Hamodyong Vol. IX Issue 01

HAMODYONG VOL. IX • Issue 01

The official newsletter of DILG-V

DILG chairs DILG V RD Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda presides a BIATF Meeting

Bicol Inter-Agency Taskforce
By Jamie Roperes

The national Inter-Agency Task adopted the recommendation of Dr. Ernie Vera, Regional Director of
Force (IATF) for the Management the IATF Screening and Validation the Department of Health, as co-chair
of Emerging Infectious Diseases has Committee on the composition of the and representatives from various
named DILG as chairperson and DOH inter-agency task force. The Bicol national government agencies. The
as co-chairperson of the Regional IATF is a separate and distinct policy- BIATF regularly convenes every
IATF by virtue of the issuance of making body from the Regional Task Tuesday of the week to deliberate
IATD Resolution No. 34 dated May 8, Force (RTF) against COVID-19. on pressing issues and concerns in
2020. the region and the strategic points of
Starting on May 11, 2020 and the Government’s preparedness and
In a virtual press briefing, onwards DILG V Regional Director response to COVID-19 pandemic.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda presided all
Roque said that the national IATF meetings of the BIATF together with

What's Inside:

1 DILG chairs Bicol Interagency Taskforce 5 DILG Sec. Año gives guidance during the 1st 8 SILG to Bicol LCEs: "Support the Whole-of-

quarter RPOC meeting Nation approach"

2 DILG EOC takes active part in COVID monitoring

and response 6 DILG USec. Sacendoncillo led the RCSP core 9 DILG RV pilot tests Document Management

team orientation and Disiplina Muna launching in System (DMS)

3 Dilemma on locally stranded individuals Bicol

10 Other Provincial Updates

4 DILG monitors LGUs’ spending of realigned 7 DILG monitors completion rate of locally funded
projects in Bicol | LGOO IIs prepare for
funds | DILG commends Bicol LGUs for 19 Legal Updates

speedy SAP Payout induction training

1

JAN - JUN 2020

DILG EOC takes active part in COVID
monitoring and response

DILG Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda activated of classes, temporary closure of establishments, suspension

the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on 16 March 2020 to of public transportation, curfew, compliance to handling of

monitor COVID-19 mitigation and response interventions and cases per DOH guidelines, management of human remains,

ensure the compliance of Local Government Units (LGUs) to establishment of isolation and special care facilities, provision

the national guidelines and directives during the course of the of PPEs to frontline responders, etc.

global pandemic.

24/7 active Hotlines are established in the Regional and

DILG V EOC monitors compliance of LGUs to the health Provincial EOCs. Most of the complaints received concern

protocols and safety guidelines laid down by IATF, DILG, SAP implementation, relief distribution of LGUs, distribution

DOH, PNP and other government agencies. Some of these of quarantine passes, violations of the social distancing

measures are to ensure the unhampered movement of cargoes protocols and non-observance of some LGU checkpoints of

for essential goods & transit of Authorized Persons Outside of the policies on the unhampered movement of cargoes and

Residence (APOR), anti-discrimination against health workers transit of APORs. The hotlines also catered to the numerous

& other frontline responders, wearing of face masks and other queries and requests of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs),

protective equipment in public areas, establishment of the Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Overseas Flipino

Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTS), Workers (OFWs) and complaints against LGU officials for

social distancing protocols, strict home quarantine, suspension non-compliance and violation of COVID-19 related policies.

HAMODYONG Other related functions of the EOC include facilitating
EDITORIAL BOARD inter-regional travel of some Bicolanos for health and
humanitarian reasons by coordinating with PNP and
ATTY. ANTHONY C. NUYDA, CESO III concerned DILG regional offices, monitoring the phase by
Regional Director phase implementation of DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals
in Crisis Situation (SAP-AICS), monitoring the realignment
ATTY. ARNALDO E. ESCOBER, JR. of the LGU’s 20% Development Fund and the utilization
Assistant Regional Director of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Fund
(LDRRMF).
JUVY ANDREW C. HEDIA
MA. GRACE JOY TANGO Moreover, the EOC played a vital role in facilitating
the gathering, validation and submission of COVID-19
Editors related-data for policy-making and monitoring purposes.
As such, the following reports were consistently submitted:
LYNN C. OLIQUINO daily situational reports (SitRep), Report on PUMs and
Photographer/ Layout Artist PUIs, Isolation Facilities, Regional Task Force SitRep for
Governance Cluster and Management of the Dead Cluster,
Content Providers; Expanded Testing Procedure Daily Action Report, Contact
Designated Information Officers and Focal Persons of DILG Tracing Daily Report and other relevant data as requested.

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

2

EDITORIAL • VOL. IX • Issue 01

Locally Stranded Individuals queue as they apply for Travel Authority at the DILG Regional Office 5

Dilemma to minimize, if not stop the increase of only on government officials but on
on locally confirmed positive cases in the region every individual person. Government
stranded resources are exhausted to flatten the
individuals In contrast, LSIs have the right to curve and deliver the country to safe
return to their homes for reasons of their grounds. The Bayanihan Act was passed
By Juvy Andrew Hedia fundamental right to travel, economic to address unforeseeable expenses and
crisis, high cost of living on places where necessary restrictions which resulted to
During the June 23, 2020 BIATF they are stranded, loss of employment, sacrificing economic stability over health
meeting, there was a consensus to convenience being with their loved security. Uncooperative LSIs may lay
request from the IATF Task Group on ones and other valid reasons. The major waste this fight against COVID-19, thus,
the Management of Returning ROFs cause however is the record-high 17.7% prolonging this unprecedented economic
and LSIs to temporarily suspend for one unemployment rate of about 7.3 million crisis. Everyone must seriously take part
(1) month the travel or return of LSIs Filipinos according to the Philippine in the fight against this pandemic.
to Bicol Region due to the continuous Statistics Authority (PSA) Report
increase in the number of confirmed published on June 5, 2020. Most persons The continuous call of health and
cases in the Region where majority of losing jobs in NCR are expected to go local officials to observe minimum
such cases are returning LSIs and those home in their Provinces. public health standards is a sign of a
having contact with them. The request relentless infection rate. Cooperation of
was formally adopted through BIATF But the fear for LSIs is actually their the public, especially LSIs, is constantly
Resolution No. 2020-14 duly certified by non-observance of health protocols. sought for us to win this fight against
DILG and DOH regional chiefs on July Irresponsible LSIs are those who do not COVID-19. Exercising caution and
2, 2020. notify local authorities of their return, constantly following government
those violating quarantine protocols protocols are still the best way to deliver
In the report of the DOH-CHD and those who completely disregard us from this pandemic. We must not yet
Bicol to the BIATF, 28 of the 118 latest wearing face mask and observing put our shields down and be complacent,
cases are LSIs and ROFs. The current physical distancing. As a result, these rather have an unwavering spirit
statistics calls for a more stringent policy irresponsible LSIs infected several persistent to engage and follow health
persons under their physical contact protocols. Together we are strong and
where most of them are their family together we will heal as one.
members and friends.
3
Public health responsibility lies not

JAN - JUN 2020

DILG monitors
LGUs' spending
of realigned
funds

On 17 April 2020, DILG V DILG commends Bicol
asked the 335 barangays that did not LGUs for speedy SAP
utilize their Quick Response Fund (QRF) payout
for an explanation/justification behind
the unexpended QRF. In the letter, it By Juvy Andrew Hedia
was emphasized how important the
QRF can be since it can be used to assist The Department of the Interior One Act. The implementation of
indigent families, daily wage earners and and Local Government V lauded such programs was lodged with
all other disadvantaged sectors of the local government units in Bicol the Department of Social Welfare
community who are mostly affected by that have completed the payout of and Development (DWSD) thru
the lockdown. benefits to qualified beneficiaries the local government units. Social
for the 1st tranche under the Social Amelioration Cards (SAC) were
DILG monitors fund utilization Amelioration Program Assistance to distributed to barangay residents by
covering LGU Annual Budget, Social Individuals in Crisis Situation (SAP- the respective Punong Barangays.
Pension for Senior Citizen, Social AICS) The SAC were collected and the lists
Amelioration Program, Bayanihan Grant were validated by the local DSWD.
(Additional IRA), 20% Development As of May 6, 2020, Bicol LGUs Under this program, emergency
Fund and 5% LDRRM Fund. have completed the distribution of subsidy in the amount of five
SAP-AICs at the rate of 99.21% of thousand pesos (P5,000.00) were
Emphasis was also placed in the 772,287 target families, topping given to poorest of the poor families
monitoring the realignment of the 20% the list at the national level. as identified based on the SAC.
development funds of LGUs which
can be utilized in purchasing food Regional Director Atty. Anthony The distribution of SAP benefits
relief, providing financial assistance, C. Nuyda however took note of was supposed to be completed by
procurement of PPEs, vitamins, some concerns during the payout of April 30, 2020, however in a press
medicines & equipment, and other SAP benefits such as the presence release issued on May 7, 2020,
COVID-19 concerns. of communist terrorist groups
(CTGs), encounters with armed DILG Secretary Eduardo Año,
The directive to realign local groups during the cash payouts in extended the deadline for SAP
budget is to ensure that LGU resources susceptible areas and limited number distribution until May 10, 2020.
are maximized, to determine how funds of C/MSWDO personnel taking It was the last deadline given to
have been utilized, to monitor the charge of the revalidation of the list LGUs. On May 10, 2020 at 8:00PM,
availability of their funds and to monitor of beneficiaries due to numerous Bicol LGUs have completed 100%
their compliance to COVID-19 related complaints. distribution to all SAP beneficiaries.
policies on fund utilization. DILG V
Emergency Operation Center (EOC) The payment of SAP benefits
required the submission of various is one of the prioritized programs
monitoring reports from all of its six (6) under the Bayanihan to Heal as
Provincial EOCs throughout the duration
of community quarantine.

4

VOL. IX • Issue 01

DILG Sec. Año
gives guidance
during the 1st
Quarter RPOC
meeting

By Darlyn Ayende

Members of the Regional

Peace and Order Council V had

the opportunity to personally hear

from Secretary Eduardo M. Año

the priority thrusts and directives of

the Department on peace and order

and public safety in its 1st Quarter

Full Council Meeting last 05 March

2020.

The meeting kicked off with

a call for action from Governor

Al Francis C. Bichara, RPOC

Chairperson, relative to the efforts

to address priority concerns in

Geographically Isolated and

Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

Also in attendance were the

RPOC Co-Vice Chairpersons

PNP RD Anthony Alcañeses, JTF

Bicolandia Commander MGen

Fernando Trinidad, Sorsogon EO70, the Retooled Community The Secretary said, “Saksi kayong
Governor Francis Joseph Escudero, Support Program (RCSP), lahat sa mahabang panahon ng
Catanduanes Acting Governor COVID-19 and the ASF. pang-aabuso ng mga grupong
Shirley Abundo, RDC Chair Mayor nagkukunwaring kaagapay natin
Noel Rosal, DILG RD Anthony Being a staunch advocate of sa laban sa kahirapan. Kaya naman
Nuyda, NICA RD Elaine Banaynal, the RCSP owing to his first-hand panahon na upang magkaisa tayo at
NAPOLCOM RD Josephmar Gil, experience in remote communities tuluyang puksain ang mga kaliwang
DOJ RD Mary May De Leoz, PDEA during his active duty in the grupo at kanilang mga baluktot at
RD Christian Frivaldo, Presidential military, the Secretary spoke about maling paniniwala.”
Assistant for Bicol Affairs Usec his optimism of the RCSP. “We are
Marvel Clavecilla, and other Heads able to show to our people the real During his visit in Legazpi
of RPOC Member Agencies. PACC Tapang at Malasakit brand of the City, the Secretary also attended
and ICAD Co-Chair Dante Jimenez government,” he said. several engagements including
also attended the meeting. the Executive Session with LCEs
SILG Año further highlighted and RMCC Executives on 04
In his keynote message, the the role of the RPOC in putting an March 2020, Press Conference and
Secretary touched on the important end to local communist insurgency Inspection of Legazpi City 911
and emerging concerns of POCs by calling all stakeholders to help Facility, and Executive Session with
which include crackdown on illegal boost grounds by rallying the Governors on 05 March 2020.
gambling, improving immediate local government units through
emergency response mechanisms, the Council to put an end to local 5
anti-illegal drugs campaign, communism and armed conflict.

JAN - JUN 2020

DILG Usec.
Sacendoncillo led
the RCSP core team
orientation and Disiplina
Muna launching in Bicol

By Luningning Z. Brazil

More than three hundred (300) members of the Retooled participants on the nature and scope of the campaign. This
Community Support Program (RCSP) City/Municipal Core includes roles and duties of LGU officials particularly
Teams from forty six (46) LGUs region-wide composed of the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in advocating the
City/Municipal Mayors, City/Municipal Local Government seven pillars of Disiplina Muna such as Road Clearing,
Operations Officers, Chiefs of Police, City/Municipal Disaster Preparedness & Resilience, Anti-Smoking, Ease
Health Officers and City/Municipal Social Welfare and of Doing Business, Liquor Ban, Tourist Spots Clean-up
Development Officers and City/Municipal Fire Marshalls and Functionality of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council
participated the RCSP Regional Orientation cum Launching (BADAC).
of Disiplina Muna Campaign on March 4, 2020 at Hotel St.
Ellis, Legazpi City. The launch was concluded with the ceremonial signing
and recitation of the Disiplina Muna Pledge of Commitment
This one-day activity was graced by DILG Undersecretary by Local Chief Executives together with other local
for Local Government (USLG) Marivel C. Sacendoncillo. In functionaries and partners present.
her keynote speech, Usec Sacendoncillo discussed in brief
the rationale behind EO 70 and its concept on convergence or
the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed
conflict. She emphasized the need of discipline among the
government officials and the citizenry to achieve sustainable
peace and development. She reiterated that the success of
EO 70 and Disiplina Muna campaign lies in the hands of
LGU officials.

Major Mark Ruby from the Office of the DILG Secretary
also briefed the attendees on the concept and guidelines of
the RCSP while Regional Focal Person LGOO V Darlyn D.
Ayende presented the report on the 1st and 2nd batches of
RCSP Baranggayan implementation in the thirty two (32)
barangays as the program jumpstarted on the 4th quarter of
CY 2019. A writeshop on the implementation of RCSP per
city/municipality was also conducted after the orientation.

RCSP Baranggayan is DILG Bicol’s strategy for
convergence of national and local government efforts to
“Engage, Develop and Transform” communities. In the
Baranggayan, two (2) Local Government Operations Officers
were deployed as Baranggayan facilitators in every priority
barangay to immerse for 7 continuous days to facilitate the
enhancement of the Barangay Development Plan (BDP),
spearhead the conduct of solution- seeking table dialogue,
strengthening of barangay-based institutions including the
citizen’s movement for sectoral development and coordinate
the Serbisyo Caravan where other government agencies
participated in bringing the government closer to the people
through provision of basic services and addressing the
barangay issues/problems identified during the dialogue and
BDP workshop.

One of the newest campaigns of DILG, the Disiplina
Muna, was also launched during the RCSP activity
where Dir. Marlo S. Guanzon, DILG Director for Public
Assistance and Complaint Center, enlightened the

6

VOL. IX • Issue 01

DILG monitors units in the region were conducted in February to March
completion rate of 2020.
locally funded projects
in Bicol The endorsement of the proposed projects under the FY
2020 AM, SALINTUBIG, and CMGP Programs started in
The DILG V Project Development and Management the second quarter of 2020. A total of one hundred forty-
Unit (PDMU) continuously monitors the implementation five (145) projects have been endorsed to the Department of
of the various social protection and development programs Budget and Management through the DILG Central Office
of the Department such as Assistance to Municipalities for fund release as of June 2020. One hundred thirty-one
(AM), Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG), (131) of these projects were under FY 2020 AM; four (4)
Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP) as well as were under FY 2020 SALINTUBIG; and, ten (10) were
the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). under FY 2020 CMGP.

In the first quarter of 2020, before the implementation of The status of locally-funded projects for FY 2019 and
the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the entire Luzon below under the ADM, AM, SALINTUBIG, CMGP and
island due to the threat of the coronavirus disease, the PCF as of June 22, 2020 is shown in the chart below.
PDMU has provided technical assistance and facilitated
capacity development and enhancement interventions
to local government units through the DILG provincial
offices. Several activities such as the training-workshop on
Contract Management and Construction Supervision, and
the validation of the Local Road Management Performance
Assessment (LRMPA) of all provincial local government

LGOO IIs IV Grace Mago showed the participants the new policies
prepare for induction being implemented under R.A. 11032 or the Ease of Doing
training Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act
of 2018.
A total of twenty (20) Local Government
Operations Officers II (LGOOs II) in the region have LGMED Chief Olivio D. Ramirez had a
attended the Orientation for the Prospective Local comprehensive discussion on the Seal of Good Local
Government Operations Officer (LGOO) II Trainees on Governance (SGLG), Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive
DILG PPAs and Locally Funded Projects on March 12-13, Awards (LTIA) and the Child-Friendly Local Governance
2020 at the DILG Conference Room, Legazpi City. Audit (CFLGA). LGOO V Darlyn Ayende simplified
for the participants the Executive Order No. 70 and the
The salient features of the Local Government Code Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). LGOO
of 1991 was discussed by Atty. Magdalena Borbe tackling V Glenn Gerardo Berces discussed the Road Clearing as
some topics on the general welfare clause, basic services well as some challenges encountered by LGUs during its
and facilities, qualifications & election of elective officials, implementation.
vacancies, succession, local legislation, disciplinary actions
and more. LGOO VI Leandro S. Gigantoca explained the This two-day activity provided the LGOO IIs
functions and the locally funded projects being managed with the basic knowledge they need in understanding the
by the Project Development Management Unit (PDMU). Department and gave them a taste of what they will learn
during the formal conduct of their LGOO Training.
LGOO V Excelsis Eligio Berango gave a brief
overview on the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), 7
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and the Climate & Disaster
Risk Assessment (CDRA). LGOO V Mae Clemente
walked the participants through the training framework
for the newly-elected officials, otherwise known as the
Training for NEOs. LGOO V Amaline Colina explained
the role of DILG in reviewing Gender and Development
(GAD) Plans and Budgets of LGUs. And finally, LGOO

JAN - JUN 2020

SILG to Bicol LCEs: “Support
the Whole-of-Nation approach”

By Jamie Roperes

DILG V successfully hosted the SILG engagement between Secretary Año and the 97 LCEs
Executive Session with the Local Chief Executives of from the six provinces of the region who participated
Region V during Secretary Eduardo M. Año’s visit on in the said meeting. During the said session,
March 4, 2020 in Legazpi City. participating LCEs had the opportunity to personally
Joining the SILG during the dialogue are hear from Sec. Año directives and guidance on priority
Usec. Marivel C. Sacendoncillo, Undersecretary for and emerging concerns of their respective local
Local Government, Asec. Ester A. Aldana, Assistant government units.
Secretary for Finance and Comptrollership and DILG “I am very happy that we are having this
V RD Anthony C. Nuyda. dialogue,” said Sec Año while he shared his guidance
Sec. Año also urged the LCEs to support to the LCEs. He emphasized to the participants that
the whole-of-nation which aims to ensure strategic with their leadership in their LGUs, the national
measures for peace and security as well as stressing on agencies and civil society organizations are hand in
the importance of good governance. hand towards attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.
This executive session provided an exclusive

SILG Executive Session with LCEs on 04 March 2020 in Legazpi City

8

VOL. IX • Issue 01

DILG V ARD Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr. leads the workshop on DMS.

DILG RV pilot tests Document
Management System (DMS)
By Eden S. Lanuza

The Department of the Interior Camarines Norte Ray B. Caceres served as
and Local Government (DILG) through presiding officer and a consultant/adviser,
the Information Systems and Technology respectively, during the activity.
Management Service (ISTMS) developed a ITO 1 Eden Lanuza led the technical
Document Management System (DMS). It is discussion on the DMS application and the
a web-based application system that facilitates conduct of the simulation exercise on the
the storage, management and tracking of complete process flow of communication.
electronic documents and images of paper- On March 2, 2020, the regional office
based information within the department to implemented the system as part of its daily
promote transparency and accountability. operation.
The system is now in place at the central DILG RV ICT Plan 2019-2021 includes
office and will soon be implemented at the the DMS to pursue records management goal
regional offices after its pilot test at DILG in ensuring an effective information flow
Region V. Twenty-Four (24) staff from various of communication and efficient handling of
divisions, sections and units participated in documents through an effective ICT solution.
the orientation conducted on February 28, With the DMS, all documents for compliance
2020 at the DILG Regional Office Conference can now be tracked and monitored including
Room. Assistant Regional Director Arnaldo the timeline of the progress up to the time of
E. Escober Jr. and Provincial Director of completion.

9

JAN - JUN 2020

The Provincial ECLIP Committee and Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., CESO V, Assistant Regional Director of DILG Region V, attended the Awarding of
Financial Assistance to seven former rebels on April 29, 2020 at the Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City.

DILG Albay turns over benefits to 7 former rebels

Atleast seven former rebels from the Government of Albay, Albay Police offered by the said NGAs. They
Province of Albay received a total of Provincial Office, and AFP. likewise offered to support them in
Seventy Thousand Pesos (P70,000.00) pursuing their desired livelihood
Immediate Assistance and Livelihood DILG Albay provincial director program. They were also given basic
Package from the government through Arnel Renato Madrideo welcomed livelihood orientation on Sari-Sari Store
the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local the participants and highlighted in his and Poultry and Piggery business due to
Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the message the importance of the activity popular choice of the Former Rebels.
Department of the Interior and Local in order to attain the objective of the
Government (DILG). ECLIP Program of the DILG - which is Before close of the activity, Col.
to address the internal armed conflicts Noe Alberto Q. Penafiel, 903rd Infantry
Under the DILG-OPAPP Joint through a comprehensive, integrated, Brigade, called the help of the Former
Memorandum Circular No. 2016-02 and holistic process by providing a Rebels to be one with the government
dated March 2, 2016, each Former complete package of assistance to in ending the decade-long communist
Rebel shall receive, among others, the former rebels who were members of insurgency in the Philippines by
following assistance and benefits: (1) Communist Party of the Philippines stressing to them that the government
Immediate Assistance in the amount of (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and is not an enemy and there is no need
Fifteen Thousand Pesos (P15,000.00) National Democratic Front (NDF) and for a “war” because both parties – the
for mobilization expenses while his/ who expressed their desire to abandon government and the rebels- desire and
her enrolment in Comprehensive Local armed struggle and become productive seek peace. To show them that the
Integration Program is being processed; members of society. Atty. Arnaldo government is serious in its efforts
(2) Livelihood Assistance in the amount E. Escober, Jr, CESO V, Assistant to reintegrate the Former Rebels in
of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00); Regional Director of DILG Region V, the community, a Former Rebel was
and (3) Firearms Remuneration the also informed the recipients that the introduced to give a testimony. The said
amount of which is double the cost package assistance and benefits they Former Rebel shared how the ECLIP
valuation of turned-in firearms. In will receive under the ECLIP aimed to changed his life and how he realized
addition to these assistance and benefits respond to their social, economic and that the constant armed battles against
under the Joint Memorandum Circular, psychological rehabilitation needs. the government he encountered in the
the Provincial Government of Albay past were irrelevant and futile and did
also provided an additional package The activity was also participated not in any way bring the peace and
assistance in the amount of Five in by Ruth E. Dayawen, Provincial stable life that he and his family long
Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00). Director of Technical Education to have. He ends his testimony by
and Skills Development Authority congratulating the seven Former Rebels
The FRs received said financial (TESDA); Ms. Leah Pagao, for choosing the light and for rallying
assistance in a simple ceremony held Representative for Department of Trade behind the cause of the government.
at the Albay Astrodome on April 29, and Industry (DTI), and the Albay
2020 spearheaded by DILG Albay Veterinary Office. The beneficiaries
in coordination with the Provincial were informed of the various services

10

VOL. IX • Issue 01

LGU Paracale reaps
high citizen satisfaction
rating By Lara Mae Baptisma

Conferred with the 2019 SGLG gathered a high rating in all of seven
award, the Municipality of Paracale (7) indicators from the respondents,
became one of the recipients of the
Citizens Satisfaction Index System namely Health Services, Support to
(CSIS) program.
Education, Social Welfare, Governance
With the help of the Bicol
University (BU) as partner Local and Response, Public Works and
Resource Institute (LRI), they
conducted a survey to obtain citizen's Infrastructure, Environmental
feedback about the LGU's performance
when it comes to service delivery. BU Management, and Economic and
had mobilized a team of competent
personnel to do all the protocols in Investment Promotion. LGMED Division Chief Olivio Ramirez
the conduct of the CSIS Manual. The
team from BU presented their findings In order to sustain their congratulates LGU Paracale if the CSIS High
in a utilization conference held at performance, the participants Rating
Sangguniang Bayan Hall, Municipal
Building, Paracale, Camarines Norte composed of the personnel from the CSIS results.
on February 20, 2020.
the Executive and Legislative The signing of a Pledge of
The municipality of Paracale
Offices, Department Heads and Commitment by the participants

Civil Society Organizations who was done to ensure that the efforts

actively participated in the utilization of all concerned will be exerted to
conference formulated and approved implement and accomplish the planned
interventions and activities indicated in
a Citizen- driven Action Plan
(CPAP) that contains the prioritized the CPAP.

interventions which will improve the

delivery of public services as shown in

11

JAN - JUN 2020

Outstanding
village peace
councils receive
peace keeping
award in Cam
Norte

By Lara Mae Baptisma

During the 2020 Camarines Norte Provincial
Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA)
Assessment nine (9) barangays coming from the
1st to 3rd municipalities, and one from each of the
municipalities of Talisay, San Vicente and San Lorenzo
Ruiz submitted their entries.

After the assessment by the LTIA Provincial Awards
Committee represented by LGOO VII Shielame B. Villa
from DILG Camarines Norte, Atty. Indira Martirez of
Regional Trial Court, Ms. Francia A. Robles of SPACFI
(CSO), and Pems Maria Cecilia Tagala of the PNP,
with technical assistance provided by LGOO VI Mary
Ann Bolo from DILG Camarines Norte, the winner for
the 1st to 3rd Class Municipal Category was Barangay
Bagongbayan of the Municipality of Jose Panganiban
with an average score of 95.27%, and for 4th to 6th
Class Municipality Category, Barangay Del, Carmen,
of Talisay topped the assessment with 94.5% average
score.

Nonetheless, all the barangays who submitted
entries deserved to be commended for demonstrating
exemplary performance in adhering to the precepts of
Katarungang Pambarangay as a potent vehicle towards
attaining social order in the community.

DILG Camarines Norte Provincial Office together with PNP and
CSOs assessed entries based on documents submitted.

12

VOL. IX • Issue 01

Cam Norte holds
constitutional
reform convention

By John Dave Barcelona

To facilitate the widest dissemination of the proposed DILG V ARD Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., delivers his speech during
constitutional amendments, the Department of the Interior Balangayan 2020: Constitutional Reform Convention and People’s Day
and Local Government (DILG) conducted the Balangayan at Agro Sports Complex last January 22, 2020
2020: Constitutional Reform Convention/Rally (CoRe Con)
and People’s Day on 22 January 2020, Wednesday, 1:00 PM appointive officials. He acknowledged the support given by
at Agro Sports Complex, Daet, Camarines Norte with the the provincial government through Governor Tallado who
aim of informing and enlightening the constituents of the provided the logistics and venue for the event, Miss April
possibilities of a reformed constitution. Guinto of the provincial government and Miss Ivy Consuelo-
Garcia, a media practitioner who facilitated the flow of the
It was attended by 1,329 participants from the 12 towns activity.
of the province. Composed of elective officials including
Sangguniang Kabataan officials, Civil Society Organizations
and Media representatives. The Governor of the province,
Hon. Edgardo A. Tallado, together with all members of the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and the local chief executives of
the 12 municipalities and barangays were also present during
the said forum.

Governor Edgardo A. Tallado delivered his welcome
message and commended the efforts of the local officials
especially the barangays for giving good governance a chance
through constitutional reform. DILG V Assistant Regional
Director, Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr. presented the overview
of the Constitutional Reform Convention.

The event sought to disseminate the information on
Constitutional Reform and its impact relative to the proposed
amendments of the 1987 Constitution. Former Vice Governor
of Camarines Sur, Hon. Fortunato Peña was the resource
speaker during the activity. He discussed and presented
the need to change some provisions of the Constitution.
LGUs and its constituents can derive advantages from the
Constitutional Reforms particularly with the adoption of
the Mandanas Case decision on IRA sharing and the change
in the nature of the Regional Development Council into a
Regional Development Authority, where all development
agenda of all LGUs will be discussed in the Senate.

The activity was also highlighted by an open forum with
ARD Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., Former Vice-Governor and
Resource Speaker Fortunato Peña, PD Ray B. Caceres and
Governor Edgardo A. Tallado as the panelists to address the
questions, issues and clarification raised by the participants.
The activity ended with the closing remarks of PD Ray B.
Caceres and acknowledged the participation of all elective &

13

JAN - JUN 2020

Catanduanes conducts joint peace
and order and anti-drug abuse
council meeting

The Provincial Peace and Order on crime situation, operational Hospital was being readied for
and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse accomplishments of the PNP, his admission. Mayor Francisco
Council held its Joint 2nd Quarter updates on drug clearing and Camano, Jr. stated that the isolation
regular meeting on June 11, 2020 COVID 19. facility was being guarded by
at Catanduanes Convention Center, uniformed personnel to prevent
Virac, Catanduanes to discuss the Police Colonel Paul F. Abay, visitors from frequenting the place
current situation and address the PNP Provincial Director, asked as a precautionary measure.
issues concerning peace and order the PPOC members to support the
and drug clearing operations in the Anti-Terrorism Bill by signing Furthermore, updates on the
province. the Manifesto ng Pagsuporta Sa issuance of Travel Authority (TA)
Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. DILG was also discussed during the
The meeting was presided Provincial Director Uldarico S. meeting. PD Abay suggested that the
by Governor Joseph C. Cua, Razal, Jr. discussed briefly the approval of TAs would still come
chairperson of both councils and salient features of the Bill. from his office to closely monitor
was participated by representatives inbound and outbound Locally
from the different government Dr. Hazel Palmes of IPHO Stranded Individuals (LSIs).
agencies and sectors in the province. reported the status of COVID 19
The discussion focused more Patient No. 82 from San Miguel,
Catanduanes, as Bato Maternity

Governor Joseph Cua presides the joint meeting on
peace and order and anti-drug abuse councils

14

VOL. IX • Issue 01

Drug abuse reformation facility launched
in San Andres, Catanduanes

The local government unit of San Employment (DOLE) and TESDA implementation of the drug clearing
Andres, Catanduanes in coordination
with the Department of the Interior will help the reformists find a job program to attain its vision of a drug-
and Local Government (DILG),
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and be a responsible citizen in their free country.
(PDEA), Philippine National Police
(PNP), Department of Social Welfare own barangay and the community
and Development (DSWD), Technical
Education and Skills Authority as a whole. This is one way to attain The activity was attended by the
(TESDA) and Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) officially launched one of the goals of the municipality members of the Municipal Anti-Drug
the “Balay Silangan” Reformation
Center located at the RHU Compound, that is to be declared as a “Drug Free Abuse Council and the PDEA Regional
Salvacion St., San Andres,
Catanduanes on February 19, 2020. Municipality.” Office V Validation Team. The short

In the said facility, drug reformists program was graced by Reverend
will undergo a 30-day reformation
program. After which, the Local Pursuant to Dangerous Drugs Board Father Hector Del Rosario, Chief of
Government Unit in partnership
with the Department of Labor and (DDB) Regulation No. 3, series of Police PCPT Emsol E. Icawat, Hon.

2017, RA 9165 and Joint Memorandum Mayor Peter C. Cua represented by

Circular No. 2018-01 “Implementing Hon. Honesto V. Lumbao, DILG San

Guidelines on the Functionality and Andres Municipal Local Government

Effectiveness of Local Anti-Drug Operations Officer Marilou A.

Abuse Councils” issued by DILG Talaran, Municipal Social Welfare and

and PDEA on intensified anti-drug Development Officer Ma. Lourdes

campaign, the national agencies and S. Mabeza, Agent Adrian Fajardo of

the local government units are bound PDEA, DILG Provincial Director

to perform the duties and constant Uldarico S. Razal, Jr. and then Acting

monitoring of the progress in the Governor Shirley A. Abundo.

15

JAN - JUN 2020

Automating E-CLIP surfaced and surrendered under the ECLIP in November
data to rush benefits 2019. The surfacing of these FRs were through the
distribution to former initiative of the 9th Infantry Brigade under Col. Noe
rebels in Sorsogon Alberto Penafiel and the supportive leadership of

In May 2014, the Comprehensive Local
Integration Program or CLIP was launched as another
counterinsurgency strategy to reach the ultimate goal of
achieving peace and development in the country. The
Department of the Interior and Local Government was
given the responsibility in administering the program.
Earlier in 2018, Administrative Order No. 10
was issued by President Rodrigo Duterte entitled Halfway House Ground-Breaking Ceremony last November 2019

“Centralizing All Government Efforts for the
Reintegration of Former Rebels and Creating for the
Purpose an Anti-Insurgency Task Force”. CLIP was incumbent Governor Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero.
renamed E-CLIP or the Enhance Comprehensive Local The PSWDO is tasked to encode the information from
Integration Program.
the E-CLIP Enrolment Form and Firearms Valuation into
The Immediate Assistance of P15,000 and Livelihood the system. The DILG, meanwhile is tasked to evaluate
Assistance of P50,000 is maintained. Reintegration the information encoded and submit them online through
Assistance is increased from P 7,000.00 to P 21,000.00 the system to the DILG Central Office for funding
and the Firearm remuneration will be computed doubling approval. Once approved, the system will notify the local
the value of the firearms as surrendered by the former DILG Office and prepare the checks for release by the
rebels. Additional assistance will be provided by the E-CLIP Committee.
National Government Agencies such as: (1) Access
to Government Services, (2) Medical Assistance, (3) Also, a Half-Way House (HWH) is being constructed
Housing, (4) Modified Conditional Cash Transfer. (5) in Juban, Sorsogon for the returning rebels as safe
Livelihood Materials & Implementation or Employment house while their benefits are on process. Fund for this
Assistance, (6) Loan and Market Access, (7) Legal HWH was granted to the Sorsogon Province in 2019
Assistance, (8) Alternative Learning System, (9) as part of the E-CLIP Program. The construction is
Psychosocial Assistance, (10) Conditional Transition now at 52% completion rate per report of the Sorsogon
Grant, (11) College Tuition and Stipend and (12) Payapa PDMU Unit. The delay in the construction is attributed
at Masaganang Pamayanan Projects. in the suspension of public works due to the COVID-19
pandemic. With the lifting of ECQ, and the eventual
In January 2019, the Sorsogon E-CLIP Committee Resolution of the IATF placing some areas in the
headed by former Governor Robert “Bobet” Rodrigueza, country under General Community Quarantine (GCQ),
awarded E-CLIP Assistance to twenty-four (24) former construction of the HWH resumes. This facility for FRs
rebels (FRs). These FRs were already mainstreamed back is expected to be operational and would be very timely
to their community. They were provided with additional since at least fifty-eight (58) FRs will be receiving their
skills and livelihood training from PLGU, DTI, DSWD incentives within the 3rd Quarter of this 2020 under the
an DOLE; driving lessons from TESDA; assistance to E-CLIP Program.

avail of the DSWD’s Modified CCT; and orientation for
NHA Housing Assistance. With the PSWDO’s effort,
the FRs created their own organization and elected their
officers.
Recently DILG introduced a Web Application System
called E-CLIP Information System (E-CLIP IS) which
records the basic personal information of each former
rebel, their experiences inside the CPP NPA camp as well
as the record of firearms turned-over for the computation
of firearm remuneration to facilitate faster processing of
documentary requirements for the fifty-eight (58) FRs E-CLIP Information System

16

VOL. IX • Issue 01

Constitutional
Reform (CoRe)
roadshow held
in Cam Sur

By Ervin Belano

The DILG Camarines Sur Provincial Office in partnership DILG Usec. Jonathan E. Malaya leads media briefing on Constitutional
with the DILG Regional Office V and Center for Federalism Reform updates
and Constitutional Reform – Project Management Office
(CFCR-PMO) as lead convenor hosted two activities, by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Federalism and
namely; Constitutional Reform (CoRe) Media Briefing at the
Villa Caceres Hotel on February 20, 2020 and the Townhall Constitutional Reform. Ms. Allen Faith L. Cape of CFCR-
Meeting, Balangayan: Constitutional Reform Roadshow
and People’s Day on February 21, 2020 at the University PMO Multi-media Management Office facilitated the open
of Nueva Caceres Sports Palace. The roadshow was the
showcase CoRe activity in Bicol originally scheduled on forum while Mr. Erwin F. Bulang provided the synthesis of
December 2019, but was postponed due to the onslaught of
TS Tisoy. the discussions.

Undersecretary Jonathan E. Malaya was the lead The Townhall Meeting, dubbed as Balangayan:
discussant during the half-day media briefing which
presented the latest DILG programs and highlighted the Constitutional Reform Convention Rally and People’s Day
major “surgical” amendments to the 1987 Philippine
Constitution. He was assisted by pool of experts composed conducted the next day was attended by Punong Barangays,
of Sec. Gary B. Olivar, Prof. Alfred S. Sureta, Jr., Atty. Alden
Reuben Luna of the Department of Justice and Camarines some Members of the Sangguniang Barangay and SK
Sur ex-Vice Governor Fortunato C. Pena. They discussed
the proposed political, economic, and regional development Chairpersons from the 1,063 barangays of the province.
amendments to the 1987 Constitution which increased the
awareness of the participants, on the proposed changes. Some Mayors, municipal officials and representatives from
Among the concerns raised during the open forum were the
period as to when the amendments will take effect in case invited NGAs, CSOs and academe were also in attendance.
the same are approved by Congress and if the suggestions
and feedbacks during the media briefing will be considered Governor Miguel Luis R. Villafuerte was also present during

the activity and gave his message to the attendees.

(continue reading on page 18)

17

JAN - JUN 2020

DILG Cam
Sur processes
Death Benefit
Claim (DBC)
amidst
pandemic

By Alfredo Fria, Jr.

The implementation of Enhanced LGOO II Fria (DBC Focal Person) processing the paid death benefit claims through
Community Quarantine (ECQ) imposed Barangay Information System (BIS).
restrictions on the movement of the
people and limited operations on private any type of work arrangement as long are ready for release.
companies as well as the work in
government offices. The DILG as one as there is availability of internet
of the agencies that plays a vital role in
the combat against the spread of corona connection. Ten (10) applications were The recipients of the Death Benefit
virus suspended the implementation of
some of its major programs to focus on processed and now ready for funding Claim were grateful that they were able
the monitoring of COVID-19 related
programs and to act immediately on by the DBM. 13 applications were to receive the checks during the time
the issues and complaints received
through hotline numbers provided by processed with corresponding checks when they needed most the financial
the Regional and Provincial Emergency
Operation Center. prepared prior to the implementation of assistance.

However, the processing release ECQ, four (4) of which were already
of Death Benefit Claim (DBC) to the
families of decreased barangay officials released to the beneficiaries and nine (9)
continued even during the lockdown
using the DBC web application system.
It can be accessed and processed in

Continuation from page 17 PNP, BFP, DSWD, DOH, PhilHealth, and SSS. These
agencies set up booths where the people can personally
The Balangayan aimed to inform and educate the interact and avail of the services and programs of each
people on the advantages of constitutional reforms and agency.
provided the venue between the national government
and local leaders where they were able to air pressing The Department of the Interior and Local Government
issues which can be addressed by the proposed reforms. is the lead agency of the cabinet-level Inter-Agency Task
A number of participants expressed full support to the Force on Federalism and Constitutional Reform which
proposed constitutional reforms during the open forum. is pushing for “surgical” amendments to the present
Charter that would eradicate prevalence of corruption and
Capping the day’s activity is the service caravan economic gaps among regions.
wherein the participants were oriented on the several
services offered by government agencies, such as, the
18

VOL. IX • Issue 01

LEGAL UPDATES

Issue: Whether succession or designation applies
in the temporary vacancy in vice mayoralties, vice
governorship and sanggunian positions

By Atty. Magdalena Borbe

Jurisprudence dictates that “vacancy” service and paralysis in providing basic the Sanggunian. A.O. No. 15 expressly
authorized the Secretary of the DILG
presupposes a situation wherein there is services to the constituents concerned. or OIC-SILG to designate such. Unlike
before, the mode of succession provided
no person lawfully authorized to assume The provision which primarily gives the for permanent vacancies, under the
LGC, is observed if there is a vacancy in
and exercise, at present, the duties of the Department of the Interior and Local the sanggunian. This has a basis in the
case of Gamboa vs. Aguirre (G.R. No.
office. Vacancy may either be permanent Government (DILG) appointing powers 134213, July 20, 1999).

or temporary. Permanent Vacancy arises specifically refers to the positions of 1) With this development, this will
enlighten us as to who is/are the
when 1) an elective local official fills a Vice Mayoralties 2) Vice Governorships proper official/s to be designated, and
as to when automatic succession or
higher vacant office, 2) refuses to assume and 3) Sanggunian Positions which appointment will apply.

office, 3) fails to qualify, 4) dies, 5) is are left vacant—presumably due to

removed from office, 6) voluntarily temporary incapacity may it be physical

resigns, or is 7) otherwise permanently or legal reasons and ascension of office.

incapacitated to discharge the functions Prior to A.O. No. 15, there is no clear

of his office. While, temporary vacancy provision of the law which addresses

means temporary incapacity to perform the filling of temporary vacancies in

the duties for physical or legal reasons the local government units, particularly

such as, but not limited to, leave of in the local sanggunians. The mode of

absence, travel abroad, and suspension procedure being followed before, in

from office. case of temporary vacancy, is through

The lack of specific provision in succession under the LGC which creates

the Local Government Code (LGC) in a confusion and conflict considering

dealing with temporary vacancies in that succession insofar as vacancy is

local elective officials particularly in the concerned, applies only to permanent

local sanggunians, is one of the reasons vacancies.

for the issuance of Administrative Order The difference comes now in

No. 15 (Authorizing the Secretary temporary vacancy in the Vice-Governor

of the Department of the Interior or Vice-Mayor and the Sanggunian.

and Local Government (DILG) of Prior to the issuance of A.O. No. 15,

the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) to Fill there is no provision under the law

Temporary Vacancies in Certain Local which provides for the designation of

Elective Offices to Prevent Hiatus in a temporary vacancy in the office of

and Paralysis of Local Government the vice-governor or vice-mayor. The

Operations) by President Rodrigo Roa succession is effected by operation

Duterte last 13 December 2018. of law. A.O. No.15 made clear that

The said Administrative Order temporary vacancies in the vice

has authorized the Secretary of the governorship or vice mayoralties

Department of the Interior and Local shall be filled by designation by

Government or Officer-in-Charge (OIC) the President through the Secretary

to fill temporary vacancies in several of the Interior Local Government

elective offices to prevent curtailing (SILG) or the OIC-SILG.

of operations, hiatus of government The same in the case of vacancy in

Jan - June 2020 HAMODYONG Vol IX Issue 01