Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. joins President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in recognizing the ten local government unit (LGU) awardees of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards for being models of good governance and innovation. “I am deeply encouraged by the effective leadership we now see shining brightly amongst our LGUs. I congratulate the awardees for you have formulated and implemented programs that provided innovative solutions to the common problems of our society,” Marcos said during the 2022 Galing Pook Awards ceremony held in the Malacañan Palace. Abalos likewise extended his appreciation to the winners underscoring that innovation among the LGUs must continue for improved public service. He said that the said Galing Pook Awards recipients will not only usher in better practices but will create a ripple effect of inspiration among other LGUs. “I congratulate the 10 LGU winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards. You have taken the call to scale up your best practices and broaden your capabilities to serve your constituents in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. Abalos said that the 10 best programs by the LGU winners are Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club of Libertad, Antique; Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment of Basilan; ‘“I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture’ of Iloilo City; Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management from Itbayat, Batanes; Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs of Bataan; From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment of Barangay Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal; ‘The Green Wall of Alcala’ of Alcala, Cagayan; Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) of Goa, Camarines Sur; Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation of Biñan, Laguna; and, Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System of Piddig, Ilocos Norte. “Ito [2022 Galing Pook Awards] ay isang malaking tagumpay at pagkilala sa inyong kahusayan sa paglilingkod-bayan. Nawa po’y patuloy ninyong mas pagbutihin ang pagsisilbi sa mga mamamayan at lutasin ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng inyong mga pamayanan,” he added. Abalos, serving as chairperson of the Board of Judges, said that the 10 LGU winners truly exemplified this year’s theme, ‘Padayon para sa Ligtas, Matalino at Matatag na Pamayanan’ as they went through a rigorous multi-level screening process. Out of 196 LGUs that submitted their applications this year, 10 programs emerged victoriously. He also thanked Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Mel Senen Sarmiento, a former DILG Secretary, and the rest of the executives and officials of the foundation for being the government’s partner in promoting excellence in local governance through the awards program. “Maraming salamat po sa Galing Pook Foundation sa pagpapatuloy nitong napakagandang programa para kilalanin ang kahusayan ng LGUs,” Abalos said. Meanwhile, the DILG Chief likewise echoed the President’s statement that the government will continue to support LGUs in their pursuit to serve their constituents with excellence. “Be assured that this Administration will support our LGUs, as your role in the government is significant to our nation-building initiatives,” Marcos said. Taking the Galing Pook challenge Abalos said it takes a special group of LGUs to be included in the Galing Pook list of winners but “it’s always the most impactful programs that always make the cut.” “In recognizing top-performing programs of LGUs, it is always the impact that weighs more, kung paano ito nakatutulong sa mga mamamayan. Responsiveness of LGU programs that translate to improved and better services will be key if LGUs want to win the Galing Pook award,” Abalos said. “Beyond the awards, pinakamahalaga pa rin na itong mga programang ito ay nakatutulong sa ating mga kababayan,” he added. He said that the Galing Pook Awards is open to all LGUs for their programs that respond to issues affecting their constituents, such as in health, education, food security, nutrition, environment, agriculture, social welfare, and resiliency, among others. To be eligible for the awards, he added that the LGU program must have involved or engaged processes within an LGU even if the program might have been initiated by a non-governmental organization (NGO), civil society organization (CSO) and/or an LGU; must have been in operation for at least one year before deadline of submission; and, must have verifiable and significant results. LGUs will be assessed based on the following criteria: positive results and impact (25%); promotion of people’s participation and empowerment (25%); innovation and adaptation (20%); resilience (10%); sustainability (10%); and, efficiency of program service delivery and transferability (10%). The Galing Pook Awards is co-presented by the Galing Pook Foundation with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and the DILG-Local Government Academy. The awards program was launched on October 21, 1993, serving as a pioneering program in recognizing innovative practices by the LGUs, which other LGUs can replicate in their respective localities.###

SAN JOSE, Antique – Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. assured President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. that local governments have done sufficient preparatory measures before the advent of Typhoon Paeng which devastated parts of Antique. The President was in the capital town earlier today, November 8, 2022 to distribute assistance and livelihood aid to the families and individuals affected by the said typhoon two weeks ago. Speaking during the Situation Briefing on the Effects of Tropical Storm Paeng, the SILG said that DILG has put in place disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) protocols that are performed by LGUs before upcoming typhoons and other weather disturbances. DILG Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua presented DILG Region VI’s data on the actions taken by the Department, such as the activation of Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) for close monitoring with the LDRRMCs and the Philippine National Police (PNP), and coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for the processing of financial assistance to the families of the victims through the LGUs’ Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs) and MDRRMOs. Per DILG monitoring as of 4:00 PM of November 7, 2022, a total of 36 persons died in Region 6 during the onslaught of TD Paeng, 13 of which came from Antique. Further, of the six persons missing in the region, four were reported from this province. SILG Abalos noted that while the DILG and LGUs did their best in the preparations, especially by hewing close to the protocols set by the Operation Listo manual, the amount of downpour generated by Typhoon Paeng was unexpected. DILG reports showed that most of the casualties died from drowning or having been swept by strong river current. President Marcos emphasized that the conduct of pre-emptive evacuations can do a lot to ensure the safety of those in susceptible areas. He acknowledged that it is hard to evacuate people, but that this has to be done for their own safety. He also exhorted the local officials to do their best to be proactive and follow the DRRM procedures set by the government to at least mitigate the effects of the impending disaster. The DILG, through its Operation Centers, proactively issues directives and advisories every time a weather disturbance is expected to affect the country, besides submitting regular and timely monitoring reports on ground situation to the national government. It has issued the Operation LISTO manual to guide local and national government entities on the measures to be taken before, during and after natural and man-made calamities.

Sibalom, Antique – DILG Antique Provincial Director Cherryl P. Tacda, signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Local Government of Tibiao, Antique represented by Mayor Klemens G. Bandoja, and the University of Antique President Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, Jr. on the formulation of the LGU’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) on 11 October 2022 at the UA main campus here. The MOA legitimizes the partnership between the Local Government of Tibiao, Antique, the University of Antique – Hamtic Campus, and the Tibiao Local Governance Municipal Resource Center (LGMRC) which is considered one of the most viable, costefficient, and effective strategies to complete the formulation of their CLUP. “I express my gratitude to the University of Antique and DILG-Antique for extending their assistance to the municipality of Tibiao. We are now confident that the municipality’s CLUP will be formulated with ease and ready for implementation in no time,” said Tibiao Municipal Mayor Bandoja. He added that this initiative serves as a milestone in building and strengthening the linkages of LGU Tibiao with other government agencies. The DILG has been actively advocating that LGUs should prepare/update their respective CLUPs in accordance with DILG Memorandum Circular 2019-172. The preparation of the CLUP entails consistency of the land uses and sectoral development plans, based on the soundness, full integration, and comprehensiveness of the sectoral analysis and spatial planning. Disaster risk reduction and management, climate change, sustainable, integrated, and participatory development, and gender responsiveness are also taken into consideration. “I am thankful that we have the University of Antique as our partner in the Multisectoral Advisory Committee (MSAC) of the Antique Local Governance Resource Center (ALGPRC), as they can ably assist the LGUs in the preparation of required plans such as the CLUP,” said Provincial Director Tacda. According to the MOA, Tibiao’s CLUP is expected to be completed by December 31, 2024. It is the second municipality in Antique that signed a partnership with the ALGPRC, which oversees the LGMRC.

Similar to their counterparts in sangguniang barangay, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in barangays who died during their term of office are now entitled to death and burial benefits amounting to P12,000, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. assures legal beneficiaries of the IPMRs who died during their incumbency from 2018-2020 onwards that they will soon receive the benefits due them. “The Department’s regional and field offices and the National Barangay Operations Office are now hard at work in evaluating and processing the application and documentary requirements of the IPMR beneficiaries to ensure that they are correct and complete.  Huwag po kayong mag-alala, tutukan po natin ito para makatulong man lang sa inyo,” said Abalos. The DILG Secretary said the IPMRs’ contribution to nation-building and their important work at the grassroots level in preserving their heritage and upholding their human rights cannot be dismissed. He said that LGUs must extend all necessary assistance so that their bereaved beneficiaries can receive the said amount of death and burial aid. “IPMRs are vital Sanggunian Barangay members because they are the ones who ensure that their voices as members of the IP communities are heard. LGUs must ensure that their families receive the death and burial assistance accorded to them by the law,” Abalos said. “It’s the least that we can do for our IP public servants. They deserve to have the same privileges enjoyed by barangay officials and other members of the Sanggunian,” he said. In DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2022-132 issued last October 20, Abalos said beneficiaries must submit their application to the DILG Field Offices with the following documentary requirements to claim the death and burial benefits: accomplished Death Benefit Claim (DBC) form; oath of office; certificate of incumbency; certified true copy of the death certificate of the deceased barangay official; and, photocopy of a government-issued identification card of the claimant. Beneficiaries must also submit an original or certified true copy of documents that prove their relation to the deceased barangay official, such as marriage certificate and birth certificate, among others. Meanwhile, in the same policy, the DILG Secretary emphasized that beneficiaries are not entitled to the cash benefit if the cause of the barangay official’s death is “either suicide or his/her own unlawful acts resulting to his/her death.” Additionally, Abalos instructed the DILG Field Offices to verify or evaluate the submitted application for death and burial benefit claims; submit the request/s for claims to DILG provincial/regional offices (POs/ROs) within one working day upon receipt and regularly monitor the status of the request; prepare and issue the payment checks due to the beneficiaries within seven working days upon receipt of funds; inform the beneficiaries once the checks are ready for release and pick-up and remind them to bring proof of identity when claiming the check; and, administer the Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) using the unified CSS form and submit it to the POs/ROs, among others. “Maliit na tulong lamang ito para sa mga naiwanan ng ating mga IPMRs kapalit ng kanilang paglilingkod kaya napakahalagang ito ay makarating sa kanilang mga beneficiaries,” the DILG Chief said. He likewise echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s message for this year’s National IP Day and International Day of the World’s IPs, urging everyone to “uplift each person and community in our archipelago, especially our Indigenous Peoples, the first Filipinos, our ‘Katutubos’, who have been integral to the preservation in passing on of our traditional knowledge and values.” Section 16 of Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act 1997 provides the right of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/IPs to participate at all levels of decision-making and obliges the State to ensure that ICCs/IPs are given mandatory representation in all local legislative councils and policy-making bodies.###

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and our Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection are all hands on deck in working with local government units (LGUs) in disaster response efforts amid the havoc of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) across the country. The DILG is also working with concerned national government agencies (NGAs) to respond to affected families and mitigate the loss of lives and damages to property. Further, the Department is closely coordinating with  the Ministry of the  Interior and Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which is now under a state of calamity to help them access their calamity funds to provide assistance to the affected families. Nakikidalamhati po kami sa pagkamatay ng ilan nating mga kababayan sa gitna ng delubyong ito.  Sa ating mga kababayan na lumikas at napinsala ng bagyong ito, makakaasa kayo na aalalayan kayo ng pamahalaan. We pray that the devastation will not worsen as the typhoon moves northward as another low-pressure area (LPA) is expected to enter and possibly affect local weather by Monday. Let us pray that God helps us in these trying times as we do more work ahead for recovery when Paeng leaves PAR and let’s pray for the weather to clear up so we may have a solemn observance of the upcoming All Souls Day. Kaisa po ng LGUs at NGAs ang DILG sa pagresponde sa mga apektadong pamayanan sa gitna ng pananalasa ng Bagyong Paeng. Nawa’y iligtas po tayo ng Panginoon sa lubos pang pinsala ng bagyong ito. ###

Recognizing the perseverance and dedication of Barangay Tanods and Lupons in keeping the peace and order in our communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI conducted the Awarding Ceremony of the 2022 Search for Outstanding Barangay Tanod and Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) on October 25th, at the District 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. As one of the highlights of the celebration of the 31st Local Government Code Anniversary themed “Lakas ng Lokal: Trailblazing Innovations and Collaboration in Local Governance,” the LTIA intends to institutionalize a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to Lupons which demonstrate exemplary performance as well as generate greater awareness among the various sectors of Philippine society on the Katarungang Pambarangay as a potent vehicle toward social ordering and human development. The Lupong Tagapayamapa who received the coveted honor and prizes are: 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category Regional Winner: Brgy. Abiera, Sebaste, Antique 1st runner up: Brgy. Lanag Sur, Tubungan, Iloilo 2nd runner up: Brgy. Dongon West, Numancia, Aklan 1st – 3rd Class Municipalities Category Regional Winner: Brgy. Sikatuna, Isabela, Negros Occidental 1st runner up: Brgy. Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan 2nd runner up: Brgy. Tanag, Buenavista, Guimaras Component Cities Category Regional Winner: Brgy. Lawa-an, Roxas City, Capiz 1st runner up: Brgy. Fabrica, Sagay City, Negros Occidental 2nd runner up: Brgy. Quinagaringan Pequeño, Passi City, Iloilo Highly Urbanized Cities Category Regional Winner: Brgy. Zamora-Melliza, City Proper, Iloilo City 1st runner up: Brgy. Felisa, Bacolod City Meanwhile, the Search for Outstanding Barangay Tanods was institutionalized by the Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC) to further strengthen the Department’s efforts in professionalizing Barangay Tanods on top of intensifying the disaster preparedness of barangays, strengthening the volunteer system and auxiliary network between and among public and private sectors, and providing a vehicle for the improvement of skills, knowledge and techniques in pursuit of the preservation of public safety among others. Declared as winners for the different categories are the following: Outstanding Group Tanod for Municipality Category Champion: Brgy. Constancia, San Lorenzo, Guimaras 1st Runner Up: Brgy. Mabini, Valladolid, Negros Occidental 2nd Runner Up: Brgy. Sibalew, Banga, Aklan Outstanding Group Tanod for City Category Champion: Brgy. Banica, Roxas City, Capiz 1st Runner Up: Brgy. V, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental 2nd Runner Up: Brgy. Talongonan, Passi City, Iloilo  Outstanding Individual Tanod Champion: Edwin H. Velasquez, Brgy. Banica, Roxas City, Capiz 1st Runner Up: Alex R. Alang, Brgy. V, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental 2nd Runner Up: Joemarie D. Baldomar, Brgy. Taculing, Bacolod City PNP6 Regional Director PBGen Leo M Francisco, Guest of Honor, acknowledged the risks and dangers Barangay Tanods face as frontliners and recognized the efforts and dedication they exert on a daily basis. Moreover, he highlighted the decrease in crime volume due to the settlement in the Lupong Tagapamayapa level as they amicably handle various cases, which in turn allow the PNP to focus on high value targets. #

Responding to the call of President Ferdinand ‘BongBong’ Marcos, Jr., Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. vowed to accelerate the Department’s efforts to strengthen barangays’ preparedness in responding to disasters and other emergencies to avert loss of life and assets as the Philippines tops the World Disaster Risk Index 2022. “The President has instructed me to assure each and every one of you that this administration is committed to ensuring that the smallest yet one of the most important units of government are fully capacitated and responsive to the needs of the people, especially in their disaster response capabilities,” Abalos said during the 2nd Barangay Resilience Exchange 2022 (BRX2022) Digital Conference. Organized by the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), the BRX2022 banners the theme “Ang Handang Barangay, Mahusay!” that highlights the significance of collaboration between the government, private and multi-sectoral organizations, and the community in surviving natural disasters, calamities and emergencies. Abalos said the DILG, as the Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), seeks to equip barangays with the necessary knowledge, skills, and capacities to manage and reduce disaster risks to become disaster prepared and resilient Filipino communities. “Isa po iyan sa ating mga prayoridad – ang mapataas ang kahandaan ng mga barangay pagdating sa pagresponde sa mga panahon ng sakuna at iba pang mga emergency,” he added. Barangays’ primary duties in disaster resilience include the establishment and operationalization of the Barangay Risk Reduction Management Committees, the development of barangay disaster risk reduction and management plans, and the allocation of funds for disaster response and recovery. To increase LGUs’ capacity, Abalos said the Department will persist in the implementation of Operation LISTO, its flagship disaster preparedness advocacy program cascaded to the barangay level through the Listo si Kap!, a checklist of pro-active actions taken as preparatory and necessary measures based on the manual of higher LGUs and the disaster preparedness minimum standards. He also said the DILG is conducting several assessment activities to gauge the performance of local government units (LGUs), including the barangays, in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management-Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA) in order to ensure that gaps are addressed and good practices are replicated. “For the barangays, there is an ongoing development to assess the functionality of BDRRMCs and the initial stage of the implementation of the Seal of Good Local Governance for barangays which looks into disaster risk reduction and management as one of its core areas,” he said. The DILG Secretary also said the Department’s National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) and other bureaus and offices continue to work hand-in-hand to enable access to finance and ensure that barangays, even being the smallest LGU, are given a big share of the Department’s projects, programs and activities (PPAs) for the local government sector. “Inatasan na rin natin ang Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) upang tumulong sa training ng mga barangay officials upang mapataas ang kanilang kapasidad,” he added. The World Risk Index is an annual report that calculates disaster risk for 193 countries covering vulnerability from earthquakes, hurricanes/typhoons, floods (both coastal and riverine), drought, sea-level rise, tsunamis, and conflict. It dates back to 2011 and is published by the Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict at Ruhr University Bochum. Meanwhile, Abalos highlighted the crucial role the barangays played in epitomizing the resilience of Filipinos during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when they became the first line of defense in the communities against the virus and had to serve their constituents and address the situation with their available resources and manpower. “To put it simply, they are the unsung heroes of the pandemic, the gallant men and women who put their safety at risk in the name of serving the people amid seemingly insurmountable challenges,” he said.###

To keep Local Government Units (LGUs) abreast of the innovations and merits smart and creative cities bring, the Local Government Regional Resource Center 6 (LGRRC6) once again held a Development Talk on October 19th at the JR Hall of Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. A part of the celebration of the 31st Local Government Code Anniversary, this 2022 DevTalk edition focused on the concepts of smart and creative LGUs as current local governance trends lean towards urban regeneration and local economic development. Associate Professor Dr. Jung Won Sonn of the University College London tackled the importance of creativity in policy-making and how new industries impact the success of both cities and workers among regions. Meanwhile, Dr. Park Joon, Associate Professor at the University of Seoul, emphasized ICT based urban solutions, better governance, sustainability, and decent urbanization as the four pillars of the Smart City system. Moreover, Representative Christopher V.P. De Venecia of the 4th District of Pangasinan simplified his talk on The Creative Industry and Local Economic Development by likening it to PIE. This means that within the Philippine Creative Cities Network, Infrastructure Investment and through Education, local governments can be brought to a pivotal stage where they could become creative cities or even creative capitals and hubs in their respective regions. After all the discussions, the workshop entitled “Smart and Creative LGU, Who?” facilitated by LGCDD Chief Christian M. Nagaynay allowed the participants, composed of local government officials, to pen their ideas on what Smart and Creative Cities should be. Before the event capped off, Mayor Mary Jean Te of Libertad, Antique and Sonia Fontanilla-Pimentel of the Philippine Society for Public Administration sounded off their reactions and provided insights on the various topics tackled. #

An alleged unnumbered and unsigned Memorandum Circular with subject “Guidelines on the Modernization of Cockpit Operations or Cockfighting in all Local Government Units (LGU) in the Philippines” is now circulating. For the record, it was not prepared, released, or issued by this Department. As it is not an official document, it is FAKE, thus bears no force and effect.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been hailed as one of the 2021 Outstanding Accounting Offices for its observance of the highest standard of quality in complying with stringent government rules on financial reporting, which is a huge feat as a big department handling several offices and units seldom receives the award. DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. thanked the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP) for bestowing the said award to the Department which is a testament of the DILG’s commitment to quality, timeliness, and accuracy in its finances from the Central Office down to the regional and field offices. “Our sincere appreciation to AGAP for this award. Rest assured that the DILG will continue to promote transparent, sound and excellent fiscal management in the Department from the Central Office down to the field offices,” Abalos said. The DILG Secretary commended Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance and Comptrollership Ester A. Aldana and all DILG Accounting Personnel all over the country for demonstrating integrity and commitment to respond to the challenges and demands of ensuring sound and efficient fiscal management and operations within the Department. He said this award signifies that the DILG accounting office truly embodies the Department’s core values of dedication to public service, integrity and innovativeness, leadership by example, good governance, client-focused and organizational competence and effectiveness. “Malaki ang responsibilidad ng ating Accounting Offices dahil sa kanila nakaatang ang pagsisiguro ng masinop at maayos na paggastos ng pondo ng opisina. Dahil sa award na ito, pinatunayan ninyong kayo ay tunay na matino, mahusay at maaasahan,” he said. In a letter from AGAP, its National President Tina Rose Marie Canda said that the DILG was chosen by the Commission on Audit (COA) as one of the awardees for its quality, timeliness, and accuracy of its 2021 financial reports. Aldana, who received the award on behalf of DILG, said AGAP is “an institution that promotes the interest of government accountants and improves the practice of government accountancy.” “It is gratifying, motivating, and reassuring to see all the awardees whose respective accounting offices were chosen by COA. Your collaborative efforts and resolve contributed greatly in the pursuit to come out with quality, accurate, and truthful financial reports,” she said in her opening message during the recently conducted awards rites in Quezon City. She said the awardees are chosen based on the recommendation of COA, whose criteria for judging include unqualified COA findings, and the accuracy and timeliness of submission of financial reports. Aside from the DILG, other AGAP awardees include one corporate government sector, 22 NGAs, and nine local government units. AGAP is an association of over 10,000 accountants, budget officers, supply officers, cashiers and all personnel belonging to the Finance Group from national government agencies, local government units, and government-owned or -controlled corporations. ###