Hamodyong Vol. IX Issue 02

HAMODYONG
The official newsletter of DILG-V

What's Inside:

02 DILG BICOL INITIATES ONLINE COMPETENCY-BASED
ASSESSMENT (CBA) FOR APPLICANTS' PROMOTION
By April Dawn A. Daep

03 SECTORS EYEING OPTIMISTIC PHILIPPINE ECONOMY
By Juvy Andrew Hedia

04 15 LGOO IIs COMPLETE MODULE 1 OF APPRENTICE
TRAINING
By Theza Rose Ramos

04 RTF KATONINUNGAN ASIN KAUSWAGAN VIRTUALLY
MEET FOR 1ST SEM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
By Darlyn A. Ayende

05 CURBING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 THROUGH
CONTACT TRACING
By Ma. Grace Joy Tango

05 DILG BICOL PROVIDES HEALTHCARE PACKAGES TO
ITS WORKERS
By April Dawn A. Daep

06 RPOC V 3RD QUARTER FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD
EARLIER FOR TIMELY RESPONSE, WELCOMES NEW
ARMY CHIEF AS CO-VICE CHAIR
By Darlyn A. Ayende

07 DOH-CHD AND DILG CONDUCT STATE OF THE REGION
ADDRESS (SORA) OF COVID-19 SITUATION IN BICOL
By Juvy Andrew Hedia

08 BRIDGING GAPS AND BUILDING EMPOWERED
COMMUNITIES
By Jamie Rose A. Roperes

08 OTHER PROVINCIAL UPDATES

VOL. IX • Issue 02

JUL - SEP 2020

Assistant Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr. leads the online CBA where in attendance are applicants for
promotion from different provinces of Bicol.

DILG Bicol initiates Online Competency-Based
Assessment (CBA) for applicants’ promotion

By April Dawn A. Daep

In this time of pandemic, by the applicants to determine proves that no pandemic can hinder
the difficult challenge for the the readiness to the position they a government in implementing
assessment of qualifications for the applied. All those tests and activities innovations to improve their work.
vacant positions of LGOO IV, V and were conducted using online
VI pushed DILG Bicol to innovate platforms such as Google Suite and HAMODYONG
thru the online Competency-Based Zoom application.
Assessment (CBA). The system EDITORIAL BOARD
has been initiated by the Regional This is in lieu of face-to-face
Human Resource Management interaction in strict compliance ATTY. ANTHONY C. NUYDA, CESO III
Selection and Promotion Board with the health protocols being Regional Director
(HRMSPB) headed by Assistant implemented in the office.
Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo The process is also intended to ATTY. ARNALDO E. ESCOBER, JR.
E. Escober Jr., CESO V, of DILG accommodate the applicants from Assistant Regional Director
Region V. It is the first time online island provinces especially those
CBA conducted by DILG Region V. from Masbate and Catanduanes who JUVY ANDREW C. HEDIA
cannot travel due to community MA. GRACE JOY TANGO
On July 17, 2020 a total of 36 quarantine challenges.
applicants have undergone in the Editors
online assessment for the vacancies The Online CBA was a
posted last June 23, 2020. successful innovation and a good LYNN C. OLIQUINO
practice for hiring or promoting Photographer/ Layout Artist
The CBA is a process to applicants during this pandemic
determine the level of competency though its result is just the initial Content Providers:
of applicants and match them with part of the overall comparative Designated Information Officers and Focal Persons of
the requirements of the position. It assessment of applicants for
is a series of exercises undertaken promotion. The online process only DILG Regional & Provincial Offices & Divisions

HAMODYONG is the official newsletter of DILG
Region V, with Editorial Office at 2nd floor, DILG

Regional Office V, Rizal St., Legazpi City

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VOL. IX • Issue 02

Sectors eyeing optimistic
Philippine Economy
By Juvy Andrew Hedia

However we look at the economy, from the pandemic by finding or economy in this Pandemic due to
in macro level wherein there is creating business opportunities. As restrictions in mobility of persons.
a significant increase in Gross reported by NEDA these sectors Imposing unnecessary restrictions in
Domestic Product (GDP) or the total are trade, agriculture, construction, this industry poses great threat to the
value of goods and services produced manufacturing and transport. trade transactions.
in a country for 3rd quarter 2020
or in micro level where the lowest Take the case of the rising National Economic and
earning individuals struggle to cope Plantitos and Plantitas nowadays. Development Authority Bicol
up with their daily trade, there may Philippine Statistics Authority reported 9.1% unemployment
be a conclusion that normalcy would (PSA) reported that all components rate in July. Surge of returning
take longer than usual. of Gross Fixed Capital Formation residents mainly from NCR may
(GFCF) posted declines in the have contributed to the number of
A record of 53.5% downfall of second quarter of 2020 except unemployment rate in the region.
GDP in the 2nd quarter 2020 may for Breeding Stocks and Orchard With the operation of provincial
not be as worse at it may seem. This Development (BSOD) which buses at halt, industrial workers find
has been brought primarily by the recorded a growth of 2.2%. This it difficult to contract steady jobs to
implementation of ECQ in most means that investors are eyeing sustain for their needs.
business areas in the Philippines a surge in demand on livestock
especially the business central hub products and ornaments, thus focuses Adapting to the new normal is a
in NCR. As forecast by banking their capital on such industries. Also, heavy burden to those low-income
giant HSBC, 3rd quarter GDP’s people turn to planting to ease out workers. Government scrambles to
fall is now only at 11.1%. NEDA quarantine stress. These industries tend to their need through various
also announced that from 17.7% are necessary for economic gains. programs under President Duterte
unemployment rate, only 10% was Discovery of these opportunities administration’s Philippine Program
recorded in July. Statistics proves lead to employment and high yields for Recovery with equity and
that lifting of the community contributing to ease out struggling solidarity (PH-Progreso) wherein
quarantine policies results to a more economy. its Pillar IV focuses on economic
vibrant economy. recovery plan to create jobs and
In Bicol, Philippine Statistics sustain growth. With this economic
Apparently, many businesses Authority V recorded 4.0 inflation recovery plan and other created
have been struggling to improve rate in August which is lower than opportunities by the private sector,
their sales through engaging to the 4.3% in June. Opening provincial helping hand in hand, we are strong
online transactions and delivery. For borders for public transport and in attaining a stable and fortified
those that were not able to adapt, easing stringent border control may economy.
closing business is the most practical be responsible for the improved
decision made. On the brighter side, inflation rate. Transport business
there are industries that benefited has been the driving factor of the

3

JUL - SEP 2020

RTF Katoninungan asin
kauswagan virtually meet for
1st sem accomplishments

By Darlyn D. Ayende

Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda delivers a message A total of 69 members and guests convened
to the trainees during the start of the Module 1 of the general last 29 June 2020 for the 2nd Quarter Full Council
orientation program for LGOO II and III. Meeting of the Regional Task Force ELCAC via video
teleconference.
15 LGOO IIs
complete Module 1 The meeting was presided by Usec Marvel C.
of Apprenticeship Clavecilla, RTF TWG Chair and was attended by the
Training By Theza Rose Ramos members of the regional task force and other guests
from NTF ELCAC and secretariat staff.
Thirteen Local Government Operations Officer II
with additional two waitlisted trainees completed Module Present at the VTC are Atty Anthony C. Nuyda,
1 under the LGOO II Apprenticeship led by the Local DILG Regional Director, Hon. Noel E. Rosal - RDC
Government Academy (LGA). First of its part is the Chairperson/Legazpi City Mayor, MGen Henry A
General Orientation Program (GOP) held on September Robinson Jr – Commander of the 9th ID, Philippine
2-8, 2020 via its Web-based Learning Management System Army and OPAPP Representative Mr. Christopher
(LMS) and Zoom video conferencing. It was participated Azucena.
by 131 LGOO apprentices nationwide. After the GOP, the
LGA administered the COP Comprehensive Examination Starting off the meeting was the guidance from
on September 9, 2020. All trainees passed said exam. DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II, the Cabinet
Officer for Regional Development and Security for
Following the GOP was the Module on Effective Region V, through a video message. Sec. Honasan
Interpersonal Relations and Team Development hosted congratulated RTF V under the leadership of Usec
by the DILG V through the Local Government Capacity Clavecilla, and the Cluster Heads for the collective
Development Division (LGCDD) that ran from September effort in bringing peace and development in the
16 to 27, 2020. To measure the gains of Module 1, the region. The CORDS also highlighted the remaining
LGA will again administer another exam to the trainees on 1 year and ten months in the President’s term citing
October 9, 2020, the results of which will determine who this remaining tenure as the reason for the RTF
will move on to Module 2. to exert more effort in bringing lasting peace to
Bicolanos. Secretary Honasan also commended the
All LGOO apprentices were housed at the DILG implementation of RCSP “Baranggayan” in the region
Quarters. Prior to the conduct of Module 1, all trainees were and emphasized the immersion program in the focus
required to take on the mandatory 14-day home quarantine areas as a successful initiative of Bicol.
and were strictly monitored by their respective Barangay
Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTS). This is to Also discussed during the meeting were the peace
ensure that all trainees are COVID-free and are fit to attend and development program 2019-2020, organization of
the training course. RTF TWG, and RTF work program. Another highlight
of the meeting was the cluster accomplishments where
The apprenticeship program is a competency-based all clusters reported their activities, interventions and
training that aims to equip the LGOOs with the necessary undertakings for the first semester 2020. DILG RV,
core, functional and leadership competencies to prepare as lead of the Local Government Empowerment and
them to take on the responsibilities of higher LGOO Local Peace Engagement & ECLIP Clusters, reported
positions. All trainees are required to pass all Modules as among others, the ongoing efforts of the Department
every Module is a prerequisite to the next Module, until on localizing the EO70 implementation and the
completion of the apprenticeship program in August 2021. activities and assistance provided under the ECLIP
program. The meeting also featured an orientation for
4 members on the much talked about Anti-Terrorism
Bill, conducted by the DOJ-NPS.

The RTF V through the Clusters is set to intensify
programs and engagements in line with EO70
implementation for the remaining period of 2020.

VOL. IX • Issue 02

Curbing the spread
of COVID-19 through
contact tracing

By Ma. Grace Joy U. Tango

With the pandemic that the country is dealing with, Personnel and officers of DILG Region V receive vitamins, face
contact tracing is an effective disease control strategy masks and anti-flu vaccine administered by DOH-CHD Bicol
that must be implemented by all local government units
in order to prevent/contain the spread of COVID 19 in DILG Bicol provides
communities. In fact, the government launched the Task healthcare packages
Force T3 which means Test, Trace and Treat. to its workers

In layman’s term, contact tracing means finding people By April Dawn A. Daep
who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and to monitor
their health for signs and symptoms. It identifies people In observance of the Civil Service month and as part
who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and get them of the precautionary measures against COVID-19, DILG
tested. Through contact tracing, people who are close Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III,
contact are advised to self-quarantine. In general, it helps directed the distribution of free masks and vitamins as
protect the person, his/her family and the community as a well as Free-Flu Vaccination for the welfare of employees
whole. A close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of in this time of pandemic.
an infected person for at least 15 minutes.
Such distribution and vaccination were held at the
Contact tracing must be done quickly, effectively, DILG Regional Office V on September 1 and 3, 2020,
and efficiently, thus the DILG directed all barangays respectively. DILG officers, all rank and file employees,
nationwide to create their own Barangay contact tracing drivers, COS personnel, and security guards each received
teams (BCTT) as more and more communities are 2 boxes of disposable masks and 3 variety of vitamins.
exposed to COVID transmission. These BCTTs must
come from residents of the barangays due to their In coordination with the Department of Health (DOH)
familiarity and kinship with the residents of the barangay. a free-flu vaccination was administered to sixty-four
Members of the BCTTS shall conduct tracing for all (64) employees. Medical profile of recipient personnel
persons with known exposure to a COVID 19 patient in was prepared to determine if they have allergies to such
every barangay and monitor the status of probable and vaccine.
suspected cases. They shall submit report to the City/
Municipal Health Office and to the DILG as well on a These activities were timely measures to improve the
daily basis. health condition of employees and to fight illnesses like
flu, colds, etc., which are symptoms of COVID-19.
Each LGU is also required to create its own CTT
composed of the PNP Chief of Police assisted by the 5
City/Municipal Health Officer with members from the
PNP city/municipal health office and the Bureau of Fire
Protection, city/municipal DRRMO, city/municipal
health worker, Barangay health emergency response team
members and the barangay public safety officer.

To fully equip the members of the CTT the needed
skills for the job, DILG tapped the Local Government
Academy (LGA) and the Philippine Public Safety College
in training all members of the CTTs. Trainings are done
virtually.

With the signing of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act
2, the DILG will hire additional 50,000 contact tracers
nationwide. Region V was given an allocation of 2,800
CTTs to be hired and deployed in all LGUs. With the
increased number of contact tracers to do the job, the
DILG hopes to aggressively prevent, detect and isolate
and treat COVID 19 transmission.

JUL - SEP 2020

(from left to right) Mayor Noel E. Rosal of Legazpi City, MGEN Henry A Robinson Jr, RPOC Chairman Governor Al Francis C.
Bichara and Atty. Anthony C, Nuyda, DILG V Regional Director.

RPOC V 3rd quarter full council meeting held early for
timely response, welcomes new army chief as Co-Vice
Chair By Darlyn D. Ayende
To discuss pressing concerns on peace and security in the followed by updates from the OCD as lead of RTF-COVID
Region, the 3rd Full Council Meeting of the Regional Peace Bicol.
and Order Council V was held on 08 July 2020 at the Albay
Astrodome, Legazpi City. Acting on important matters raised, the RPOC V
passed three Resolutions during this meeting namely: (1)
Presided by the Chairperson, Albay Governor Al Francis Resolution No. 2020-03 - Expressing gratitude for the recent
C. Bichara, 30 RPOC members physically attended the return of the 49th IB of the 9th Infantry Division, Philippine
regular full council meeting while 10 other members Army to Bicol Region and reiterating the request for the
attended virtually. Six non-RPOC members but regular return of the 42nd and 65th Infantry Battalions of the same
NGA guests and resource persons were also in attendance. division; (2) Resolution No. 2020-04 – Urging the JTF
CV Shield-R5 and the RTF against COVID-19 to maintain
This was the first RPOC Meeting personally attended stricter border control at Quezon-Bicol boundaries; and (3)
by the newly installed Commander of the 9th ID Philippine Resolution No. 2020-05 – Requesting the DOH to facilitate
Army – MGEN Henry A Robinson Jr. As the most senior the payment of and/or allocate for the hazard pay of all
AFP official in the region, MGen Robinson also assumed as public health care/frontline workers in Bicol.
Co-Vice Chairperson of the RPOC, following the retirement
of MGen Fernando T Trinidad. MGen Robinson expressed
the continuing active participation and support of the AFP as
member of the RPOC.

As part of the agenda, the PNP reported the consistent
downward trend in crime statistics, while the Philippine
Army reported the advances from their continuing efforts
against the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in the
region. PDEA reported the significant accomplishments as
well as challenges in the campaign against illegal drugs,
including the latest number of drug-cleared barangays,
high impact operations, arrest of high value targets,
and port and terminal inspections. The DILG reported
the first semester accomplishments under the ECLIP
implementation, specifically the progress in the construction
of halfway houses for former rebels, and ongoing
convergence programs under ECLIP. As the lead agency in
the implementation of the Retooled Community Support
Program (RCSP), the DILG briefly discussed the planned
activities for the 2020 RCSP.

The RPOC V also included COVID-19 related items
in the agenda to ensure timely and relevant assistance of
the RPOC in the ongoing measures against the pandemic.
Specifically, the DOH discussed COVID-19 Situationer,

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VOL. IX • Issue 02

Dr. Ernie C. Vera of DOH-CHD 5 and Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda of DILG 5 jointly conduct State of the region address of Bicol
situation of COVID-19.

DOH-CHD and DILG conduct State of the
Region Address (SORA) of COVID-19 situation
in Bicol By Juvy Andrew C. Hedia

On August 6, 2020, Thursday, DOH and DILG LGUs to efficiently identify all infected persons in the
Bicol regional chiefs Dr. Ernie C. Vera and Atty. community. Atty. Nuyda also explained that the DILG
Anthony C. Nuyda, respectively, briefed the region on monitors LGUs’ quarantine facilities that though it may
the COVID-19 situation during the State of the Region not be as comfortable as it should have been but are
Address (SORA) held at Dagusin Hall, DOH-CHD always responsive to the needs of the communities.
Bicol, Legazpi City.
Atty. Nuyda also expressed his optimism on the
During the briefing Dr. Vera emphasized that the reversion of NCR and Region IV-A to MECQ. He
implementation of ECQ has been effective as it paved explained that during this reversion, issuance of Travel
the way for the government to prepare for the pandemic Authority (TA) would be suspended, thus, resulting to a
especially in setting up health facilities. He recounted reduced number of LSIs coming from the said regions
that confirmed cases in the region started with only 1-3 and would benefit Bicol to lessen the soaring number
confirmed cases every 2 days until on the 3rd week of of confirmed cases.
July it increased to a minimum of 10 confirmed cases
per day on the average. Taking note of the numbers, Regarding the Bayanihan grant of additional one (1)
Dr. Vera announced also that the highest number of month IRA to LGUs, Atty. Nuyda said that there are
confirmed cases in the region was recorded on August still LGUs in the region that haven’t spent fully the said
5, 2020 which is 39. He explained that the spike of budget and liquidated their expenses which is due on
the confirmed numbers is due to the increased number September 16, 2020 per the Department of Budget and
of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) returning to Management.
the region. Fifty percent of the confirmed cases in the
region, which is now at 551 with 286 active cases, are On the implementation of the Social Amelioration
LSIs while others are those exposed to COVID positive Program (SAP), Atty. Nuyda said that all complaints
individuals. Also included in the confirmed cases are against local elective officials have been properly
45 front-line and health workers. acted upon and some were submitted to PNP-CIDG for
proper disposition. For the 2nd tranche SAP benefits
On testing and health facilities, Dr. Vera said the distribution, Albay has reached 56% distribution rate as
two COVID-19 laboratories in the region have a of August 6, 2020 and 27% for the left-out recipients
testing rate of 445 tests per day. Regarding hospital/ regionwide.
bed capacity in DOH referral hospitals (BRTTH,
BMC and BRGHGMC), the numbers are not yet in the To conclude the activity, DOH V and DILG V
critical stage. But he explained that efficient medical thanked all front-liners, health workers, local officials
interventions may not be achieved if there is a constant and government workers of their relentless effort and
surge of confirmed cases. untiring spirit in this call of duty. They likewise asked
for the cooperation of everyone in this fight against
During the open forum, Director Atty. Anthony COVID-19, “Kailangan ang kooperasyon ng bawat isa.
C. Nuyda of the DILG emphasized that there is a Kaya kami ay pauloy na humihingi ng kooperasyon at
need to strengthen the contact tracing team of the disiplina sa lahat na Bikolano.”

7

JUL - SEP 2020

Bridging Gaps and Building
Empowered Communities by: Jamie RoseA. Roperes

“Paguna ko dati, an gobyerno sa centro man sana, aimed to establish and protect a conflict-affected
pero may gobyerno palan talaga.” [Akala ko dati, community. However, the CSP is challenged by
ang gobyerno sa bayan lang, pero may gobyerno the AFP’s limited resources in addressing issues
pala] and gaps as well as lack of participation of other
It was almost lunch time when the national government agencies and LGUs.
representatives from the National Government This led to the birth of the Retooled
Agencies and the Local Government Unit of Community Support Program (RCSP) which was
Pioduran arrived in Barangay Panganiran, Pioduran, formulated to strengthen the CSP initiative of
Albay. He patiently sat at a corner while food packs the military and making efforts driven mainly by
were being distributed during the Serbisyo Caravan. the local governments.
Eighty two year old Jostelito Vargas shared Instead of a military-driven community
that it is his first time meeting government workers support program, the RCSP allows local government
and receiving aid from the national government. units as champions of peace and development by
Married and with ten children, he shared his ensuring that programs, projects, and activities
sentiments on the difficulties of having no local that they prioritize in the communities are geared
access roads in their barangay. The only means of towards institutionalizing sustainable peace and
transportation to and from Panganiran is through the development.
habal-habal or by walking. The government’s RCSP is a convergence
Instead of the usual local government mechanism for LGUs particularly in the barangay
development planning, the whole of nation approach for the identification of issues and needed
as embodied in the Executive Order 70 or Ending government interventions. Its intention is to develop
Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) people’s capabilities to organize themselves and
changes the approach on how government provides own development by bringing about value-chain
services to communities. intervention to uplift their current condition. The
Before the EO 70 was issued, the RCSP is but one of the strategies employed by the
Community Support Program (CSP) was carried out government in ending insurgency by strengthening
by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and government’s role in establishing peace and
dubbed as “Kapayapaan”. It was a multi-stakeholder development in every community.
and community-based peace and development effort

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VOL. IX • Issue 02

9

JUL - SEP 2020

The Sorsogon RCSP – Basic Services Delivery Team (BSDT)

Sorsogon plans out for Baranggayan
and Serbisyo Caravan By Jute M. Balbedina

The "Baranggayan is a convergence mechanism for
local government units (LGUs) particularly in the villages
for the identification of issues and needed government
interventions, adhering to the principles of good
governance with the end view of ensuring social justice
and mainstreaming peace and development thrusts in LGU
priority programs and projects.

On August 28, 2020 twenty-one(21) provincial heads
and representatives from the National Government
Agencies (NGAs), Provincial Local Government Unit of
Sorsogon and concerned offices gathered to plan out the
programs and activities for the conduct of serbisyo caravan
to target barangays in Sorsogon.

Present during the planning session are representatives 20. Technical Education and Skills Enhancement
from the NGAs/PLGUs: Authority
21. PLGU ELCAC
1. Bureau of Fire Protection This event was spearheaded by DILG Sorsogon
2. Cooperative Development Authority led by Provincial Director Julius Rodel L. Cal-Ortiz,
3. Department of Agriculture / Office of the Provincial CESE. Cluster Head Rico E. Gaurino discussed
Agriculturist the salient features of the Executive Order No.
4. Department of Agrarian Reform 70 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to orient all
5. Department of Environment and Natural Resources involved agencies and offices in the Whole-of-Nation
6. Department of Labor and Employment Approach of the government in attaining inclusive
7. Department of Public Works and Highways - 1st and sustainable peace. Highlights of the activity
District also included the commitment setting to support the
8. Department of Social Welfare and Development Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) of the
9. National Commission on Indigenous People Department specifically on the Serbisyo Caravan and
10. National Food Authority the ceremonial signing of the Pledge of Commitment.
11. National Irrigation Administration
12. Public Attoryney's Office
13. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
14. Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation
15. Office of the Provindial Assessor
16. Philippine Army
17. Philippine National Police
18. Philippine Coconut Authority
19. Social Security System

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VOL. IX • Issue 02

Sorsogon RCSP PLEDS Team

DILG Sorsogon conducts RCSP-PLEDS
team consultative meeting By Jute M. Balbedina

DILG Sorsogon spearheaded the conduct of the and withdrawal to and from the barangay. Moreover,
consultative meeting with the Retooled Community the meeting aimed to unify converging effort at all
Support Program – Peace, Law Enforcement and levels in the operationalization of EO 70. The 2020
Development Support (RCSP-PLEDS) Team on RCSP immersion to 29 target barangays in Sorsogon
September 11, 2020 at the Conference Room – DILG will take off on Sept. 21 to Dec. 2020 to seven LGUs.
Sorsogon Provincial Office, City Hall Complex, Bgy.
Cabid-an, Sorsogon City. It was facilitated by LGOO DILG Cluster Head LGOO VII Rico E. Guarino and
VII Rico E. Gaurino, DILG Cluster Head and RCSP RCSP-PFP LGOO II Jute M. Balbedina
Provincial Focal Person LGOO II Jute M. Balbedina.
11
Present during the meeting were representatives
from the Philippine Army LTC Nelson Mico from
903rd brigade, LTC Eric Culvera from 31st IB,
LTC Henrito Managay from 22nd IB, Philippine
National Police PTCOL Jason Colico from Sorsogon
Provincial Office, PMAJ Arthur Tagtag Jr. from
Philippine Mobile Force Company, SFO2 Edgar L.
Bautista from Bureau of Fire Protection and JCINSP
Rodolfo L. Verzosa from Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology.

This activity was conducted pursuant to the
DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-169 dated
11 October 2019 to discuss security protocols of
the PLEDS team in the conduct of the RCSP during
immersion phase specifically on the proper approach

JUL - SEP 2020

Participants during the activity while observing minimum health protocols

PD Uldarico S. Razal, Jr. delivers his message during the 1-Day Coaching Convention Center.
and Mentoring on Updating/ Enhancement of Capacity Development The one-day coaching and mentoring on updating/
(CAPDEV) Agenda under the Newly Elected Officials (NEO) Program
enhancement of CAPDEV agenda under the NEO
DILG Catanduanes Program was conducted in two (2) batches: Batch 1
conducts CapDev agenda was attended by participants from the municipalities
formulation to LGUs of Virac, San Miguel, Viga, Bagamanoc, Pandan
and Baras, and Batch 2 are from the Municipalities
By Gizelle A. Tabilin of Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Panganiban and San
Andres. The activity was conducted face to face to
DILG Catanduanes successfully conducted ensure that the participants can actively participate
the 1-Day Coaching and Mentoring on Updating/ in the activity while strictly observing the minimum
Enhancement of Capacity Development (CAPDEV) health standards.
Agenda under the Newly Elected Officials
(NEO) Program amidst the threat of COVID-19 At the end of the activity, the participants
on September 10 and 11, 2020 at Catanduanes composed of the mayors, vice mayors, municipal
planning and development coordinators, municipal
budget officers, sangguniang bayan secretaries,
HRMOs, MLGOOs and sangguniang bayan
members in Catanduanes have gained knowledge
and skills in the preparation, enhancing/ updating
of the capacity development agenda. Moreover,
the Online CAPDEV Market System (OCDMS)
was also introduced to the LGUs. It is a one stop
online system by the LGA that LGUs can access the
different training programs affected by the accredited
service providers/Learning Resource Institutes
(LRIs). In the OCDMS, the LGUs are also required
to upload therein their CapDev Agenda under the
NEO program.

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VOL. IX • Issue 02

DILG V RD Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda attended the RCSP Send-off activity and orientation on 31 August 2020 at Daet, Camarines Norte.

DILG leads RCSP baranggayan 2020 in 19
barangays in Camarines Norte By John Dave R. Barcelona

Leading in the implementation of the concerned agencies and and Dumagmang while the
of RCSP (Baranggayan 2020) offices, the RCSP Barangayan Municipality of Sta. Elena has
in Camarines Norte, the DILG 2020 is scheduled to be only one barangay which is Brgy.
Camarines Norte through implemented to the nineteen Rizal.
Provincial Director Ray B. (19) identified barangays by
Caceres, CESO V conducted August 31 – October 11, 2020. Following the successful
series of meetings and dialogues In Capalonga, five (5) barangays convergence meeting, a send-off
with the PLEDS team, together were identified namely: Brgys. activity and orientation attended
with representatives from Villa Aurora, San Antonio, by RD Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda,
the 96IB 9ID, PA, Philippine Villa Belen, Binawangan, CESO III was conducted on
National Police-CN, Office and Tanawan. Thirteen (13) August 31, 2020 with the LGOO
of the Governor and from the barangays were also identified facilitators who shall be deployed
LGUs concerned represented in the Municipality of Labo to the identified barangays to
by the Honorable Mayors namely: Brgys. Malatap, provide assistance in the conduct
Luz E. Ricasio and Joseph V. Malaya, Bagong Silang I, of several activities throughout
Ascutia of Capalonga and Labo, Bagong Silang II, Tigbinan, their 7-day immersion.
respectively. Canapawan, Baay, Maot, Pag-
asa, Calabasa, Anameam, Daguit, The successful implementation
Through the convergence of RCSP Barangayan 2020 in the
province of Camarines

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JUL - SEP 2020

Norte was due to the relentless efforts of the collective hard work of the Philippine Army, PNP
DILG Officers, the unending support of the and other National Government Agencies and
Provincial Government and Municipal Governments Offices who participated and rendered support to
of Labo and Capalonga, and Sta. Elena, and the effectively conduct this activity.

Conduct of Serbisyo Caravan in Brgy. Bagong Silang II, Labo, CN

DILG Officers together with the PNP, PA, and Barangay officials of Brgy.
San Antonio, Capalonga during the week-long immersion.

14

VOL. IX • Issue 02

DILG allocates fund for 2020 CMGP
Provincial projects

By Giellie M. Margallo

A total of P 689,556,149.00 was allocated to Housekeeping (GFH) and Local Development
finance 14 road projects in Bicol Region under the Council Functionality for the release of such funds
Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP) allocated for FY 2020 CMGP Program.
Program of the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG). The Program contributes to the realization of
Ambisyon Natin 2040 and the Build, Build, Build
CMGP provides incentives to provinces Program of the Administration by supporting the
that demonstrate good performance in the continuous improvement of core provincial roads.
implementation of governance reforms by providing It also enhances national-local roads connectivity
funds for the rehabilitation, upgrading, and and improves accessibility for social services and
improvement of core provincial roads. economic opportunities to support the sustained
inclusive socio-economic progress in the country.
All the 6 provinces were able to comply with the
CMGP governance reform requirements on Public
Financial Management (PFM), Good Financial

15

JUL - SEP 2020

89 LGUs in Region V receive FY 2020 Local
Government Support Fund By Sheila Mae V. Ragos

Eighty-nine Municipal Local envisioned to assist the LGUs in Albay, Camarines Norte and
Government Units (MLGUs) the delivery of the basic social Camarines Sur have received
in the Bicol Region who have services in their respective their project allocations
complied with the government communities. amounting to Php45,389,329.00
reform requirements namely for the construction/ upgrading/
Public Financial Management For FY 2020 LGSF-AM, a improvement of the potable
(PFM), Good Financial total of Php717,313,000.00 was water supply in their respective
Housekeeping (GFH), and Local downloaded to eighty-five (85) municipalities.
Development Council (LDC) LGUs in Region V to subsidize
Functionality have received the one hundred twenty-five (125) These projects will be
fund allocation for their proposed priority infrastructure projects as monitored by the DILG V
FY 2020 priority projects in identified by the LGUs. These through the Project Development
September 2020. These projects, projects are distributed into 88 and Management Unit, its
varying from local roads and local access roads and bridges, provincial offices, concerned
bridges, infrastructure buildings, 11 evacuation centers, 4 flood MLGOOs, and provincial
water systems, small water control,16 potable water supply engineers to ensure that all
impounding projects (SWIPs), projects, 2 SWIP, and 2 material projects are implemented in
flood control and Disaster Risk recovery facility projects. accordance with the standards
Reduction-related equipment are and prescribed standards.
In addition, four (4)
LGUs from the provinces of

16

VOL. IX • Issue 02

Katarungang Pambarangay Law
as a Means for the Speedy Disposition of Justice

Republic Act No. 7160 or the By Atty. Magdalena A. Borbe instead of expedite settlement of the
Local Government Code of 1991 case.
expanded the scope and powers The primordial objective of
of the Katarungang Pambarangay the Katarungang Pambarangay In the case of Quiros et al. v.
or the Barangay Justice System Law which is now embodied Arjona , cognizant of the beneficial
designed not merely to decongest under the Local Government effects of amicable settlements,
courts of cases but to address Code is to reduce the number of the Katarungan Pambarangay Law
inequalities in access to justice, court litigations and prevent the which was later embodied under the
particularly the marginalized deterioration of the quality of Local Government Code provides
communities. The barangays, justice which has been brought by for a mechanism for conciliation
being the basic political unit in the the indiscriminate filing of cases where party-litigants can enter
country, is in the most strategic in courts. In fact, the Supreme into an agreement in the barangay
position to facilitate resolution Court of the Philippines issued level to reduce the deterioration
or mediation of community and Administrative Circular No. 14-93 of the quality of justice due to
family disputes, alongside its on July 15, 1993 directing courts indiscriminate filing of court
mandate to deliver basic services. to ensure compliance with the cases. Thus under Section 416 of
The procedures on Katarungang requirement of prior recourse to said Code, an amicable settlement
Pambarangay (Barangay the Barangay Justice as a condition shall have the force and effect of
Conciliation) are duly embodied precedent for filing a complaint a final judgment of the court upon
under the pertinent provision of in courts. Other objectives of the the expiration of 10 days from the
the Local Government Code more Katarungan Pambarangay Law are date thereof, unless repudiation of
particularly Sections 399-422. to promote the speedy disposition the settlement has been made or
The Barangay Conciliation is a of justice, minimize indiscriminate a petition to nullify the award has
mechanism for dispute resolution as filing of cases in courts, to minimize been filed before the proper court.
it covers disputes between members the congestion of court dockets
of the same community. In fact, the thereby enhancing the quality of References:
barangay justice system provides a justice dispensed by the courts, 1) RA 7160, Local Government
friendly, inexpensive, and speedy, and recognized the time-honored Code of the Philippines
forum for the settlement of disputes tradition of amicably settling 2) Civil Procedure: A Guide
where parties can freely explore disputes at the community level. for the Bench and the Bar, Ferdinand
options for amicably resolving their Tan, 2013
disputes without resorting to courts. Furthermore, the Local 3) Katarungang Pambarangay
More so to litigants in some areas Government Code requires personal Handbook, Maricel Vigo and Marlon
where courts are inaccessible, both appearances of the parties in all Manuel Saligan
because of location and because of Barangay Conciliation Proceedings
the prohibitive cost of litigation, the without the assistance of counsels or 17
Barangay Conciliation can be the representatives with the exception
perfect venue that the poor can avail of minors and incompetents who
for the resolution of their disputes. may be assisted by their next-of-kin
who are not lawyers. The rationale
The Katarangang Pambarangay for the prohibition of lawyers
is also a practice that directly during the Barangay Conciliation
complements the courts of Proceedings is to enable the lupon
justice. For cases that are to secure first hand and direct
within the jurisdiction of the information about the facts and
Lupon Tagapamayapa, parties issues. As held in the case of Atty.
are mandated to settle their Magno v. Atty. Velasco-Jacoba
disputes before the Katarungang , there can be no quibbling that
Pambarangay before resorting to laymen of goodwill can easily agree
courts. Failure of the parties to to conciliate and settle their disputes
resort first in the barangay would between themselves without
mean dismissal of their case. It what sometimes is the unsettling
is only when the Katarungang assistance of lawyers whose
Pambarangay has failed to resolve presence could sometimes obfuscate
the dispute that the parties may file and confuse issues. Worse still, the
their case in courts. participation of lawyers with their
penchant to use their analytical and
legal knowledge tend to prolong