a local leader and environmentalist started soaring with landmark accom- PD Arleen Ann R. Sanchez Provincial Director plishments and citations for Hinatuan. Aside from elevating living LGOO VI Elva Theresa D. Velmonte Outcome Manager conditions in the Municipality through infra-structures and eco- nomic development, Mayor Viola steered the Municipality to top LGOO V Shiela D. Jaramillo Program Manager finishes in health and environment related derbies such as the “1995 Cleanest River in Surigao del Sur”; “1996 Best Performing Local Health Board”; “1998 Cleanest and Greenest Municipality in PD Domingo E. Bulabog Provincial Director Surigao del Sur”; and “1999 Regional Sentrong Sigla Movement” LGOO VI Lydia S. Bajan Outcome Manager which brought Hinatuan to being national level nominee, among LGOO VI Marceliano Ali C. Tabacon III Program Manager others.

Mayor Viola used foresight, creativeness and love for envi- Surigao del Sur ronment in the effective implementation of RA 9003, otherwise PD Pedrito P. Alacaba Provincial Director known as The Philippine Ecological Management Act of 2000, LGOO VI Joseph G. Porgatorio Outcome Manager through the adoption of Hinatuan’s Ecological Solid Waste Man- agement Program (ESWMP). His sheer political will rallied the peo- LGOO VI Ma. Lourdes C. Martinez Program Manager ple to religiously implement the mechanics of the ESWMP until it Newly Promoted Personnel became soundly sustainable and a simple way of life. It was then no accident that Hinatuan ran away as Grand National Champion Marilou R. Autor LGOO II LGOO V of the “Zero Basura Olympics and Garbology Marathon” jointly Emmylou P. Burias LGOO IV LGOO V sponsored by the DILG and DENR. Hinatuan became a favorite Lakbay Aral destination for other LGUs and agencies who aspire to Belle c. Decena LGOO II LGOO V emulate its systems and procedures; while Mayor Viola became a Maricel G. Dumanglas LGOO II LGOO V virtual living legend as selfless motivator and resource person on Merrill B. Espinido LGOO II LGOO V the features of Hinatuan’s Ecological Solid Waste Management Program. This did not escape unnoticed by the Office of Senator Sheila H. Gesta LGOO II LGOO V Loren Legarda who lauded in a press release Mayor Viola’s waste Shiela D. Jaramillo Planning Officer III LGOO V management feat. Renelou F. Jaranilla LGOO IV LGOO V Another big swing made by the Mayor is the development of the Enchanted River. He walked to and fro until this gem of na- Jacky A. Mellorin Clerk II LGOO II ture became a favorite tourist destination in the region – walked Joemar S. Salmoro Clerk II LGOO II further to eventually turn the place into an economic enterprise to Baltazar G. Camporedondo Clerk II Acctg. significantly augment Hinatuan’s financial resource, aside from Clerk III affording livelihood to local residents. He also brain-worked the Newly Hired Personnel creation of the “Serbisyo Ipaabot sa Baranggay Program” or SIBP intended to extend municipal office services to all Barangays. This Ma. Rosario M. Ambray LGOO II - SDN manifests his intention to serve and give due attention to his con- Ferdy Benigno R. Avila LGOO II - ADS stituents up to the hinterlands. Hazel Anne C. Baluca LGOO II - ADS He became an exemplar in institutionalizing important as- Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa LGOO II - R.O. pects of leadership and public service particularly in addressing environmental issues, poverty alleviation, health and safety, skills Gretchen N. Dumanjog LGOO II - SDN and development and you name it. He is now observed to be the Bryan F. Edulzura LGOO II - R.O. favorite “go-to” person and helpline in the region for the promotion Redgy V. Panilan LGOO II - SDS of RA 9003 and the implementation of Spanish Government – as- sisted projects and activities. He helped Hinatuan District Hospital Michelle V. Calo LGOO II - ADN to become the best performing hospital in the province. On top of Catherine Eve L Cagang Acctg. Clerk III - R.O. it, Hinatuan now has a sound Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Margie D. Montero Clerk II - ADN Management ready for any eventuality. Feature Stories By: LGOO II Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

Sibagat, Agusandel Sur - “It was not an easy life.” This was the famous, yet desperate line of the residents in Brgy. San Vicente and Brgy. Ilihan in the Municipality of Sibagat, Agusandel Sur. The reason behind their bitter condition was the lack of access to water. This was the face of a waterless community. A face of poverty.

The answer to this very unfortunate situation was ad- dressed with the construction of Level II Water Supply System through a grant of the Poder y de la Communidad (PYPC) under the auspices of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

However, their glorious days did not last long. Access to water was just short-lived. The San Vicente-Ilihan Water System Association (SIWASA) organized for the management and operation of the water supply system lacked the know-how in maintaining the project. The SIWASA, like any other association formed, found it difficult to mobi- lize in itself and sustain the water system facility. This was even worsened by the fact that the community did not cooperate in maintaining the project.

“Naa na tanay tap stand duol sa among balay, ang nakalisud lang kay dili permanente ang agas sa tubig. Kina- hanglan pa ko mag sag-ob sa atabay duol sa sapa nga usahay maoy hinungdan nga atakihon ko sa akong asthma,” said Metyang. “Labad pa gayud ning uban mogamit kay dili mamayad sa among buwanan nga bay- ranan. Pero mao lagi pud kay kinsa may ganahan mobayad nga dili man maayu ang serbisyo” added Charlita, an- other beneficiary of the water facility.

With this depressed situation, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Millennium Development Goals Fund (MDGF 1919) with its banner: “Enhancing access to and provision of water services with the active participation of the poor” responded to the situation.

Through MDGF 1919, the departmentprovided support to community-based initiatives to enhance the delivery of water and to ensure its sustainability through locally capacitating the local government units in the municipal and barangay level, water service providers and the barangay water association concerned in the management and operation of the water facility. This included the Sibagat - Ilihan Water System Association (SIWASA).

The DILG trained the officers of SIWASA in order to improve their water service delivery to the beneficiaries. The SIWASA officers were introduced to the local customer service code so that they will provide quality water service to the target beneficiaries with an assured continuous sup- ply. They were taught on administrative bookkeeping, pro- duction efficiency, service level and most of all on how to sustain the water facility. Part of DILG’s intervention was the empowerment of women, children, youth, and other groups to actively participate in capacity building activities.

“Naa ra man di-ay ni! Kani rajud di-ay kulang namo tanan. Kinahanglan gayud namo ang kapasidad ug kahibalo un- saon pagkupot ani nga proyekto,” Ricardo Butao said, the incumbent chairman of SIWASA.

The DILG intervention showed positive results. On the op- eration side, the monthly collection was efficiently managed by the association and the proceeds were kept in a bank deposit as a source of fund for the project’s operation and maintenance. To ensure compliance according to gov- ernment standards, the SIWASA has been doing a periodic water treatment – chlorination, which is done on a Continue to page 8 Anti-Poverty Projects of DILG

Page 6 Anti-Poverty Projects of DILG

by: LGOO II Bryan F. Edulzura SAN JOSE, Province of Dinagat. For the people of San Jose, Province of , the construction of the fish port is a realization of their dreams and aspirations to improve their status of living. For the first time since the founding of the municipality of San Jose, the fishermen and businessmen alike now take advantage of a concrete and permanent fish port to harbor boats and market bounties in the hope of selling and buying at a competitive cost.

“Sa nilabay na mga katu-igan, ang fish port hinimo gikan lang sa kahoy nga dali ra mahugno ug mabungkag sa paghapak sa hanging habagat.”, Nestor, a middleman laments. “Kung kini mahitabo, mas mahal ang among angkat sa isda tungod sa dugang galastuhanan. Wala kami mahimo kun dili among ipasa sa kunsumidor ang gasto pinaagi sa pagdugang sa presyo sa among baligya nga isda sa merkado”. Teresa, a fish vendor also expressed her delight with the construction of the port because it gave her an opportunity to buy wholesale fish at a lower cost and sold at retail for a profit. “Ang kwarta nga akong gigahin alang sa pag- kaon, sinina ug eskwela sa akong mga bata gikan sa akong kita sa pagsuroy ug isda”, she said.

Fishing is a major industry not only in San Jose but all of the Province of Dinagat. Construction of the fish port in San Jose, aside from being strategic, also facilitates other economic activities such as fish selling and ice vending. Above all, it stabilizes the price of fish in the market that can be accessed even by the poor members of the community. It also saves the government from spend- ing funds for the perennial repair of the wooden fish port.

The total Fish Port Facility Project cost was P 2 million, half of which was funded under the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The said amount was part of the P 51 million PCF released to the differ- ent LGUs within Caraga Region. According to Dir. Lilibeth A. Famacion of DILG Caraga, the PCF can only be accessed by the LGU who is conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

“An LGU can only become a Seal of Good Housekeeping recipient if it has no adverse or disclaimer COA opinion and has complied with the Full Disclosure Policy. In brief, an LGU with Seal of Good Housekeeping promotes good governance, accountability and transparency. PCF grant will inspire the LGUs to perform better and achieve more”, she added.

With a population of around 28,000, the Municipality of San Jose relies on the Internal Revenue Allotment to defray government operations cost. Any source of income to augment IRA is very much welcome. For this reason, the Local Government Unit of San Jose invested P1 million as counterpart for the construction of the facility. The fish port does not only improve the services to the fishing industry but it aids in improving LGU performance on local revenue generation. It can be noted that based on the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) 2010 result , the LGU had 8.93% locally sourced income, way below the average of 4th class municipalities of 15.10%.

The San Jose fish port is one of the testaments that the government is serious in its the efforts to combat poverty. The facility was constructed not for the reason of flaunting a tangible infrastructure project for people to see but primarily because of the people’s needs. It also contributes in generating more economic activity. In totality, the fishery sector is not the only beneficiary of said de- velopment but vendors, sari-sari stall owners, habal-habal drivers , the ordinary people and the government. In the same manner, the funding of the projects which is anchored in Seal of Good Housekeeping is an affirmation of P-NOY’s “Tungo sa Daang Matu- wid” Campaign and DILG’s battlecry of “Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad”.

Six Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) II personnel from full-pledged Local Government Operations Officers (LGOO). DILG Region XIII-Caraga went to Cagayan de Oro City in order to In field immersion, the trainees will directly observe and experience the undergo the Component II training on Local Government Operation actual operation of the local government unit where they will be as- from March 23 to May 14, 2012. The trainees are the following: signed, in the municipalities of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. LGOO II Ernie Y. Gultiano – Surigao del Sur They are expected to learn the LGU Operations Assessment, Learning LGOO II Marichelle O. Gultiano – Surigao del Sur Events Management and Capacity Development (CapDev) Agenda LGOO II Jason Ryan R. Lam – Agusan del Sur Formulation. LGOO II Charles V. Lim – Agusan del Sur LGOO II Jane G. Moreno – Surigao del Sur The last phase of the training will be the revalida, which is to be admin- LGOO II Mary Anthonette M. Salise – Regional Office istered by the Local Government Academy (LGA). This will be the time that the trainees are measured in the extent of their knowledge, The LGOO training is divided in three parts – center, field immersion, skills and abilities through written and oral assessment. and revalida. During the training, the trainees are equipped with the principles and concepts of local governance. Likewise, they are imbued with different skills in performing their duties and responsibilities as a From page 6...

monthly basis during rainy season. The asso- ciation is now registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a non- stock/non-profit organization and with the Bu- reau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for its authority to issue official receipts in its monthly collec- tion.

“Dako na ang kalainan sa serbisyo sa tubig sa una ug karon.Permanente na ug paspas na ang agas sa tubig. Dili na lisod kanako ang pag-abot sa tubig. Dako kini ug guikatabang sa akong panginabuhian labi na kay nagluto- luto ko ug ginagmay isip pang sustenar namo sa inadlaw-adlaw namo nga panginahanglan,” Metyang added.

The MDGF 1919 through DILG’s implementa- tion has changed the lives of the people in the area. Access to water is not as difficult as be- fore. They were no longer knocking on heaven’s door every time they needed water for their daily use. Taking a bath and drinking large quantities of water, as well as cleaning their plates every after meal is no longer a big deal.

Today, supply of water is abundant. The pro- ject’s beneficiaries are now promptly paying their dues because of service satisfaction. The capacity development instilled by DILG to SIWASA resulted in a significant progress to the community as a whole. There is also a noted increase of water users who applied for Level III water system.

The noteworthy impact of the MDGF 1919 was the fact that the residents of Brgy. San Vicente Part of the Department’s project is to provide and equip the people and Brgy. Ilihan have access to safe, potable, with the necessary information regarding what to do and the how to’s continuous water. Community health im- in times of disaster. proved, while infant mortality decreased. Most All the barangays in Caraga Region were given copies of the komiks importantly, losing a life due to water-borne entitled: “Talamdan sa Pagpangandam Kung May Katalagman ug diseases is not as threatening as before.

Kalamidad / Pag-usab usab sa Klima.” The SIWASA improved management is a The language used in the komiks was localized - “Cebuano or Bisaya” product of the capacity development (CapDev) so that it would cater the public, which is the target audience. This efforts and MDGF 1919 water project is a re- way, the people within the region could better understand and likewise markable initiative of DILG to address abject appreciate the informative material received by them. poverty in the country. The quality of life is al- The komiks received positive comments from the DILG Central leviated when people, especially the poor have Office. the unlimited access to potable water. For ******************************* them, the government’s project mirrors effi- To grab a copy, contact the DILG Regional Office at Tel. No. 342 cient local governance in the countryside. 2045 or visit us at Km. 4 Libertad, Butuan City. Water is not just a need. The residents of Brgy.San Vicente and Brgy. Ilihan sees water as their LIFE.Indeed, a taste of water is a taste Page 8 of LIFE. 2012

DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2012-68 The Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) is a facility envisioned to help stimulate local governments to put premium on transparency and accountability to enable them to avail themselves of financial support to jumpstart and sustain local socio-economic development initia- tives supportive of national government goals and priorities. This is an incentive system for local governments excelling good local governance performance.

Objectives: The PCF is a facility that envisions to: 1. Help stimulate local governments to put premium on transparency and accountability to enable them to avail themselves of finan- cial support to jumpstart and sustain socio-economic development initiatives; 2. Complement with other programs of other national government agencies providing incentives to LGUs; and 3. Address support requirements of the LGUs in the delivery of their responsibilities such as the supply side requirements of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Eligible LGUs for 2012 PCF:

1. Provinces, cities and municipalities belonging to the 1st to 3rd income class, and the newly created 4th to 5th class cities both passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping Round 2 assessment dated August 26, 2011 and have not received the PCF subsidy in 2011. Target recipients shall be prioritized according to the following ranking:  1st priority - 3rd income class LGUs and the 2011 newly-converted cities. NOTE: In the event that the fund shall not be enough to cover all eligible  2nd priority - 2nd income class LGUs LGUs, they shall be further ranked according to poverty incidence based  3rd priority - 1st income class of LGUs on 2009 NSCB Survey

2. All 2012 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi awardees shall be eligible to receive the 2012 PCF.

Eligible Projects under 2012 PCF

Projects eligible for the PCF subsidy are those consistent with the current administration’s thrusts and the provisions of the General Appropria- tions Act of 2012, as follows:

1. Attainment of MDGs e.g.: school buildings, rural health units/health centers, birthing or lying-in facilities, water and sanitation, and hous- ing and settlements. 2. Local Economic Development e.g.: core local roads and bridges, farm-to-market roads, tourism facilities, irrigation systems, post harvest facilities, cold storage facilities, ports and wharves, and other economic structures and growth enhancement projects like markets or slaughterhouses 3. Preparedness for Disasters / Adaptation to Climate Change e.g.: flood control, reforestations, storm drainage, dikes, seawall and re- lated flood protection measures and slope protection, evacuation centers, rainwater collection facility, early warning system/devices and rescue equipment. 4. Ecological Solid Waste Management e.g.: sanitary landfill, material recovery facilities, sewerage system 5. Promotion of Transparency and Accountability The Department of the Interior Operations Officers, partners and Local Government Regional from the Academe, Office XIII in partnership with the representatives from partner Local Government Academy and CSOs and respresentatives Agencia Española de Cooperacion from partner NGAs.

Internacional para el Desarrollo The purpose of the conducted a two‐day workshop writeshop is to capacitate dubbed as “Best Practices LGU documenters and equip Documentation Writeshop: them with necessary skills in Ecological Tourism Roadmap of the proper documentation of Caraga in Focus” on January 25‐ best practices using the GO‐ 26, 2012 in Almont Hotel’s Inland FAR template. It also aims to Resort, this city. enhance the skills of LGU Seventy (70) participants from tourism officers/designate in twenty (20) pre‐identified local the preparation of advocacy of good governance. It replication of best practices government units with potential materials on ecotourism. helps the LGUs achieve depends on the wealth of best practices on ecotourism that During her opening remarks, effective delivery of basic information the LGUs can give are replicable attended the said DILG Assistant Regional services as well as achieving in their documentation,” she workshop which consists of Director Lilibeth A. Famacion the Millennium said. Designated LGU Best said that replication of best Development Goals (MDGs) During the writeshop the Documenters, LGU Tourism practices is considered an and other national awards participants were briefed on Officers/Designate, City / effective strategy of local and recognitions. the Relevant Environmental Municipal Local Government government units in the area “The substantivity of Laws on EcoTourism and the Turn to page 7 ...

Legally Speaking… by Atty. Anthony P. Vitor, MDR Homeowners Association to Open sangguniang panlungsod, the of controversies. Comity and Rosemallow and Aster Streets to power of review, respectively. convenience also impel courts Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic." of justice to shy away from a The New Sun Valley Homeowners The case reached the Supreme dispute until the system of Association, Inc. (NSVHAI) filed a Court which finally held that the administrative redress has Petition for a "Writ of Preliminary NSVHAI recourse in questioning been completed. Injunction/Permanent Injunction BSV Resolution No. 98‐096 with prayer for issuance of TRO" should have been with the The Court said that it is the THE DOCTRINE OF with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Mayor of Parañaque City, as mayor who can best review ADMINISTRATIVE of Parañaque City. They claimed clearly stated in Section 32 of the the Sangguniang Barangay’s REMEDIES that the implementation of BSV Local Government Code, which actions to see if it acted within Resolution No. 98‐096 would provides: the scope of its prescribed If our local elective officials "cause grave injustice and irrepa‐ “Section 32. City and powers and functions. Indeed, passed a measure that we do rable injury" as the affected Municipal Supervision over their this is a local problem to be not like because we think or homeowners acquired their prop‐ Respective Barangays. ‐ The city resolved within the local gov‐ know that it’s illegal or not erties for strictly residential pur‐ or municipality, through the city ernment. Thus, the case valid, can we immediately file a poses; that the subdivision is a or municipal mayor concerned, should be dismissed for failure case for injunction before the place that the homeowners envi‐ shall exercise general supervision of NSVHAI to exhaust adminis‐ courts? sioned would provide them pri‐ over component barangays to trative remedies (New Sun vacy and a peaceful neighbor‐ ensure that said barangays act Valley Homeowners’ Associa‐ This is the issue that needs to hood, free from the hassles of within the scope of their pre‐ tion, Inc. vs. Sangguniang be resolved in the case be‐ public places; and that the pas‐ scribed powers and functions.” Barangay, Barangay Sun Val‐ tween one of the barangays of sage of the resolution would de‐ ley, Parañaque City, G.R. No. Parañaque City and the home‐ stroy the character of the subdivi‐ The Court has emphasized the 156686, July 27, 2011). owners subdivision located in sion. importance of applying the doc‐ that barangay. trine of exhaustion of adminis‐ After reading this decision, a Defendant Barangay Sun Valley trative remedies. The doctrine of question now comes into my The facts of the case are the moved to dismiss the instant case exhaustion of administrative mind. If an elected barangay following: on the ground that the subject remedies is a cornerstone of the official stand as respondent in streets Aster and Rosemallow judicial system. The thrust of the an administrative complaint The Sangguniang Barangay of inside Sun Valley Subdivision are rule is that courts must allow filed before the Office of the Barangay Sun Valley ("BSV owned by the City Government of administrative agencies to carry Ombudsman or the Sang‐ Sangguniang Barangay") passed Parañaque. Defendant further out their functions and discharge guniang Bayan/Panlungsod, BSV Resolution No. 98‐096 on contend that NSVHAI failed to their responsibilities within the can he move (or as a defense) Oct. 13, 1998 entitled: exhaust administrative remedies specialized areas of their respec‐ for the dismissal of the case "Directing the New Sun Valley as ordained in Sections 32 and 57 tive competence. The rationale for failure of the complainant of the Local Government Code for this doctrine is obvious. It to exhaust administrative (R.A. 7160) giving the city mayor, entails lesser expense and pro‐ remedies? the supervisory power and the vides for the speedy resolution

Page 10 By: Lucia B. Garrido - SAO / OIC Chief Admin. & Finance Division When you are hurt, weary and lean not unto your own under- overwhelmed, PRAY! For us - standing, in all your ways, believers, we need to pray, pray acknowledge Him and He will and pray. This is the first thing to direct your paths straight.” In do everyday. the book of James 1:5, it says: The Bible says: “Seek ye first the “If any of you lacks wisdom, kingdom of God and His right- he should ask God … and it eousness and all these things will be given to him.” shall be added unto you.” – Mat- My dear friends, this is our thew 6:33 prayer to stand in awe of God. Ask, seek and knock. Talk to We thank God for the power The Department of the Inte‐ and Ms. Joy Juanite of LGA God about your plans, desires, of His presence. We spend rior and Local Government also joined the tour. needs and even your problems. (DILG) Region XIII – Caraga We should thank Him for this is time today and everyday in Regional Director, Lilibeth A. A meeting was conducted right. Everyone is encouraged to thanking and praising Him for Famacion heads the Caraga with Spanish Government all the things He has done for delegation on a study tour in Agencies such as the Minis‐ ask God’s wisdom in our daily Madrid and Sevilla, Spain try of Finance and Local Ad‐ walk because the final indicator us. sponsored by the Agencia ministration and the Foun‐ of wisdom is to do the right Let us meditate on His faith- Española de Cooperacion dation for Administration thing. fulness, goodness, beauty, The words in the book of Prov- Internacional para el Desar‐ and Public Policy. During wisdom and love. Let us praise rollo (AECID) on February 17 the meeting, there was a erbs 3:5-6 tells us to, “Trust in – 24, 2012. sharing of the latest devel‐ the Lord with all your heart and HIM forever. opments in their respective The study tour is part of the local government units. Part AECID’s Strengthening Local of it was the creation of a From Page 6 Government Philippines strategic plan by the dele‐ (SLGP) in partnership with gates to enhance local ini‐ Guidelines in Documenting documenting best practices the Local Government Acad‐ tiative and their option to emy (LGA). It is aimed at pro‐ seek for assistance from Best Practices. They were should leave no room for viding the delegates with a Spanish government. also given inputs on the imagination to the recipients view on Spain’s experience in Preparation of Advocacy so the language used must government decentralization The Republic of the Philip‐ Materials particularly on be plain and in layman’s and how the latter is opera‐ pines and the Spanish Gov‐ Branding Guidelines and terms. tionalized to its three levels ernment recognize the exis‐ of political subdivisions: mu‐ tence of strong connection Using Catchy Tag Lines to give The writeshop also paved nicipalities, provinces, and between them brought by impact to their next best the way for some LGUs to autonomous communities. the countries’ excellent his‐ practices documentation. showcase their Best Practice Through this, the delegates torical and friendly relation‐ Mr. Jimmy P. Abayon of the Documents and Advocacy were given opportunities to ship. With the significant Tourism Office of Materials through the identify new programs and and continued support Compostella Valley shared Gallery Display and the LGU projects in the Philippines as given by Spain through well as to explore new areas AECID, the local govern‐ ComVal’s Best Practices on which bested the other of cooperation with other ment of the Philippines is tourism projects. He shared contingents is the support agencies. continuously capacitated tips on documenting and Municipality of Esperanza. and at the same time packaging best practices to Delegates from Caraga re‐ strengthened to implement make them more appealing A number of LGUs in Caraga gion composed of Municipal projects for local develop‐ Mayors Candelario J. Viola, ment. to the readers. Region have already Jr. of Hinatuan, Surigao del demonstrated good local Sur; Leonida P. Manpatilan of The continued political and Mr. Rommel M. Oribe of the governance performance Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; economic cooperation and Department of Trade and particularly on ecological Ramon M. Calo of Carmen, the flow of technical sup‐ Industry discussed the topic concerns. Replication Agusan del Norte; and port from their Spanish gov‐ on Technical Writing to guide among LGUs is a powerful Ramon B. Mondano of ernment have paved the Mainit, Surigao del Norte. way to an intensified rela‐ the participants to use simple, tool for development. More The National President the tionship between the gov‐ direct but concise words in so, it increases the League of Municipalities in ernments of Philippines and documenting best practices popularization of good the Philippines Strike B. Re‐ Spain. As part of this to be able to convey the practices in ecological solid villa, Mayor of Bacoor, agenda, this will also in‐ message clearly to the waste management and Cavite; AECID Program Man‐ crease Spanish investments ager Mr. Gonzalo Serrano; in the Philippines. targeted audiences like the climate change adaptation Asst. Director Thelma Vecina general public. He said that as well as the replication of the words used especially in ecotourism practices.

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