Updates on DILG Programs: PAMANA, BUB/SALINTUBIG, PCF, etc.

PCF Features Seal of Good Local Governance Civil Society Organizations DRRM Updates Field Reports Eviction and Demolition Personnel Movements

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Page 2

Like a vehicle that you shift gears to increase speed once it builds up momentum, or to slow down to concentrate force perhaps on steeper slopes, so too should we in our public ser-vice.

In the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), we have implemented several recurring programs, projects and activities, most of which we have gotten quite a good grasp of the operationalization already. So much so that we could say we have already built up the momentum. For these PPAs, it’s high time we shift gears to take ad-vantage of its multiplying effect to accelerate speed.

Why? Because it will come to a point that stepping harder into the accelerator will no longer result to acceleration. Like the pedal, if we just do what we do with haste as the only changing factor, we only open ourselves to haphazard work. We need to shift gears—upgrade systems, improve structures and level-up operations to bring our work into greater heights, even if we have done it many times before.

But what about programs that are new to us, and the De-partment? Or perhaps program we notice we have reduced efficacy in the performance of?

Sometimes, even most of the times, accomplishing work on time will not suffice. There needs to be a higher level or qual-ity of output required. That in which even if we have done it on time, we end up doing the whole thing again because of errors and mishaps. Rework cancels out the fact that the out-put was submitted on time to begin with.

That is the time that we need to shift gears into the “slowly but surely” type of setting. Let us not wait for the time that we will catch ourselves too engrossed with dead-lines that we turn out half-baked outputs. For critical pro-grams, most especially, let us shift gear into the more con-scious, deliberate, effective performance of our work.

Let’s not be content with accomplishments for the sake of compliance. Think deeper: what are all these for? Whom do we serve? Think ultimately of the persons impacted by the work that you do and appropriate your effort to what they deserve.

We are after all doing public service. Service entails the giving of ourselves. Let us be generous in doing so and serve with passion and compassion. Let us be the vehicle that peo-ple ride toward development.

Editorial 3

PAMANA UPDATES

DILG 13 releases P 36.6M PAMANA checks 4

RPOC 13 Welcomes 2014 and new PNP RD 4

GPB UPDATES

RPRAT of Caraga GPB in Full Swing 5

P 32M for Caraga Water Projects 5

PCF Updates

60 Caraga LGUs get P82M PCF 6

Hinatuan Evacuation Center: A Look at Success 7

COVER STORY

DILG’s SGLG vamps up SGH 8-9

LGRRC

Milestones of LGRRC Caraga 10

Dissecting the Award-Winning Balanghai Exhibit 11

CSO ENGAGEMENTS

CSOs: Mapping CSOs in Caraga Region 12-13

18 LGUs to set up Volunteer Desks 13

FEATURES

The Road to becoming Full-Fledged LGOOs 14-15

NEWS 16-17

DRRM-CCA

Beyond Monitoring: DILG Caraga provides Relief Assistance to flood-affected BXU barangay

18

FIELD REPORTS

Launching of the 1st Barangay Forest Tree Park Along Agusan River Basin

19

LEGAL, FINANCE AND ADMIN 20-21

LEISURE 22

contents

About the cover DILG rolls out the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

It is an upscaled version of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH). From merely looking at transparency and accountability in terms of financial transactions, we now urge our Local Government Units to pursue other fields of governance to excel at: Disas-ter Preparedness; Social Protection; Business Friendliness and Competi-tiveness; Peace and Order; and Envi-ronmental Management.

This will be the new standard. This is the new yardstick that which all LGUs will be measured upon. And one day, when every LGU is an SGLG recipient, wouldn’t we be living in a better Phil-ippines then?

Photo by ECMahusay; Words by DMOPatrimonio.

Page 3

EDITORIAL

The DILG is undergoing change. Change which is ultimately for the better.

In the past few months alone, the Depart-ment has implemented, and others yet to be, up-scaled versions of several of its Programs, Projects and Activities.

The Barangay Governance Performance Management System (BGPMS) and Local Govern-ance Performance Management System (LGPMS) have undergone improvements; the Full Disclosure Policy Portal has been redesigned; the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) vamps up Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH); the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) has major changes in its guidelines; the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) which replaces Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) and Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) both have increased budget caps; the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) have strengthened procedures; and several others have yet to undergo major facelifts and revamps.

All these for what?

These are all initiatives of the Department under the leadership of Secretary Mar Roxas as contributions to President Aquino’s overarching thrust for poverty reduction and inclusive growth. All these are ways for which the government, not just the national government, but down to the grassroots — the Provincial, City, Municipal and even Barangay government units — reach out to the people that would allow the widest coverage in service provision, through competent and con-scientious (Mahusay at Matino) public servants.

Programs are upscaled not to make them less and less accessible by our Local Government Units, they are so because the government wants to impact the poor and the masses, and even be-yond that, all constituents of this Republic. That to us is poverty reduction and inclusive growth. Something worth all the trouble to change. Change that is indeed for the better.

EDITORIAL

PAMANA UPDATES

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The Department of the Interior and Local Government Cara-ga Region (DILG 13) released a total of P30.8 Million worth of checks for PAMANA 2013 projects and P5.8 Million worth of checks for PAMANA 2012 projects for the first quarter of 2014.

These releases were the second tranches for each project comprising the residual 20% of the total project cost. The first tranche of 80% was released upon approval of the project and the second tranche was withheld until the project is completed and the first tranche liquidated.

Of the P30.8 Million, P27 Million was given to the province of Surigao del Norte on February 20, 2014; P2.8 Million was given to the province of Surigao del Sur on January 8, 2014; and P1 Million was given to the province of Agusan del Norte, also released on February 20.

There were also P5.8 Million worth of second tranche checks released during the first quarter of 2014 for the PAMA-NA 2012 projects. Of this, P4.9 Million was given to the prov-ince of Agusan del Sur on February 5 and P0.9 Million to Agu-san del Norte on three separate occasions, on January 9, Janu-ary 13 and February 20.

The release of the second tranche was recommended and approved upon attainment of the preset requirements by the provincial government. This is in accordance with Joint Memo-randum Circular No. 1 series of 2012 between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and DILG.

PAMANA is the convergence framework through which the national government, the local government units and develop-ment agencies provide targeted interventions in identified con-flict-affected areas.

The portfolio of PAMANA projects for 2013 consists of 93% connectivity projects (amounting to P208 Million) and 7% Basic Services projects (amounting to P15.3 Million). Although increasing in value by as much as 41%, this was a narrowing down in terms of coverage by 50% as compared to the previ-ous year. PAMANA 2012 projects amounted to P158 Million with 86% connectivity projects, 7% agricultural investments; 6% basic services and 1% disaster preparedness projects.

PAMANA 2013’s connectivity projects are broken down into road projects (1 in Agusan del Norte, 7 in Surigao del Norte and 6 in Surigao del Sur); and bridges (1 in Surigao del Norte and 1 in Surigao del Sur).

The Basic Services projects were mostly potable water sys-tems (6 projects) and are all in Surigao del Sur. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

DILG 13 releases P 36.6M PAMANA checks

RPOC 13 welcomes 2014

and new PNP RD The Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council

(RPOC) welcomed the new Regional Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP), PCSupt. Dominador E. Aquino, Jr., as they convened last February 13, 2014 at Big Daddy’s Ribs to Go, J.C. Aquino Ave., Butuan City to discuss peace and order situation and other related concerns.

RD Aquino now sits as acting Vice Chair of the RPOC 13, together with Butuan City Mayor, Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., M.D., as acting chair. They await for the for-mal appointment of their chairmanship and vice-chairmanship from SILG Mar Roxas as chair of the Na-tional Peace and Order Council (NPOC) with the ap-proval of the President of the Philippines.

Discussed during the meeting, among others, were the Peace and Order Situation in the Region; Illegal Drugs Situation; the 544th Engineering Construction Brigade; the PAMANA-DILG Fund Updates; and some other matters. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

PCSupt. Dominador E. Aquino, Jr., new PNP Regional Director, also sits as Vice Chair of the RPOC.

GPB UPDATES

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The Department of the Interior and Local Government Caraga Region (DILG 13) released a total of P32.048 Million worth of second tranche checks for the Provision of Potable Water Supply projects under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (now called Grassroots Participatory Budgeting) 2013 for the first quarter of 2014.

These releases were the second tranches for each project

comprising the 50% of the total project cost. The first tranche of 50% was released upon approval of the project and the second tranche was withheld until the completion of the Detailed Engineering Design, signed contract with con-tractor and 10% liquidation of the first tranche.

P2.95 Million went to Agusan del Norte for 2 potable wa-

ter system projects. P1.95M was released to Carmen on Feb. 17, 2014 and P1M to Buenavista on Feb. 25.

P4.405 Million went to Agusan del Sur for 9 water system

projects. P2M for the three (3) projects in Bayugan City; P0.775M for five (5) projects in Santiago; and P1.63M for one (1) project in San Luis. These were released to the first two municipalities on Feb. 14, and the latter on Feb. 24.

P12.825 Million went to Surigao del Norte for 23 projects.

P1.893M went to Surigao City for their 13 water projects; P4M to Socorro for (4) projects; and P0.8M to Pilar, P1.025M to Mainit, P1M to Del Carmen, P0.507M to Malimono and P3.6M to Tubod with one (1) water project each. The checks were released on Feb. 21, Feb. 24, Feb. 14, Feb. 20, Feb. 21, Jan. 18 and Jan. 9, respectively.

P6.891 Million went to Surigao del Sur for their 13 water

projects. P1.1.M went to San Miguel for 3 projects; P1.0785M to Lianga for three (3) projects; P1.4M to Hinatuan for three (3) projects; P0.75M to Bislig for two (2) projects; P0.5625 to Tago for one (1) project; and P2M to the province for Surigao del Sur for the single water project in Lingig. The-se were released on Feb. 17, Feb. 12, Jan 30, Feb. 20, Feb. 24 and Jan 30, respectively.

One priority poverty reduction project identified by the

participating cities and municipalities under the BUB is the Provision of Potable Water Supply. This is part of the govern-ment’s effort to achieve Goal No. 7, specifically Target 7C of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Out of the P1.810 Billion budget for FY 2013 implementation of the Pro-vision of the Provision for Potable Water Supply, an amount of P1.060 Billion is allocated for the infrastructure invest-ment requirements of the water supply projects for the 348 target cities and municipalities under the BUB. Of which, 27 are from Caraga Region. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

The Caraga implementation of the Grassroots Participatory Budg-eting (formerly known as Bottom-Up Budgeting) is in full swing after 30 members of the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) of Caraga Region coming from 13 agencies of the government met last January 24, 2014 at the DILG Caraga Regional Office, Libertad, Butuan City, setting their eyes on the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) provincial validation for Fiscal Year 2015 spread out in the months of January and February this year, 2014.

What was once referred to as the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) is

now called Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) through the Joint Memorandum Circular Number 4 (JMC No.4) issued by the Depart-ment of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of the Inte-rior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), to emphasize the role and significance of the local communi-ties in uplifting their situation towards inclusive growth and develop-ment.

Among the provisions of the JMC No. 4 is the composition and

functions of the RPRAT. This includes the conduct of validation of pro-ject proposals which are to be consolidated and submitted to NAPC by March 2014. Butuan City was first to conduct their validation on Janu-ary 29 at Pietro’s Square. Surigao del Sur followed suit and conducted theirs on January 30 at the Shacene Grand Ballroom in Tandag City. Then on February 5, Agusan del Sur did theirs in Mabe’s Savory Place, Barangay 1, San Francisco. February 7 saw the convening of the Agu-san del Norte LPRATs at the Provincial Training Center, Butuan City. Surigao del Norte had their turn on February 11 at the Surigao City Cultural Center. Last to conduct their validation was the Province of Dinagat Islands on February 12 also at the Surigao City Cultural Cen-ter.

In all of these provinces, the RPRAT together with the respective

province’s LPRATs were able to validate the project proposals for GPB 2015; orient the LPRATs and all personnel involved in the GPB at the provincial level about the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)—the evolved form of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH)—and the new Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS); assess the status of GPB implementation in 2013; and conduct preliminary discussions to start the implementation of GPB projects for 2014.(Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII; with reports from Eirene Mahusay)

(From Left to Right): DILG GPB Anchorperson, LGOO VI Jocelyn C. Jayoma; DILG Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, CESO IV; and Mr. Richard Vil-lacorte, Project Monitoring Office-GPB, DILG Central Office.

RPRAT of Caraga GPB in Full Swing P 32M for Caraga Water Projects

PCF UPDATES

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A total of 82 Million pesos worth of Performance Chal-lenge Fund (PCF) checks were issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Caraga Regional Office (DILG 13) for 60 Local Government Units (LGUs) distributed during the series of Provincial Validation Ac-tivities of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) in the months of January and February 2014.

The checks were for PCF projects proposed in 2013 for implementation this year, 2014. PCF is an incentive mechanism for LGUs with good performance in local gov-ernance. The portfolio of projects in the region included 34 projects totaling P 42 Million for Local Economic De-velopment; 15 projects totaling P27 Million for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Climate Change Adap-tation (DRRM-CCA); 8 projects totaling P10 Million for Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM); and 2 pro-jects totaling P 2 Million for achieving Millennium Devel-opment Goals (MDG).

The 60 Caraga LGUs were the second to sixth class provinces, municipalities and cities which attained silver grade during the 2012 Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) assessment. These are broken down into 2 provinces; 5 component cities; and 53 municipalities. Of the provinces, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur were not among the prioritized provinces as they are not second to sixth class provinces. The Province of Dinagat Islands was not in-cluded in the 2012 SGH as it has not yet reclaimed its pro-vincial status during the assessment.

The LGUs were those that have: (1) unqualified or qualified opinion rendered by the Commission on Audit on the LGU’s 2011 Financial Statements; (2) full compli-ance to the Full Disclosure Policy of local budget and fi-nances, bids and public offerings; (3) organized and func-tional Bids and Awards Committees (BAC) pursuant to the standards set by law; (4) compliance to the on-line procurement posting requirement through the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS); and (5) excellent or good rating as indicated in the Report Card Survey on the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act for 2012.

Under PCF, provinces shall receive P7 Million, cities P3 Million, and municipalities P1 Million each.

Ten (10) Surigao del Sur LGUs received their checks during their LPRAP Provincial Validation on January 30 at the Shacene Grand Ballroom in Tandag City. These were: Tandag City, Barobo, Bayabas, Lanuza, Lianga, Cortes, Bislig City, Cagwait, Carmen and Hinatuan. Of the aggregate amount of P20 Million for the province, P7 Million was for LED (7 projects); P7 Million on ESWM (5 projects); P5 Mil-lion DRRM-CCA (3 projects), and P1 Million on MDG (1 pro-ject).

Four (4) Agusan del Sur LGUs received their checks on February 5, again during their provincial validation in Ma-be’s Savory Place, Barangay 1, San Francisco. These were: Talacogon, Veruela, Santa Josefa and Bayugan City. Of the aggregate amount of P7 Million for the province, P5 Million was for DRRM-CCA (3 projects), and P2 Million on LED (2 projects).

All eleven (11) Agusan del Norte PCF 2013 LGUs got their checks during the LPRAP Validation as well. It was on February 7 at the Provincial Training Center, Butuan City. These were: the province of Agusan del Norte and the mu-nicipalities of Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, RTR, Santiago, Tubay and Cabadbaran City. Of the aggregate amount of P19 Million for the prov-ince, P1 Million was for DRRM-CCA (1 project), and P18 Million on LED (10 projects).

Four (4) Surigao del Norte LGUs received theirs during the February 12 LPRAP Validation at the Surigao City Cul-tural Center. These were: Mainit, Bacuag, San Francisco and Gigaquit. Of the aggregate amount of P 28 Million for the province, 14 Million was for DRRM-CCA (6 projects), P13 Million on LED (13 projects), and P1 Million on ESWM (1 project).

Five (5) other Surigao del Norte LGUs received their PCF checks from the DILG Regional Office. Pilar and Alegria re-ceived theirs on February 14; San Benito on Feb 18; and Burgos and Sta. Monica on Feb 21. (Don Manuelo O. Patri-monio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

60 Caraga LGUs get P82M PCF

PCF FEATURES

Page 7

Hinatuan because of its location and geography is prone to several natural hazards: typhoon, landslide, flood, storm surge, earthquake and tsunami. Since some natural hazards are a part of the everyday life of the residents and affect the social, economic and environmental lives of communities, it is therefore imperative that strategies aimed at reducing vulnerability and reducing risk be targeted at building resilient structures.

Hinatuan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council’s relentless campaign to achieve zero casualty during dis-asters has already gained national recognition when it bagged the 1st place award in the 2013 National Gawad Kalasag Award for the municipality category (1st-3rd class) after placing 3rd in 2012. No time to rest on the municipality’s laurels, so to speak, Munici-pal Mayor Candelario J. Viola, Jr., MDRRMC Chairperson, consid-ered the feat as a challenge for the LGU to serve more, and that his administration will continue to work for the safety of every resident and maintain zero-casualty during calamities. The recog-nition demonstrated anew that Hinatuan is a model local govern-ment unit in the country in terms of execution of disaster risk re-duction program.

Balancing cash on hand and the needs of the municipality has

practically become an art form. LGU has the latitude to utilize the funds where need is greatest. Utilizing the P1 million subsidy from Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), the Municipality of Hinatuan already unveiled the newly constructed evacuation center located at Barangay Bitoon. The construction of the evacuation center drew acclaims from other LGUs and lauded Mayor Viola for setting a record by making Hinatuan the first to have a disaster evacuation center in the province. Indeed, preparedness measures can take many forms including the construction of Evac-uation Center.

Mayor Viola has proven once more that his actions truly speak louder than words,’ by ensuring that a permanent shelter would be constructed at a distance safe from waters and landslide where affected residents can take shelter in time when pre-emptive evacuation is advised. The evacuation center would also help ease the pressure on public schools and barangay halls that are used as temporary evacuation sites in times of storms and other severe weather events. Work will start soon towards con-struction of Evacuation Center Phase II. It will be completed with the basic facilities such as kitchen and comfort room.

The structure will serve residents from the areas constantly

dislocated by natural disasters. It has a capacity of at least 2,000 individuals, will provide victims of calamities and disasters a more convenient place to temporarily stay in, because it is more spa-cious. It is multi-purpose in nature and is designed to be utilized also as covered court during ordinary days or normal situations. “When a disaster is impending, often the safest course of action is to evacuate people from harm’s way” Mayor Viola said. (Gemma S. Millan-IO)

The Hinatuan Evacuation Center located at Barangay Bitoon serves victims of calamities and natural disasters. It is multi-purpose in nature and is designed to be utilized also as covered court during ordinary days

This evacuation center-cum-multi-purpose hall is built in Ba-rangay San Juan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The project is part of the relentless campaign of the local government to achieve zero casualty during disasters.

Hinatuan Evacuation Center: A Look at Success

COVER STORY

Page 8

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Caraga Region (DILG XIII) oriented the 5 Caraga provinces and the highly-urbanized Butuan City on the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) during the series of Local Poverty Reduc-tion Action Plan (LPRAP) Provincial Valida-tion activities from January 29 to February 12, 2014 and reiterated by a speaker from the DILG Central Office during the LGU Summit organized by the Land Bank of the Philippines last February 21, 2014 at Al-mont Inland Resort, Butuan City.

Officially launched last January 15,

2014 at the Philippine International Con-vention Center, the SGLG replaces the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) in pro-moting transparency and accountability in local operations.

During its rollout in 2011, 77% of all

provinces, cities and municipalities across the country were able to pass the SGH. And even after introducing another tier in the SGH making 2 categories—bronze and silver—in 2012, 84% of these Local Gov-ernment Units (LGUs) still passed. This high percentage was deemed indicative of the readiness of LGUs for greater chal-lenges and thus, more stringent assess-ment.

Now, from only looking at good finan-

cial housekeeping, the SGLG will also look at disaster preparedness; social protec-tion; business-friendliness and competi-tiveness; peace and order; and environ-mental management.

The financial aspect of the Seal of

Good Housekeeping is now the “Good Financial Housekeeping” assessment area, one of six for the SGLG. This still looks at sustaining the practice of accountability and transparency through COA-compliant Financial Statements; compliance to Full Disclosure Policy; compliance to Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) standards; com-pliance to Philippine Government Elec-tronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS); compliance to Anti-Red Tape Act, etc.

The SGLG also looks at “Disaster Pre-

paredness” to prepare LGUs for the chal-

lenges by disasters; “Social Protection” to ensure LGUs are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society like Women, Children, Indigenous People, and Persons with Disability; “Business-Friendliness and Competitive-ness” to encourage investment and em-ployment; “Peace and Order” to protect the constituents from threats to life and security; and “Environmental Manage-ment” to safeguard the integrity of the environment and, at the minimum, comply with the mandates of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

However, LGUs are not expected to

comply with all six assessment areas. In its 2014 implementation, SGLG will be apply-ing a “3 plus 1” principle, meaning: an LGU needs to pass all the three core assessment areas (Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness) and at least one from the essential areas (Business-Friendliness and Competitive-ness, Peace and Oder, and Environmental Management).

This was among the topics discussed

during the LPRAP Provincial Validation ac-tivities in Butuan City, Surigao del Sur, Agu-san del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands on January 29, 30, February 5, 7, 11 and 12, respectively, in each of these locations. During which, the DILG 13 also conferred the congratulatory letters of Secretary Mar Roxas for the SGH 2012 passers (74 obtain-ing silver ratings, and 2 receiving bronze ratings).

Like the SGH, the SGLG will be a requi-

site for LGUs to access funds from the na-tional government through programs such as Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), Grassroots Participatory Budg-eting (GPB) which replaces Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB), Performance Challenge Fund (PCF); Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG); Special Local Road Fund (SLRF); etc. And as explained in the Land Bank-organized LGU summit, the SGLG will also be a requisite for the LGUs to be able to apply for loans from banks. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

DILG’s SGLG vamps up SGH

General Procedure

Coverage, Frequency & Partner

The SGLG covers provinces,

cities and municipalities.

It will be implemented annual-

ly starting CY 2014.

DILG partners with the

Leagues of Provinces, Cities

and Municipalities, other

NGAs, the Academe, Private

Sector and Civil Society

Groups in all phases of the

SGLG implementation (i.e.

assessment, validation, selec-

tion and awarding)

Assessment and Validation

Recognizing diversities, as-

sessment criteria vary by LGU

level and income class. Assess-

ment draws from the primary

data and secondary (certified)

data from other agencies.

National and sub-national vali-

dation are to take place.

Validation approach includes

document inspection, on-site

visit, and/or interview.

Data Gathering begins in the

first quarter of each year. Vali-

dation starts in the second

quarter.

Selection and Awarding

The DILG with partner organi-

zation select qualified LGUs

for the Seal of Good Local

Governance.

Selection starts in the 3rd

Quarter while Awarding takes

place in October of each year.

COVER STORY

Page 9

3 + 1 3 + 1 principle

Design by ECMahusay

COVER STORY

LGRRC

Page 10

to several

Scholarship grants to LGU personnel through Philippine Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRODF).

LGRRC

Page 11

This year’s Gnosis Synergia showcased the different Local Governance Regional Resource Centers (LGRRC) from all regions housed under one roof. Held at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City last Febru-ary 28, 2014, the event cloistered participating ex-hibits but one stood out. Adjudged the Best Exhibit, the Balanghai Exhibit of DILG Caraga bested all oth-er regions’ entries. Under the leadership of RD Lili-beth A. Famacion, the Balanghai Exhibit took the form of the Butuan Boat used in early maritime trade as far back as 320 A.D.

Gnosis Synergia:Gnosis Synergia:

Mast and Sail

Bow Hut

Stern

Dissecting the Award-Winning

When the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts, there is synergy.

The same is true for the Balanghai boat. It is a wooden struc-ture composed of several parts — bow, stern, hut, mast and sail—and although each part serves a purpose, it is only as a whole that the balanghai manages to get to far-off places.

And like the Balanghai Boat, the Local Governance Regional Resource Center of Caraga (LGRRC 13) consists of several parts—or core services—that together enable knowledge management, (i.e. creation, sharing, utilization, evaluation) for the cross-cutting field of local governance in the region.

Mast and Sail

The sail is the fabric that catches wind to propel the sailing vessel. It is held by the mast (the pole that holds up the sail) which also contains the rigging that connects to the other parts of the vessel.

The Linkage and Networking activities of the LGRRC serve to create and engage knowledge partnerships with various sectors in the region. It connects the LGRRC 13 to the internal DILG structure and to external partners and engagements as well. It is like the rig-ging that ties the mast to the rest of the ship and the sail that pro-pels it to explore farther. The sail of the balanghai exhibit presented the varied partners engaged by the DILG in its programs towards attaining its desired outcomes.

Stern

The back-part of the ship which contains controls to set the direction of the ship (rudder, riggings, etc.)

The Multi-media facets of the LGRRC 13 were showcased in the balanghai’s stern. The tools made up the various media modali-ties that push the programs and advocacies of the LGRRC to the directions deemed best. The stern contained sample collection of videos and other online and on-site resources available in the LGRRC 13.

Bow

The front-most part of the ship, it is designed to reduce the resistance of the hull by cutting through the water and prevent it from easily washing over the top of it.

The Public Education on Good Governance and Citizen Development is like the bow in the sense that it pushes the pro-grams and advocacies to targeted clients and audiences. It aids in “cutting” through to get the message across and make accessible the services of the LGRRC.

The deck of the balanghai exhibit at the bow side showcased several public education materials generated or collected by the LGRRC 13 for dissemination and sharing.

Hut

The hut is the living quarters of the balanghai where voyag-ers find shelter during the expedition.

This part of the ship carries the passengers. So too is the Ca-pacity Development Service of the LGRRC for the main function of which is to mold and capacitate people in the field of local gov-ernance by utilizing the knowledge available in the LGRRC.

The balanghai’s hut contained several sample CapDev materi-als, e.g. training modules, activity designs and reports of past ac-tivities in LGRRC 13.

******

The confluence off all these parts enables the vessel to move, and move far. Similarly, the convergence of all four core services — Linkage and Networking; Multi-Media Knowledge and Services; Public Education on Good Governance and Citizen Development; and Capacity Development — make for an LGRRC that pushes Local Governance farther. Or at least that is what it intends to do. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

CSO ENGAGEMENT

Page 12

In recent years, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have in-creased participation in local governance. The presence of CSOs have been mandated by law in certain cases, e.g. as observers in the proceedings of Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) under the Procurement Law (RA 9184), and as members of Local Special Bodies under the Local Government Code (RA 7160). In other cases, they have been called for through Joint Memorandum Cir-culars as in the case of Local Poverty Reduction Action Teams (LPRATs) under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB).

Also in other issuances, they are needed: as in the case of the Regional Assessment Teams (RAT) of the Local Governance Per-formance Management System (LGPMS) and Seal of Good Local Governance; the Regional Performance Challenge Fund Manage-ment Team (RPCFMT); in Regional Awards Committees (RAC) of both the Local Legislative Awards (LLA) and the Lupong Tagapa-mayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA); and for all Barangay-Based Institutions. In all these cases, CSOs are to be represented.

And even still, they are needed in several other instances, for instance the Full Disclosure Policy in which LGUs need to secure certifications from CSOs of their compliance of posting of re-quired financial statements in conspicuous places.

Much of these scenarios depict how involved the CSO is as a sector in the local governance arena. But just who are the CSOs?

According to the Centre for Civil Society of the London School of Economics, Civil Society is “the arena of uncoerced collective action, around shared interests, purposes and values. In theory, its institutional forms are distinct from those of the state and market…”

Arising from this definition, we have the following types of CSOs: cooperatives, non-government organizations, civic organi-zations, peoples organizations, social movements, and profes-sional/industry associations.

A nationwide survey for the purpose of mapping out the CSOs in the country was conducted last May to July 2011 by the De-partment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Academy (LGA) in partnership with the Phil-ippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) as part of the project “Vigilance to Vol-unteerism: Program Intensifying People’s Engagement in Local Governance (V2V PIPELOG). A purposive sampling design was used due to budget and time constraints and it covered 15 re-gions and 69 provinces. The final output was published with the title, “Diversity and Discovery: Mapping Civil Society in the Phil-ippines.”

The results of this study for each region have been culled out during a training activity on Data Consolidation and Analysis for Civil Society Organization Mapping conducted last March 24-27, 2014 at One Tagaytay Place, Tagaytay City. The findings for Cara-ga are as follows:

Cooperatives

There were 63 cooperatives from Caraga included in the sur-vey. Examples of which in the region are Alambique Rural Im-provement Club Consumers Cooperative in Gigaquit and Bacuag Fisherfolks Consumers Cooperative in Bacuag.

NGOs

Social development organizations, foundations and independ-ent research institutions fall in this category. There were 8 NGOs from Caraga included in the survey. Examples of which in the region are Propegemus and SIKAP, both in Butuan City.

Civic Organizations

This is any local service club, fraternal society or association, volunteer group, or local civic league or association. Red Cross of the Philippines and Jaycees are examples of Civic Organizations. In Caraga, there were 7 Civic Organizations included in the sur-vey.

People’s Organizations

Community-based organizations and labor unions fall in this category. 8 CSOs in Caraga were people’s organizations in the survey. Examples are: Bayugan Meat Vendor’s Association in Bayugan City and Dapa-Consuelo-Gen Luna Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in General Luna.

Social Movements

These are large informal groupings that aim to affect social change . Religious movements are included in this category. Only one (1) Caraga-based CSO of this type was included in the survey.

Professional/Industry Association

Professional associations are duly incorporated non-stock corporations by registered professionals while industry associa-tions are composed of businesses in the same industry. Examples of which are Chambers of Commerce and the Caraga Association of Business Processing and Licensing Officers (CABPLO). Only one CSO of this type was included in the survey.

******

Despite the large number of organizations covered, the study, however, disclosed that among its limitation is the fact that it still cannot be assumed that the findings are representative of the entire civil society sector. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

Editor’s Notes:

For more of the CSO mapping results, please visit caraga.dilg.gov.ph

The CSO Mapping might be a little dated so if you know of any existing

CSOs, especially those with existing active engagements with DILG in the region, please give the Name of the Organization, Contact Person

and number via email to official@caraga.dilg.gov.ph/

CSO: mapping Civil Society ORGANIZATIONS In CARAGA REGION

CSO ENGAGEMENT

Page 13

mapping Civil Society ORGANIZATIONS In CARAGA REGION

DILG Caraga Region, in coordination with the Local Government Academy, spearheaded the Roll Out Ori-entation on Volunteer and Citizenship Program – Managing and Organizing Volunteers Effectively (VCP-MOVE) to 18 Local Government Units in the region (i.e. 1 Highly Urbanized City, 2 component cities, and 15 municipalities) on March 19-20, 2014 at the Buenavis-ta Hall, Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City.

Republic Act No. 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007 mandates the establishment of volunteer pro-grams in national government agencies and local gov-ernment units to promote and encourage volunteering in government programs and projects. This is backed up by Memorandum Circular No. 23 series of 2012 of the Civil Service Commission and eventually led to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 27 series of 2013 for the implementation of the VCP. Its components are: (1) establishment of Volunteer Database Management, Capacity Building, Information and Education Cam-paign, Establishing of Volunteer Help Desks, Monitor-ing and Evaluation, and Awards and Recognition.

The two-day activity was a way for the DILG to promote the VCP as a program and it did so by cascad-ing the principles and systems of volunteerism to the participants, who were designated Volunteer Desk Officers; HRMO or Administrator or staff; and the City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOO) of the DILG.

It was also a venue for participants to gain knowledge and develop skills to gain understanding and competency in the eventual operationalization of the VCP in their own localities. The participants went home committing to give feedback regarding the pro-gram to their respective Local Chief Executives as well as to work out or finalize the designation of their Vol-unteer Desk Officers and setting up of their Volunteer Help Desks through the issuance of an Executive Or-der, mostly targeted within the first semester of 2014.

Ultimately, the Volunteer Help Desks will serve as the coordinating unit that will create the demand for volunteers which can be supplied by volunteers com-ing from volunteer networks in the region, from the national level (e.g. Jesuit Volunteers of the Philippines, AMA, and other volunteer networks), even interna-tional (e.g. VSO Bahaginan) or the local community itself. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG

XIII)

18 LGUs to set up

Volunteer Desks

FEATURES

Page 14

Top 1: LGOO II Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

(Regional Office)

Top 2: LGOO II Michelle V. Calo

(Agusan del Norte)

Top 3: LGOO II Redgy V. Panilan

(Surigao del Sur)

Top 4: LGOO II Bryan F. Edulzura

(Regional Office)

Top 6: LGOO II Ferdy Benigno R. Avila

(Agusan del Sur)

Top 8: LGOO II Ian Reigh M.

Elimancio

Rising-up to the challenge of becoming a fully-trained Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) of the De-partment is an arduous process which requires the aca-demic and behavioral performance of every trainee. Only those who endure the training is said to be prepared for the rigors involved in the work of an LGOO.

The Phase 1: Center Training was hosted by Region 10:

Cagayan de Oro City under the Training Manage-

ment of Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos with

the supervision of the Training Coordinator- ARD

Nilo P. Castañares. It was a clustered Training

comprised of the whole DILG regions of Minda-

nao (including ARMM and with the exception of

Region 11 having no trainees) and Region 7: Cebu

which started from August 18, 2013 and ended on

October 10, 2013.

After enduring the hurdles of the Phase 1: Center Training

and passing the required standards of the seven (7)

Modules, six (6) of the Caraga LGOO trainees

out of thirty-eight (38) competent train-

ees topped the Mindanao and

Region 7 – Visayas

Cluster:

Ca

raga

Tra

inees C

onquer

48

th Batch L

GOO Train

ing

LGOO Train

ing

“It is indeed important that LGOO

trainees should undergo the field im-

mersion since what is learned in the

classroom (center training)are vali-

dated through actual experience and

application of which learnings are

either reinforced or negated.”

– Michelle V. Calo

“The Center Training and the Super-

vised Field Practice were tests of

character. Embracing complicated

situations and learning to under-

stand beyond patience the different

personalities of people have made

me a versatile person .

– Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

“The simulation component of the training is

not only a test of expertise and competence but

it examines our characters in dealing with vari-

ous situations with tact and confidence. Learn-

ing to handle situation with grace under pres-

sure is imperative in local government opera-

tion dynamics. The simulation component has

served the purpose.

– Bryan F. Edulzura

By LGOO II Florian Faith Jr.

P. Bayawa

FEATURES

Page 15

All

of the four-

teen (14) Caraga

trainees passed the Com-

ponent II - Phase I: Center Train-

ing and Phase II: Field Immersion mak-

ing the region proud of their accomplishment

and the display of their notable endurance for a period

of more than six (6) months. In addition to the abovemen-

tioned top-notchers, these trainees proved their competence

for passing Phase 1 and 2 training of Component II:

LGOO II Ma. Rosario M. Ambray

LGOO II Hazel Anne C. Baluca

LGOO II Gretchen N. Dumanjog

LGOO II Desiree S. Bajan

LGOO II Arvin R. Silvosa

LGOO II Genalin C. Pegaro

LGOO II Jacky Mellorin

LGOO II Jomar Salmoro

Phase II of the training

was implemented in the home

region of the participants for a period

of at least three (3) months starting October

23, 2013 to February 28, 2014 with their assigned

Municipalities for their supervised field practice under the

supervision of their Field Immersion Supervisors. The field

assignments of the trainees were the following:

Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte:

LGOO IIs Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa &

Hazel Anne C. Baluca;

Mainit, Surigao del Norte:

LGOO IIs Desiree S. Bajan,

Jomar Salmoro &

Bryan F. Edulzura;

San Jose, Dinagat:

LGOO IIs Redgy V. Panilan,

Ma. Rosario M. Ambray &

Genalin Pegarol;

Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur:

LGOO IIs Gretchen N. Dumanjog,

Jacky Mellorin &

Ferdy Benigno Avila; and

Esperanza, Agusan del Sur:

LGOO IIs Michelle V. Calo,

Ian Reigh M. Elimanco &

Arvin R. Silvosa.

Ca

raga

Tra

inees C

onquer

48

th Batch L

GOO Train

ing

LGOO Train

ing

“The training has

equipped me in

order to become an

effective catalyst of

change to the com-

munity.

– Desiree S. Bajan

“It was a long journey

filled with amazing expe-

riences. The whole train-

ing has put us into a blaz-

ing fire and we came out

improved and well-

rounded LGOOs”

– Hazel Anne C. Baluca

“I consider this as an op-

portunity for us to act on

our own while keeping in

mind that we are guarded

by the realm of reality and

that we are bound by higher

authorities.

– Ma. Rosario M. Ambray

“For me personally, being assigned in

this place is a great privilege because I

was able to observe and witness how the

local officials, different stakeholders

and the community work together to

maintain the performance of the LGU. I

was also encouraged in my own little

ways to always aim for excellence.

– Ferdy Benigno Avila

NEWS

Page 16

A series of coaching sessions entitled Review on the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) and Orientation-Workshop on the Re-designed FDP Portal was conducted by the DILG Caraga in five (5) batches for Agusan del Norte and Butuan City; Agusan del Sur; Surigao del Norte mainland; Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte Siargao; and Surigao del Sur on March 11-19, 2014.

The FDP assists LGUs to comply with the full disclosure provisions of laws such as Local Government Code (RA 7160, Section 352); the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184); and the General Appropriations Act (RA 10352, Section 84). The FDP Portal allows the LGUs to upload the financial doc-uments and enables the public to access them via http://fdpp.blgs.gov.ph. Public accountability and transparency are any LGU’s constitutional responsibility to the public at large. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

A seminar-workshop on Program Orientation, Water Sector Assessment, and Feasibility Study Preparation was conducted by DILG 13 for twenty (20) new recipient LGUs of the potable water system under FY 2014 Grassroots Par-ticipatory Budgeting (GPB) in the Region last February 25-27, 2014 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City.

Headed by Ms. Fe Crisilla Banluta of the DILG-OPDS, the activity aimed to orient the LGUs on the salient features and mechanics of the GPB provision of potable water sup-ply system, as well as to make the participants familiar with the Water Sector Assessment Tools which will be the LGUs’ basis in the identification of their project targets. (John Cris C. Malupa, Engineer, DILG XIII)

The Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) of DILG Caraga Region conducted a series of Pre-Bid Conferences for the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) project recipients—Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte—last Feb-ruary 4, 2014 at the LGRRC, DILG Caraga Regional Office, Butuan City.

The projects up for bids include the Rehab-Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) of the NRJ Bayugan-San Luis Road (Bucac-Marcelina Section), Bayugan City; the Maintenance of Crossing Luna-Duangan-Guadalupe Roads in Esperanza; the Maintencane of NRJ Pisaan, Tagapua, Borbon-Rizal-Del Mon-te Road in Talacogon; RMI of NRJ Sibagat-Esperabza Road in Sibagat; and the Maintenance of Mainit-Mansayao-Tabuyawan and Mainit-Paco-Boboanon Road. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

DILG 13 reinforces LGU transparency DILG 13 reinforces LGU transparency

through FDP Reorientation through FDP Reorientation

DILG 13 Conducts Seminar Workshop for DILG 13 Conducts Seminar Workshop for

Potable Water GPB ProjectsPotable Water GPB Projects

SBAC preSBAC pre--bids bids PRMF projectsPRMF projects

Personnel of DILG Caraga led by RD Lilibeth A. Famacion took part in the Grow A Million Trees activity last March 16, 2014 in support of Butuan City’s Vision 2020, wherein Butuan City will be a model for sustainable, forest-based economy in the country.

Approximately 1,500 mahogany and narra seedlings were planted along the 5-kilometer stretch of road from Bancasi Ro-tunda to the boundary of Barangay Bancasi.

National and Local government employees and Butuanon families comprised the crowd.

The project is a noble undertaking of Butuan City govern-ment through the leadership of Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)]

DILG supports Grow a Million Trees DILG supports Grow a Million Trees en route to Butuan City Vision 2020en route to Butuan City Vision 2020

NEWS

Page 17

As is tradition, personnel of the Caraga Patrol met with Department of Interior and Local Gov-ernment – Caraga Region (DILG 13) Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion last January 22, 2014 at the DILG Caraga Regional Office in Liber-tad, Butuan City to report operations of the prior year, 2013, and to set directions for 2014.

The annual meeting cum courtesy call has been called New Year’s Call and forms part of a long and on-going tradition with uniform person-nel. During this particular New Year’s call, offic-ers of Patrol 117 presented the capsulized report of the 2013 operations of the centrally-managed and secured telephone central monitoring sta-tion of the emergency hotline 117 in the region. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

To give tribute to the women employees of DILG 13 Regional Office, a Women’s activity was conducted in commemoration of the Women’s Month Celebration on March 21, 2014 at the DILG Regional Office ground area.

The activity was anchored on the theme: “Juana ang tatag mo ay tatag natin sa Pagbangon at Pag-sulong” which pays tribute to the strong and resilient “Juanas” – re-ferred to “Women” in the Filipino tongue, who contributed much to the country’s development being recog-nized as the “drivers of change”.

Director Lilibeth A. Famacion expressed her words of salutation to the women of the DILG Region XIII who have been active employees in promoting good local governance in the region as prime movers of the Department’s programs. She said that women, apart from being hardwork-

Patrol 117 New Year’s Call to DILG RD Famacion

Celebrating Women’s Month for the “Juanas” of DILG 13

ers also need to be recognized for the special role of being mothers not only to their biological children but also being mothers in the workplace.

The DILG Gender and Develop-ment (GAD) Regional Focal Person Cecilia B. Besona initiated fun-filled activities such as the “Juana Yell” (with reference to the theme) and the “Juanang Turista” participated by the four (4) clusters, which culminated the Budol-type feast. (Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa, LGOO II, DILG XIII)

The DILG 13 conducted a Gender and Development Training and Orienta-tion on the Localization on Magna Carta for Women last March 27 - 28 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort.

More than 150 Local Government Operations Officer and Administrative staff from the Regional Office and Field Offices of all five provinces in the region attended the activity.

Tapped as resource speakers were Prof. Ruth Sanchez and Prof. Ordem Kitchie-Maglente from Caraga State University (CSU). CSU is part of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MSAC) of the Local Governance Region-al Resource Center (LGRRC).

They discussed Concepts of Gender

and Development and Mainstream-ing Gender in Development. Specifi-cally, they tackled basic gender con-cepts, gender mainstreaming, locali-zation pertinent provisions on the Magna Carta for Women and the GAD Budgeting Process.

As a result of the activity, and pursu-ant to the Joint Memorandum Circu-lar of PCW-DILG-NEDA and DBM, the DILG field officers will conduct a simi-lar activity in their respective jurisdic-tions. The Regional Focal Point Sys-tem (RFPS) of the DILG Caraga will monitor the compliance of LGUs. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

DILG 13 conducts Gender Sensitivity Training

Technical and administrative personnel of DILG Caraga attentively listen-

ing to the discussions on Gender Sensitivity.

On 14 February 2014, one billion people from all over the world rose and danced to demand an end to violence against women and girls. ONE BILLION RISING FOR JUSTICE was a global call to women survivors of violence and those who love them to gather—to rise, release, dance, and de-mand Justice.

Clad in Black shirts with the words, “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” personnel from DILG Caraga joined the mob dance in Robinsons Place Butuan as a sign of solidarity with the women survivors and their advocacy for gender equality and justice. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

DILG 13 Joins the Mob Dance for VAW Justice

DRRM-CCA

Page 18

In response to the overwhelming aftermath of Tropical Depression Aga-ton in Butuan City in which 83 of its 86 barangays are affected, the Depart-ment of the Interior and Local Government Caraga Region (DILG 13), togeth-er with DILG Butuan City, mobilized, repacked and distributed 263 packs of relief goods in the form of food packs and used clothing to Barangay Bobon, a church-turned-evacuation center in Barangay Doongan, and to some affected DILG personnel last January 24, 2014.

Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. expressed the need for sup-

port from the various sectors in Butuan to supplement the City Govern-ment’s relief assistance to a staggering 20,000 families in need.

The DILG 13 is among those who responded and have allocated funds and

even collected among themselves financial and in-kind donations last Janu-ary 22, 2014. All of those collected were repacked and distributed to a ba-rangay identified by the city government, in coordination with the DILG Bu-tuan.

On January 24, 2014, DILG personnel from the regional office and Butuan

City office, headed by Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay, accom-panied by City Director Romeo A. Solis, distributed 210 food packs and used clothing to Barangay Bobon, Butuan City. The food packs contained 3 kilos of Rice, canned goods and noodles. The distribution was done in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRM) Officer Gra-cia O. Burdeos-Espere and accommodated by Bobon Punong Barangay Le-onila G. Loayon and her Sangguniang Barangay.

Some 20 food packs were also distributed to residents of Barangay Baan

Riverside who found shelter in Butuan City Alliance Church, Doongan Bu-tuan City and the remainder for some DILG personnel who were also affect-ed by the calamity.

The DILG 13 acts as Vice Chair for Preparedness to the Regional Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) by virtue of Republic Act 101-21, or the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010. As such, despite government offices being called-off along with schools in different levels during calami-ties, the DILG have a team of personnel who manage to brave the inclement weather conditions to report to the office to disseminate important weather advisories to Local Chief Executives; to monitor the effects of the calamity in region by collecting and consolidating reports from field personnel on situa-tions and responses of their respective Local Government Units; and re-porting to the DILG central office and other DRRM agencies.

As such, from the onset of the weather disturbance on January 17 up to

the remaining effects on January 21, DILG personnel from the regional office down to the field offices have personnel on duty monitoring and coordi-nating disaster-related activities.

But this time around, the DILG did not settle for just monitoring and really

took the initiative to go beyond it in order to help those who are in need. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

(Top) The DILG 13 personnel led by RD Lilibeth A. Famacion pack canned goods, noodles and rice into individual food packs; (Middle) Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. (center) gives support and personally visited DILG Regional Office before distrib-uting the food packs on January 24, 2014; and (Bottom) Residents of Brgy. Bobon, Butuan City line up to claim relief packs from DILG 13 personnel.

Beyond Monitoring: DILG Caraga provides Relief Assistance to flood-affected BXU barangay

FIELD REPORTS

Page 19

Launching of the

1st

Barangay Forest Tree Park Along Agusan River Basin

The pursuit to adapt the inevitable effects of climate change has been a worldwide course of action nowadays. There are lots of mecha-nisms being formulated, established and implemented to address such concern. In order to concretize such mechanisms there are environ-mental laws promulgated. There are also projects and programs initiat-ed by the government that will help mitigate the inexorable conse-quence of climate change. Among these is the so called establishment of Forest Tree Park.

Barangay Poblacion of the Municipality of Sta. Josefa, Agusan del

Sur is among the luckiest barangays in the Province of Agusan del Sur to be the recipient of the Barangay Forest Tree Park Development Pro-gram of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-LGU (PENRO-LGU) of said Province. The establishment of such tree park is a joint project between the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, Municipal Government of Sta. Josefa and Barangay Government of Poblacion.

The Barangay Forest Tree Park of Poblacion is located at the buffer

zone of the Agusan River. As per information from the government agencies and instrumentalities concerned, the said area is strategically identified to address two common mandates of the law which are envi-ronmental protection and restoration, and climate change mitigation. Further, in accordance to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Manual of Operations for the Establishment of Forest Tree Parks, the objective of the program is to enhance the beauty and improve the ecosystem of the communities to provide the populace with a healthy and wholesome environment and places for rest and recreation, and to make the people increasingly appreciate the need for preserving the forest and restoring at the earliest possible time the de-nuded areas. By the essence of such program, it aimed not only to beautify the recipient barangay but also to safeguard the hundreds of people living in the area most especially those who are situated along the riverbanks.

Moreover, the remarkable launching of the 1st Barangay Forest

Tree Park along the Agusan River Basin last February 28, 2014 is a suc-cess. The activity has two parts, opening program and tree planting. The program has been attended by representatives by the provincial, mu-nicipal and barangay governments as well as other national agencies concerned. To name a few, among the attendees are representative of Mayor Jann Roby R. Otero, Vice Mayor Symond O. Caguiat, SB Member Hermes D. Bitang, SB Member Orly C. Casiro, SB Member Dax Fernan U. Salise, Municipal Tribal Council Chieftain Pablo O. Plaza, PB Carpin M. Plaza, Jr. of Poblacion, For. Nestorio Dizon of PENRO-LGU, MENRO Marvin J. Mentero of Sta. Josefa, MLGOO Jason Ryan R. Lam of DILG-Sta. Josefa, and teachers and students of Sta. Josefa National High School.

By and large, the different stakeholders concerned highly under-

stood that the launching activity is just the beginning of their dream and efforts of having a well-developed, disaster resilient and tourist attraction barangay forest tree park in the Municipality of Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur. It is through their untiring collaboration and teamwork that will make the dream a reality. (Jason Ryan R. Lam, MPA, MLGOO, DILG Sta. Josefa, ADS)

LEGAL, FINANCE & ADMIN

Page 20

Leg

al O

pin

ion

In the execution of eviction or demolition orders involving underprivileged and homeless citizens, as provided by R.A. 7279 (otherwise known as the Urban Development and Housing Act), the following shall be mandatory:

1. Notice upon the effected persons or entities at least

thirty (30) days prior to the date of eviction or demo-

lition;

2. Adequate consultations on the matter of settle-

ment with the duly designated representatives of the

families to be resettled and the affected communities

in the areas where they are to be relocated;

3. Presence of local government officials or their repre-

sentatives during eviction or demolition;

4. Proper identification of all persons taking part in the

demolition;

5. Execution of eviction or demolition only during regular

office hours from Mondays to Fridays and during

good weather, unless the affected families consent

otherwise;

6. No use of heavy equipment for demolition except for

structures that are permanent and of concrete materi-

als;

7. Proper uniforms for members of the Philippine Nation-

al Police who shall occupy the first line of law en-

forcement and observe proper disturbance control

procedures; and

8. Adequate relocation, whether temporary or permanent:

Provided, however, That in cases of eviction and demoli-

tion pursuant to a court order involving underprivileged

and homeless citizens, relocation shall be undertaken

by the local government unit concerned and the Na-

tional Housing Authority with the assistance of other

government agencies within forty-five (45) days from

service of notice of final judgment by the court, after

which period the said order shall be executed: Provided,

further, that should relocation not be possible within

the said period, financial assistance in the amount

equivalent to the prevailing minimum daily wage mul-

tiplied by sixty (60) days shall be extended to the affect-

ed families by the local government unit concerned.

The Department of the Interior and Local Govern-ment and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council shall jointly promulgate the necessary rules and regu-lations to carry out the above provision.

To ensure a just and humane eviction and demolition, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) shall call for and preside the Pre-Demolition Conference to be attended by the affected families as well as the representa-tives from the government sector – DILG, DSWD, DepEd, DPWH, NHA, CHR, and the LGU authorized to demolish or evict, and other concerned agencies which must work in close coordination with one another.

By Atty IV Allen M. Gasulas

DILG Accounting Clerks (AC) and Disbursing Officers (AC) from all over the region gathered at the LGRRC last Feb. 6, 2014 for the Orientation/Briefing on the Adoption of the Revised Chart of Accounts for National Government Agencies and Updates in Financial Reporting System and Related Issuances.

The same personnel reconvened at the same venue on March 14 for a Meeting on 2013 Annual Audit Findings and Recommen-dations as a result of the Exit Conference conducted by the Com-mission on Audit (COA) two days prior, on March 12, 2014. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

Briefings for ACs and DOs Briefings for ACs and DOs DILG13 veers to SPMSDILG13 veers to SPMS As a result of the Management Committee Meeting held at

VJs Restaurant and Function Room last January 28, 2014 where-in they agreed to meet as a smaller group to discuss and fine-tune the performance indicators of the region for the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS), Outcome Managers, Program Managers, MLGOOs and program focal persons from the Regional Office convened at the LGRRC on February 14, 2014 for the Finalization of the Indicators of the DILG Region 13 (Caraga). This was to come up with the region’s performance contracts (OPCR, DPCR and IPCR) in compliance to CSC MC No. 6. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, RIO-Designate, DILG XIII)

Born: October 28, 1980

From: Dinagat, Dinagat Islands

Graduated: B.S. Business Administration

Year: 2001

School: University of San Carlos

Cebu City

LEGAL, FINANCE & ADMIN

DESIGNATION OS

Jan. 2, 2014

CALO, VINCENT TROY A. I.T. Staff

(Contract of Service/J.O.) DILG RO

Feb. 1, 2014

MAHUSAY, EIRENE C. GPB Staff

(Contract of Service/J.O.) DILG RO

Feb. 17, 2014

ATTY. ALLEN M. GASULAS ATTY IV DILG RO

March 3, 2014

KYRLE FAYE G. ORTEGA DO II DILG PDI

FROM TO

Feb. 3,

2014 MABAYLAN, CELESTINO C. RO 13 RO 10

Feb. 3,

2014 SIAO, JOSE MIGUEL A. RO 13 RO 10

PERSONNEL MOVEMENTS

NEWLY HIRED

TRANSFERS

Page 21

New Faces in DILG 13

Born: March 12, 1984

From: Butuan City

Graduated: BS Computer Engineering

Year: 2010

School: University of San Carlos,

Cebu City

“TroY” VINCENT TROY

A. C ALO I .T . Staff

Regiona l Off ice

Born: December 3, 1992

From: Carmen, Agusan del Norte

Graduated: BS Information Technology

Year: 2013

School: University of Mindanao,

Davao City

“REEN” EIRENE

C. MAHUSAY GPB Staff

Regiona l Off ice

Born: June 11, 1979

From: Tago, Surigao del Sur

Graduated: Bachelor at Laws

Year: 2006

School: San Sebastian College

Recoletos Institute of Law

Surigao City

“ALLEN” AT T Y. ALLEN M. G ASULAS

AT T Y IV Regiona l Off ice

“k ik i ng” KYRLE F AYE G. ORTEGA Disb. Off icer

DILG PDI

March 11, 2014—DILG Agusan del Norte’s Romeo A. Solis was sworn in as full-fledged Provincial Director of the province administered by DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, CESO IV, at the DILG Caraga Regional Office, Liber-tad Butuan City. This Oath of Office was preceded by the receipt of his official appointment from Malacanan Palace as Acting LGOO VIII dated Feb 19, 2014.

FROM TO

March 11, 2014

SOLIS, ROMEO A. LGOO VI LGOO VII

PROMOTIONS

LEISURE

Tickle

your

BRAIN

Sudoku helps improve your solving skills and strategy. Why won’t you try to tickle your brain with this game?

Page 22

Think about what Peter was doing and saying when Jesus Christ was arrested. In the Bible - Luke, Chapter 22, verses 54 -62, it says :

54Then they arrested him and led him off and brought him into the house of the high priest but Peter was following at a distance. 55When they lit a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down togeth-er, Peter was sitting in among them. 56 But a certain servant girl saw him sitting by the bright fire and looked upon him over and said: This man also was with him. 57But he denied it saying: “I do not know Him, woman.” 58And after a short time, another person seeing him said: “You also are one of them.” But Peter said: “Man I am not” 59And after about an hour, as it were, having intervened, a certain man began insisting strongly: “For a certainty this man also was with him; for in fact, he is a Galile-an!” 60But Peter said: “Man I do not know what you are saying.” And instantly, while he was yet speaking, a cock crowed. 61And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter, and Peter recalled the utter-ance of the Lord when he said to him: “Before a cock crows today you will disown me three times.” 62And he went outside and wept bitterly.

God wants us to have a fellowship and close relationship with Him in our life through our praises, adoration, prayers and meditation of His words. He wants us to love Him, to have an intimate commun-ion with Him and the Lord will make His presence real if that is our desire. But, sometimes we have ne-glected His Words, by not obeying what God wants us to do. Many times, we have not followed and obeyed His command. Jesus Christ was asked this very question by a Pharisee; What is the greatest Commandment? Matthew 22: 34-36: Jesus answered and said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and most important command-ment. The second is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Do we truly love God and our neighbors? As Christians, we strive to love God to the fullest and as our hearts and minds are transformed by the Holy Spirit, we will be able to begin loving others. Yet, we still fail to do so. But the good news is that we are always given the chance to ask forgiveness from our failures and come to the Lord to ask forgiveness for our disobedience and sins. In the foregoing text, Peter wept bitterly for what he has done before the Lord in denying Him for three times. The word ‘wept’ means to have cried bitterly, or shed tears because of sadness and pain.

We hope to be like Peter in times of failures; to grieve for ours sins before God. “If we continue to forsake the Lord, a time will come when we desperately need Him and He will not be near. – Isaiah 59: 1-2.” And, as we enter a new day, we need God’s grace and mercy and continually seek Him with the

assurance that God is walking beside us. PRAISE GOD!

Supervising Admin. Officer

by Ms. Lucia B. Garrido, CPA

Editorial Board

LILIBETH A. FAMACION, CESO IV

Regional Director

DONALD A. SERONAY

OIC-Asst. Regional Director/CAD

Members: PD Romeo A. Solis

PD Arleen Ann R. Sanchez PD Pedrito P. Alacaba

PD Domingo E. Bulabog PD John Reyl L. Mosquito

CLGOO Olivia P. Bagasbas

Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, STAT I

Managing Editor/RIO-designate

Advisers: Lucia B. Garrido, SAO

Ray Gregory F. Jaranilla, LGMED Chief Charissa T. Guerta, LGCDD Chief

Contributors: Gemma S. Millan, LGU Hinatuan Atty. Allen M. Gasulas, DILG RO John Cris C. Malupa, DILG RO

Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa, DILG RO Jason Ryan R. Lam,

DILG Sta. Josefa, ADS

Lucia B. Garrido, DILG RO

Published by:

DILG Region XIII

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