BUSINESS FRIENDLY AND COMPETITIVE LGUS Abante Negosyo Caravan – LGU Tubigon Abante Negosyo Caravan – LGU Guindulman 151 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
BUSINESS FRIENDLY AND COMPETITIVE LGUS Abante Negosyo Caravan – LGU Panglao BOSS Convergence Assessment and Planning ANNUAL REPORT 2023 152
BUSINESS FRIENDLY AND COMPETITIVE LGUS FGD – August 17 153 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
BUSINESS FRIENDLY AND COMPETITIVE LGUS DILG BOHOL’S ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE MSMED COUNCIL As a member of the Bohol Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council, DILG Bohol played an active role in the council’s initiatives aimed at fostering the promotion, growth, and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The council convened on September 12, 2023, where the agenda included discussions on the establishment of Negosyo Centers and the implementation of the creative development program. During the said meeting, various member agencies had the opportunity to showcase their respective programs, plans, and accomplishments, emphasizing a collaborative approach to addressing the needs and challenges faced by SMEs in the province. In its final quarterly meeting on December 6, 2023, the council focused on important reports, including the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) presentation of Negosyo Center initiatives to Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) action plan concerning smoked fish training. DILG Bohol provided updates on its efforts to offertechnical assistance to LGUsin formulating investment codes and comprehensive development plans where small and medium enterprise development concerns are mainstreamed into these codes and plans. This engagement underscores DILG Bohol’s commitment to supporting the local business community and ensuring that strategies for SME development are effectively communicated and implemented to cultivate business-friendly and competitive LGUs. DILG BOHOL COLLABORATES WITH BOHOL TIPC The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bohol Field Office and the Bohol Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) organized a meeting on October 10, 2023, at the CPG Hall, Provincial Capitol, Tagbilaran City. The meeting’s agenda covered an array of important topics. Discussions centered on DOLE’s memo on Ensuring Genuine Sectoral Representation in Tripartite Councils. The discussion also covered the drafting of the Bohol TIPC By-Laws, ensuring a comprehensive framework for the council’s operations. Furthermore, a financial report on Bohol’s Provincial Government support fund was presented. A strategic planning session for the calendar of activities further enriched the discussions, aiming to address pressing concerns and future initiatives. The labor sector also took a moment to thank the Governor for proactively inviting big companies that generate employment opportunities for Boholanos. The TIPC, comprising representatives from the management, labor, and government sectors, serves as a platform for fostering dialogues and consultations. It is dedicated to addressing policies and programs affecting both labor and management, promoting a harmonious and productive industrial environment in Bohol. ANNUAL REPORT 2023 154
BUSINESS FRIENDLY AND COMPETITIVE LGUS 155 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY CORE FUNCTIONS PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATION SERVICE In response to the call of the DILG 7 Regional Office encouraging SROs to launch their respective digital newsletters, the DILG Province of Bohol created the Public Relations Team, which is tasked to manage and build the Department’s presence online and with the local media. Members of the team and all Program Coordinators were tasked to create write-ups after the conduct of their respective activities and post it in the official Facebook Page of DILG Bohol Province. The Team regularly huddles together to brainstorm and discuss ideas relating to maintaining our Facebook Page and official website, and handpicking articlesto publish in our recently launched quarterly publication. SHARPENING THE SAW To keep up with the current trends and upgrade the skills of the members of the Team, every opportunity to attend a free webinar offered by different agencies is grabbed. On June 9, 2023, members of the team attended the Pilipinas Bangon! Ikaw ang Simula: Beyond Broadcast sponsored by the Philippine Broadcasting Service - Bureau of Broadcast Services (PBSBBS). The speakers were Alan Allanigue (Citizen Journalism), Bing Kimpo (Mobile Journalism), and Janet Bayan (Social Media Guidelines). Through the webinar, PBS-BBS hoped to encourage more responsible, responsive, and reflective journalism, beginning from within as it continues to impact the country through public service and beyond. 157 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY OJTs DEVELOP DILG BOHOL LGRC WEBSITE Information Technology students from the Mater Dei College completed their 486 hours of Onthe-Job Training Program at the DILG Bohol Provincial Office. During the turn-over ceremony, PD Gonzales conferred the trainees, Vienna Rose Pepito, Kenn Secusana, Chadie Gil Augis, and Franklin Pogoy with Certificates of Completion, and in turn, the completers turned-over the DILG Bohol LGRC Website that they have developed during their time with DILG Bohol. Also in attendance were Dean Josefina J. Pangan of the College of Arts and Sciences and Technology (CAST) and Mr. Benjie B. Lenteria, MDC System and Web developer and faculty member of Mater Dei College. ANNUAL REPORT 2023 158
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY LAUNCHING OF TANGKARAW DILG Bohol launched its first quarterly publication, the Tangkaraw, on June 12, 2023. It features highlights of activities and accomplishments within the period. Before there were electric lights, people used Tangkaraw, or oil lamps, as sources of light. An oil lamp is a metaphor for illumination—light toward the truth. The flame stands for knowledge, a knowledge that dispels ignorance. Hence, a lit lamp represents the eradication of ignorance from a person. A lit lamp also represents the continuation of something that has already begun. The lamp’s body shields the flame from threats and other influences that would put out the flame, allowing it to burn continually. The fire will continue to burn brighter and upward into higher ideals as long as it is contained and shielded, spreading the light in a world mired in ignorance and darkness. The metaphor ofthe TANGKARAW or oil lampsis a powerful symbol of the work that DILG Bohol does to preserve knowledge and wisdom so it can be shared with others, much like an oil lamp that burns brightly. In the same way as an oil lamp brings light and warmth in the darkness, the works of DILG Bohol help to enlighten and nurture local government units (LGUs), empowering them to be transparent, resilient, socially protective, and competitive. In essence, the TANGKARAW is an apt representation of DILG Bohol’s mission to be a source of knowledge and expertise for LGUs in the province. By preserving and sharing its wisdom, the organization helps to build stronger, more resilient communities that can thrive in the face of challenges and adversity. DILG Bohol celebrates the essence of democracy through the timely publication of government programs and updates. Transparency and accountability are the pillars on which trust is built. 159 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY In the digital age,where information flowsfreely, let us exercise responsibility in our consumption and dissemination. Let us embrace the significance of open communication, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about the initiatives, policies, and progress of the government. Through Tangkaraw, let us embrace the light of enlightenment, for it empowers minds and liberates souls. Let the power of information be our guiding force. Let us navigate this vast sea of knowledge with discernment, embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a world where truth and understanding prevail. By sharing timely news and updates, we foster an engaged and empowered society that actively participates in shaping the future. Together, let us forge a path where the government serves as a beacon of transparency, guiding us towards a brighter tomorrow. ANNUAL REPORT 2023 160
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY DISIPLINA MUNA Disiplina Muna was first introduced nationwide on November 6, 2019 in Metro Manila. It aims to promote a culture of discipline among the citizens and also provides awareness of their roles and responsibilities and is practicing active participation in nation-building as Filipinos which is one of the tenets of good governance. To promote this campaign, the use of advocacy channels such as television, radio, broadsheets, social media and other mass media are used. The DILG, through the social media, promotes national and local programs and projects such as disaster preparedness and resilience and anti-smoking using the general hashtag #DisiplinaMuna. STRENGTHENING OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE RESOURCE CENTER In support to the Department’s initiative to foster sharing and management of knowledge resources, the DILG-Bohol Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) was established in the miniconference hall of the DILG Bohol Provincial Office where various reading materials are readily available to field officers and other clients. BOHOL ORGANIZES THE MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE DILG DOSE ORIENTATION AND MENTORING DILG Bohol, headed by PD Jerome Gonzales with the provincial office personnel attended the mentoring activity of DILG Region XII on Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) on February 23, 2023 at the DILG Bohol LGRC Conference Hall and February 24, 2023 at Reyna’s the Haven and Gardens. Field Officers were also onboard during the activity via Zoom. In compliance to DILG MC 2022-052 entitled “Operationalizing Knowledge Management in Local Governance through the Local Government Resource Center (LGRC)”, DILG-Bohol strengthens its 161 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY LGRC with the guidance and assistance of Region XII headed by RD Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III, together with ARD Lailyn A. Ortiz, CESO V, LGCDD Division Chief Jermie Erie-Yeager, Finance and Administrative Division Chief Dennis T. Sucol, and LGOOs II Raymart B. Miranda and Frances Kristene B. Alvero-Laguda. In her inspirational message, RD Jo, a 2022 Tatag ng Agila Awardee, shared DILG Dose’s LGRC journey and humble beginnings towards being in the top 5 LGRCs nationwide. She emphasized the need to nurture a culture of excellence and to “aim for the treetopsto avoid hitting the ground.” She proudly introduced her team who are top-caliber resource persons, and shared precious learning materials and DILG Dose innovations as part of the Mentoring for Optimal Development Program (MOLD) of the Local Government Academy. The mentee, PD Jerome Gonzales expressed his sincerest gratitude to his mentor RD Jo, for bringing her team to Bohol to conduct this mentoring activity and for inspiring the Bohol team with their experiences and knowledge in establishing the LGRC. He added that he hopes that this inspiration for knowledge management will be infectious when the Bohol team beginstheir journey in organizing the MSAC. Thismentor-mentee partnership aimsto help strengthen the latter’s Provincial LocalGovernance Resource Center. The two-day activity also aims to assess LGRC Bohol’s functionality and assist them in establishing the Bohol Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MSAC). ANNUAL REPORT 2023 162
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY BOHOL MSAC-LGRC ORIENTATION Taking off from the mentoring activity of DILG Dose to DILG Bohol, the latter conducted the MSAC-LGRC Orientation on March 8, 2023 at the LGRC Conference Hall of the DILG Bohol Provincial Office, the first step towards building a culture of learning and knowledge sharing. Present during the activity are representatives from DSWD, DTI, DepEd, DENR, DOH, DOLE, TESDA, DOST, PIA, Bohol Island State University, Holy Name University, BANGON, World Vision, and ECPAT Philippines. The activity aims to foster partnership with the different stakeholders by organizing the MSAC and provide a ground for knowledge sharing and exchange of knowledge ideas, and to harness capacities of the LGUs to promote effectiveness, efficiency, learning and innovation in local governance. 163 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY BOHOL MSAC-LGRC’s FIRST MEETING AND SIGNING OF PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT The Bohol MSAC-LGRC convened for the signing of the Pledge of Commitment on April 13, 2023, at the DILG Bohol LGRC Conference Hall. This was the 1st official meeting of the MSAC following the orientation conducted last March 8, 2023. PD Gonzales presided over the meeting where the services offered, knowledge products, and target beneficiaries of each member institution were discussed. Possible areas of engagement were also discussed. The meeting concluded with the Pledge of Commitment signing sealing committee members’ resolve to promote a culture of learning to better equip not just local governments but also each participating institution for better program implementation and to promote progressive, resilient, and inclusive communities. The signing of the Pledge of Commitment was attended by the following: 1. Ms. Zina D. Sayson - Vice President for Student Affairs and Services from the Bohol Island State University 2. Dr. Edward C. Anuta - University Director of Planning also from Bohol Island State University 3. Mr. Lope Hubac – from the Department of Education Division of Bohol (DepEd) 4. Mr. Efren M. Apalisok - DMO III of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources PENRO 5. Dr. Ma. Portia D. Reyes - Team Leader of Provincial DOH 6. Ms. Vina R. Antopina - Provincial S&T Director of the Department of Science and Technology Bohol PSTC 7. Mr. Jimmy A. Crusio - SWAD Team Leader of DSWD-Bohol 8. Ms. Maria Soledad L. Balistoy - Provincial Director of DTI Bohol 9. Mr. Jude Bernard T. Guieb - Department of Trade and Industry 10. Engr. Winefredo B. Salas - Provincial Director of TESDA Bohol 11. Ms. Janice Sofia R. Talip - Program Coordinator for Bohol, ECPAT Phils. 12. Mr. Francis Bernard I. Batoy – President of BANGON, Inc. 13. Ms. Mariejoe F. Narca - Head for Center for Community Extension Linkages and Partnerships from Holy Name University ANNUAL REPORT 2023 164
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT AAS II Ma. Leizl C. Redita with the assistance of Ms. Rosalinda G. Dahunog managed all the financial accountability reports and ensured its submission to the Regional Accounting Office ahead of the deadline. Processing and payments of various claims were also attended accordingly. Semestral inventory of properties and equipment were done by ADA VI Uldarick C. Ladores to ensure proper recording of serviceable/unserviceable assets. PLANNING/BUDGETING/ OFFICE OPERATIONS The year kicked off with setting the goals and targets of the Department through the conduct of a Strategic Planning, specifically for the implementation and monitoring of locally-funded projects (LFPs) on January 26-28, 2023 at Bohol Bee Farm, Dauis, Bohol. The team huddled together in identifying the issues and concerns in the implementation and monitoring of projects, and were able to set timelines, mechanisms and agreements to address them. The strategic planning aimed to adhere to the Department’s mission of strengthening the capability of LGUs through facilitating smooth project implementation and monitoring. 165 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY The Pre-Execom and ExeCom meetings are also regularly attended by Program Manager Mylove C. Flood and PD Jerome G. Gonzales, respectively. These are avenues for updating deliverables, accomplishments and sharing of Best Practices of the regional and sub-regional offices. FIELD OPERATIONS ENHANCEMENT PROJECT Regular monitoring of the undertakings and accomplishments of field officers are made through the conduct of conferences. PD Gonzales leads the discussion of deliverables and updates and manages consensual decisions on vital concerns. Program Coordinators on the other hand, present updates and concerns of the program under them. Table XXXIV. Schedule of Conferences Month Conference JANUARY 20 FEBRUARY 17 MARCH 20 APRIL 14 MAY 19 JUNE 16 JULY 24 AUGUST 18 SEPTEMBER 15 OCTOBER 20 NOVEMBER 22 DECEMBER none SUPPORT FUNCTIONS PROMOTION OF PERSONNEL The newly-promoted Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) of DILG Bohol Province are the following: ● LGOO V Atty. Karen Ann B. Beniga ● LGOO V Sarah Kristina G. Romanillos ● LGOO V Lindsey Marie A. Vismanos ● LGOO III Jeanette C. Camilotes ● LGOO III Julie Mae P. Nombre ● LGOO III Diolito A. Iyog ANNUAL REPORT 2023 166
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ● LGOO III Leonell C. Cawayan • LGOO II Meah Hecell N. Genovia was also welcomed by DILG Bohol in 2023. DILG BOHOL PRACTICES THE GREAT FILIPINO WORKOUT Pursuant to Civil Service Commission (CSC) issuance directing all government agenciesto initiate physical fitness activities for all its officers and staff, DILG – Bohol Province, on its part, conduct Zumba/Pilates exercises at the LGRC Conference Hall or make rounds on the track at the Grand Stand every Monday from 3:30 - 5:00 in the afternoon, led by their Fitness Coordinator, LGOO II Jun Arcy Pacleb. The said directive is also in accordance with the Health Lifestyle Projects under Gender and Development (GAD) and Personnel Development. The Zumba exercises are also applied as energizers in seminars, training, and other similar events. Moreover, DILG - Bohol has formed a Baskteball Team that participates in the Annual Tagbilaran City Inter-Agency Basketball Tournament. 167 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY NATIONWIDE SIMULTANEOUS EARTHQUAKE DRILL FOR CY 2023 Rule 6, Section 7 of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 10121 or the DRRM Act of 2010 provides that public awareness shall be undertaken through the conduct of drills by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) regularly. NDRRMC Memorandum No. 06, s. 2023, provides for the resumption of Face-to-Face Conduct of Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. As the lead agency in Disaster Preparedness, DILG Bohol participated in the conduct of Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills for CY 2023. During the drill, DILG personnel from the Office of the Provincial Director were taught what to do during and after an earthquake. The conduct of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill aimsto test the overall efficiency and usefulness of the preparedness, response, and recovery plans of schools, offices, and communities, as well as to educate the public and enhance the level of earthquake disaster preparedness. GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT In observance of the 2023 National Women’s Month, DILG Bohol joins this year’s celebration with the theme: WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society, drumming up the support for advocacy through the hashtag #WEcanbeEquALL. Different activities were conducted in line with the celebration, namely: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (March 8, 2023) This year, International Women’s Day is centered on the theme #EmbraceEquity. To embrace this year’s theme, the women of DILG Bohol showed support by celebrating the achievements of women, while continuing to promote a collective effort toward gender equity and equality to achieve a world that is free of bias, discrimination, and stereotypes. ANNUAL REPORT 2023 168
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY PURPLE WEDNESDAYS (all Wednesdays of March 2023) To show support for its month-long celebration, the DILG Bohol personnel wore purple every Wednesday to signify support for women’s empowerment and gender equality. Purple isrecognized as the international color for women and gender equality. PAMPER FRIDAY (March 17, 2023) In line with the month-long celebration of 2023 Women’s Month, everyone was given an equal opportunity to spoil themselves. The DILG BOHOL personnel, both men and women, had a great time enjoying the services rendered by the staff of AURA BOHOL-Good to Glow such as manicure, pedicure, lash lift, massage, foot spa and many more. This was one way to pause from the hustle and bustle of life. This activity was to drum up support for the advocacy that regardless of gender, ability, status and situation, are respected and afforded their rights. 169 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY PROVISION OF RAMPS, SIGNAGE AND COMFORT ROOMS FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS AND DIFFERENTLYABLED PERSONS AT DILG BOHOL OFFICE Buildings, facilities and utilities for public use are required to be accessible to all its clients, especially the senior citizens and differently-abled persons. In compliance with this, DILG-Bohol has provided ramps, signage and comfort rooms for these people. GSIS LOANS Loan applications were acted by AAO Mylove C. Flood within the day it was made. Table XXXV. Number of Loan Applications Acted Month Regular Policy Loan Emergency Loan Multi-Purpose Loan JANUARY 1 8 0 FEBRUARY 1 4 3 MARCH 1 0 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2023 170
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY APRIL 0 0 2 MAY 0 0 2 JUNE 2 0 7 JULY 4 0 6 AUGUST 1 0 4 SEPTEMBER 0 0 0 OCTOBER 0 0 6 NOVEMBER 0 0 0 DECEMBER 0 0 2 PRE-RETIREMENT AND RETIREMENT ASSISTANCE DILG-Bohol endorses the intent of its officers who wish to retire within the following year and assists them in the preparation of requirements to include the provincial and regional clearances. In 2023, the office did not receive any letter of intent for retirement. HR DOCUMENTS/SYSTEMS WFH TIME RECORD Attendance of DILG-Bohol Provincial Office personnel on a Work-From-Home arrangement are logged in using Google Forms. ONLINE LOG SHEET OF COMMUNICATIONS In line with the Quality Management System and in consideration of the bulk of communications received and released and to further improve and systemize the records management, DILG Bohol was able to develop an online recording of the incoming and outgoing communication through Google Drive. This initiative helped the DILG Bohol Provincial Personnel track the communication 171 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY flow and be able to check if received communications are already given appropriate action and released communications are properly recorded. CREATION OF WORK-RELATED GROUP CHATS To expedite communication between colleagues, work-related group chats were created utilizing Facebook Messenger. ANNUAL REPORT 2023 172
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY MONITORING LOG SHEETS FOR REPORT SUBMISSIONS Report submissions from the Field Officers and by Program Coordinators are monitored with the help of Google Sheet, which provides real-time updates on the status of submissions. REPORTS DUE FOLDER To easily consolidate and monitor report submissions from the field officers, Google Drive is utilized by all Field Officers and Program Coordinators. 173 ANNUAL REPORT 2023
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ISO To develop standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency in the delivery of the programs, projects and activities of the department, the DILG conducted a virtual QMS Assessment for FY 2023 from October 02 to November 10, 2023, by the newly reconstituted QMS Assessment Committee as per D.O. No. 2023-1003 dated September 07, 2023. The said assessment was participated by the top management, Regional Quality Management Representative, Deputy QMR and Regional and Provincial Process Owners. The QMS Planning: Updating of Context Registry, Interested Parties Matrix, and Risk and Opportunity Register 2023 was conducted on April 14, 2023 – 9:00AM via Cisco Webex Platform for virtual participants and at the DILG-RO 2nd Floor - Panaghiusa Conference Room for face-toface participants. BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC) The Bohol Provincial Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) convened to discuss and evaluate quotations and bidsthrough the conduct of face to face or virtualmeetings. The PBAC had conducted six (6) meetings on January 9, 2023; March 6, 2023; May 23, 2023; September 25, 2023; November 6, 2023; and December 13, 2023 respectively. It had successfully facilitated a total of one hundred thirty-two (132) procurements for FY 2023 through the different means as follows: ● Small Value Procurement – 94 ● Lease of Venue – 19 ● Shopping - 19 CONDUCT OF REGULAR INVENTORY OF EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, MACHINERIES AND OTHER PROPERTIES OF THE OFFICE To ensure that machineries and other properties of the office are maintained, semestral inventory of equipment is done by designated property custodian ADA VI Uldarick Ladores. Acknowledgement Receiptfor Equipment(ARE) issigned by the concerned recipient employee while Inventory Custodian Slip (ICS) is accomplished by personnel who are assigned office gadgets and other properties. In the event that equipment, gadget or other properties become unserviceable, these are stored in the bodega after proper recording. These unserviceable properties are disposed upon indorsement by the DILG VII Fiscal and Administrative Division and approval by the COA resident auditor. Other properties like office supplies are likewise managed through a monthly report of procurement and distribution of supplies handled by LGOO II Julie Mae P. Nombre. The distribution of supplies is based on the Project Procurement Management Plan or on request basis with corresponding recording of supplies balances. A report of procurement and distribution of supplies is prepared and submitted monthly to the DILG VII Regional Office. ANNUAL REPORT 2023 174
STRENGTHENED INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY DILG BOHOL LGOO II GRADUATES FROM LGOO II APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM DILG Bohol had a lone LGOO II apprentice who marched with his sablay at the Grand Graduation Ceremony for the Apprenticeship Program for LGOOs II and III Batch 55 on 5 December 2023 at the Manila Prince Hotel. LGOO II Roy Vincent A. Gaviola successfully completed the apprenticeship program and has joined the ranks of the professional corps of DILG Local Government Operations Officers. TheapprenticeshipjourneyofDILGRegionVIIapprenticeswasfilledwithchallengesasthey tested their mettle and gained valuable knowledge,skills, and competenciesthrough many components of the program – Foundation Course (online classes and residential training), Supervised Field Work, Competency Assessment and Simulation Exercise, and Revalida and Graduation, to become wellrounded and reliable LGOOs. The Apprenticeship Program for LGOOs II and III is a mandatory training program for all newlyhired LGOOs II to equip them with the necessary skills and competencies to implement and manage the programs, projects, and activities of the DILG. 175 ANNUAL REPORT 2023