“Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” The Official Newsletter of DILG La Union Provincial Office October - December 2023 LUPOng Mamamahayag 16 LA UNION LGUs CONFERRED WITH THE SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE (SGLG) The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted the CY 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Awarding Ceremony on November 13, 2023, at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila. Out of the 493 passers nationwide, 16 LGUs in the Province of La Union were conferred with the Seal, namely: • Municipality of Agoo • Municipality of Aringay • Municipality of Bacnotan • Municipality of Bagulin • Municipality of Balaoan • Municipality of Bangar • Municipality of Bauang • Municipality of Burgos • Municipality of Caba • Municipality of Luna • Municipality of Naguilian • Municipality of Rosario • Municipality of San Juan • Municipality of Santo Tomas • Municipality of Sudipen • Municipality of Tubao These LGUs were able to surpass the rigorous assessment process, from Regional Assessment up to National Selection by the Council for Good Local Governance. The Province of La Union garnered a 76.19% passing rate, compared to 52.38% in CY 2022. Adding to the roster of passers are the Municipalities of Bagulin and Luna as 1st time passers. The conferment of the Seal was the result of the LGUs commitment in advancing financial transparency and accountability, disaster preparedness, ensuring
About the Paper: The name of the paper, LUPOng Mamamahayag is a wordplay to refer to the La Union Provincial Office (LUPO) and the Filipino term Lupon, which means a group formed for a certain purpose. Hence, our team was formed to recognize and communicate to the public the significant contributions of various stakeholders, and the impacts of these efforts in pursuit of excellent public service. Editorial Board Advisers DIR. REGGIE R. COLISAO, CESO V Provincial Director LGOO VII ROCELYN CHARINA B. FLORA Cluster Leader ------- Editor-in-Chief LGOO VI NICOLETTE MAY O. AMON Program Manager ------- Associate Editor LGOO II HEDRICH V. CALDERON ------- Lay-out Artist LGOO II JOEY ANDREW L. LUBRICA ------- Contributors LGOO II HEDRICH V. CALDERON LGOO II INGRID IRA M. IGNACIO LGOO II JAYSON L. ORDINARIO ENGR. II ARIANNE JOYCE O. DUMO PEO I VERONICA L. BIASCAN ------- Photo Credits: DILG LU Staff; DILG Field Officers; LGU Balaoan FB Page LGU Bacnotan FB Page 1 16 La Union LGUs conferred with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 4 City of San Fernando, La Union Excels in EODB Compliance Audit by DILG 5 DILG LU partners with PGLU for CUCPD: MOTHERS FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT CUM BUNTIS CONGRESS 6 DILG La Union primes Lupon in Katarungang Pambarangay 8 Celebrating Progress: Inauguration of Projects under the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive 9 100% of La Union LGUs garnered Perfect Score in the Peace and Order Council (POC) Functionality Audit 10 DILG LU, LGUs bag Regional SubayBayani Awards CONTENTS “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” LUPOng Mamamahayag 2
“Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” 3 LUPOng Mamamahayagaccess to social services, responding to healthcare needs, promoting sustainable education, attracting more businesses for investment and employment, protecting the community from threats, upholding the integrity of the environment, optimizing tourism and enriching cultural communities, and broadening the participation of the youth in local governance. SGLG Awardees will be receiving the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF) amounting to Php 4 million for provinces, Php 2.3 million for cities, and Php 1.8 million for municipalities. The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11292 or the “SGLG Act of 2019”. It is an incentive, honor, and recognition-based program which aims to boost the LGUs’ drive to constantly progress and sustain their notable performance across various governance areas. By: LGOO II Jayson L. Ordinario continuation from page 1...
“Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” LUPOng Mamamahayag 4 The City of San Fernando, La Union, underwent a comprehensive assessment during the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Compliance Audit conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on November 21, 2023 at the Liga ng mga Barangay Hall, City of San Fernando, La Union. The Audit evaluated the nine (9) cities of Region 1 on the implementation of Republic Act 11032 otherwise known as Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery (EODB-EGSD) Act of 2018 and to identify possible interventions needed by the LGU. The Assessment Team was led by National Validator II Renze R. Galua with Regional EODB Focal Person, LGOO V Benedicta M. Barnachea, and Provincial EODB Focal Persons, LGOO II Ingrid Ira M. Ignacio and LGOO II Ann France G. Bergonia. City officials headed by Mayor Hermengildo A. Gualberto diligently prepared for the audit, recognizing its importance in fostering a businessfriendly environment. The City's commitment to transparency and efficiency was evident as they provided the Assessment Team with all necessary documents and readily participated in interviews. During the assessment, the team meticulously reviewed various aspects of the City's business processes, assessing the ease and efficiency in acquiring business permits and licenses as well as certificates of occupancy. The team also engaged in interviews with key city officials to gain insights into the local government's initiatives to promote business-friendly policies. In the end, the Assessment Team was thoroughly impressed with the City's efforts to foster a conducive environment for business. National Validator Galua commended the City officials and stakeholders for their proactive approach, stating, "The City of San Fernando has set a commendable standard in EODB compliance. Their preparedness, transparency, and dedication to streamlining processes are exemplary." Regional Counterpart, LGOO V Benedicta M. Barnachea, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the city's initiatives to create a positive business atmosphere. "[The City of] San Fernando has not only met but also exceeded expectations in terms of EODB. The city's proactive measures and commitment to continuous improvement are noteworthy," she remarked. Provincial Counterparts, LGOO II Ingrid Ira M. Ignacio and LGOO II Ann France Bergonia, also expressed their satisfaction with the assessment process. They noted that the City of San Fernando's success in the audit reflects its ongoing efforts to prioritize the needs of businesses and investors. In conclusion, the Assessment Team commended the City of San Fernando and expressed their hope that the city will continue to be a trailblazer in Ease of Doing Business. The positive outcome of the audit reflects the city's dedication to creating an environment that attracts and sustains business growth. As the City of San Fernando maintains its commitment to EODB principles, it is poised to become a benchmark for other localities aspiring to enhance their business ecosystems. By: LGOO II Ingrid Ira M. Ignacio City of San Fernando, La Union Excels in EODB Compliance Audit by DILG
“Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” 5 LUPOng MamamahayagDILG LU PARTNERS WITH PGLU FOR CUCPD: MOTHERS FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT CUM BUNTIS CONGRESS The Department of the Interior and Local Government La Union Provincial Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union – Provincial Health Office conducted the CUCPD: Mothers for Peace and Development cum Buntis Congress on December 14, 2023, at Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union. The activity aims to empower and increase women participation in decision-making for peace and development. Also, the activity provides a platform for pregnant women to increase their knowledge on Maternal Health Nutrition, Safe Motherhood, and Modern Family Planning. A total of 25 pregnant women from Barangays of Catbangen, Poro, Ilocanos Sur, San Agustin, and San Francisco, City of San Fernando, La Union participated in the activity. The Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Brgy. Catbengen provided assistance during the activity. LGOO II Jayson L. Ordinario discussed the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-063 or the Enhanced Guidelines on the Implementation of CUCPD. He gave emphasis on the roles of women in the promotion of peace and development on the community. On the other hand, Nutrition Officer I Kristine Antonette Piñon, Nurse II Daphne Aleta, and Nurse II Mae A. Galvez of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) talked about Maternal Health Nutrition, Safe Motherhood, and Family Planning, respectively. The CUCPD is a platform for convergence and collaboration among all stakeholders at the local level aimed at improving the institutional capacity of LGUs to undertake development-oriented and context-sensitive peacebuilding programs to resolve the prevailing and emerging local issues of the most vulnerable sectors. By: LGOO II Jayson L. Ordinario
DILG La Union primes Lupon in Katarungang Pambarangay With the new term of barangay officials, Local Government Units (LGUs) in La Union conducted capacity-building activities on Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) in December 2023 for their Lupong Tagapamayapa as they deliver effective and efficient community-based conflict resolution. Seeking to preserve the time-honored tradition of amicably settling interpersonal disputes in communities, LGUs organized enhancement trainings among their component barangays with the assistance of the DILG and partner stakeholders. Katarungay Pambarangay or the Barangay Justice System seeks to deliver speedy administration of justice contributing to preservation of peace and order in the locality. Institutionalized by RA 7160 or the Local Government Code, it exists to help decongest the regular courts and serves as an alternative mechanism for dispute resolution. Orientation on Katarungang Pambarangay A total of 1,967 reelected and newly-minted Punong Barangays, appointed Barangay Secretaries, and Lupong Tagapamayapa Members from 441 barangays completed their training on Katarungang Pambarangay. DILG La Union Provincial Office and its field offices provided technical assistance to the Local Government Units and Liga ng mga Barangay through training management and provision of expertise. LGUs also sought support from local stakeholders such as DMMMSU College of Law and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) as learning service providers. Cluster Leader Rocelyn Charina B. Flora, LGOO II Hedrich V. Calderon, LGOO II Atty. Michael John F. Borja, and LGOO II Jayson L. Ordinario of the DILG La Union Provincial Office aided the field offices and LGUs as Resource Speakers. During the capacity-building activities, the organizational aspect of KP was discussed highlighting the qualifications of the Lupon, their appointment, as well as their duties and functions. Jurisdictional aspect discussions shed light on the cases covered by the KP, as well as the process of mediation, conciliation and arbitration. The administrative aspect of KP, through the indicators of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA), was also presented emphasizing the use of prescribed forms and observation of practices within the KP. “I was involved in the selection of exemplary Lupons in 2023 during the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA) and I was able to appreciate the need to continuously strengthen the capacities of the barangays in settling disputes through the Katarungang Pambarangay,” said Hon. Lorma Sibuma, LnB President of the Municipality of Aringay. “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” LUPOng Mamamahayag 6
Through these trainings, Lupons were able to raise pertinent issues and acquire practical learnings that are relevant to their functions and responsibilities. Further, Punong Barangays were reminded of their responsibility in appointing their Lupon Members in the first month after their assumption to continuously operate their KP. Amicable settlement in Katarungang Pambarangay In CY 2023, 6,273 disputes have been brought to the Katarungang Pambarangay in La Union and 79% have been settled either through mediation, conciliation or arbitration. This have helped the government save at least PhP 47,015,500 in court fees. DILG La Union has aided LGUs to sustain this performance through regular capacity development at the grassroots level, and it aims to conduct this kind of trainings in all LGUs by 2024. By: LGOO II Hedrich V. Calderon “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” 7 LUPOng Mamamahayagcontinuation from page 6...
“Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” LUPOng Mamamahayag 8 Celebrating Progress: Inauguration of Projects under the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) headed by Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr., together with OIC Asst. Regional Director Paulino G. Lalata Jr., La Union Provincial Director, Reggie R. Colisao, and Focal Persons took part in the Inauguration of eight projects funded through the Seal of Good Local Governance – Incentive Fund during the last quarter of 2023. The Municipality of San Juan, La Union completed their SGLG-IF Project with the purchase of two units of Garbage Trucks last October 3, 2023. The project will contribute to expanding the coverage of residual waste collection in the municipality, in compliance with RA 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Meanwhile, on December 28, 2023, the Local Access Road in Brgy Sobredillo, Caba, La Union was completed. The unveiling of the fully rehabilitated Local Access Road signified the culmination of dedicated efforts of various stakeholders. The residents of Barangay Sobredillo value the local access road because it provides ease and comfort for travelers, regardless of the weather. The SGLG incentive fund was established through Republic Act 11292 or the SGLG Act of 2019 which aims to harmonize local government initiatives with the national development agenda. By: PEO II Veronica L. Biascan
100% OF LA UNION LGUs GARNERED PERFECT SCORE IN THE PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL (POC) The Provincial Government of La Union, together with its twenty (20) component city and municipalities, once again garnered a functional rating in CY 2022 Peace and Order Council Functionality Audit, resulting to a notable performance as the only province in Region 1 where all LGUs obtained a 100% perfect score. In compliance with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-066 dated April 25, 2023, all LGUs were assessed last June 9, 2023 by the Provincial Assessment Team composed of DILG, BFP, BJMP, PDEA, and CSO representatives. LGUs were evaluated based on the six pillars: Organization; Meetings; Policies, Plan and Budget; Reports; General Supervision, and Innovation. All LGUs were recognized during the Regional Awarding Ceremony conducted by DILG Regional Office 1 last November 24, 2023, at the La Union Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union. This significant milestone is a manifestation of the strong commitment of the local government units to support the programs and projects of the national government in promoting peace and order in the localities. The POC Audit is conducted annually not only to assess the performance of Local POCs on their functionality, but also to create a platform for sharing of best practices among POCs and POC Secretariats. By: LGOO II Jayson L. Ordinario “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” 9 LUPOng Mamamahayag
DILG LU, LGUs bag Regional SubayBayani Awards As part of its commitment to recognize exceptional dedication and service, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) initiated the SubayBAYANI Awards. This program aims to honor DILG Field Offices and Local Government Units (LGUs) who have demonstrated remarkable performance in overseeing and monitoring Locally-Funded Projects and LGU infrastructure Projects enrolled in the SubayBAYAN Portal. The ceremony took place on November 9, 2023, at Ynad's Place Hotel and Resort in Brgy. Namtutan, City of San Fernando, La Union. DILG La Union, under the leadership of Provincial Director Reggie R. Colisao, was awarded 1st Place in the CY 2023 REGIONAL SUBAYBAYANI AWARDS. The Award not only honors the achievements of DILG La Union but also highlights the dedication and excellence of individuals and teams committed to advancing local governance and public service. The SubayBAYANI Awards serve as a testament to the significant contributions made by LGUs and DILG Field Offices in fostering sustainable development and community empowerment across the nation. It acknowledges the pivotal role of LGUs as advocates for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in local project implementation and management. The Provincial Government of La Union, City and Municipal LGUs, and City/ Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOOs) of La Union received the following awards: 1st Place Provincial Category: Provincial Government of La Union 2nd Place City Category: City of San Fernando CLGOO Lily Ann O. Colisao Municipal Category: 1st place: Municipality of Pugo MLGOO Francisco C. Tuazon III 2nd place: Municipality of Santol MLGOO Luzviminda A. Lopez 3rd place: Municipality of Bacnotan MLGOO Alona Lyn V. Garcia 4th place: Municipality of Bauang MLGOO Helen L. Jubilado 5th place: Municipality of Rosario MLGOO Eufemia P. Apostol 6th place: Municipality of Naguilian MLGOO Flory Ann O. Estioco “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan”
7th place: Municipality of Aringay MLGOO Krishan Faye G. Biason 8th place: Municipality of Santo Tomas MLGOO Iszel O. Guray 9th place: Municipality of Luna MLGOO Olivia Mae N. De Guzman 10th place: Municipality of Agoo MLGOO Francisco A. Vergara La Union was also one of the National Top Overall Performers for the Department of the Interior and Local Government's 2023 National SubayBAYANI Awards. The awards they received includes the following: Top Performing LGUs – Provinces Province of La Union Top Performing LGUs – Cities City of San Fernando Top Performing LGUs – Municipalities Municipality of Pugo Municipality of Bauang Municipality of Santol Top Performing DILG Provincial Office Province of La Union Top Performing DILG City Local Government Operations Office City of San Fernando Top Performing DILG Municipal Local Government Operations Office Municipality of Pugo Municipality of Bauang Municipality of Santol Further, DILG Region I was awarded as the Top Performing Region. SubayBAYAN, short for “Subaybayan ang Proyektong Bayan”, is the official platform of the Department in monitoring and reporting of the progress of implementation of Locally-funded projects nationwide, monitored by the Department, among others. It provides real-time information on the physical and financial status of project which the public will also be able to follow the government’s efforts towards transparency in local governance. By: ENGR II Arianne Joyce O. Dumo “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” 10 LUPOng Mamamahayag