BFP Region IV-B Conducts QUALIFYING EXAMS for Fire Officer 1 Recruits.

On October 26, 2011, from 10:15AM to 11:45AM at the Jose Rizal Memorial School, Calamba City, Laguna, the Bureau of Fire Protection Region IV-B conducted the written examination for applicants to the Fire Officer 1 position. The officially designated SILG representative to the BJMP and BFP RSPBs, R. Stephanie C. Trovela, LGMED Division Chief participated in this phase of the recruitment process of the BFP per directive of Atty. Ariel B. Tanganonan, Acting Head Executive Assistant of the DILG.

Out of the 207 applicants qualified to take the examinations, only 75 were present to take the exams. After the exams, CInsp Mary Joy M Candelario, Chief of the Financial and Management Division of BFP 4B informed the applicants that the result of the exams will be out on October 28, 2011 and shall be posted in conspicuous places and the internet and the DILG 4B website (see List). Hence, on the same day, the test papers were checked by members of the BFP4B’s RSPB, DILG Representative DC Trovela and NGO representative, Ms. Jocelyn P. Macatangay of the Lions Club, Laguna Chapter.

Only the top 32 based on their scores shall be qualified to proceed to the next phase of the recruitment process which is the Physical Agility Test scheduled on November 3, 2011.

The succeeding qualified applicants shall still have to undergo the medical examination and neuro psychiatric examination, panel interview, background investigation, until the final sixteen 16 (Region 4B’s quota) shall have been chosen.

The above recruitment process is pursuant to DILG Circular No. 2011-008 or the General Guidelines in the Recruitment and Promotion of Personnel in the BFP and the BJMP. Said guidelines aim to promote transparency and accountability and to uphold the integrity of personnel actions with the end view of enhancing professionalism and organizational effectiveness in the said Bureaus.- R. Stephanie C. Trovela

Assessment of LGUs for the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awards in Region IV-B

On September 20, 2011, Region IV-B’s Regional Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Regional Team of Validators (RTV) conducted its organizational meeting and the assessment and validation of nominees for the CY 2011 Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awards. The activity was participated in by Dr. Joselito G. Awat of the DOH4B, ARD Rodrigo M. Marquez of DBM4B, Arthur D. Baybayan Chief of the HRDDS of the PRO4B, and PCCI Regional Governor Eduardo R. Nicolas III.

The Gawad was conceptualized by the DILG to give recognition to the valuable contribution of the local government units (LGUs) in promoting general welfare and sustaining the principles of responsible government. It is conferred to a province, city or municipality that has shown exemplary performance in Administrative Governance, Social Governance, Economic Governance and Environmental Governance. It is also an instrument to scale-up the valuing of accountability, transparency and inclusivity in local administration and development.

In Mimaropa region, a total of 35 LGUs were qualified to join the CY 2011 Regional Search. For an LGU to qualify, it must have at least a 4.0 Over-all Performance Index (OPI) in the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), a self-assessment and development tool that enables local governments to determine their capabilities and limitations in the delivery of essential public services. The innovations undertaken by the LGUs in local governance operations and its being a recipient of the Seal of Good HouseKeeping (SGH) and/or a national, regional or an international award were also considered.

After a briefing/orientation conducted for the RAC and the RTV, the assessment and documentary validation was undertaken which resulted in the proclamation of the regional winners :

Runners-up in provincial category were the provinces of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro and for the municipal category, the municipalities of Torrijos, Marinduque and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Puerto Princesa City was the lone contender for the city category. Regional winners are automatically nominated for the National Level Gawad Pamana ng Lahi.

Regional winners in each category will receive a cash prize and a plaque to be provided by the DILG Central Office in an awarding activity this October 2011. – Ma. Teresita G. Iglesia

MIMAROPA KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (KM) AUDIT WORKSHOP

As part of the Local Government Academy (LGA) KM Audit Coaches Program for LGRRCs, the Knowledge Management Audit Workshop for MIMAROPA Local Government Resource Center (LGRC) as one of the laboratory areas, had been conducted last August 10, 2011 to simulate the audit process. As laboratory area, workshop participants were oriented on the various KM audit processes leading to a report on the state of Knowledge Management readiness of the office. The workshop had been administered by the LGRRC Team coaches from Region VII (Cebu) and a Local Government Academy Staff, Ms. Myra Gialogo.

In his opening remarks, Atty. Rolando B. Calabazaron, Region IV-B Regional Director, expressed his hope of coming up with an accurate knowledge management audit as reliable guide on how to enhance the LGRC in the operations of the MIMAROPA Region. Every statement-questionnaire must be carefully read and clearly understood by the respondent-employee, the Regional Head further emphasized. Immediately following the opening program and how the audit mechanics run, the Assessment Team conducted its workshop on KM audit criteria based on the PPST approach (People, Process, System, Technology). More importantly, in every workshop assessment criteria, the Assessment Team discussed the KM audit criteria–questionnaire in details, and likewise processed the data being presented. In closing, Assistant Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr. expressed optimism that the MIMAROPA Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) can connect with the website development and E-operations of the Region.

MIMAROPA INITIATES WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

DILG Region IV-B (MIMAROPA )initiated a Trainors’Training Workshop on LGU Website Development last August 3-5, 2011 at its Regional Office Conference Room, Quezon City. Participants were selected DILG regional/field officers/staff representing the five provinces (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon & Palawan and Puerto Princesa City of MIMAROPA.

At the opening program, DILG IV-B Regional Director Rolando B. Calabazaron enjoined the participants to support the vote-campaign for Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven (7) Wonders of Nature (N7WN).

The Regional Head pointed out the essence of training DILG focal persons of respective provinces/cities who will assist our local government units on website development. The activity, according to Director Calabazaron, in a timely manner, will enable our clientele comply with the full disclosure policy i.e. posting of local budget and finances, bids and public offerings, local tourism promotion, and others.

LGU Website Development Project is an initiative program of DILG MIMAROPA that local government units will truly appreciate and further enhance our Agency’s relevance, Atty. Calabazaron disclosed.

DILG MIMAROPA SPEARHEADS A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP ON BPLS STREAMLINING

In response to the challenge of His Excellency President Noynoy Aquino, to “look for more ways to streamline the processes to make business start-up easier”, DILG MIMAROPA conducted a two (2) day workshop on streamlining of the Business Permits and Licensing Systems (BPLS), through the leadership and initiative of Atty. Rolando B. Calabazaron, CESO III, Regional Director, held on July 26 – 27, 2011 at Glendenning Resort, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 136 LGU officials and employees from 25 Local Government Units (LGUs) of MIMAROPA Region (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque and Romblon) attended the said workshop despite bad weather brought by typhoon Juaning. Attendees were Sangguniang Bayan Members, Chairman on Appropriations; Municipal Treasurers; Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators; Municipal Engineers; Municipal Health Officers; Business Permits and Licensing Officers, Fire Marshals and Local Government Operations Officers of the DILG.

The Regional Director in his inspirational message said that the activity is designed to test the sincerity of LGUs in inviting investors to do business in their area to create and sustain a “business friendly” environment and attract more capital investments and generate jobs for their constituents which will eventually increase their local revenue collections. He also emphasized the need for convergence among concerned NGA’s involved in BPLS and LGUs to attain the right environment wherein business sector and government transact and propel for good governance and development.

Meanwhile, Hon. Jose T. Villarosa, Municipal Mayor of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, in his welcome address, praised the DILG for their commitment in providing technical assistance and consultancy services to LGUs towards realizing their visions of self reliance and local autonomy.

DILG Provincial Directors Samuel D. Borja, Jr. and Ulysses E. Feraren of Mindoro Oriental and Occidental joined hands in overseeing the activity. (Sam Borja & Ed Maranan) .

DILG’s SUPPORT IN THE ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN FOR PPUR

In compliance to Proclamation No. 182 issued by President Benigno S.Aquino III which calls for a national and international promotional campaign for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in the global Search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, along with DILG MC 2011 – 33 enjoining all LGUs to implement a massive campaign to vote for PPUR via SMS and internet, the DILG – Office of Public Affairs in coordination with the Puerto Princesa City DILG and City Government of Puerto Princesa conducted a “Workshop for PPUR Advocacy Campaign for LGUs” on July 27 – 29, 2011 at the Tropical Sun Inn, City of Puerto Princesa.

The activity was organized to equip the participants with adequate understanding about Puerto Princesa Underground River, formulate action plans for simultaneous implementation nationwide,and provide strategies for an effective effort to boost the country’s chance of landing in the final list of the global polling campaign that highlights and celebrates the beauty of the planet.

The participants who are Information Officers from the department’s Regional Offices and other attached bureaus along side Asec. Eubert F. Gutierrez, the Assistant Secretary for Administration and External Affairs were warmly welcomed by LGU Officials and functionaries headed by the Honorable Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn. They were also given the chance to visit the world famous Puerto Princesa Underground River.

FERROL, ROMBLON INSTALLS AN MDG FUNDED WATER PROJECT

The municipality of Ferrol has conducted the inauguration and blessing of Ferrol Water System, held during the 33rd Foundation Anniversary last June 11, 2011 at Barangay Poblacion, Ferrol, Romblon .

The improvement and upgrading of Ferrol Water Supply System (Level III) is a DILG-MDGF loan assisted project under the DOF-MDFO in the amount of Php7,051,501.44. The newly installed water sytem was reported during the July 25, 2011 State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Aquino.

Last May 25, 2011, the installation of water meters started among the 240 households in Barangay Poblacion. As of now, the results of water testing for the operationalization of water chlorinator to have a potable water is being awaited by the concerned local government unit. - Anacleta M.Ornum, LGOO V .

PUERTO PRINCESA CONDUCTS ISKOLAR BOS TRAINING

The Puerto Princesa City DILG Office, under the leadership of OIC City Director Rey S. Maranan, in coordination with the Sangguniang Kabataan City Federation and City Government of Puerto Princesa, conducted the Integrated Sangguniang Kabataan Organizational Leadership and Reorientaion Program – Basic Orientation Seminar (ISKOLAR – BOS) last May 30 – 31, 2011 at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum.

The Opening Program had it’s guest, DILG Region IV-B Director, Atty. Rolando B. Calabazaron. City Vice-Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, City Councilor Eleutherius L. Edualino and City Information Officer Alroben J. Goh also graced the occasion.

The ISKOLAR-BOS seminar aims to provide the SK officials with knowledge and skills necessary for effective, efficient and responsive leaders; as well as, strengthen their moral values through the four pillars of the politics of service: Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Bayan and Maka-Kalikasan, the theory of principle-centered leadership and developmental politics.

Of importance are topics on the Local Government Code of 1991 (with emphasis on Barangay Government), SK Roles and Responsibilities, Basic Parliamentary Procedures/Local Legislation, Fiscal Administration, Righteous Leadership and Issues confronting SK.

The activity was attended by four hundred forty four (444) SK Officials from the sixty-six (66) barangays of the city.

SGH - VAlidation in Looc, Romblon

The Department of the Interior and Local Government launched a project dubbed as the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) for LGUs aimed at recognizing LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping particularly on the areas of Sound Fiscal Management, Transparency and Accountability and Valuing Performance Management. Information on the latter is to be culled from the areas of Administrative Governance and Valuing Fundamentals of Good Governance of the LGPMS. Additional information is to be generated to support the requirements of the Seal.