Aimed at redirecting the region’s 2022 Annual Operations Plan and Budget (OPB) for the 2nd semester, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI held a 3-day Mid-Year Planning Conference at District 21 Hotel, Iloilo City from August 10th to August 12th.

Participants from the DILG Regional, Provincial, and City offices gathered to devise strategies and set priorities that would maximize resources, strengthen operations, and ensure cohesive work towards a common goal.

Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO IV, jumpstarted the program with an inspirational message highlighting unity, open communication, and teamwork to attain the missions and visions of the Department.

After the objectives and expected outputs were presented by Regional Planning Officer Charmagne Lyle M. Japitana, a brief rundown of the accomplishments from the 1st semester OPB followed.

Rosario L. Laurencio, Supervising Administrative Officer (SAO) from the Finance and Administrative Division, capped Day 1 with a reorientation on various administrative requirements and reports for submission.

The second day of the conference kicked off with LGOO V Maria Jenica D. Villabeto, Strategy and Results Management Unit (SRMU) Chief, presenting the Priority Directives of the new Administration. Emphasis was given to the adoption of digital processes, the strengthening of the anti-illegal drug campaign, and the fast-tracking of efforts for greater peace and development.

Further, to ensure the heightened performance of the LGUs, it is essential to increase their capacity under the full devolution and fortify their disaster preparedness. Consequently, it is vital to beef up the internal capacity of the Department in order to achieve all these and more.

In line with this, the workshops that followed enabled the participants to formulate and set targets in their respective OPBs as well as their Office Performance and Commitment Rating (OPCR).

Concluding the activity, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV shared encouraging words as she advised participants to embrace change amidst fresh starts. She also commended the SRMU team for the successful conduct of the Conference and the positive changes the Region is experiencing at their helm.