Republic of the Philippines

Anticipating the onset of the campaign period for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have decided to join hands to combat vote-buying and vote-selling. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia will sign a Memorandum of Agreement on October 11 (Tuesday) to work together with other government agencies, citizens’ arms, and other stakeholders to ensure the honest and peaceful conduct of BSKE elections. “We’re ready to support COMELEC to safeguard the ballot. Labanan natin ang pagbili at pagbebenta ng boto, isang pinakamasamang kanser ng lipunan,” Abalos said. Under the MOA, the COMELEC and DILG will jointly train DILG and local government personnel to identify and gather evidence on election offenses. These agencies shall also spearhead an information campaign on vote-buying and vote-selling in all LGUs. The BSKE election campaign period will be from October 19 to 28, 2023. Vote-buying and vote-selling, as defined in the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), refer to offering money or anything of value to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote. ###

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will celebrate the Local Government (LG) Month this October with the Festival of Local Excellence (FLEX) that will showcase successful local programs and projects that highlight excellence in local governance in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s socio-economic agenda. With the theme “Empowerment, People’s Participation, and Efficiency in Program Service Delivery,” FLEX this year will focus on the Philippine Local Governance Forum, the DILG’s annual offering of the LG Month celebration which aims to feature the valuable contributions of local government units (LGUs) in nation-building. “We want to foster a culture of learning and sharing among local governance stakeholders. FLEX will not only highlight the best practices and success stories on local governance but will also serve as a knowledge sharing platform of replicable local practices,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said. The first major FLEX event is a virtual knowledge exchange on “Nurturing Best Practices in Local Governance” to be held on October 10. Among the presenters and their topics in the said event are Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson who will talk on the “Network of Alliances for Coastal Wetlands Conservation”; Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez on “Youth in Governance and Management”; and Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando on “Gawad Galing Barangay”. Meanwhile, the culminating event titled “Philippine Local Governance: Visioning the Future Perfect,” which will be held on October 27, will celebrate the gains and milestones of more than three decades of the Local Government Code implementation. This will also map out the direction and prospects of Philippine local governance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by the year 2030. Simultaneous FLEX activities will also be happening nationwide with the PLGF-enrolled activities from the DILG regional and field offices. The Local Government Academy, the DILG’s training arm, is on top of the LG Month celebration activities. Presidential Proclamation 63,s. 1992 declared the month of October of every year as the Local Government Month, the second week of October as Local Government Week, and the 10th day of October as Local Government Day. ###

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos pledged to bring peace education to the barangays and its inclusion as one of the criteria to the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Awards. Abalos said he is discussing with the Office of the Presidential Adviser of Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to make peace education mandatory in all barangays in three years’ time through a training program to be spearheaded by the DILG through the Local Government Academy (LGA). “We will win this war! After this seminar, I will go to the LGA with OPAPRU to conduct a seminar for all of our barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials after the election so that this program on peace education will be on the grassroots,” he said during the 2nd National Peace Education Summit in Quezon City held last Tuesday, Sept. 26. According to the DILG Secretary, peace education in barangays can also be a criterion in granting the highly coveted SGLG Awards in a bid to further the goal of mainstreaming and bringing peace education to more communities. The SGLG Awards, institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11292 or “The Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019” gauges LGU performance in governance areas such as financial administration and sustainability; disaster preparedness; and social protection and sensitivity, among others. During the summit, Abalos likewise said the DILG is committed to programs that will bridge communities toward development and closer to genuine peace such as the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and the Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP). “I have always said, we could only have peace if there is economic development in the countryside all over.” The DILG Secretary likewise underpinned the critical role of nutrition in the education of children saying that it can be integrated in the efforts of the government for inclusive peace. “This could be part of our program in peace, going to the grassroots and having a dialogue with the people. Knowing their needs and responding to them.” Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez, Jr. said that partnerships with national government agencies such as the DILG can strengthen the goal to institutionalize peace education in basic and higher learning institutions nationwide, in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s relentless campaign on peace and order.###

In line with the launching of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of the “Barangay at Kalinisan Day (BarKaDa) and in observance of the International Coastal Clean-Up Day, DILG Region 6 regional, provincial and city offices together with the Department’s partners and stakeholders, local government units, academe and other national government agencies simultaneously conducted a clean-up day on September 16, 2023. The launching of BarKada with the theme, “Buhayin ang Diwa ng Bayanihan: Mag-volunteer Tayong Lahat para sa Kalikasan,” is a nationwide community-based clean up drive program anchored on a culture of bayanihan that aims to maintain and provide a healthy and safe environment for the people through proper solid waste management. DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero participated in the clean-up drive held in Barangay Calumpang, Iloilo City and highlighted in his message that the gathering of communities and organizations for a clean-up is a testament of a shared commitment. According to the regional director, making the neighborhood a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant place to live is a reflection of dedication to the well-being of the community. “Today is not just about picking up litter; it’s about investing in the place we call home, creating a legacy of care, and inspiring others to join the cause. Every piece of trash we collect today is a step toward a more beautiful, sustainable, and close-knit community.” Ingeniero said. Joining DILG Regional Office and DILG Iloilo City in the clean-up at the coastal area of Barangay Calumpang, Iloilo City were the local government of Iloilo City and Barangay Calumpang, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP 6), Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP 6), and the universities in Iloilo City. It is expected that through this program, there will be BarKaDa in every barangays in ensuring that clean-up drives will be conducted on a regular basis. Thereby, all will live in a community that foster a strong sense of pride and unity and promote environmental awareness and responsible citizenship.###

In line with the campaign of the National Government against illegal drugs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI conducted the three-day Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Youth Camp – the first in the Philippines – on August 14-16, 2023. The Youth Camp was participated by the presidents of the Federation of the Sangguniang Kabataan of the different provinces in the region. In his message, DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero urged the youth to actively take part in the fight against illegal drugs and other activities related to it. “Ang BIDA Youth Camp na ito ay gaganapin na may layuning magbigay kaalaman sa ating mga kabataan hindi lamang sa kung paano sila makakaiwas sa ilegal na droga, kundi pati na rin ang kanilang papel upang labanan ito,” said RD Ingeniero. The BIDA Program is a holistic approach in countering the proliferation of illegal and dangerous drugs. It strengthens supply and demand reduction efforts in galvanizing the support of the community, dutybearers, and other stakeholders in drug-prevention, law enforcement, and rehabilitation. DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. also reiterated the importance the Sangguniang Kabataan leaders of Western Visayas in the successful implementation of the BIDA Program. “Bawat is sa inyo ay may gagampanan para tuluyang masugpo and problema sa ilegal na droga dito sa Western Viasayas at sa buong bansa. Malaki ang kompiansa ko na bawat isa sa inyo ay gagawin ang tama at ang nararapat. Pagbalik ninyo sa inyong mga lugar, pagkatapos ng Youth Camp na ito, naway makapagbuo kayo ng makabulohang programa para sa inyong kapwa kabataan tulad nitong youth camp, gardening, mural painting, TikTok Challenge, clean-up drive, DRRM and feeding programs, and other meaningful works with your fellow youth in your areas,” SILG Abalos said. “Remember that if you engaged with your fellow youth, their attention would shift to good deeds and we can help them avoid getting into vices and illegal activities like illegal drugs and crimes. At the end of the day, we all have one vision in mind – to lead, study, work and do business in a drug-free, peaceful, safe and progressive community for our future and for the future of our children’s children,” he added. The Youth Camp was also graced by the presence and support of top officials of the DILG, namely: Atty. Margarita N. Gutierrez, Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communications together with Asec. Elizabeth N. Lopez De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation, and the BIDA Ambassador, Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, City of Victorias, Province of Negros Occidental who shared the BIDA advocacy activities in his city. The Youth Camp activity has also gained support from various partners and agencies such as the National Youth Commission (NYC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Health (DOH) and other agencies with available programs for participation local or international advocating against illegal and dangerous drugs. Mr. Cibeleo P. Nobleza, Jr, the Supervising Administrative Officer and the Chief of the Preventive Education and Community Involvement Section, (PECIS) of PDEA RO6 facilitated the session on Understanding Drugs and their Dangers. To reinforce the discussion of Mr. Nobleza of PDEA RO6, a former illegal drug user and now a hardworking mother of four lovely children, narrated her story and shared her regrets and life-changing realizations with the Youth Campers. The session with PDEA RO6 ended with a mini quiz bee wherein the campers enthusiastically answered the anti-illegal drugs advocacies-related questions. Likewise, on the second day of the activity, Dr. Rey M. Mollenido, Medical Specialist II, DOH-TRC delivered a talk on healthy living and coping mechanisms and on understanding the importance of mental health and wellness. After the discussion, DOH personnel facilitated an activity entitled the Guessing Game which served as a test on the understanding of the participants on the topic discussed wherein the BIDA youth campers happily participated. Among the SK participants was the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) 6 Regional President Ryan Dave L. Estrella, LPT who shared the initiative and best practices of the KKDAT 6 to inspire the 2023 BIDA Youth Campers to replicate the same in their respective communities and barangays. Other activities for the youth campers were the BIDA Dance Contest and BIDA Youth Ambassador Contest held in the evening of the second day of the youth camp. The campers battled out on the dance floor and showcased their respective renditions of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Dance. Representatives from the provinces and HUCs of Region 6 outwitted each other for the opportunity of being adjudged as the Region 6 BIDA Youth Ambassador. The proclaimed Regional Youth BIDA Ambassadors are Clarissa Yocson, SK Chairperson from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo and Ryan Dave Estrella, SK Chairperson of La Paz, Iloilo City. The Regional Youth BIDA Ambassadors will serve as the spokesperson for the youth sector in programs relevant to the BIDA program. Another activity conducted for the youth was entitled SK BEYOND facilitated by LGOO VII Maricel M. Bechayda, Chief, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED). The Youth Campers reflected on their accomplishments, struggles, and shortcomings for the past years as Sangguniang Kabataan officials. With their term closing to its end, the Youth Campers were made to realize that they can reach more milestones and contribute to our society beyond their journey as Sangguniang Kabataan Officials. On the last day, the youth campers together with the barangay officials and 4Ps beneficiaries of Barangay Santo Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City conducted a coastal clean-up activity in Villa Beach, Arevalo, City. In her closing message, LGMED Chief Bechayda expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the sangguniang kabataan officials for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the vital cause of Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). “Key to the success of the BIDA Program is our focus on grassroots action, where we not only emphasize rehabilitation but also prioritize prevention. This camp has been instrumental in fostering anti-drug education at continue reading : WV first to hold BIDA Youth Camp in PH

The Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of DILG VI had a prolific week last 2023 August 14 to 18 as they spearheaded the conduct of a series of activities under the banner “LGSF Program Standards and Innovations”. One of these initiatives was the production of its very own Unit magazine named “Uplift: From Dreams to Stories of Progress in Region 6” – a biannual publication dedicated to highlighting the success stories of completed projects as well as the multiple and diverse Unit activities conducted to better provide technical assistance to the Local Government Units of Western Visayas. The magazine launch, serving as the grand finale of the five-day activity, was held last August 18th and was witnessed by the Provincial and City Directors, Program Managers, Cluster Heads, and PDMS Chiefs along with the invited special guests from the Municipality of Leon and the Provincial Government of Iloilo. Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan, CESO III, through a message sent to Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO IV, extended his appreciation of the Unit’s efforts. “Considering the significant contributions the SBDP has made to communities in dire need of assistance, I am pleased that more success stories are being told. I hope that the UPLIFT Publication will aid in increasing public awareness and appreciation of our programs,” the USLG’s message read. Four SBDP 2021 projects implemented by the Province of Iloilo at Brgy. Ayubo, Leon were given the spotlight as the pilot feature story with Mr. Robert Calzado, President of the Ayubo Farmers Association, appearing in the cover photo. Also present were Ayubo Punong Barangay Magno Capindo, Kagawad Corazon Camariosa, and Municipal Administrator Atty. Glenn Cababa-an, who represented Municipality Mayor Ma. Lina Holipas. All four beneficiaries participated in the project documentation last June 2023 of the multiple barangay projects, namely: the more than one-kilometer concreting with side canal, drainage, and slope protection of their farm to market road, 65 units of solar powered street lights, water tank with communal faucets, and roof-mounted solar panels with a generator set at the barangay gymnasium. Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Carmelo F. Orbista, CESO V, on behalf of Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV, shared his favorite excerpt from the magazine during a read through after the cover unveiling. Then, PEO II Marie Angelie S. Villalon, Uplift Content Editor and Head Writer, presented the plans for the magazine’s next issue as well as the mechanics for the upcoming DILG Hymn Composition Contest. Prior to the launch of Uplift, the week kicked off with the “Re-orientation of Quality Assurance and Assessment Report (QAAR) Tool”, which was aimed at orienting the participants, mostly composed of engineers, with the QAAR Tool – an automated rating system used to generate the qualitative and quantitative ratings of a project’s compliance with minimum standards during the different stages of its implementation. Engr III Dennis Valencia, Engr III Lauren Jetherson Rilloraza, and Engr V Michael Momar Sumagaysay, resource persons from the DILG Central Office, provided in-depth discussions on the QAAR before the group was divided into three the next day for a practical application of their workshop learnings. The three teams conducted site inspections in their assigned areas and presented their findings and recommendations to the LGU functionaries during their exit conferences for the following projects: Construction of box culvert drainage at Leganes, Iloilo Road concreting at Igbaras, Iloilo Municipal evacuation and operations centers at New Lucena, Iloilo Right after the conclusion of the QAAR Tool refresher course, the third day continued in the afternoon of August 16th with the result deliberation of the recently concluded “LGSF Financial Assistance to LGUs Caravan”. Facilitators from the PDMU and the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) convened with the PDMS Chiefs of the Region to consolidate the gathered data and action plans from the solution-seeking workshops that the participating LGUs took part of. After which, on August 18th, LGOO V Marlon V. Ladia of the LGCDD presented the synthesized data to the Department heads and discussed the gaps and underlying issues as identified by the participating LGUs and DILG Field Offices followed by the proposed solutions and interventions. During the open forum, the Provincial and City Directors, along with the Cluster Heads, shared their insights gleaned from the month-long LGSF Caravan. All this consolidated data will be utilized with the aim of improving policies and mechanisms to better assist the LGUs around Western Visayas in their project implementation. Meanwhile, guaranteeing that DILG-administered projects are religiously monitored and efficiently evaluated, the PDMU personnel also convened for its monthly PDMU Conference on August 17th. Project Evaluation Officers Phrea Ann Kryzyll Camasis and Nelson Lopez, Jr. presented updates on the statuses of projects across the whole Region covering the following programs: SGLGIF: Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund FALGU: Financial Assistance to LGUs SBDP: Support to the Barangay Development Program GEF: Growth Equity Fund RLIP: RBME of LGU Infrastructure Projects RSSA: Rapid Subproject Sustainability Assessment Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO IV reiterated the need to intensify the monitoring of projects and provide all possible technical assistance for the LGUs to improve project implementation and escalate project completion. The “LGSF Program Standards and Innovations” culminated with some words of gratitude from LGOO VI Anthony Ian G. Andaleza, PDMU Chief. “We want to make a documentation on what is happening on the ground because there’s a lot of things nga indi natun makita. When our engineers go back to our offices, abi natun mga pormado sila, but when they go to the field to validate and to visit the projects, ang mga lutak sang ila sapatos and mga basa sang ila bayo – those are the things nga indi natun makita sa office. The Uplift magazine is not only for our beneficiaries but also for our personnel and engineers,” Chief Andaleza remarked. To access the digital copy of Uplift: From Dreams to Stories of Progress in Region 6, you may visit the PDMU microsite: https://bit.ly/PDMUMicrositeUPLIFT. The mechanics of the continue reading : PDMU launches biannual magazine, holds weeklong activity

BFP6 Newly Appointed Fire Officer I

BFP6 Final List of Applicants to be Appointed as Fire Officer I

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and SM Prime Holdings launched on Saturday the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) advertisement video to be played in all 74 SM cinema branches nationwide with 348 screens to raise moviegoers’ awareness and incite their participation in the fight against illegal drugs in the country. In the said launch, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos expressed his gratitude to SM Prime Holdings for joining the crusade against illegal drugs and being an active BIDA partner. He said that the free showing of the BIDA ad in SM cinemas nationwide will massively help the program’s cause. He likewise emphasized that the DILG, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s guidance, will continue the campaign against illegal drugs and calls for everyone’s participation and genuine support. “We will continue doing this. Ang ating Presidente, he is very serious about this. Nandyan lahat ng pwersa ng batas. But then, on the other hand, may kailangan tayong gawin on [demand] reduction. It calls for a whole-of-country approach,” Abalos said during the launch at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Other than the screening of the BIDA ads, he said SM pledged to conduct annual physical and drug test and drug-free seminars for employees; implement strict security procedures in SM Malls including roving K9s; use venues for events, training, and information dissemination; conduct activities such as health and fitness-related campaigns; job fairs; recreational activities; and information dissemination in SM’s digital assets. SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Operations Engineer Bien Mateo said the BIDA ads will be shown in 74 cinema branches which is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million viewers. He said it will also be exposed to 53.8 million followers of their digital-owned assets, while the e-poster format of the BIDA ad will be posted in 250 mall directories that could be seen by 4 million mall goers everyday. The screening was attended by officials and representatives from DILG, SM Prime Holdings, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Dangerous Drugs Board, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Justice, Department of Finance, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Commission on Higher Education, and Mandaluyong City government.###

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos today urged provinces, cities, and municipalities to ensure the establishment and functionality of a Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk in every barangay to effectively address local VAW cases at the grassroots level. In DILG Memo Circular 2023-104, Abalos said provincial, city, and municipal LGUs are expected to provide technical and financial assistance to barangays; develop and distribute information materials to raise public awareness on VAW and how to report incidents and seek help; and provide recognition and incentives to barangays with exemplary performance in addressing gender-based violence issues. Meanwhile, the DILG Secretary said Barangays must enact or update an ordinance providing support for the establishment and sustained operations of VAW Desk; and designate a Barangay VAW Desk Officer trained in handling gender-sensitive cases, preferably a female Sangguniang Barangay Member or a female barangay tanod. He said the Barangay VAW Desk must be within or near the barangay hall or close to the office of the PB with necessary resources to assist victim-survivors, such as equipment and supplies for documenting cases and preserving evidence; communication equipment and first aid kit, among others. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 9710 or Magna Carta of Women and Section 12 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations mandate all LGUs to establish VAW Desks in every barangay to assist VAW victims, respond to gender-based violence cases brought to the barangay and address other forms of abuse committed against women. ###