3Q Timon 2013

Updates on DILG Regular Programs: PAMANA, BUB, SALINTUBIG, etc.

Regional Gawad KALASAG 2013 RD Famacion Sworn-in as Director IV The Jesse M. Robredo Building Caraga Position on Sangguniang Kabataan Patrol 117 Success Stories

contents Editorial

3

PAMANA UPDATES PAMANA Turns Over Rehab. Road Project

4

RPOC Roadmap Framework Building Workshop

4

Releases

4

BUB UPDATES

The Department is currently engaged in a myriad of projects in an effort to really cleanse the reputation of the government. The Aquino Administration is very adamant to change the notion that long pervaded and show that there can be a government that is rid of opportunistic and corrupt practices.

And so it is no surprise that when the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam blew over, the people look to this administration to really do what’s right.

Now more than ever, government projects should really make an impact so people will not lose their trust to the government altogether.

PAMANA, BUB, SALINTUBIG, PCF, SLRF, PRMF. These are just a few of our major projects in the DILG that amounts to Millions spread across the entire region.

Esperanza Receives Potable Water System

5

LGUs with 2013 BUB Projects undergo M&E Workshop

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Skills Enhancement Workshop on Detailed Engineering Design

5

DRRM UPDATES

Sec. Roxas Assesses SDN Disaster Preparedness

6

LCEs Peruse Multi-Hazard Maps for Local Devt Planning

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Gawad Kalasag 2013 Reveals DRRM Excellence in the Region

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COVERSTORY Director Famacion Sworn-In as Director IV

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FEATURES On this Site will Rise: The Jesse M. Robredo Building (DILG Caraga Regional Office)

9

to implement the projects that they may all turn up success-

Reform or Abolish SK: The Caraga Position

10

ful. I meant the redundancy in superlatives to really empha-

CONVERGENCE NEWS

All of us in the government sector must do our utmost best

size what we must do especially those in the Local Govern-

Multi-Stakeholders Celebrate National Crime Prevention Week

12

the services expected of them. The effort must be total so the

Patrol 117 Success Stories

13

results will be meaningful.

PERSONNEL MOVEMENTS

14

GREEN COOPERATION

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ment Units because they are at the forefront of governance— they bear the brunt of the public should they fail to provide

These projects are but a few mechanisms in which the national government is able to assist our LGUs to implement projects on the ground that the public is in dire need of. We cannot afford to implement half-baked projects, inferior outputs, uncompleted, and the like.

The public trust is upon us. It is as much of a burden—a responsibility—as it is a privilege that we must all live up to.

That is what it means when you work in the public sector.

We must all be committed to do what is necessary, and even go the extra mile to serve the people. Together let us prove that the “Tuwid na Daan” is not just a motto, but a promise, a commitment to do what’s right. This will be our legacy to the next generation.

Page 2

About the cover The road to greatness is not at all an easy one. For some it is challenging, for others more so.

It might even be perilous.

As we all try to traverse the straight path—this so-called “Daang Matuwid”—we will all face hardships.

But what can be so reassuring is the fact that we do not walk this path alone.

There are those who walked before us, whose legacies shine down upon us. And there are those who walk with us and in solidarity struggle with us.

What we can do is commit ourselves to walking this straight path unwaveringly. And who knows, we might very well be on the road to greatness as well.  Photo by ARSilvosa; Words by DMOPatrimonio.

EDITORIAL

In Memoriam First Year Death Anniversary, August 19, 2013

August 19, 2013—One year after his passing, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Caraga Region (DILG XIII) commemorates the first death anniversary of its fallen leader, DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.

His works are seeds that we must plant. Let us carry out his vision by continuing what he has started. Let us all embrace the challenge of transparency and accountability, Let us all instill in ourselves tsinelas leadership.

It is only natural to be sad for the loss of a good leader and a good person, but we can also look at it in another light. We can take this moment to acknowledge all the good we have gained from his stay with us, and to celebrate his works.

His works are seeds that we must nourish. It is not enough to just plant the seed and leave it be. We must nurture it and allow it to grow. We must work to improve the systems and programs he has set in place and even make it as our own. We must also give ourselves the opportunities to act out tsinelas leadership, and go beyond lip service, to really walk the talk.

This is the legacy of Sec. Jess.

He was a champion for transparency and accountability. He instituted the strict implementation of the Full Disclosure Policy of LGUs and adopted the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

He was the epitome of a servant leader. He was humble, he was modest. He manifested his own brand of ‘tsinelas leadership” — the simplicity, the empathy for and solidarity with the masses, and willingness to go to where others do not, the extra mile, the frontiers.

But legacies are only as good as the impact it leaves on people lives on. We need to perpetuate what he started. Like a seed to be planted, so too must we plant it, nourish it, and propagate it.

His works are seeds that we must propagate. For our nation to really reap the harvest of good governance and engaged citizenship, we cannot assume the burden of doing it all. We must spread the example so that others may emulate and grow themselves.

By owning, growing and spreading his work, we can all be a good nation, a better nation. One that is impervious to corruption, adaptive to change, responsive to needs, and mindful of the future.

This is his legacy. One that we must all commit to seeing through. Not just on August 19, 2013, but for years and years to come.

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PAMANA UPDATES

PAMANA Turns-over Rehabilitated Tagbina Road Surigao del Sur - Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion formally turned-over the PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) project on the rehabilitation and repair of Brgy. Poblacion – Magsaysay – Osmeña – Villaverde farm-to-market road to the Municipality of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur on July 26, 2013.

Governor Johnny T. Pimentel of the Province of Agusan del Sur gracefully signified acceptance of the PhP 13.5 million worth of farm-to-market road which is aimed at helping farmers in transporting their farm products to the nearest economic center and providing an easy road access to the residents despite being a conflict-affected area.

The 16 kilometer road stretching along Barangays Poblacion, Magsaysay, Osmeña, and Villaverde will serve a holistic approach in bringing economic relief in the area which will consequently eliminate armed conflicts and episodes of insurgency.

The formal turn-over ceremony took place at Brgy. Osmeña gymnasium which was synchronized with the release of checks to Tandag City and San Miguel of the Province of Surigao del Sur. Tandag City received PhP 1.264 M for its 2nd tranche for the rehabilitation of San Isidro – Maticdum – Mabuhay farm -to-market road. On the other hand, the Mu-

RPOC Roadmap

Framework Building Workshop

The GIZ-Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM), a German government-funded project, conducted a Framework Building Workshop for the creation of the Road Map for Peace for the Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council last September 11-13, 2013 in Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City.

The three-day workshop called on the expertise of GIZ-COSERAM who facilitated several workshops to validate and enrich the regional conflict analysis, Inter -agency and Multi-Sectoral Council Models and RPOC Organizational and Institutional Analysis which are to be used in the actual Peace Road Map Framework Building.

nicipality of San Miguel received PhP 16 M for its 1st tranche for the road opening of Carromata – Bitaugan farm-to-market road.

As a gesture of acceptance, the Punong Barangays also vowed to maintain the roads as they thanked Governor Pimentel in opening the roads through the PAMANA project.

DILG-PAMANA projects are designed to bring developmental projects in the conflict-affected areas of Caraga region in order to address the needs of the community to eliminate conflicts arising from poverty and destitution. (Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa, LGOO II, DILG Region 13-Caraga)

The Road Map for Peace is a guide for strategic planning to address peace and order issues and security concerns in the entire Caraga Region. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG XIII).

RELEASES PAMANA 2012 PROJECT

LOCATION

Tranche

Date

Amount

AGUSAN DEL NORTE Bangunay NRJ—Inayao Palo 12 FMR Rehabilitation

Jabonga and Tubay

2nd

July 1, 2013

P 729,277.42

Construction of Pob 1—Pangaylan IP—Mantigue

Santiago

2nd

Aug 22, 2013

P 355,074.52

Rehab. And Repair of Maglambing-Carpnito-Kahayagan FMR

Tagbina

2nd

July 5, 2013

P 1,728,887.09

Rehab. and Repair of San Isidro-Maticdum-Mabuhay FMR

Tandag

2nd

July 5, 2013

P 1,264,902.40

SURIGAO DEL SUR

PAMANA 2013 PROJECT

LOCATION

Tranche

Date

Amount

AGUSAN DEL NORTE Const. of puting BatoLanuza Road (Phase I)

Cabadbaran

1st

Sept 2, 2013

P 4,000,000.00

San Miguel

1st

July 26, 2013

P 16,000,000.00

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica AmanteMatba receives P4 Million PAMANA check.

Photo by DMOPatrimonio

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Const. of CarromataBitaugan Rd Opening

BUB UPDATES Esperanza Receives Potable Water System The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) turned-over the Level III Potable Water System to the recipient-barangay of Remedios in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur last September 10, 2013.

Caraga DILG Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, accompanied by Agusan del Sur Provincial Director Arleen Ann R. Sanchez, joined Esperanza Municipal Mayor Deo P. Manpatilan, Jr. and Remedios Punong Barangay Lilian P. Bandi during the ribbon cutting and turn-over ceremonies.

The community members of Remedios witnessed as they blessed and cut the ribbon of the pump house and deep well, then proceeded to the fire hydrant which they also blessed, cut the ribbon, and even turned-on to show fresh, clean water gushing out. To show their confidence of the potability of the water, DILG personnel led by Director Famacion took turns drinking the water from the hydrant.

The formal turn-over ceremony followed at the Barangay Remedios Multi-Purpose Hall where they signed the Certificate of Project Completion and Certificate of Acceptance and TurnOver.

Director Famacion took the opportunity to impart the importance of water, that it is “the most important mineral more than gold, and nickel” and that it is “vital for life to exist.” She mentioned how the project was made possible through the efforts of the municipal mayor, and the Seal of Good Housekeeping that the municipality earned which paved the way to pro-

jects and funding coming in. She also called for more projects proposals for the Bottom-UpBudgeting (BUB) for 2015.

The project entitled Rehabilitation and Expansion of Barangay Remedios Potable Water System (Level III) is worth P3.265 Million of which P3 Million comes from the DILG’s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig (SALINTUBIG) 2012 funding and the remainder as the counterpart of the Municipality of Esperanza.

Construction started last January 3 of this year and was completed 6 months later, on June 28. It became fully operational upon provision of electrical-supply to power the submersible pump. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG XIII)

LGUs with 2013 BUB projects undergo M&E Workshop

Skills Enhancement Workshop on Detailed Engineering Design

The Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT 13) headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted a series of one-day orientationworkshops on the Monitoring and Evaluation Tool for the 2013 Bottom-Up Planning and Budgeting (BUB) of Local Government Units of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Sur and the Province of Dinagat Islands on August 20, 22, 23, 27 and 28, respectively, at Almont Inland Resort Hotel, Butuan City. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG XIII).

DILG 13, together with the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), conducted a skills enhancement seminarworkshop on Detailed Engineering Design (DED) preparation, Procurement, and Fund Management for technical staff from Provincial, Municipal and City Engineers’ Offices and Planning and Development Offices in Caraga Region as well as the region’s WATSAN Hub last August 6-9, 2013 at Samping Avenue intending to improve and fast-track the implementation of the SALINTUBIG projects. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG Region 13-Caraga) 

DILG Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion gives her message as Chairperson of the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT). Photo by LEMApresto

Invited resource speaker Engr. Ramon L. Dela Torre discussing technical matters.

Photo by JDMalubay

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DRRM UPDATES

Sec Roxas Assesses SDN Disaster Preparedness

DILG Sec. Roxas addressing questions from the media.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas convened Surigao del Norte governor and mayors to discuss the province’s level of preparedness and capacities in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) last September 4, 2013 at the Gateway Hotel, Surigao City.

Also in the meeting were representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

They discussed Project NOAH—or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards; Geo-hazard Maps; Disaster Preparedness Audit results; disaster response; disaster rehabilitation; regional DRRM initiatives; and the provincial emergency response protocol.

Roxas gave particular emphasis on Project NOAH as it intends to have a more accurate, integrated, and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system, especially in the high -risk areas in the country. He explained that all local executives must learn to become experts on Project NOAH since it is an effective tool in decision making during times of calamaties, from suspension of classes and work to giving orders for evacuation.

“Sinisiguro natin na mabibigyan ng tamang impormasyon ang ating mga local executives sa panahon ng bagyo at kalamidad. Kailangan ito para mabilis din silang makapag desisyon kung kailangang magsuspinde ng klase o trabaho at kung kailangan ng lumikas ng mga tao sa ligtas na lugar,” he said.

Surigao del Norte has been identified as one of the provinces most prone to disasters and calamities such as flooding, rain-induced landslide, storm surge, earthquake-induced landslide, and liquefaction.

Roxas noted that he has been going around the country, looking into the most disaster-prone areas. He sits as Vice Chairman for Disaster Preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. 

Local Chief Executives Peruse Multi-hazard Maps for Local Development Planning 3 Mayors, 44 Punong Barangays, 10 Barangay Kagawads, 49 Barangay Secretaries, and 57 Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers (MDRRMO), among others coming from Local Government Units (LGU) along the Agusan River Basin, attended the Roll-Out Training on Understanding Multi-Hazard Maps, its Usage and Application to Local Development Planning organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Office last August 8, 2013 at Dottie’s Place Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City.

The whole-day training sought to bring out an understanding and appreciation of Multi-Hazard Maps vis-a-vis local development planning. Discussed during the activity were: current Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) practice; Early Warning System and Project NOAH; Understanding Hazards; and Reading and Interpretation of Hazard Maps.

To tie together all that has been discussed, the participants underwent a hazard map reading and interpretation workshop. This allowed the participants to read and interpret particular quadrangles of hazard maps provided by the MGB and relate them to the actual scenarios in their own localities.

It is hoped that the exercise, along with the various key inputs, will give participants insights on the implications of hazards particularly in their local development plans and programs. In her message to the participants, DILG Regional Direc-

tor Lilibeth A. Famacion stressed how important it is to map out the risks to be better prepared for calamities. OCD Director Mazo concurs in her message by emphasizing the need to shift paradigms—from disaster relief to disaster risk reduction.

Disaster preparedness is no longer just a flavor of the month. It is a cause that many Filipinos resonate with and share concern in. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG Region 13-Caraga) 

Barangay officials carefully studying hazard maps during the Page 6

DRRM UPDATES

Gawad KALASAG 2013 Reveals DRRM Excellence in the Region The Annual Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance recently concluded and the regional Gawad KALASAG awardees for 2013 were announced and awarded during the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) Culmination Program and Regional Awarding of Gawad Kalasag 2013 last July 31, 2013 at the LJ Mega Convention Hall in Saint Joseph Subdivision, Butuan City.

KALASAG, which stands for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kalingtasan, is the Filipino term for “shield” used by early Filipinos as a means of protection from attacks of enemies or harmful animals. Fittingly, Gawad KALASAG was conceived to protect or shield high risk communities against hazards by encouraging participation of various stakeholders in designing and implementing DRRM projects, and has been the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)’s recognition scheme for excellence in the field of DRRM and humanitarian assistance since 1998. Stakeholders include Local DRRM Coordinating Councils (PDRRMC, MDRRMC, CDRRMC and BDRRMC for the provinces, municipalities, cities and barangays, respectively), Non-Government Organizations (NGO), private volunteer organizations and government emergency managers.

This year’s awardees are: the PDRRMC of Surigao del Norte for the provincial category; CDRRMC of Butuan City for the Highly Urbanized Cities Category; MDRRMC of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur for the First to Third Class Municipalities category, BDRRMC of San Juan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur for the Rural Barangay Category; SIKAP, Inc. as Best Civil Society Organization; Agusan National High School of Butuan City as Best School; RESPOND (Rescue and Emergency Service Provider on Disaster) of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte as Best Private Organization; and Agusan National High School—School DRRM Committee, Butuan City, as Heroic Act of Groups in Providing Humanitarian Assistance.

The same regional awardees will represent Caraga region in the National Search for 2013 Gawad KALASAG.

Regional Directors of OCD, DILG and DOST confer awards

The awards were announced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director, Lilibeth A. Famacion, as Vice Chairperson for the Disaster Preparedness of the RDRMMC and Chairperson of the Regional Search Committee. Also around to present the awards were RDRRMC members: Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Director Liza R. Mazo, Chairperson of the RDRRMC; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director Dominga D. Mallonga, Vice Chair Person for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Carmencita S. Cochingco, Vice Chairperson for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery.

In toto, the Gawad KALASAG recognizes the exceptional contributions of the various DRM practitioners in rebuilding the resilience of nations and communities to disasters, and at the same time, promotes the spirit of volunteerism among agencies and individuals in terms of response during crises. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG Region 13-Caraga) 

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COVER STORY

Dir. Famacion takes her oath before Hon. Judge Maclang. Photos by: ARSilvosa

Director Famacion

Sworn-in as Director IV

R

egional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sworn-in under an oath of office as Director IV before Honorable Judge Francisco F. Maclang, Executive Judge and Presiding Judge of Branch 3 at Regional Trial Court in Libertad, Butuan City on July 3, 2013 Her oath of office is in view of her promotion to Director IV by virtue of her appointment signed by no less than His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, dated June 6, 2013 in Malacanang Palace, Manila. In a letter from SILG Mar Roxas congratulating RD Famacion on her promotion, he said that the appointment would inspire her to work even harder to further realize the vision-mission of the Department.

Her oath-taking was witnessed by the Department’s Attorney IV Anthony P. Vitor, OIC-Asst.

Page 8

Regional Director Donald A. Seronay, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Chief Ray Gregory F. Jaranilla, Local Government Capacity Development Division (LGCDD) Chief Charissa T. Guerta, and Supervising Administrative Officer (SAO) Lucia B. Garrido.

With the full support of the DILG XIII officers and employees, RD Famacion expressed fervor and zeal in continuing to uphold the tenets of the Department - transparency, responsiveness, accountability, and participation – to work in an organization that is one with the local governments and the national government in serving with integrity and worthy of the public’s trust and confidence in moving forward through the “Daang Matuwid.” (Arvin Reyes Silvosa, LGOO II, DILG XIII)

FEATURES

Before this milestone, let’s get down into a little bit of history first.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been around since the Philippine Revolution of 1897 although known by a different name—Department of the Interior. It only became DILG on December 13, 1990 by virtue of Republic Act No. 6975 taking on the form it has now. But looking back during that time, Caraga Region has yet to exist. By then, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Norte were still part of Region 10 and Surigao del Sur was part of Region 11.

It was only in February 23, 1995 through Republic Act No. 7901 that the four provinces were made into a separate region of its own— Caraga. Consequently on September of 1995, the DILG Caraga Region came to be. They find a home in Famador Building in Guingona Subdivision, Butuan City. Since then, it was relocated three (3) times until it finally found a home in Libertad, in the rented building known albeit obscurely as MATIMCO building.

Fast forward to 2013. The DILG regional office is still the MATIMCO building but after several years of use and, dare I say, abuse, and the inevitable development of the surrounding areas attributable to progress, the same area that the office is in has become worn, pestinfested, and even flood-prone. And so along with progress, the management of the DILG 13, led of course by Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, sought the kind and generous hearts of Butuan City if it could offer a place for the office to transfer.

It was no easy feat however, to request a piece of land. Several letters had to be written and several correspondences took place. In an August 23, 2013 letter, Dir. Famacion had to elucidate how there is a need for the DILG 13 to relocate to a new and bigger place. Among such reasons were the (1) constantly increasing of an already high rental fee of the existing building being leased; (2) need for a larger space due to an increasing work force; (3) budgetary constraints of the department to purchase its own land; and more importantly (4) how relocating would mean better service provision coming from the DILG 13.

In another letter dated September 18, Dir. Famacion informed Mayor Amante that the DILG Central Office was inclined to grant budgetary allocation for building construction once a lot is secured. She reiterated some of the points in the earlier letter, as well as adding the spaces DILG could offer where convergence could take place, i.e. the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) which is a knowledge hub on local governance; the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Secretariat; the PATROL 117 regional emergency call center; and even spaces for the local leagues.

Prayers were answered on September 30 when Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. invited DILG 13 to a Sangguniang Panlungsod Regular Session to discuss the draft Deed of Conditional Donation for a 1,000-square meter parcel of land for the establishment of the Office Building of the DILG 13.

October 1, the day of reckoning, several members of the Management Committee, led by ARD Donald A. Seronay, had to attend the session at the CMO Conference Room No. 2 of the City Hall to present and defend the request.

Butuan City Council members did not leave any stone unturned as they scrutinized several aspects of the request. And like a witness in a criminal hearing subject to cross examination or a dissertation student in front of a panel to defend his paper, ARD Seronay had to oblige and answered the barrage of inquiries.

Chances favor the brave. It was resolved during that session, through resolution number 168-2013 passed on October 1, 2013 and approved October 8, 2013, to allow the mayor to sign the conditional deed of donation to DILG 13 for the parcel of land covered by TCT No, T-28649. The 1,000-square meter parcel is registered in the name of the city and is located in Barangay Doongan.

Having secured the land, the DILG 13 is now working finalizing the building design and construction plans and also to secure the budgetary allocation necessary. That, coupled with actual constructed is slated to transpire within a timeframe of three (3) years as has been stipulated in the Conditional Deed of Donation.

With the building that results from this, the DILG 13 hopes to give better and more efficient service to the government of Butuan, and all other Local Government Units across the region. This building, once erected, is also going to be known as the Jesse M. Robredo Building, in honor of the legacy left by the department’s former secretary.

The operationalization of such a building will revolutionize the perspective on the importance of local governance at all levels as it will showcase important opportunities of accessing the department’s services.

And so with fervent hopes, and strong partnerships like this, the DILG 13 is confident that Butuan City and the entire Region can contribute greatly to this noble endeavor of treading the Daang Matuwid and follow in the foot steps of the namesake of the would be building—Jesse M. Robredo. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG Region 13-Caraga) 

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FEATURES

Reform or Abolish The Caraga Position

An offshoot of the Kabataang Barangay (KB) of then President Ferdinand Marcos, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) was created as part of the local government structure under Section 423 of the Local Government Code of 1991. The SK officials are elected from among the members of the KB who are between 15-21 years old.

  

The SK has become the venue for youth participation and representation in governance. However, questions on its effectiveness, particularly on whether it serves its intent and purpose were raised. A study conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2007 found that:  The SK’s performance of its functions – coming up with legislations, submission of reports, holding consultations with its constituents - is generally weak.  There is lack of knowledge among the public on the duties of the SK.  There is low level of understanding and appreciation for children’s rights and young people’s participation.  Poor awareness and understanding of legal frameworks affects elections and the release of funds, among other things, that can cause SK councils to function poorly; and  Individual situations and roles of SK members, such as school and work, also affect their performance.

The study also found that the SK is strong in terms of: their ability to source alternative funding holding active consultation and coordination with various national agencies, LGUs and NGOs Using limited funds efficiently that affects the youth situation and the communities positively

Likewise, the youth reported a generally positive impact from their personal experience working with the SK. Despite these, there arose contrasting sentiments regarding the SK—there are those calling for the abolition of the SK and there are those defending it and calling for SK reformation instead.

To bring out the stand of the region regarding the matter, a public consultation was facilitated by the DILG Caraga in partnership with Fr. Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), last August 23, 2013 at the AVR2 of the latter in Butuan City. It was participated by representatives of the youth sector (SK Officials, student leaders from FSUU and Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT)), religious sectors (Diocese of Butuan Youth Commission, UCCP), media group (Radio DXBL, PIA), local officials, a Civil Society Organization (People Power Volunteers for Reform) and national government agencies (DBM, NEDA, DEPED, DILG, and NYC). A total of sixty-four (64) attendees participated the public consultation.

REFORM vs. ABOLISH 33 out of the 64 or 51%of the participants gave their categorical support for the reformation of the Sangguniang Kabataan on the following grounds and principles:

    

  

The youth by principle is good. It is the environmental influences that made them wayward (Mr. Lourd Ronald S. Bocboc).

The SK is the most intimate body that the youth can easily run to. It is vital in youth development. (Mr. Melch Marion C. Demegillo, SK Official, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur) The youth should not be deprived of other youth to serve them.

(Mr. Demegillo) The SK is a necessary and crucial institution for youth development; (NYC) Reform is more constructive; abolition of SK is practically giving up on the youth. In essence, it is also undermining the youth.

The SK is an ideal training ground for good leaders. (Mr. Sean Khe, student, FSUU) The SK was not able to perform their best for lack of support from the barangay officials.

The youth has vital role for nation building. (Ms. Florenda Olmo, student, FSUU) There is still hope for the youth (SK) for as long as they are reformed with the help of the national and local leaders.

Of the 64 total number of participants 19 or 29% aired their support for the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan on the following reasons:



       

Page 10

The Sangguniang Kabataan is infected with traditional politics. With this, family members believed that the SK brought some “not good” experiences while working in the SK (Mr. Paris Raymond Gaballo of NEDA and Mr. Manuel O. Caberte of DEPED).

The SK is not the only means/venue for youth participation in governance (Mr. Gaballo, Mayor William Angos of Cortes, Surigao del Sur and Mr. Alfonso Manalastas, student, FSUU).

One participant did not see a substantial impact of the SK on the society and felt that the SK is not a “true representation” of the youth in governance. (Mr. Manalastas) The government can save money. (Hon. Richard Plaza, Liga ng mga Barangay, Provincial Federation President of Agusan del Sur) There is more vote-buying in the SK election and much political interference particularly during SK Federation Election (MLGOO Ormela Mae Beluan).

SK Officials do not participate in legislation because they prioritize their studies (Hon. Plaza); SK officials are not mature enough for the responsibilities (Hon. Plaza); Only the SK officials decide on the 10% SK Funds, the majority of the KK do not participate in decision making (Hon. Plaza).

The SK officials may just become “servants” of those with higher position. (Mr. Charles Ampalayo, OPCIS)

FEATURES

CONCLUSION While there are negative views on the SK, the body still believes that there should be a mechanism for youth participation and engagement in governance. Although it is acknowledged that there are other sectors which can represent the youth’s concerns, still abolishing the SK will deny the youth from the service of other youth who share with them, as well as understand their wants and needs.

Hence, Caraga Region supports the retention of the Sangguniang Kabataan but with appropriate reforms. A reformation that is more focused on abolishing corruption, increasing accountability and transparency and defining mechanisms and sanctions for those who abuse and violate the law.

The SK is still a good venue for youth participation and ensuring youth representation in governance. With proper training and guidance on good governance as well as stricter policies on accountability and transparency, the SK will be the right breeding ground for good leaders in government.

RECOMMENDATIONS With hope still high for the SK to deliver what it intends to deliver, the participants strongly recommended to reform the following: On the 10% SK Fund: The SK should be given with more autonomy in terms of utilizing the SK Funds. However, utilization should be properly guided. The SK should be required to submit project proposal, implement projects and properly liquidate the funds (Ms. Laurice Mae Muñoz, Mr. Demegillo, Ms. Glaisa Azumbrado, and Ms. Olmo, students, FSUU).

In addition, it is also recommended that unutilized SK funds (yearend) should be reverted to the general fund of the LGU (Dir. Bravo, Regional Director DBM-13).

On accountability and transparency: The authority to utilize SK funds should be coupled with stricter policy on accountability and transparency (Ms. Sean Khe and Ms. Muñoz, students, FSUU).

Clear legislation on eradicating corruption should likewise be passed (Ms. Olmo).

On age requirement: Consider ing the fiscal r esponsibility and accountability, it is recommended that the KK should be at least 18 – 21 years old. The SK chairman should be at least 18 years old at the time of his/her election.

On political dynasty: To counter the per ception that the SK is the breeding ground for political dynasty, it is recommended that either the COMELEC or the DILG should issue guidelines that the SK candidate should not be related to any local officials (Dir. Bravo and Ms. Olmo).

opment programs and projects. (Pastor Merelita L. Bilaoen) It is also recommended that a Youth Development Council be organized to draw development plan for the youth (NYC).

On capacity building processes/structure: Ther e is a need to look into the capacity building program of the SK, as this is perceived to be high level and is not customized to their needs. (Mr. Bocboc)

On the power of the Katipunan ng Kabataan: The power of the Katipunan ng Kabataan should be expanded to ensure that the members can truly participate in youth development. (NYC) On SK honorarium. It is r ecommended that the honor ar ium of the SK chairman be abolished. It is seen that the SK should promote the sense of volunteerism. The honorarium is seen as the reason/start of corruption. (Dir. Bravo and PD Domingo Bulabog, DILG Surigao del Norte) On SK qualification. It is also r ecommended that qualification of SK candidates should be raised so as to raise the standards of the SK leadership.

Until such time that the appropriate reforms are undertaken, no further election for the SK is to be undertaken.

On the structure: Ther e should be established a str uctur e that would look into youth development and that should guide the SK in planning and implementing youth devel-

Page 11

CONVERGENCE NEWS

Multi-Stakeholders Celebrate

National Crime Prevention Week September 2-7, 2013 is slated for the celebration of the 18th National Crime Prevention Week Celebration in Butuan City, with the theme “Malasakit Mo ay Kailangan upang Krimen ay Maiwasan”. The week-long celebration targets the active involvement of the youth, civic organizations and convergence of national government units.

The Kick-Off Activity was held last Sept. 2, 2013 at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Covered Court. The highlights of which were the launching of the Pito Tayo Laban sa Krimen Program, signing of the Memorandum of Agreement of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) and the handing of the check worth 4 Million pesos to Gov. Angel Amante-Matba for the construction of Cabadbaran-Putting Bato-Lanuza Road (Phase I). This will be coordinated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte.

A motorcade within Butuan City followed which ended with a press conference at the Provincial Covered Court with a panel comprised of Gov. Ma. Angelica E. Amante-Matba (Agusan del Norte); Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. (Butuan City); the 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander of the Philippine Army; and Regional Directors of different national government agencies, particularly: DILG, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The press conference was facilitated by Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

On September 3, an information drive was done as well as distribution of various items to the inmates of Butuan City Jail. This was done in coordination with the BJMP, PDEA and Parole and Probation Administration (P&PA).

On September 4-5, an awareness drive on crime and drug abuse prevention was conducted in Libertad Elementary

Young crime preventers in the form of Boy Scouts and Rover Scouts also joined the opening activity.

School and Libertad National High School, respectively. This was facilitated by the Department of Education.

On September 6, the celebration concluded with a Day with the Street Children activity which was spearheaded by the Butuan City Government.

The one week celebration was aimed to (1) raise awareness on the significant role of students, teachers, and school authorities in crime prevention as well as advocate the anti-crime initiatives of the government to properly address the problems on school violence, hazing and drug abuse; (2) provide specific mechanism for individuals and communities to have an active role in preventing crimes; (3) demonstrate a positive response from the students and youth in their important participation in the community in maintaining peace and order; and (4) synergize national government agencies, local government units, students, and civic groups in the promotion of crime prevention awareness. (DMOPatrimonio, Stati I, DILG Region 13)

(Left) Different uniformed personnel filled the Agusan del Norte covered courts as they salute the flag during the flag raising ceremony. (Right) DILG 13 personnel also present to witness the activity. Photos by DMOPatrimonio.

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CONVERGENCE NEWS

PATROL 117 SUCCESS STORIES Patrol 117 is actually a composite of PATROL which is an acronym for People’s Action Team Responding On-Line and 117 which is the national and official emergency hotline number of the Philppines (our counterpart to 911 calls in the U.S.).

It was institutionalized with the signing of Executive Order No. 226 on July 14, 2003as the Emergency Network Philippines (ENP). The ENP Project is a nationwide emergency communication system that uses innovative command and control systems procedure that will ensure fast, immediate and efficient emergency response and rescue assistance.

Since then, Patrol 117 has ben active and have served thousands of calls for crime, emergency and public safety concerns.

With the multitude of served and responded calls, there have been a few cases that stand out. They stand out because they are considered success stories—stories that are worth sharing.

Human Trafficking Stifled One such success story is a thwarted case of Human Trafficking involving an underage victim.

At around 6:47 in the evening of September 23, 2013, Caraga Patrol 117 received a distress call from an uncle reporting to have received a text from his niece, a 17-year old resident of Butuan City, asking to be saved from friends who have traded her to a Chinese National at a local Hotel in Surigao City for five thousand pesos (Php 5,000.00).

Immediately, the Patrol 117 dispatcher relayed the report to the Surigao City Police Station.

Upon receipt of the information, a team from the Surigao City Police Station, led by PInsp. Neluia N. Egay, proceeded to the hotel and apprehended two (2) suspects who were later on positively identified by the victim. Both suspects were brought to Surigao City Police Station and were detained.

On September 24, 2013, a case was filed against the two suspects for violation of Republic Act 9208, or Anti-Trafficking against Person, under Section 4 paragraph C—trading to engage prostitution. The suspects who were both Butuan City residents were properly turned-over to Butuan City Police Station 2, Langihan, Butuan City for proper disposition.

The victim is now under the custody of her father.

Stabbing Suspect Apprehended Another case involved a successful follow-up operation that led to the arrest of a suspect involved in a stabbing also in Butuan City.

At around 10:00 in the evening of September 24, 2013, Caraga Patrol 117 received a call from a concerned citizen reporting that a stabbing incident has transpired at P-10, Obrero, Butuan City. Immediately said incident was relayed to Butuan City Police Office Station 2.

The Victim was immediately brought to MJ Santos Hospital by the responding PNP Personnel. Unfortunately, the victim who has sustained multiple stab wounds was pronounced dead by the attending physician upon arrival.

A follow-up operation was conducted by BCPS2 which led to the apprehension of one of the suspects. Confiscated from his possession and control was the knife believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.

Suspect is now under the custody of BCPS2 and appropriate charge is now being prepared. 

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FINANCE & ADMIN.

Contractual Engineers Enlisted As infrastructure projects for LGUs lodged under the DILG increase both in number and value, the Caraga regional office took it upon itself to enlist more technical persons to assist it. Starting July 2013, three (3) engineers have been contracted to assist the DILG in engineering technical matters.

Here are the newly hired engineers and some tidbits, relevant and otherwise, about them: JOCELYN D. MALUBAY Age: 44 Birthday: November 19, 1969 Zodiac: Scorpio Graduated: 1991 School: HNU, Bohol

DILG 13 LGOO II Trainees shine during Center Training

Of the 38 trainees for the Mindanao Cluster of the 48th batch Induction Training for Local Government Operations Officers (LGOO), 14 are from Caraga Region. The rest were Regions 9, 10, 12 and Region 7 of the Visayas. Of that 14 delegates from Caraga, six (6) emerged as part of the top 10 performing trainees during the Center Training (see Wall of Fame on Page 16 for list of top performers) All of the Caraga trainees passed said center training comprising seven (7) modules which is actually the Phase 1 of the entire induction training of the 48th batch. It was held in Manresa Tagbuan Center, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City from August 19 - October 10, 2013.

After 51 days of center training , the LGOO II trainees will proAte Joy is the third personnel in the office with the same first name. To really dis- ceed to Phase 2 which is field immersion. They will undergo hands-on tinguish her from the other two, one need only training in actual field operations. As such, the trainees will be deremember that this the most petite and morena of the three. She used to work for the LGU of Butuan ployed across the region, as follows: City, in the City Engineering Office.

JOHN CRIS C. MALUPA Age: 23 Birthday: December 2, 1990 Zodiac: Sagittarius Graduated: 2012 School:MSU-IIT, Iligan City The fresh-grad lad from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is the typical boy-next-door. The youngest of the three, John is also the bunso of the entire regional office. Smart but shy, he is the type that quietly goes unnoticed, minding his own business in doing his assigned tasks.

MARK ANTHONY C. OBANI Age: 31 Birthday: May 28, 1982 Zodiac: Gemini Graduated: 2010 School: SJIT, Butuan City Mark is the outgoing type, stirring things up a bit in the otherwise tranquil PDMU. “Bubbly” is the word that he himself used to sum up his personality, and is pretty much affirmed by the others —claiming that without him, their part of the office would be a library. The guy is pretty much easygoing and down-to-earth.

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Municipality

Trainees

MLGOO

Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte

Florian Faith Bayawa Hazel Anne Baluca

LGOO V Sonia Tinampay

Esperanza, Agusan del Sur

Michelle Calo Ian Reigh Elimanco Arvin Silvosa

LGOO V Shiela Jaramillo

Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Jacky Mellorin Desiree Bajan Gretchen Dumanjog

LGOO V Ruel Camba

Mainit, Surigao del Norte

Ferdie Benigno Avila Joemar Salmoro Bryan Edulzura

LGOO V Jimelyn Ballicud

San Jose, Dinagat Islands

Rosario Ambray Redgy Panilan Genalin Pegarro

LGOO V Celedonia Gemao

-



GREEN COOPERATION

DILG 13 Joins OPLAN Broadcastreeing Broadcasters and staff of the different AM, FM and TV stations around Butuan City along with students, street children, and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP) and partner establishments joined efforts to plant trees during the 2013 OPLAN Broadcastreeing: The Urban Greening Project in Barangay Masao, Butuan City last September 6, 2013.

Prior to the activity, involved agencies and KBP member stations bombarded the airwaves with advocacy campaigns to promote the activity.

On the day itself, a convoy of vehicles treaded the City from Guingona Park to the area in Barangay Masao where the participants lined the street and planted some 600 seedlings.

Personnel from the barangay, under the leadership of PB Bernardo A. Perez, assisted the planters by preparing the planting sites.

They were also charged with the monitoring and maintaining of the trees that have been planted.

The activity in Masao was part of a national tree planting campaign held simultaneously across the country. (Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Statistician I, DILG XIII)

DILG 13 joins 2nd

‘Run & Row’ for Mother Earth As a strategy for strengthening current ties with the member institutions of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC) of the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC), the DILG 13 supported the advocacy campaign of Fr. Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) on environmental protection and physical wellbeing by sending 20 participants to the fun run dubbed: 2nd Run and Row for Mother Earth, car r ying the theme: “Forming Leaders for Nation Building” around Butuan City on September 14, 2013.

The fun run started from the Guingona Park at around 4am and ended in the Philippine Ports Authority grounds with some aerobic exercises and the dragon boat exhibition.

was to increase environmental awareness with two physical recreations – running and dragon boat rowing. Specifically, the activity enjoined participants to be conscious of the things that matter most: health and the environment, and that the discipline necessitated to keep one’s body fit should also be afforded to the environment.

On the DILG’s end, the participation was a way of sharing the advocacy for environmental protection and physical wellbeing; and strengthening ties with the MSAC by supporting the activities of members.(Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Stat I, DILG XIII)

(Top) Radio interviews conducted to pro-

DILG 13 Plants More Trees thru Adlaw Hong Butuan and ‘Pascual Cares’ Personnel from DILG 13 and DILG Butuan City participated in the tree planting organized by the Butuan City government for the celebration of Adlaw Hong Butuan on August 2 and once again during a tree planting activity organized by Butuan City councilor Sergio Pascual on August 9, on both occasions along the Capitol-Bonbon Diversion Road, Butuan City.

After both planting activities were done, the entire stretch of the diversion, from the Villa Kananga intersection toward the Bancasi Rotunda was planted with trees.

DILG 13 has always been supportive of green initiatives as this. This is the office’s way of sharing in the advocacy and manifesting commitment for environmental stewardship.(Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio, Stat I, DILG XIII)

The main objective of the activity

(Left) DILG 13 participants to the 2nd Run and Row activity reach finish line by the Agusan River where the Dragon Boat exhibition will be done. (Right) DILG 13 pose by their demarcated areas before planting. Photos by DMOPatrimonio Page 15

WALL OF FAME

Top

:

LGOOII Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa (Regional Office)

Top

:

LGOOII Michelle V. Calo (Agusan del Norte)

Top

:

LGOOII Redgy P. Panilan (Surigao del Sur)

Top

:

LGOOII Bryan F. Edulzura (Regional Office)

CATEGORY AWARDEE

FOR

Highly Urbanized Cities

2nd Place, Best CDRRMC

CDRRMC of Butuan City

1st-3rd Class MDRRMC of Municipalities Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Best MDRRMC

Provinces

PDRRMC of Surigao del Norte

3rd Place, Best PDRRMC

Rural Barangays

BDRRMC of San Juan, Hinatuan

Best BDRRMC

Group

Best Heroic Act Agusan Naitonal High School DRRM Committee

CSO

SIKAP, Inc., Agusan del Sur

2nd Place, Best CSO

Volunteer Organization

RESPOND, Inc. Agusan del Norte

2nd Place, Best Volunteer Org

* Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kalingtasan

Top

:

LGOOII Ferdy Benigno R. Avila (Agusan del Sur)

:

CATEGORY

AWARDEE

LGOOII Ian Reigh M. Elimanco

Municipalities

San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

Top

(Agusan del Norte)

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