Draft - LMP

Cover Story

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Mindanao Island Cluster General Assembly held last February 23, 2023 at Diamond Hotel, Malate, Manila.

Statement of Support

Guest Speakers’ and Guest of Honors’ statements during the LMP-MIndanao Island Cluster General Assembly

Mandanas Rule

Governor Hermilado Mandanas’ message emphasized the importance of local autonomy and the fight for fair share of resources from the national government.

LMP Snapshots

Looking back at the successful LMP - Mindanao Island Cluster through photos.

In Focus: Suroy ‘Ta Sa Caraga!

A Feature Story on Caraga, Davao Oriental’s serene tourist spots.

Uniting Mindanao:

Empowering Local Government Through the League of Municipalities of the Philippines

TheLeague of Municipalities

of the

Philippines (LMP) Mindanao Island Cluster General Assembly held last February 23, 2023 at Diamond Hotel, Malate, Manila.

The event was attended by different mayors and local government officials from different municipalities in Regions 9,10,11, 12, and BARMM, all of Mindanao.

In his message to the attendees, the LMP Vice President for Mindanao Island Cluster, Hon. Mayor Ronie S. Osnan of Caraga, Davao Oriental, emphasized the essence of Bayanihan among municipalities in Mindanao. This is also, in strong support to the National League of Municipalities of the Philippines.

Mayor Osnan also highlighted the significance of the Mindanao LMP in helping municipalities, especially the smaller ones like Caraga, in addressing their needs and concerns.

He encouraged everyone to contribute and work together towards a strong and resilient LMP that can benefit all municipalities in Mindanao.

The event featured various discussions and presentations on topics such as the Mandanas Rulings, Local Economic Development, and Good Governance.

The attendees also had the chance to network and exchange best practices with their fellow Mayors and officials.

Also present during the assembly were Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, Senator Grace Poe, Governor Hermilado Mandanas of Batangas and as Guest of Honor, the Presidential Sister and incumbent Senator Imee Marcos.

Overall, the Mindanao LMP Mindanao General Assembly was a successful gathering that showcased the commitment of Mindanao municipalities to work together towards a common goal.

The event proved that despite the challenges, unity and collaboration can lead to a stronger and more resilient Mindanao region.

The LMP Mindanao Island Cluster will continue to support the development and progress of all municipalities in Mindanao, and work towards a brighter future for all Mindanaoans.

Statement of Support

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who served as the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief during the Duterte Administration’s war on drugs, emphasized his commitment to this campaign. He also stressed the importance of respecting the country’s sovereignty, especially now that the Philippines has regained its freedom after more than 300 years of colonization.

Moreover, Senator Dela Rosa spoke about human rights, stating that the Philippines has been a victim of human rights abuses for centuries. He vowed to ensure that the victims of the Marawi siege would be compensated for their suffering. He also challenged other countries to respect the Philippines’ human rights and not lecture them on this matter.

The senator closed his message by apologizing for his strong sentiments and asking for patience from the participants. He expressed his hope that the assembly would be a fruitful event that would lead to more significant progress and development for the Mindanao Island Cluster.

Senator Imee Marcos highlighted the significant role of mayors in implementing policies and solutions in their respective municipalities. Senator Marcos emphasized that the national government can make policies, but it is up to the local executives to tailor-fit these policies to their specific areas.

She also recognized the crucial role of mayors as frontliners in addressing the needs of their constituents. Senator Marcos emphasized that mayors are the ones who have access to microdata collected from the community, which is essential in responding to the needs of their constituents.

Senator Marcos also expressed her support for the allocation of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for municipalities. She acknowledged the importance of this allocation, especially in providing jobs and opportunities for the people in the municipalities.

The senator also addressed the issue of disasters, particularly in Mindanao, and expressed her commitment to providing aid to those affected. She also shared her plans for implementing innovative projects in agriculture through the Imeesoulusyon program, which will provide 25 million pesos in grants to the most innovative projects from Mindanao.

Hon. Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Hon. Sen. Imee Marcos Republic of the Philippines Republic of the Philippines

Senator Grace Poe emphasizes the importance of Mindanao’s progress in her speech during the 1st General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of

In her speech, Senator Poe thanked Mayor Ronie and the chapter Presidents of the LMP for their service and for giving help and hope, especially during the pandemic. She also mentioned that Mindanao’s beauty has been portrayed in films, particularly

Moreover, Senator Poe stressed the importance of Mindanao’s development, particularly in agriculture. She mentioned the need for stronger policies to ensure peace in Mindanao and the need for the government to work hand in hand with local officials. She suggested that the national government should establish a Department of Water Resources to address concerns with irrigation and power.

Senator Poe encouraged the League of Municipalities of the Philippines to pursue a document that would embody the aspirations of the people of Mindanao. She expressed her hope that this event would mark the beginning of a stronger partnership between the LMP and the Senate.

In her message, Senator Risa Hontiveros commended the mayors for their tireless service and for being the face of public service in their respective towns and cities. She expressed her gratitude for their support during the recent 2022 elections, which helped her continue the fight in the Senate for the love and welfare of Mindanaoans.

The senator also emphasized that the LGUs play a vital role in serving their constituents, and that by working together, they can strengthen their capacity to provide better services to their communities. She assured the mayors that they have her full support, and that with their passion and dedication, they will be able to make a positive impact on the lives of their constituents.

Hon. Sen. Risa Hontiveros Republic of the Philippines

The Mandanas Rule

Batangas Governor Urges

Local Governments to Collaborate for Community Development and Autonomy

Thefirst General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines - Mindanao Island Cluster has paved the way for collaboration and cooperation among local government officials in addressing the needs of their respective communities. Governor Hermilado Mandanas’ message emphasized the importance of local autonomy and the fight for fair share of resources from the national government.

He noted that while national and international issues are important, there are many matters that can only be addressed at the local level, such as water supply, farm-tomarket roads, housing, and aid distribution.

Governor Mandanas also shared his experiences in fighting for the rights of local governments to receive their fair share of funds from the national government. He recounted how he won a Supreme Court decision in 20032004 that awarded Batangas Province 60 billion pesos in

funds collected by the Bureau of Customs. He urged his fellow local government officials to know their history and to continue fighting for their autonomy and fair share of resources.

The governor emphasized the importance of strengthening the Mindanao conference, as there are still many needs in the region that need to be addressed. He also stressed the need for collaboration among municipalities, as they are the ones closest to the people and can better address their needs.

Governor Mandanas pledged to attend future meetings and continue working with his fellow local government officials to strengthen local autonomy and improve the lives of their constituents. He urged everyone to work together to address the needs of their communities and to fight for their fair share of resources.

Photos of the events here

Photos of the events here

Photos of the events here

Photos of the events here

In Focus: Caraga, Davao Oriental

Caraga, Davao Oriental is a hidden gem filled with stunning tourist spots. One of the most iconic landmarks is the 16-foot Jubilee Cross at Pusan Point, built for the Millennium Sunrise event in 2000. Nearby, Santiago Cave offers a glimpse into the past with century-old human fossils. The Old Church and Convento, made of processed shells, served as a central mission station for Spanish missionaries, while the Parish Development Center overlooks the Southeast Pacific Coast. For those looking for adventure, the Kapuka, Oguad, and Sungkuan Falls offer breathtaking views, and the Crystal Cave at Santiago is a must-see. The region also offers stunning beaches, such as Bango Beach and Friar’s Beach Resort. As the sun rises at Pusan Point, take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the natural beauty of Caraga, Davao Oriental.