CAR
Gongs & Drums
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT - CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020
4TH QUARTER ISSUE
VOLUME XXII NO. 4
What’s Inside? DILG feted LGU for good local governance Baguio City eServices to address the New Normal Benguet Champs Gearing Towards Streamlined LGU Process DILG orients 188 SK officials on ‘inclusive and sustainable’ peace DILG-hired Contact Tracers in the Municipality of Conner hiking to conduct Contact Tracing
A contact tracer's life amid pandemic by Nilo Campo
LUNA, APAYAO — The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a medical health problem that should be dealt with by medical staff alone; it is a struggle in all walks of life, regardless of socioeconomic status, faith, and political views. As medical staff is at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, several have also been infected with the virus. The increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and the introduction of the “Bayanihan to Recover As One Act” prompted the national government to improve contact tracing by recruiting additional contact tracers to be assigned to local government units (LGUs). (continued at page 2)
Gongs & Drums
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020
4TH QUARTER ISSUE
CONTENTS A Contact Tracer’s Life amid pandemic…..1 DILG feted LGU for good local governance…..3 Baguio City eServices to address the New Normal…..4 Benguet Champs Gearing Towards Streamlined LGU Process…..5 DILG orients 188 SK officials on ‘inclusive and sustainable’ peace…..6 DILG revs up anti-insurgency bid in Abra…..6 DILG trains govt units on Ease of Doing Business…..7 Apayao continues to thrive amid pandemic…..8 68 rebels get cash grants in Ifugao…..9 Pandemic complaints over financial assistance addressed…..10 DILG personnel joins orientation on constitutional reform…..11 DILG - Ifugao conducts training on e-business processing…..12 DILG conducts BDP training in Kalinga…..13 DILG conducts workshop on BBIs in MP…..14 DILG MP rolls out info caravan on e-biz and BPCO…..15 DILG, LGA kicks off forum, urges local govts to participate…..16 DILG trains LGU officials on comprehensive dev’t plan in MP…..16 DILG issues guidelines for the conduct of assembly amid pandemic…..17 DILG strengthens COVID 19 efforts, trains 571 CT in Cordi…..18 Road clearing ops resume in Cordi…..19 PCOO exec, DILG calls for ‘quality information’ amid pandemic…..20 DILG holds training on after-disaster management…..21 DILG trains local execs on local legislation, good governance…..21 Partners, govt holds regional open public dialogue…..22 DILG revs up info drive vs. extremism in Cordi villages…..23 Task force to ‘end’ insurgency convenes, promotes good governance…..24 11 Cordi LGUs, 2 civic groups feted for anti-drug campaign…..24 Legal Opinion…..25
Regional Management Team MARLO L. IRINGAN, CESO III Regional Director ARACELI A. SAN JOSE, CESO IV Assistant Regional Director MILLICENT B. CARIÑO Provincial Director, DILG-Abra MARVIN A. BASQUEZ, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Apayao EVELYN B. TRINIDAD, CESO V City Director, DILG-Baguio City RUFINA T. FEGCAN, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Benguet REGINA ELIZABETH L. MAMMAG Provincial Director, DILG-Ifugao MAX MAYER G. ADONG Provincial Director, DILG-Kalinga ANTHONY MANOLO I. BALLUG, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Mountain Province SHIRLEY EVANGELINE V. MON Chief Administrative Officer, Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) DAISY A. PAYANG Division Chief, Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) MARLEEN M. GUERZON Division Chief, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) GENEVIEVE M. SHONTOGAN Attorney IV
Contributors DILG-CAR
PAMELA MARIZ GEMINIANO ATTY. GENEVIEVE SHONTOGAN
DILG Abra
DILG Ifugao
JUDEN BETH MAGCIANO CLIFFORD PATAUEG KENNETH C. TINDUNGAN
DILG Kalinga
KRIS ALVAREZ MARK ANTHONY BALANAY
LYKA ASBUCAN
DILG Apayao
DILG Mountain Province
NILO CAMPO
GYDA NAMINGIT
DILG Baguio City
CAROL GANO SESVIR CASTAÑEDA - LOPEZ
LAYOUT AND PUBLICATION DESIGN
DILG Benguet
DARYLL JADE R. BOLISLIS PAMELA MARIZ T. GEMINIANO
RANDOLPH LIGLIGON
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RD’s Message Innovation and collective efforts in government are needed to build resilience and guarantee a quick recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and future adversities. As the government continues to face unprecedented governance challenges, we, the DILG-Cordillera will continue to serve as "one of the most important lifelines" of the government at the height of COVID-19 through close coordination with various local government units (LGUs) and other regional line agencies. Rest assured that the brand of service of the agency will continue to trumpet the call for good governance through honest, efficient and reliable public service. The last quarter of the year was a period of more intense efforts by the men and women of DILG-CAR thus this publication exemplifies the developmental milestones of the Region. Maraming Salamat po! MARLO L. IRINGAN
ARD’s Message Faced with public health crisis and its dire economic and social implications, the government's mandate is to respond immediately and efficiently to a series of challenges – from coordinating emergency responses to managing the immediate economic fallout due to lockdown measures, and determining a timeline and scope for lifting lockdown measures. The mechanisms we used in the first phase of the crisis were primarily centered on organizing the COVID-19 policy response. Over time, our roles have been modified to promote the monitoring of developments in the crisis while progressively preparing for recovery. We look forward to 2021 with renewed and inspired efforts. Our gratitude to our operating units, LGUs, and other stakeholders for their very valuable commitment and passion.
ARACELI A. SAN JOSE
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(continued from front page)
A total of 65 Contact Tracers were hired to form part of the Contact Tracing Teams in the seven (7) municipalities of Apayao. The contact tracers of Apayao under the supervision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government -Apayao Provincial Director Marvin A. Basquez in partnership with the Local Government Units and Municipalities’ COVID-19 Task Force. The DILG-hired contact tracers have successfully identified COVID-19 positive cases in the province, including individuals classified as close contacts (level 1 to level 3). They also implemented a house-to-house education campaign on the prevention of COVID-19 transmission and supported municipal health offices in the implementation of COVID-19 services. Behind the achievements in carrying out their roles and obligations are tales of hardships, difficulties, and small wins they face every time they are on the job. Reaching COVID-19 patient contacts in some barangays proved to be a challenge, particularly during the rainy season. Some barangays do not even have a phone network signal that makes phone interviews ineffective, so they really need face-to-face interviews. In Apayao, not all roads are paved, and contact tracers have to travel for more than an hour, walk through rocky and muddy roads, push through streams bravely, and often experience being drenched by unexpected heavy rains. Their determination to end the pandemic motivates them to work harder to carry out their duties and obligations. Looking at the daily numbers of the COVID-19 patients who recovered, somehow gives them hope that the pandemic will soon be over.
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DILG feted LGU for good local governance by Kris Alvarez
Bangued, Abra— The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauded the Provincial Government of Abra for providing quality of service to the Abrenos. The culmination program highlighted the recognition of the Best Performing Local Government Units in Abra. “May this recognition of efforts motivate us to work harder for the betterment of the Abreños,” said Abra Governor Maria Jocelyn Bernos during the culmination of LG month. Among the awardees for Local Government Support Fund 2020 beneficiaries are the municipalities of Bucay, Lagayan, La Paz, Manabo, Pilar, San Juan, San Quintin, Tineg, Danglas, Luba, Peñarrubia, Sallapadan, Tayum, Villaviciosa, Langiden, Tubo, Dolores, Daguioman, Licuan-Baay, Lacub, Bangued and Bucloc. While the municipalities of Lagangilang, San Quintin, Pilar, Peñarrubia, Dolores, Tineg, Danglas, Lagayan, La Paz, Tubo, Luba, Malibcong, Bucay, Manabo, San Juan, Pidigan, Sal-lapadan and Bangued were recognized for their best practices. Further, the municipalities of Bangued (1st-3rd Class winner), Danglas (4th-6th Class winner), San Quintin (4th-6th Class finalist), Peñarrubia (4th-6th Class finalist) were also recipients of the LGA. Barangay Poblacion, Luba received the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards while the Municipality of Lagayan was recognized as one of the most improved local government units (LGUs). The Provincial Government of Abra also awarded plaques of recognition to all national government agencies and civil society organizations concerned for their valuable contributions in strengthening Good Local Governance.
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Baguio City eServices to address the New Normal by Sesvir A. Lopez
BAGUIO CITY — The DILG Baguio City eServices was developed to respond to the current needs of the 128 barangays of Baguio City during the pandemic and the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), and in addition, to comply with the “No Visitor Policy'' of DILG CAR. The eServices was developed to limit the physical interaction between and among DILG Baguio City field office staff and its customers. With the e-Services, Barangay Officials can easily apply for Certificate of Incumbency by filling up application forms in the provided links. Barangays may also have their GAD Plan and Budget reviewed and approved in an instant. Submission of Barangay Reports may be done online, which saves time and resources since it does not require having to commute and fall in line, which is very much restricted due to possible exposure to the virus. Finally, customers may schedule a virtual consultation with the focal person or district officer concerned via Teleconferencing in Google Meet, Zoom, and Cisco Webex. Before the implementation of the DILG Baguio City eServices, a test run on the online service was conducted. It was followed by an Online Virtual Meeting via Google Meet on June 3, 2020 with the Barangay Secretaries of Baguio City as participants in order to orient them on its usage. The following services available in the eServices are as follows: Application for Certifications, Schedule an Online Consultation with an LGOO via Teleconferencing: 2021 Barangay GAD Plan and Budget (GPB) Review: 7 Submission of Reports, Template of various barangay reports, Status of each barangay in the timely submission of reports and Barangay Calendar. Results and Impact Due to physical activity restrictions brought about by COVID-19, the provision of services were hampered, however, due to the development and usage of the DILG Baguio City eServices, all concerned 4
stakeholders were able to continue providing services, as well as submit the required reports while practicing health protocols required by the NTF-COVID 19. Since using the eService, the City Field Office has received 1256 reports. Online submissions average at 270 per month from June to September. Both regular and special reports are submitted through the eService. Through the online service, administrative assistance through the processing of certification for loan purposes are also rendered to concerned clients. Technical services may also be provided by scheduling a teleconference with the concerned district officer. Details of the technical assistance requested are inputted in the system enabling the responding district officer to know what is needed and prepare beforehand. In addition, an online application for Foreign Travel authority is provided. Also, the eService is very flexible in terms of adding services. Recently, the Barangay Calendar was added. This aims to remind the barangays of deadlines to ensure complete and timely submission of requests. For monitoring and evaluation, DILG Baguio City field office constantly gathers feedback from the users of the online service to further improve the system.
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Benguet Champs Gearing Towards Streamlined LGU Process by Randolph Ligligon
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — With the passage of Republic Act No. 11032 also known as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) law on May 28, 2018, the Department of the Interior and Local Government here have been busy with communicating the same to the local government units (LGUs). Series of issuances were disseminated, technical assistance provided, and are still to be provided. Although the coverage of this law is the entire processes of all government entities, ranging from the national government agencies, LGUs, government owned & controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other government instrumentalities, extra effort was put with the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) of LGUs since it was observed as the process which requires numerous signatories and entails series of processes which need to be mainstreamed. This is to ensure the quick issuance of business permits and licenses to compliant business owners.
To help LGUs on the above concern, the DILGBenguet has continuously been conducting orientations, seminars, and consultationss on the above subject. One of the most recent activities was the “Orientation on eBPLS and iBPCO for the Municipality of Sablan” conducted on November 19 and 20, 2020 which aimed to introduce the system that will automate the business permitting and licensing system of the LGU. On December 2 and 7, 2020, a series of trainings on “Integrating Barangay Clearance and Permits to the Collection Process of the Municipality” for the barangays and municipal officials of La Trinidad, Itogon, Buguias, Tuba, and Tublay were also conducted.
DILG-Benguet Provincial Director Rufina Fegcan affirmed the continuous support of the Department to all the LGUs, “earlier related activities were already conducted with other Municipalities and Barangays, Prior to the EODB law, a series of reforms were and that other LGUs that have yet to be provided with already undertaken to start with the use of unified the technical assistance are expected to be convened application and establishment of BOSS. Now, what the soonest possible.” remains to be done is to have the LGUs automate their business permitting and licensing system and She said that it is partly difficult to gather huge crowds integrate the barangay clearance and permits to the due to the observance of basic health protocols and collection process of the Municipality. unfortunately, virtual teleconferencing is not much of an option since internet stability is an issue in other LGUs.
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DILG orients 188 SK officials on ‘inclusive and sustainable’ peace by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY— The active involvement of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is critical in attaining an “inclusive and sustainable peace” and to address the decades-long communist rebellion in the country, an official said. The unequivocal support of the youth to the national government’s whole-of-nation approach has a bearing on their role in peace-building,” said Marlo Iringan, Regional Director of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera. Among the topics discussed during the orientation were: NTF-ELCAC Joint Memorandum Circular 201901, Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Youth and Student Recruitment Strategies, and Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). Of the 188 SK officials who attended the orientation, 74 are from Abra, 19 in Apayao, 68 in Baguio/Benguet, 17 in Ifugao, six in Kalinga, and four from Mountain Province. Meanwhile, a total of PHP3.3-million worth of assistance has been given so far in 2020 to Former Rebels (FR) in the region under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Further, RD Iringan said that there are three on-going construction of E-CLIP Halfway Houses located in Apayao, Baguio City, and Ifugao are on-going. These are in addition to the Halfway Houses constructed in Abra, and Mountain Province. On the sidelines of the orientation, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Regional Director Alden Masagca said they will continue to provide and disseminate timely and accurate information on peace and security situations. “We will also continue to conduct Orientation on the Youth and Students Recruitment to boost awareness of the youth on what is really happening in our society—that no one is gaining good in joining the rebel groups,” he said. He also urged the parents of the youth to be more vigilant with the different propaganda on a daily basis of terrorist groups posing as legitimate organizations. (With a report from Trisha Marie Dogup)
DILG revs up anti-insurgency bid in Abra by Mark Anthony Balanay
BANGUED, Abra — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here in cooperation with the local government units (LGUs) of Lacub, Malibcong and Sallapadan, simultaneously conducted the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Core Team Convergence in their respective areas of responsibility. The activities were attended by DILG personnel, barangay officials of the target RCSP barangays, and mayors, vice-mayors, Sangguniang Bayan members of the target RCSP municipalities. Representatives of various national government agencies also participated in the said activity. The event became the venue for the review of Executive Order (EO) No. 70, activities related to the introduction of non-negotiable RCSP activities under DILG MC No 2020-095 or the Remedial Steps for the Localisation of EO 70 and all DILG peace-building initiatives. 6
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The local chief executives also committed to support the government’s thrust in curbing insurgency in the whole country. Meanwhile, Sallapadan, Abra, Mayor Garde Cardenas encouraged his fellow local officials and other stakeholders to unite and work hard towards the attainment of sustainable peace and development in the municipality. The RCSP is an inclusive program that aims to address the issues of the community by closing the governance and development gaps through the provision of needed government PPAs while ensuring that development is sustained and peace is being promoted.
DILG trains govt units on Ease of Doing Business by Nilo Campo
LUNA, APAYAO — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here conducted training for local government units to boost their competitiveness on the implementation of Ease on Doing Business (EODB). Through this activity, participants are able to modernize the issuance of business permits and occupancy certificates. They also have their action plan as to when to communicate their learning and the potential implementation of effective cost recovery and fair fees and charges in their LGUs. Further, the participants were also capacitated on integrating barangay clearance in the LGU permitting process. The said activity was conducted on October 8, 2020 in Flora, October 9, 2020 in Sta. Marcela, October 21, 2020 in Pudtol, October 27, 2020 in Luna, and October 29, 2020 in Conner. The activity was attended by the Municipal Mayors, Municipal Engineers, Sanitary Inspectors, Zoning Officers, Municipal Treasurers, Business Processing and Licensing Officers (BPLOs), Punong Barangays, Barangay Treasurers and the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs).
Participants are being capacitated on the issuance of business permits and occupancy certificates during the conduct of training on EODB in Apayao.
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Apayao continues to thrive amid pandemic by Nilo P. Campo
LUNA, Apayao — The Province of Apayao has been in constant combat with numerous calamities, and the province has always proved its resilience. A new problem this year presented a threat to the province, the COVID-19 pandemic took everyone by surprise, and everything changed all of a sudden. Movements have become limited, services became expensive, and constituents have been displaced thus the economy is getting worse and people are getting hungry. This situation prompted local chief executives (LCEs) to think about measures in response to this new challenge. Numerous initiatives, projects and activities have been planned, legislated, financed and implemented to tackle and reduce the impact of COVID19 in the province. One of these measures is the preparation of the Apayao Recovery and Resiliency Plan, under which the Barangay Development Consultation and Planning Workshop was held in each of the municipalities last September 2020. The one-day Barangay Development Consultation and Planning Workshop was participated by all the Punong Barangays, various NGOs and CSOs, Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Bayan members, Municipal Department Heads, Provincial Department Heads, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, the Vice Governor and the Governor.
stakeholders’ participation. “It’s about time for us to think of how we can recover from our losses [during this pandemic] embrace our new normal lives and, make living sustainable in the province,” Apayao Governor Eleanor Bulut-Begtang stressed in her directional message in one of the consultations. Among the initiatives considered to promote economic activities in barangays are: venturing in commodity-based livelihood activities, development of livestock, poultry and agri-fishing, investment of seed capital in accredited people's organizations and capacity building and skills training for small enterprises, processing and marketing. She also said that backyard gardening as a practice notably yielded positive impact not only to the households but in the entire province and was encouraged to be expanded. “We will strive to continue living with the use of our own resources,” Begtang also said as a challenge to the barangays for them to develop self-sufficiency and resiliency.
Meanwhile, DILG Provincial Director Marvin Basquez said that the activity is in line with the COVID-19 national action plan that requires all agencies and instrumentalities of the government This activity is carried out in order to set the directions particularly the LGUs to come-up with recovery and for the development of the province in response to resiliency plans towards the new normal. the "new normal" and the holistic development of the province, where specific initiatives in the economic As part of this activity, the Provincial Government of and health sectors aimed at preserving food security, Apayao has provided each municipality with a sum community empowerment and boosting the overall of PHP5,000,000.00 and PHP200,000.00 for each socio-economic recovery in the various barangays barangay to assist them in implementing their own in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic have been priority programs and activities to tackle the effects developed. of the pandemic. The conduct of this activity ensured inclusive participation of barangays in the development process and in the formulation of the Apayao Recovery and Resiliency Plan (2021-2022). In this activity, the barangays identified policies, programs, projects and activities in response to the new normal and toward the achievement of the barangays' development goals and recommend specific mitigating measures/ remedial actions for the short and long-term with 8
With the approval of the Apayao Recovery and Resiliency Plan (ARRP), the province is now more secured, backed by programs and activities to face the challenges of the new normal as well as future natural calamities and ensured socio-economic stability with high level of resilience. Apayao is one of the six Provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region. It is a landlocked province in
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between the provinces of Cagayan, Abra, Ilocos Norte and Kalinga. It has a total land area of 4,413.35 square kilometers and a population of 119,184 as of the 2015 census. Apayao is majorly a mountainous province traversed by many rivers. The province has seven municipalities namely: Calanasan, Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, Pudtol and Santa Marcela with 133 barangays. Since the province’s inception and separation with the province of Kalinga through RA No. 7878 on February 14, 1995, the province thrived and grown to be peaceful and continues to develop.
68 rebels get cash grants in Ifugao by Juden Magciano
LAGAWE, Ifugao — A total of sixty-eight Former Rebels (FRs) and Militia ng Bayan (MB) received their Livelihood Settlement Grants (LSG) worth PHP20,000 each under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), an official said.
“As member of the E-CLIP Committee (ECC), the Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) and all the other assistance given to the FRs - like the DILG package of assistance - is in line with one of the objectives of the ECLIP which is to facilitate the mainstreaming of the FRs as productive citizens,” said Provincial Director Regina Elizabeth Mammag of DILG Ifugao.
She also commended all the members of the ECC, chaired by Provincial Governor Jerry Dalipog, and the ECLIP Technical Working Group for the strong and continuous support in the implementation of the ECLIP. The LSG is a program implemented in the local level by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through their Sustainable Livelihood Program. It is supported by the Provincial E-CLIP Committee (ECC). The ECLIP Awarding was graced by DSWD Assistant Secretary Joseline Niwane and DSWD-CAR Regional Director Leo Quintilla. It was also attended by the members of the ECC, other national agencies, representatives from the LGUs of Asipulo, Tinoc and Aguinaldo, and other LGU officials.
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Pandemic complaints over financial assistance addressed by Carol Gano
BAGUIO CITY--When the threat of COVID-19 was elevated to the highest level of Code Red Sublevel 2 due to reports of persistent population transmission of the disease in March 2020, the Filipino communities, more than the 18 million low-income families, were struggling to survive economically. In trying to control the spread of the disease, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the declaration of community quarantine in the National Capital Region on March 15 and for an Enhanced Community Quarantine for the entire Luzon on March 17. The declaration of community quarantine corresponds to the imposition of stringent social distancing measures that restricted the population’s mobility resulting to alternative work arrangements in the public and private sector, suspension or closure of business establishments, suspension of mass transport, imposition of curfew hours and heightened community quarantine by some local government units. An emergency subsidy to low-income families was provided by the national government through Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. Special guidelines immediately set in motion the processing of this emergency subsidy called Social Amelioration Program (SAP). To fast track implementation in Baguio City, DILG City Director Evelyn B. Trinidad initiated the conduct of coordination meetings between the City Government of Baguio and implementing national government agencies. A strategy is needed since national government set the deadline for pay-outs to be done within two weeks.
City was mobilized to customize a system where forms gathered and validated in the barangays were encoded into the system and printed out as pay-roll. Target beneficiaries for Baguio City was 45,000. Actual beneficiaries was 47,287. Day one at the SAP Operations Center saw the staff of the DILG Baguio and three staff of the Assessor’s Office of the City Government as the encoders. Call for volunteers was sounded and many responded. Many as interviewers in the 128 barangays of Baguio, others as encoders, still others man the relief operations center. At least 621 volunteers supported the distribution of the SAP and relief operations, with the City Government providing transportation and food. Many more volunteers are not listed, whose deeds they chose not to make public. Still, trying to hasten the identification of beneficiaries, DILG Baguio helped set up the one-stop shop at the barangays. Many stories can be recalled from this experience. There are those who insist that they are qualified while there are those who voluntarily returned the SAP since they got the subsidy from DOLE. Still, others would humbly say that let others benefit from SAP once they understood its intent.
There are those who would call to demand for relief packs – a senior barangay official delivering the food packs does not even receive any “thank you” from the much younger caller. Others still are very thankful for whatever support they receive. There are those who choose to put others down with their words, or texts, or social media posts but there are legitimate calls for help as well. The barangay The City Government of Baguio through Mayor officials, many are senior citizens, tried their very best Benjamin B. Magalong and CSWDO Betty Fangasan to respond to the needs of their constituents. requested the use of the DepEd Division Office as the Operations Center for SAP. The MITD of Baguio The DILG Baguio Opcen was flooded with complaints,
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many when verified, have already received some kind of support either in the form of food packs from the national government or local government (City and Barangay) or other organizations, including vegetables from the farmers of Baguio and Benguet.
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For more than a month from April 7 until May 20, an army of volunteers passed through the doors of the SAP OpCen. Indeed, hard times bring out one’s true character but many like the hundreds of volunteers – who gave their time and resources -- made this an opportunity to rise above the situation and grow.
DILG personnel joins orientation on Constitutional Reform by Kenneth C. Tindungan
LAGAWE, Ifugao—The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) personnel attended the orientation on constitutional reform through video teleconferencing. In his opening message, DILG Regional Director Marlo L. Iringan said that Constitutional Reform plays an integral part in lobbying for an autonomous status in the region. National Chairperson of the CoRe Movement, Atty. Vicente Homer Revil provided an overview of the program highlighting the amendments to the 1987 Constitution shall be introduced with the hope of empowering the regions towards a full devolution of the present centralized government powers and functions. Also, Professor Alfredo Sureta, Jr. discussed the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) which is computed according to the recommended computation of the CoRe, which is higher in nominal value and compared it to how the IRA is computed according to the Mandanas Ruling of the Supeme Court. Then Professor Eric Daniel de Torres highlighted that the CoRe seeks to resolve the problems on term limits (five-year terms), political parties and political dynasties while Gary Olivar underscored how the CoRe will introduce economic policies that will improve the country’s economy to be at par with the rest of the ASEAN countries and to the world as a whole.
DILG personnel joins the regional orientation on Constitutional Reform through video teleconferencing on October 12, 2020.
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Dilg-Ifugao Dilg-Ifugao conducts conducts training trainingon on e-business e-business processing processing by Clifford Pataueg
LAGAWE, Ifugao-- The Department of the Interior and Local Government Ifugao (DILG-Ifugao) in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Bureau of Fire Protection-Ifugao (BFP) conducted training on Electronic Business Permit and Licensing System (E-BPLS) which allows the taxpayers to file their application for new and renewal of business permits online, enabling the local government units (LGUs) to process these applications electronically. This activity aims to train target participants to be able to acquire the necessary knowledge on the revised Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) standards and develop technical skills on automating or computerizing their BPLS using the E-BPLS software developed by DICT.
demonstration. He also discussed the necessary documentary requirements before LGUs can avail of the software like provision of needed IT equipment, etc. In ending, ways forward for this activity is the passage of a resolution by the SB allowing the LCE to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DICT. With this, the Department has high hopes that LGUs will be able to streamline their Business Permit and Licensing System by the end of year 2021.
The participants were from the Municipal Governments of Banaue and Mayoyao, Ifugao with premises that they are potential tourist destinations and that they are among the LGUs in Ifugao that were not yet trained on the said software. DILG Ifugao LGOO VI Kenneth Tindungan discussed RA No. 11032 otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and the salient provisions of the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 S. 2016 known as the revised standards in processing business permits and licenses in all cities and municipalities. SFO2 Andy Puguon of the BFP presented the BFP complementary reforms specifically the processing of the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) and Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC). DICT representative, Donald Trinidad presented the e-BPLS software thru a discussion and actual
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The DILG, in coordination with DICT, and BFP - Ifugao conducts training on Electronic Business Permit and Licensing System (E-BPLS) which allows the taxpayers to file their application for new and renewal of business permits online, enabling the local government units (LGUs) to process these applications electronically.
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A total of 25 participants were capacitated in the conduct of the Barangay Development Plan (BDP) Formulation Workshop.
DILG conducts BDP training in Kalinga by Lyka B. Asbucan
TABUK, Kalinga — The Department of the Interior and Local Government in partnership with the Provincial Government of Kalinga have successfully conducted a Barangay Development Plan (BDP) Formulation Workshop for the barangay officials, civil society organization (CSO) representatives, youth and other functionaries here. This is in compliance with the provision of Section 384 of the Local Government Code of 1991 which states that “the barangay is the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects and activities in the community. All barangays are mandated to have a comprehensive multi-sectoral development plan to be spearheaded by the barangay development council and approved by its Sanggunian.” Meanwhile, DILG Kalinga, LGOO V Hanna Lynel Elvena said that there were 25 participants composed of members of the Barangay Development Council, CSO, and youth in treading their development thru the formulation of their Barangay Development Plan. Further, DILG Kalinga reminded that barangays must perform their mandates in promoting the interest and general welfare of their residents. Within their respective territorial jurisdiction, the barangays shall ensure and support, among other things, the acts stipulated under Section 16 of LGC. The barangays must also ensure the efficient and effective provision of basic services and facilities expressly stipulated in Section 17 of LGC. “A plan with a budget, therefore, is the very way to bring down services to the grassroots level in order for their constituents to know that their government is working for them,” she said.
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DILG conducts workshop on BBIs in MP by Gyda H. Namingit
Bontoc, Mountain Province — In order to strengthen the barangay-based institutions (BBIs) of the seven communist terrorist group-affected barangays in the Province, the Department of the Interior and Local Government conducted capacity building activities such as formulation/ review/updating of Barangay Development Plans (BDPs), and reorientation on Executive Order No. 70 and Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). More than 130 barangay officials and members of the BBIs of the following barangays: Balintaugan, Bagnen Oriente, Otucan Norte and Otucan Sur of Bauko; Tamboan and Gueday of Besao; and Ankileng of Sagada attended the activity. The training management team was composed of the technical staff from the DILG Mt. Province and the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) from the ELCAC municipalities. Topics discussed were the salient features of Executive Order No. 70 and the Retooled Community Support Program (RSCP); and the BDP Planning Process. Several planning workshops have been conducted during the formulation of their BDPs. The training management team also gave updates on the proposed programs, projects and activities (PPAs) for BBIs during the public consultations conducted in 2019. LGOO V Perry Bacwaden reiterated on the importance of having BDPs. He said that these documents are the basis of funding agencies thus all identified PPAs should be integrated in their BDPs. He further said that the PPAs should address the issues and concerns of the community. “Addressing issues at the barangay level will help in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace through the provision of barangay needed PPAs for the development of the communities,” said DILG MP PD Anthony Manolo Ballug. He said that if the grassroots level felt the presence of the government, then they will help and cooperate in addressing issues and concerns on peace and order, corruption, criminality, and insurgency. The end result of the capacity building activities is the BDP for 2019-2022 of the 7 ELCAC barangays.
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DILG MP rolls out infor caravan on e-biz and BPCO by Gyda H. Namingit
Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Mountain Province continues to roll out information drive on Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System (eBPLS) and Building Permits and Certificate of Occupancy (BPCO) for the municipalities of Bauko and Tadian, an official said. Cluster Head Samson Appoy urged the local government units (LGUs) to institute reforms that will create a favorable business environment for their clients and ensure that permits and licenses are issued on time.
that the application and issuance of business permits, building permits and certificate of occupancy is for their safety. A total 22 participants attended the information caravan which composed of Municipal Administrators, Fire Marshalls, Municipal Engineers, Business Permits and Licensing Officers (BPLOs), Municipal Treasurers, IT Officers, Building Officials, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), representatives from the Assessor’s Office, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOO) .
Technical personnel from DILG – MP and Bureau of He said that the eBPLS and eBPCO will help the Fire Protection – Mountain Province served as resource LGUs process permits faster and more accurate persons and facilitators. with reduced documentary requirements, faster processing time, shorter queues, and reduced number During the information caravan, the salient features of R.A 11032 otherwise known as the Ease of Doing of signatories for transactions. Business and Efficient Delivery of Government In an interview, Municipal Planning and Services Act at the local level, JMC 2016 – 01 (Revised Development Coordinator Jovencio Palingping of Standards in Processing Business Permits and Licenses LGU Tadian, expressed that the implementation of in All Cities and Municipalities, integration of barangay Ease of Doing Business law and the JMCs is very clearance in the LGU Permitting process, JMC 2018 challenging since there is a need to improve the – 01 (Guidelines in Streamlining the Processes for internet connectivity of their municipality. the Issuance of Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy) were highlighted, and an AVP on Palingping underscored that there is a need to DICT’s eBPLS software was shown. An open forum conduct information and education campaign (IEC) concluded the activity where all issues and concerns on the matter for the community to understand. were addressed by the resource speakers. He said that it is important for the people to know
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DILG, LGA kicks off forum, urges local govts to participate by Regional Information Unit
for the implementation of the full devolution in 2022. Of the 16 forum sessions organized, five were classified as major thematic sessions and as follows: Localizing SDGs for Socially Protective, Safe and Inclusive Local Governments, Philippine Local Governance Reimagined, Making Local Governments Accountable in Protecting Environment, Outpacing COVID-19: Boosting Local Economic Development for Stronger PH Local Governments and Strengthening Disaster Preparedness and Management towards Good Local Governance.
There were nine sponsored sessions: Intensifying Localized Peace Building Efforts; Leading Local Green Economic Recovery in a COVID-19 Context; Tourism: Story-based Tourism for Towns in the New Normal; Converting Adversity to Opportunity: Rejuvenating Local Economy through Tourism Development; #YOUthCanDoIt: Young Leaders in Local Governance; Next Generation LGUs; Research, Technology, and Partnerships Empower Great Cities; “The Philippine Local Government Forum (PHLGF) Gender, Indigeneity, and Disability: Role of LGUs is a celebration of the birth of decentralization and in Empowering the Marginalized; and Transforming local autonomy in the country that was realized Cities Post COVID-19 Pandemic: Smart City, through a landmark legislation known as the Local Mobility, and Transportation. Government Code of 1991,” said Araceli San Jose, Assistant Regional Director of DILG-Cordillera. BAGUIO CITY— As the government celebrates the 29th anniversary of the Local Government Code of 1991, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Local Government Academy (LGA) and other partners are urging all government officials/functionaries to take part in the month-long celebration.
She underscored that the Local Government Code of 1991, also known as Republic Act No. 7160, paved the way for the local government units’ autonomy and decentralization of powers and functions from the national to the local level, building self-reliant communities and accountable local government structures.
DILG trains LGU officials on comprehensive dev’t plan in MP
She said that the agency together with the LGA and other partners bring the Philippine Local Government Forum – a month-long knowledge exchange activity which carries the theme, “Strengthening Good Local by Gyda H. Namingit Governance towards Sustainable and Resilient Filipino Communities.” BONTOC, Mountain Province—At least 40 LGU officials were trained by the Department of the “Our forum partners organized thematic sessions with Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the highly relevant topics anchored on various areas of formulation of a Comprehensive Development Plan governance and the sustainable development agenda, (CDP) to determine thrusts and priorities to guide to influence local governments make informed future development, and boost LGU service delivery. decisions and lead communities towards a sustainable and resilient future,” she said. The 40 participants are local government executives, legislative officials, department heads, and sectoral Adding, “the 16 forum sessions organized by LGA in representatives of the municipalities of Tadian and coordination with our partners are focused on imparting Sabangan. relevant and practical knowledge meaningful in identifying opportunities and recommendations to “When you plan, you are trying to solve issues, improve local actions and policies,” she said. concerns and problems of the communities,” said Cluster Head Samson Appoy during the training The sessions aim to support the LGUs in preparing workshops. 16
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He also lauded the two municipalities for preparing their road map for the development and progress of their respective municipalities. Meanwhile, Sabangan Mayor Marcial Lawilao Jr. encouraged the planning team to participate in the training workshop so that they will be able to come up with a good CDP. He said that the CDP will be their legacy and will be the guide of the LGU which will contribute in the realization of their vision of a “Happy Sabangan”. Municipality of Tadian SB Member Louie Buned said that the concept of the CDP is also applicable in their legislative office as it is important to know the current level of services to its constituents, the resources available and the environmental factors which will affect policies they have to craft to achieve the desired results. During the session, each group was divided into five sectors: economic, social, infrastructure, environment, and institutional. Each sector group planned programs, projects, activities, services, and legislative requirements for the identified issues and concerns. The resource speakers walked the participants through the CDP process from the organization of planning team, revisiting of their existing plans and review of their vision, preparation of ecological profile and structured list of programs, projects and activities (PPAs), preparation of local development investment program, and preparation of needed implementation instruments such as capacity development agenda, monitoring and evaluation strategy among others.
DILG issues guidelines for the conduct of assembly amid pandemic by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY—An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera is urging the barangay executives to strictly follow the guidelines in the conduct of Barangay Assembly for the second semester.
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Araceli San Jose, Assistant Regional Director of DILG Cordillera said that all barangays are allowed to conduct their Barangay Assembly Day for the Second Semester of CY 2020 on any of the Saturdays or Sundays of October and November in compliance with DILG Memorandum Circulars and in accordance with the policies and guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). “It should also be in compliance with the enacted local ordinance/s in line with the implementation of the community quarantine in the locality,” she said. The Barangay Assembly may be conducted, through any of the following modes: Utilizing the social media platforms, particularly via Facebook Live; Distribution of flyers, leaflets or similar materials within the barangay jurisdiction and through mobile announcement or radio guesting, whenever applicable. ARD San Jose said that the conduct of Barangay Assembly is mandated by Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code which states that it should be conducted at least twice a year to hear and discuss the semestral report of the barangay concerning its activities and finances as well as problems affecting the barangay. She also reminded that barangay officials’ failure to hold a Barangay Assembly can be a ground for administrative complaint that may be filed by a concerned citizen or governmental or nongovernmental entity before the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan or to the Office of the Ombudsman. The Barangay Assembly carries the theme: “Barangay Bayanihan sa Panahon ng Epidemya Para sa Kaligtasan ng Mamamayan”. “The barangays are also enjoined to post or hang posters or banners bearing the Barangay Assembly Day Theme in conspicuous places in the barangay like the barangay hall, plaza, main street, transport terminals, public market or talipapa, and if available, in official website or FB page of the Barangay,” she said. ARD San Jose also encourages the barangays to live stream their Barangay Assembly through Facebook Live and post pictures and videos of the assembly in various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #barangayassemblysecondsemester2020.
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DILG strengthens COVID 19 efforts, trains 571 CT in Cordi by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY—More than 500 Contact Tracers (CTs) were trained both face-to-face and through virtual teleconference last October 1-2, 2020, as part of the government’s campaign against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Of the 571 contact tracers, 176 were trained face-to-face in Baguio; while the remaining 397 newly hired contact tracers were trained via virtual teleconference broken down as follows; 119 in Benguet; 90 in Abra; 34 in Apayao; 50 in Ifugao; 60 in Kalinga; and 42 in Mountain Province. During the training, the topics included an overview of emergency health responses; elements and associated risks of COVID 19; analyzing contact tracing tools and processes; and, cognitive interviewing technique. The new CTs will be assigned to contact tracing teams deployed in different local government units (LGUs) throughout the region. The teams are composite units led by municipal or city health officers with members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams and volunteers from civil society organizations. A contact tracer conducts interviews, profiling and performing an initial public health risk assessment of Covid-19 cases and their identified close contacts, as well as refer the close contacts to isolation facilities. The DILG is the lead agency in contact tracing pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 25. Hence, On April 24, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2020-077 directing local government units to establish their own task forces against Covid-19, including contact tracing teams. The task force would give the LGUs the authority to take the lead in contact tracing efforts. Meanwhile in Baguio, Contact Tracing Czar and City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led the oath taking of 176 contact tracers hired by the DILG to help LGU Baguio in tracing probable and suspected coronavirus disease carriers. He said that the city still has high testing rate and contact tracing efficiency ratio and is focused on managing the situation through all control measures pursuant to the PDITR (Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate) strategies embodied in the National Action Plan 2. “We keep on emphasizing the government movement ‘Disiplina Muna’ and people look up to us because of our responsible and disciplined citizenry. We hope we can sustain it. Bida po ang may disiplina,” he said. 18
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Road clearing ops resume in Cordi by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) calls on the local government units (LGUs) in the region to continue the implementation of the government’s road clearing policy in areas with less restrictive community quarantine starting on November 16. Marlo Iringan, DILG Regional Director, said the continuation of road clearing operations is in line with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-145, which gave local government units (LGUs) until January 15, 2021 to clear any obstruction of roads within their jurisdiction. He underscored that LGUs must completely enforce the President's road clearing directive in areas under Modified Community General Quarantine (MGCQ), while partial implementation of the measure is permitted in areas under GCQ. In accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the implementation of road clearing is suspended in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified ECQ to ensure that LGUs will focus all efforts on containing the spread of COVID-19. The road clearing initiative is in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to reclaim public roads that are being used for non-public ends, especially to rid them of unlawful structures and making sure that they are not used as parking spaces. In 2019, the President tasked the DILG to oversee the actions taken by the LGUs in clearing road obstructions and reclaiming public roads.
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PCOO exec, DILG calls for ‘quality information’ amid pandemic by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY— An official of the Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged information officers, focal persons to continue providing strong, comprehensive and unified communication structure to combat disinformation especially in times of health crisis. Speaking before more than 100 participants during the two-day Strategic Communications Webinar Cum Capability Workshop here, Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael said that Information officers (IOs) and Focal Persons of the government are given the critical role to foster truthful information to better inform the people especially amid the pandemic. “When communicating in times of pandemic, we, as public servants, must speakout, take responsibility and humanize the government's efforts so that the public will understand that what we do is beneficial to them,” said Asec Rafael. She also underscored that failure of IOs and focal persons to explain a current situation may lead to public panic, noting that communicators should sustain the government efforts in providing relevant and accurate information to the general public. Meanwhile, DILG Assistant Regional Director Araceli San Jose said that IOs serve as the link between the government and the people through information dissemination activities. Noting, “IOs help restore people’s trust in government, combat fake news and misleading information by coming up with communications strategies that are crucial during crisis.” Among the topics covered are News and Feature Writing, Establishing Media Presence, Laws and Regulations in the Use of Social Media, Infographics and Social Media Management.
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DILG holds training on after-disaster management by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here conducted a three-day training to address operational challenges such as lack of knowledge on proper care and protection in handling the retrieved bodies and missing persons during a disaster. “The training aims to equip Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), the personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the DILG with general knowledge and understanding of the policies and guidelines in handling deceased and missing persons and their bereaved families”, said DRRMO focal Ralph Kevin Brett of DILG-CAR. He underscored that the government plays a fundamental role in the standardization of tasks in the recovery, handling, identification and final disposal of corpses, as well as handling of missing persons and grieving relatives while ensuring compliance with legal regulations and respecting the dignity of deceased and their families, in accordance with their cultural and religious beliefs. It can be recalled that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 19 in 2016, which provides the policies, guidelines, plans and implementation procedures pertaining to all aspects of DRRM including the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons (MDM). The DILG is the lead agency in the MDM. It has the prime responsibility in planning, monitoring and evaluation of MDM implementation and coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies in disaster victim identification, disposition of the dead, management of missing persons and management of the bereaved families. Further, the participants were also briefed on Incident Command System (ICS) aimed toward minimizing damage to property and possible loss of lives during disaster response operations. ICS is a standard on scene incident management concept that can be used by all response teams. It enables users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to respond and empower communities and make them more resilient. (With a report from Danilo Azarcon, Jr)
DILG trains local execs on local legislation good governance
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by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY—The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here continues to equip the newly-elected and re-elected local government officials with knowledge on local governance and legislation, especially on their roles in addressing pandemic, and in attaining peace and resilience towards inclusive and sustainable development. “The Program for Newly-Elected Officials (NEO) is a continuing intervention of the DILG, through the Local Government Academy (LGA), in its commitment to provide a harmonized and holistic capacity development delivery mechanism for local governments all over the country,” said Araceli San Jose, DILG Assistant Regional Director. (Continued in page 22.)
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(Continued in from the previous page)
She noted that the said program is in line with the Department’s mandate to further strengthen the capability of local governments aimed towards effective and efficient delivery of basic services to the citizenry by helping NEOs effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities, as well as be able to define their development roadmaps. The NEO program aims to provide interventions anchored on the LGU Capacity Pillars: structure, competency, management, enabling policies, knowledge and learning, and leadership. The program is composed of Five Components that collectively aim to transform local government units (LGUs) through a series of interventions that span from their assumption in office until the end of their terms.
NEO’s five components ARD San Jose said that the program has five components offered to all NEO, regardless of whether they are serving their first term or re-elected: ensuring a smooth transition, jumpstarting local governance, creating the roadmap for LGU development, sharpening the competencies of LGU officials and staff, and LGU performance management. The two-day capacity building program includes information dissemination and campaign awareness on ‘Disiplina Muna’ as well as President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict and the discussion on the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling and full devolution which will impact the LGUs starting 2022.
Partners, govt holds regional open public dialogue by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY—The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) together with its partners recently concluded the regional open public dialogue to strengthen the public's trust in the government through open and public dialogues co-designed with civil society and which focused on relevant and emerging issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said. Dubbed as “Dagyaw’ 2020: Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Town Hall Meetings, DILG Assistant Regional Director Araceli San Jose explained that the conduct of the dialogue is anchored in the objective of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Sub-task Group on governance which is to ensure people-centered, clean, technology-enabled, and responsive governance in addressing COVID-19 and to restart social and economic activities. 22
“The conduct of the regional 'Dagyaw' served as an avenue for the people to voice their questions, complaints, and recommendations in an organized forum for constructive engagement,” - ARD Araceli San Jose
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Adding, “It brings together government officials, representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the academe, and the stakeholders to share their knowledge, recommendations, and their programs and projects for their respective sector.” “Dagyaw” virtual dialogues kicked-off on November 23, with “Usapang Ekonomiya” highlighting the sharing of experts from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Tourism (DOT). Another session was conducted on November 26, focusing on “Usapang Gobyerno”: Coping and Thriving with COVID-19 IP Concerns with experts from the Municipal Government of Sadanga, City Government of Baguio, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). "Usapang Edukasyon: Kahandaan sa New Normal: Paano? and "Usapang Sosyal: Pag-iwas sa pang-aabuso ng kababaihan at kabataan: Paano?” were also included in the sessions with experts from the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Child and Family Service Philippines Inc. (CFSPI). In response to the strong call coming from mental advocates, Dagyaw 2020 was concluded with the session on Mental Illness and Wellness: Taking Care of Mental and Physical Health Amidst COVID-19 The “Dagyaw” series of virtual dialogues are made possible through the combined efforts of various government agencies led by DILG, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in close cooperation with Cordillera Network (CORDNET) of NGOs Alay sa Kapatid Foundation (AKAP), and CFSPI.
DILG revs up info drive vs. extremism in Cordi by Regional Information Unit
BAGUIO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to conduct activities in villages to strengthen the resiliency of community members against violent extremism and to prevent any future involvement of citizens in harmful activities, an official said. “These activities aim to provide village leaders with adequate knowledge that will encourage them to create preventive measures against violent extremism,” said Mary Jheama Canullas, DILG-Cordillera Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) V and focal person on Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism (PCVE). The Department has 191 target barangays (villages) in the region for the said series of activities. Of the 191 barangays; 15 are from Abra, 24 in Apayao, 16 in Kalinga, eight in Mountain Province, and 128 in Baguio City.
Vulnerable sectors in the community Meanwhile, JR Tenebro, LGOO IV of DILG CAR explained that women, ethnic minorities, young people, and religious groups are the identified sectors of the community that are vulnerable to radicalization and violent extremism. “Despite being identified as members of the vulnerable sector, each still has a role in preventing and countering violent extremism. They should also be included in the decision-making processes of the barangay in order to prevent them from getting involved in violent extremist activities,” he said. Adding, “They should be empowered to speak as credible voices, be involved in policy-making in their respective areas, and be politically active not only at the local but also on the national level.” 23
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Task force to ‘end’ insurgency convenes, promotes good governance BAGUIO CITY—In a bid to further strengthen the government’s efforts to combat the communist insurgency and other armed conflicts, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) convened in promoting integrity and good governance among cluster members.
The program espouses a focused, coordinated, and sustained delivery of the government’s basic services as well as social development packages in poor, conflict-affected and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the region. (RIU/DILG-CAR).
11 Cordi LGUs, 2 civic groups feted for antidrug campaign
BAGUIO CITY--A total of 11 local government units (LGUs), and two civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Cordillera region received recognition during the 2020 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) special awards program for their exemplary efforts on their role in complementing the national government’s anti-illegal drug programs amidst the pandemic, and Adding, “Leadership requires its own set of skills, for their relentless effort in eradicating drug menace but genuine management is a foundational skill to with drug prevention programs over the years. becoming an effective leader,” he said. Of the 11 LGUs, the municipalities of Buguias, Meanwhile, in a speech delivered by the Department Kibungan, and La Trinidad in Benguet; the of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Cameron municipalities of Pudtol, Luna, Conner, and Sta. Odsey, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development Marcela in Apayao; and municipalities of Pilar, and Security (CORDS) for Cordillera and DA Tineg, Lacub, and San Juan in Abra were recognized Secretary William Dar underscored that all hands are for having achieved 100 percent performance of their needed to achieve the goals and targets of the ELCAC respective local anti-drug abuse councils. with policy advice, technical assistance, and financial Consequently, two CSOs namely Council for the resources. Restoration of Filipino Values, and Shalom Kalinga “All agencies of government must plan to allocate were awarded for working relentlessly on their antibudgets for specific programs, projects, and activities illegal drug programs amid the pandemic. under ELCAC and must continue to consolidate and guide a whole of government approach to end local “The Department of the Interior and Local Government communist armed conflict and address development (DILG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) believe in the effectiveness of the Barangay concerns in affected communities,” he said. Drug Clearing Program as a whole-of-nation approach He emphasized that there is a need to advance in addressing the drug problem in the country to social and economic development of the region as maintain the momentum of our fight against illegal a deterrent against local communist armed conflicts drugs amidst pandemic, and the recognition of efforts and aggression, and as a main thrust in alleviating the of our LGUs, and CSOs,” said Araceli San Jose, Assistant Regional Director of DILG-CAR. impact of the pandemic in the region. “One of the many challenges we face right now is how to resist temptations, particularly in monetary terms apart from enforcing good governance in our jurisdiction,” said RTF-ELCAC Co-Vice Chairperson and presiding officer, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
“Our thrust sought to advance the quality of life and well-being of our fellow brother and sister Filipinos above political beliefs and orientations throughout the region and in identified communist influenced barangays,” he said. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), created thru President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, supervises the RTF-ELCAC which is responsible for the implementation of the national programs and policies at the regional level. 24
ARD San Jose explained that the Department, in partnership with PDEA, decided to give special awards to cities and municipalities that have sustained the drug-cleared status of their drug-affected barangays as well as those that have sustained the drug-free status of their unaffected. The performance award was established last year through a Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
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DILG and DDB set the performance indicators of a functional ADAC as a measurement for effectiveness in support of the reduction of drug affectation in the country. The DILG also issued a subsequent Memorandum Circular No. 2019-117 that established the ADAC performance audit that would gather data on ADAC functionality and effectiveness and determine the highly functional ADACs.
Legal Opinion Corner
Propriety of the conduct of cockfight every Thursday of the week to entertain visitors and for the fund-raising campaigns of the Liga ng mga Barangays.
DILG Opinion No. 75 S. 2019
Legal Basis: Tan vs. Perea GR No. 149743, February 18, 2005
While Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, now governs as to the authority of the Sanggunian Bayan to authorize or license establishment, operation, and maintenance of cockpits, it is still subject to the limitations laid down in Presidential Decree No. 449, otherwise known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974. Section 5(d) and (e) of PD 449
(e) Cockfighting for Entertainment of Tourists or for Charitable Purposes. Subject to the preceding subsection hereof, the Chief Constabulary or his authorized representative may also allow the holding of cockfighting for the entertainment of foreign dignitaries or for tourists, or for returning Filipinos, commonly known as “Balikbayan”, or for the support of national fund-raising campaigns for charitable purposes as may be authorized by the Office of the President, upon resolution of a provincial board, city or municipal council, in licensed cockpits or in playgrounds or parks: Provided that this privilege shall be extended for only one time, for a period not exceeding three days, within a year to a province, city, or municipality.
It is clear from the foregoing that cockfighting may only be held during Sundays, legal Holidays, local fiestas and during provincial, city, municipal, agricultural, commercial, industrial fairs, carnivals, or expositions for not more than three (3) days
It may also be allowed for the entertainment of the foreign dignitaries or for tourists, or for returning Filipinos, or for the support of national fund-raising campaigns for charitable purposes provided that this privilege shall be extended for only one time, for a period not exceeding three (3) days, within a year to a province, city or municipality. Further, the aforecited provision also lays down a prohibition. It states that no cockfighting on the following: • Dec. 30 (Rizal Day), June 12 (Philippine Independence Day), November 30 (National Heroes Day), Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Election or Referendum Day and during Registration Days for such election or referendum. Considering that the request is for the cockfight to be held every Thursday, we are of the view that this is not in line with the guidelines set forth. We also respectfully submit that the fund-raising campaigns mentioned in the law pertains to that of the national government.
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DILG-CAR QUALITY POLICY We, the DILG-CAR, commit to embrace competence, integrity, responsiveness and dedication in empowering and nurturing our LGUs to become resilient, progressive, business-friendly, and socially protective through excellent PPAs for the progress of our Region and the happiness of the Cordillerans. We pledge to continually improve the effectiveness of our Quality Management System to provide the highest quality service compliant to applicable legal requirements by Stepping Up to Challenges and Changes thru Excellent and Sustainable Strategies.
car.dilg.gov.ph DILG Cordillera dilgcarcloud@gmail.com (074) 442-0085 / 442-6339
Matino. Mahusay. Maaasahan.