1stQuARTER Thecatalyst theofficialpublication ofdilglaguna 2024ISSUE
On March 22, 25, and 26, 2024, the Province of Laguna ' s Provincial Awards Committee (PAC) conducted the 2024 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Provincial Assessment, wherein 11 Lupong Tagapamayapa from different local government units were validated based on the set criteria of the LTIA. Engr. John M. Cerezo, Provincial Director of DILG Laguna, chaired the PAC, while Ms. Helconida A. Lorenzo of the Provincial Prosecutor ’ s Office served as the vice chairperson of the awards committee. The members are from various offices prescribed under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-022, namely: (1) Atty. Laurence L. Pasia, Peace and Order Office representative, (2) Hon. Lorenzo B. Zuñiga, Jr., Liga ng mga Barangay Laguna Chapter President, (3) Engr. Anastacio T. Castillo, Commander, Knights of Rizal Calamba City Chapter, (4) Ms. Gemma V. Delos Santos, (5) Mr. Roderick C. Herrera of the Regional Trial Court, and (6) PEMS Bartolome N. Mercado and (7) PEMS Jim Paul SJ Barroga of the Laguna Police Provincial Office. 11 BARANGAYSIN LAGUNA competefor theLTIA Provincial Assessment
The PAC conducted document review, interviews, and on-site validation for the Lupong Tagapamayapa of the following barangays, viz: 1. Halang, Calamba City; 2. San Vicente, San Pedro City; 3. San Vicente, Biñan City; 4. Dita, Santa Rosa City; 5. Ibabang Atingay, Magdalena; 6. San Ildefonso, Alaminos; 7. Batong Malake, Los Baños; 8. Aplaya, Pila; 9. Alibungbungan, Nagcarlan; 10. Mabacan, Cabuyao; and, 11. Santo Domingo, Bay. After the assessment, the top-performing Lupon per LTIA category shall be endorsed to the Regional Awards Committee (RAC). The LTIA is an annual search that recognizes outstanding Lupons that adequately demonstrate the ability to fairly and efficiently resolve cases referred to them. This was conceptualized and implemented in 1982 and has been elevated to a Presidential Award pursuant to EO No. 394 s. 1997.
IIn support of the "Bagong Pilipinas " brand of governance, the Department has introduced the Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan or KALINISAN Program to strengthen the participation of the barangays and community members in preserving the environment through the conduct of weekly clean-up activities. DILG Laguna, together with Barangay San Vicente and the City Government of Biñan, conducted a clean-up activity to support the national launching of the said program on January 6, 2024. A total of 2,010 kilograms of waste were collected by one hundred ten (110) volunteers from various government agencies, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and citizens of Barangay San Vicente, Biñan City, Laguna. Continuous weekly clean-up activities were conducted in all barangays in CALABARZON to raise awareness and encourage the participation of our fellow Filipino citizens in solving our waste management problem. Barangay San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna, was one of the Regional Showcased Barangays last March 16, 2024. It was participated in by local government and barangay officials and functionaries, partner agencies, civil society organizations, and other concerned national government agencies. This program reminds everyone of our responsibility for the environment as individual contributors to waste in our country. PROVINCEOFLAGUNA “KALINISAN”IN THE
Thirty (30) Local Government Units in the Province of Laguna were assessed during the LGU-CA Table Assessment from March 11 to 14, 2024, by the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee from the Provincial Government of Laguna. The assessment team included Ms. Rosemarie D. Graida of the Provincial Health Office for Liquid Waste Management, EnP Roda B. Valenzuela, PhD, LLB, and Mr. Ricarte J. Castillo of the Provincial Government – Environment and Natural Resources Office for Solid Waste Management, as well as Ms. Jealyn C. Montarde and Ms. Maria Susan M. Pascual from the Provincial Urban Development and Housing Office for the Management of Informal Settler Families. The LGU-CA aims to assess the compliance of LGUs with all environmental laws under the Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program. Manila BayClean-Up, Rehabilitation and reservation Program:2023LGU Compliance Assessment(LGU – CA)
The primary objective of the site validation is twofold. Firstly, it aims to expedite project implementation by ensuring that the initiatives align with the intended guidelines. Secondly, it seeks to confirm that the funds allocated for the various projects were utilized efficiently, adhering to the stipulated program guidelines. This level of scrutiny is vital to guarantee that taxpayer money is spent responsibly, fostering public trust and accountability. A Closer Look at DILGLaguna's Aiming for effective governance and responsible fiscal management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)- Province of Laguna has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to validate and ensure the proper utilization of funds allocated for various projects. The focus primarily revolves around the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU), Growth Equity Fund (GEF), and Seal of Good Local Governance-Incentive Fund (SGLG-IF) projects within the province. The Project and Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of DILG Laguna recently conducted site validations for the above mentioned programs. This involved a meticulous evaluation of preimplementation documents, conduct of on-site inspections, and an exit conference. The thorough examination aimed to verify the LGUs ’ commitment to project completion and liquidation. Project Validation Initiatives
For the 2nd Semester of 2023, a total of 19 LGUs were validated, which also provided technical assistance in encoding data in the SubayBayan Portal. Furthermore, 12 LGUs received technical support for SubayBayan encoding through Zoom teleconferences. Through this portal, the public can access real time information on the physical and financial status of the projects implemented by the Department. In summary, the DILG Laguna ' s Project and Development and Management Unit' s site validation process plays a pivotal role in upholding accountability, transparency, and responsible fiscal management. By meticulously evaluating projects, confirming fund efficiency, and ensuring alignment with program guidelines, the initiative aims to expedite development and guarantee that taxpayer money is utilized in the most effective manner. This commitment to rigorous oversight contributes to building public trust and fostering sustainable local development in the Province of Laguna.
ENHANCINGGOVERNANCE: In the pursuit of efficient governance and effective resource allocation, DILG Laguna ’ s Project Development and Monitoring Unit (PDMU) continually seek methods to improve project monitoring and evaluation. Recognizing this need, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Laguna has taken significant steps to enhance the encoding process in Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) of LGU infrastructure projects and the Assessment of Projects in Rapid Subproject Sustainability Assessment (RSSA) systems. These efforts signify a commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making. DILGLaguna improvesencodingin Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME)ofLGUInfrastructureProjects(RLIP) and AssessmentofProjectsin Rapid Subproject Sustainability Assessment(RSSA)Systems EmpoweringLGUs through RBME Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) is a systematic approach that tracks the progress and assesses the outcomes of projects based on predefined indicators. It enables LGUs to monitor the performance of infrastructure projects, identify bottlenecks, and make timely interventions to ensure project success. However, the effectiveness of RBME hinges on accurate and timely data encoding.
In tandem with RBME, the Assessment of Projects in Rapid Subproject Sustainability Assessment (RSSA) system plays a crucial role in evaluating the sustainability and impact of LGU projects. RSSA employs a structured assessment framework to gauge various dimensions of project sustainability, including social, economic, environmental, and institutional aspects. Through systematic evaluation, LGUs can identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures to ensure the long-term viability of projects. The commitment of DILG Laguna to enhancing encoding in RBME and RSSA systems reflects a proactive approach to governance that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and sustainability. By empowering LGUs with the tools, training, and technology needed to accurately monitor and evaluate infrastructure projects, DILG Laguna lays the groundwork for inclusive and participatory development. Moving forward, sustained efforts to strengthen data management systems, build institutional capacities, and foster stakeholder engagement will be key to achieving lasting impact and driving progress in Laguna ' s local governance landscape. ElevatingProject Sustainability with RSSA
MAYOR ROSS RIZAL’S CALAMBA CITYURBAN FIREOLYMPICS2024 CLGOO Jennifer S. Quirante of the Department of the Interior and Local Government - City of Calamba Field Office attended the "Mayor Ross Rizal’ s Calamba City Urban Fire Olympics 2024.” She served as one of the judges to the Ms. Urban Fire Olympics 2024 Competition held on March 5, 2024 at The Plaza, City Hall Complex, City of Calamba, Laguna. In line with this year ' s Fire Prevention Month Celebration, the activity conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in partnership with the City Government of Calamba was designed to increase the awareness of barangay first responders and volunteers in the importance of unity and cooperation through firefighting competencies. The Fire Olympics was attended by 448 participants from 54 Barangays in the City of Calamba, together with the members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Special guest, Senator Manuel "Lito " M. Lapid, was also present during the said event.
ORIENTATION-WORKSHOPON THE“COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT”IMPLEMENTATION FOr THE54 BARANGAYSOFCALAMBA CITY The DILG City of Calamba, in partnership with the Calamba Justice Zone, facilitated the OrientationWorkshop on the Implementation of the "Community Service Act" for the 54 Barangays of City of Calamba on March 20, 2024, at the DILG Conference Hall, Calamba City Hall, Laguna. The activity aims to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the implementation of Republic Act No. 11362, otherwise known as the “Community Service Act, ” which aims to require offenders to undergo community service in lieu of imprisonment for the penalties of arresto menor and arresto mayor. The guest speakers of the orientation-workshop were Hon. Glenda R. Mendoza-Ramos, Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court-Branch 36, Hon. Leah Angeli B. Vasquez-Abad, Executive Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities-Branch 1, Mr. Joel Romano C. Arjinal, City Chief Parole and Probation Officer, and Ms. Angelina Taniola-Dioquino of the City Social Services Office. The said activity was attended by the Barangay Secretaries and Focal Persons for Community Service Implementation of the 54 Barangays in the City of Calamba.
LAUNCHINGOFTHE KATARUNGAN LABAN SA KARAHASAN SA TAHANAN HOTLINE AND RELAUNCHINGOF DULUGANG BAYAN PROGRAM The DILG City of Calamba took part in the Grand Launching of the "Katarungan Laban sa Karahasan sa Tahanan " Hotline and Relaunching of the Dulugang Bayan/Free Legal Consultation Program, which were held simultaneously during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on March 18, 2024, at the Calamba City Hall, Laguna. The Katarungan Laban sa Karahasan sa Tahanan Hotline aims to put an end to all kinds of violence and abuse, as well as help victims reach out to authorities in a more convenient way. On the other hand, the Dulugang Bayan is an initiative of the City Mayor, Hon. Roseller H. Rizal, through the City Legal Services Office, in collaboration with the Calamba City Justice Zone Stakeholders, Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Laguna Chapter, Metro Calamba Lawyer ’ s League, Public Attorney ’ s Office-Calamba, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other offices/agencies. It is set to provide free legal consultation and advice to the public every Friday, facilitated by volunteer lawyers. The DILG, as one of the members of the Dulugang Bayan Program, is in charge of addressing concerns regarding Katarungang Pambarangay (KP).
1 Quarter 2024 The DILG Laguna Sub-Local Governance Resource Center (Sub-LGRC) recently established its Multi-sectoral Advisory Committee (MSAC), composed of local resource institutes (LRIs) in the province, namely, Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) – Siniloan, STI College-Santa Cruz, and Philippine Women ’ s University (PWU) – Santa Cruz. In order to provide updates and present the accomplishments of each MSAC member, DILG Laguna hosted the 1st Quarter MSAC Meeting on February 26, 2024, at the DILG Laguna Provincial Office Conference Hall. Present at the activity were the following: PWU Santa Cruz School Administrator Rizaldy N. Kalaw, LSPU Siniloan Dean Francis F. Balahadia, faculty members Mr. Archieval M. Jain and Mr. Mervin Jommel T. De Jesus, and STI Santa Cruz School Administrator Ellir T. Sugaste. DILG Laguna Provincial Director John M. Cerezo formally welcomed the participants through a speech in which he highlighted the importance of the activity. He emphasized its role as a venue to discuss future convergence activities relative to the promotion of good governance. Through an audiovisual presentation, DILG Laguna showcased a compilation of its accomplishments and innovations for the year 2023. Meanwhile, Mr. Archieval M. Jain of LSPU Siniloan discussed their partnership with nearby local government units regarding waste segregation and their provision of technical assistance to Pakil Elementary School regarding computer literacy. STI Santa Cruz School Administrator Ellir T. Sugaste presented their partnership with the Municipal Government of Santa Cruz in developing a system promoting their tourism through showcasing their tourist spots. Lastly, PWU Santa Cruz President Rizaldy N. Kalaw shared information about the scholarship programs they offer to the Philippine National Police. st MSAC MEETING
LGOO V Wyeth L. Fernandez facilitated the open forum for the proposed partnership with MSAC members for future implementation of programs, projects, and activities. Shortly thereafter, she discussed the updating of the Directory of Experts, which will be used for reference in the provision of technical assistance to local government units and other stakeholders. The next part of the activity was the sponsorship, during which the body decided to establish a schedule for the next quarterly meetings for the year 2024, as well as to determine which MSAC members will host the said meetings. For the ways forward, LGOO V Fernandez facilitated the action planning. The body came up with a lineup of collaborative activities to be implemented for the next quarter. For other matters, LGOO II Hannah Krystel R. Castro presented the details of DILG IV-A Regional Memorandum regarding the two new online programs of DILG IV-A called "#4ABetterGovernance " and "#Partners4aBetterGovernance." Having discussed everything on the agenda, Provincial Program Manager Jinkee C. Advento delivered her closing message to all members.