| DILG: Making Gov't More Accessible and Responsive |
| By Luis A. Morente |
MANILA (PNA) -- Nine days after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was installed on Jan. 20, then Laguna Gov. Jose D. Lina Jr. assumed the position of Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Being an ardent advocate of local autonomy, peace and order and public safety, Secretary Lina immediately embarked on a program to re-establish the standards of governance, transparency and public accountability in the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. Lina noted that when then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada took over the presidency in July 1998 and became concurrent DILG secretary, several changes in the Department's organizational structure took place. Top level positions and task forces were created through department circulars. Appointed then were three undersecretaries and eight assistant secretaries, as against the mandate of Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as the DILG Act of 1990, which provides for only two undersecretaries and three assistant secretaries. At least 172 "consultants" were also hired and assigned to the different offices and task forces of the DILG. After the present administration was installed, Secretary Lina immediately began a structural and functional streamlining of the DILG, consistent with the spirit and letter of R.A. 6975. Non-plantilla top-level positions, consultant positions and redundant organizational units were phased out. A guideline to rationalize execution of consultancy contracts was issued. At present, the DILG has only three undersecretaries and three assistant secretaries. Lina then initiated measures to ensure transparency and accountability in DILG's transactions by reorganizing the membership of the DILG Pre-Qualifications, Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) to include private sector-civil society participation. Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 5 issued on Feb. 28, 2001 by the Office of the President, the Department issued budget reduction measures to be adopted by each and every component unit of the DILG including streamlining of inter-agency undertakings in order to maximize resources. The Department played a vital role of a catalyst towards the fulfillment of improving moral standards in government and society. It spearheaded the conduct of the National Consultation-Consolidation Workshop of Government-Business-Civil Society toward a National Movement Against Pornography held on March 21 at the PNP Multi-Purpose Hall in Camp Crame, Quezon City. The consultation-workshop forged commitment and firmed up collaboration among government, the business sector and civil society towards moral regeneration and national development. Meanwhile, the DILG continuously monitored the activities of local chief executives (LCEs), particularly those suspected of being involved or supporting illegal gambling, particularly "jueteng" (an illegal numbers game) in their localities. Lina warned that the deputization authority of the governors and mayors over their local police forces as provided for in the 1991 Local Government Code would be withdrawn once the charges are proven and that corresponding administrative sanctions would likewise be imposed upon them. In its efforts to continuously provide direction to LGUs and further strengthen their capabilities, the DILG issued two memoranda circulars intended to provide guidance pertaining to their operations. These include the implementation of R.A. 8559, otherwise known as the "Philippine Agricultural Act of 1998" which requires all LCEs to support and cause the enactment of appropriate resolutions or ordinances in support of the objectives of such law as well as come up with extension and on-site research relative to agriculture and fishery activities, and implementation of R.A. 9003, known as the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act" requiring all LCEs to create their provincial, city and municipal solid waste management programs in their respective localities in order to generate greater multi-sectoral interest and partnership in addressing the garbage problem in the country today. It also entered into an agreement with the Australian Government on Feb. 19, giving boost to local governance. The agreement paved the implementation of two projects entitled "Local Development Watch" and "A Study on People's Participation in the Local Development Councils." The first is intended to determine the state or level of development of LGUs along the aspects of socio-economic and ecosystem well-being, while the second is to determine through an analysis the success or constraining factor affecting people's participation in the Local Development Council. The World Bank-funded Community-Based Resource Management Project (CBRMP), with the DILG-Local Government Academy as one of the technical support providers, is now ready for implementation. It is intended to respond to rural poverty and environmental degradation through sustainable LGU/community management of natural resources. Regions 5, 7, 8 and 13 (Caraga) served as the initial sites for the CBRMP. The DILG spearheaded the development of conceptual design and implementation schemes of good decentralized governance piloting a "Garbage Watch" project in the National Capital Region (NCR). It coordinated with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) for all eventual devolution of the Regular School Building Program and related projects under its Decentralized Basic Education scheme. It also consulted with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) in formulating an ideal policy environment for devolving certain regulatory and service delivery functions. The Department also vigorously upheld the timely, adequate, and equitable release and allocation of the LGU's internal revenue allotment (IRA) shares. It sought President Macapagal-Arroyo's revocation of autonomy-curtailing directives of the deposed Estrada administration, as well as the President's approval of travel authority to facilitate LGU transactions with the national government. Among these are Executive Orders 189 and 190. The professionalism of the police, jail and fire personnel and its services was also a priority concern of the Department in its campaign to improve peace and order and public safety during the past three months. Secretary Lina, who was the author of the anti-hazing law, immediately directed Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) president Ernesto Gimenez to adopt reform measures in order to prevent and stop hazing in all PPSC training institutions. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) continuously intensified its efforts in attaining the ideal jail population. Under its Oplan Decongestion Program, a total of 6,807 inmates were released through various applicable laws and modes of releases. The Department intensified its implementation of crime prevention and control and public safety programs/projects. Through the PNP, it has demonstrated strong resolve by way of quick apprehension and prosecution of criminals involved in illegal drugs, gambling, kidnapping, prostitution and violations of other existing laws. The DILG also implemented the Patrol 117 Program (Streetwatch 117) in response to President Macapagal-Arroyo's call for a proactive approach on crime prevention and transparency in governance. The average response time of emergency calls received by Patrol 117 is 7.17 minutes. Most calls consist of public disturbances, fire incidence, rescue, illegal gambling and robbery. Its hotline 117 will be replicated in Metro Cebu, Davao and other cities and later on expanded nationwide as technical capability is developed. Secretary Lina hosted regular and special conferences with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private institutions to solicit their active involvement and participation in the various programs of the Department. One of the major activities he attended was the World Water Day Conference last March 22 in Pasig City. During the conference, he called on local chief executives nationwide to formulate plans and programs that would address the deliberate wastage and misuse of the country's water resources. He stressed that only the concerted effort between the national government, LGUs and the citizenry could prevent the total depletion of water resources in the country. In order to reach out and respond to the needs of the people, a People's Day is being conducted on Mondays at the DILG central office in Quezon City. Started on Feb. 19, 2001, the People's Day provides a venue for hearing public sentiments on issues affecting law enforcement, local governance and public safety. Solutions to their problems and concerns are provided by the Department's various offices, bureaus and attached agencies. A directive was issued to DILG regional offices to hold their own people's Day starting last March. The Department also encouraged and assisted LGUs to regularly hold their own version of People's Day in their respective jurisdictions to bring the government closer to their constituents by responding to their basic needs and aspirations. (PNA) SCS/LAM/mlc |
| First Gentleman Complementing GMA's Social Development Programs |
| By Filomena F. Cayaba |
MANILA (PNA) -- Since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the highest post of the land last Jan. 20, First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel T. Arroyo has buckled down to work to assist the new administration in the delivery of various services to the Filipino people. The Office of the First Gentleman (OFG), also popularly known as Opisina ng Kabiyak (OK), has become the partner of the administration of the country's second woman President in undertaking development initiatives for the improvement of the lives of the Filipinos, particularly the poor and the marginalized. However, Atty. Arroyo is quick to explain that he is a partner outside governance, stressing that while the President is busy governing the country, "I can go and help the people who need help and the neglected sector of the society." "I don't meddle with governance," he further says. His work, the First Gentleman explains, highly complements the social development programs of the Macapagal-Arroyo government, especially those that mobilize private voluntary action. Atty. Arroyo's projects very well speak of his sincerity and concern for the welfare and well-being of the people, especially those with whom he comes into contact and seek his help. He has even coined his priority projects under the phrase "HELP YOU," which best describes them as: H (help), E (environment improvement), L (legal services provision), P (Paluwal ni President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), Y (youth), O (outreach health services provision), and U (upliftment of communities through moral values and Bantay Bayan). Always quick to respond to appeals for help, the First Gentleman recently shouldered all the medical expenses and other needs of five-month-old Wendy Mercado to correct her congenital abnormality of hydrocephalus and meningocoele. He also extended similar help to 10 other children with similar abnormality who all underwent operations at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Three other PGH patients also got personal assistance from Atty. Arroyo. The "Paluwal Kabuhayan ni President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," implemented with the cooperation of private foundations like the "Bigkis Pinoy", extends interest-free livelihood loans to individuals or families to enable them earn extra income through small income-generating activities such as vending; packaging and selling of cooking oil, pepper, salt and other cooking ingredients; production and selling of rags; and the likes. This project has already been launched in several cities, including Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Antipolo, Marikina, Quezon and Malabon and the town of Navotas. Mr. Arroyo's outreach health services include the free dialysis treatment at the Dialysis Center in Malacanang Clinic that provides an average of 200 to 250 hemodialysis sessions per month and ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; medical missions and upgrading of the Malacanang Clinic to ensure that improved medical services are extended not only to government employees and their families but also to other poor patients availing themselves of the clinic's services. His environmental improvement project is undertaken through the Clean and Green program and the Pasig River Rehabilitation program of the former First Lady Amelita M. Ramos. Part of his upliftment of communities, Atty. Arroyo is supporting Bantay Bayan and recently donated 20 bicycles intended to help barangay tanods do their rounds in their respective communities. The first recipient barangay is Sta. Elena in Marikina City. His provision of free legal assistance has already been extended to illegal recruitment victims. In the past three months, the First Gentleman's various projects have successfully served and benefited thousands of residents of the underserved and poor areas in Metro Manila. Encouraged by their initial successes, Atty. Arroyo says each project will be expanded beyond the Metro Manila spectrum to reach out and benefit an even greater number of Filipinos. "I've been praying hard that God will continue to give (us) strength so we can continue to help," he says. (PNA) SCS/FFC/mlc |
| GMA Has Won the Hearts of the Cordillerans |
| By Aure A. Galacgac |
BAGUIO CITY (PNA) -- "Sanggumay" is an adorable indigenous orchid with refreshing purple-to-violet petals, whose resillience, adaptability and charm are almost akin to every parent's dream for a child who inspires hope, strength and love. For the Cordillerans, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who, since her childhood frolicked at the Presidential Mansion House here, was seen destined to become the Philippines' highest official, like her father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal. Rightly so, the people of these Cordillera highlands have drawn from her hope, faith, strength, pride and love as she started to be in-charge of the helm of the government last Jan. 20. In her first sojourn here as President on Feb. 17, 2001, more than 300,000 foreign and local visitors flocked to this mountain resort not only to partake of the ambiance of the Baguio Flower Festival but also to see personally the country's second lady Chief Executive. The Presidential security staff can attest to how thousands of admirers breached security lines just to get near the President as she released 1,000 balloons to formally open the annual festival. Being the first Chief Executive of the Republic to do so, she has greatly helped in the renewed promotion of the Cordillera tourism started about eight years ago by former President Fidel V. Ramos. Also last Feb. 17, the President inspected a newly-started low-cost housing project of the government in Barangay Gibraltar to further solve the growing shelter backlogs for the urban poor. On the same day, the President first addressed the soldiers and cadets at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to campaign for food production, whereby she ordered that all military camps must participate in the long-term program of food security. Through the camp's "Kadiwa" sari-sari stores, soldiers will have ready outlets of their produce as well as retail outlets of low-priced rice and other basic commodities. Prior to her stint in Baguio, however, she first visited Mankayan, Benguet, a Spanish pueblo since 1846 and site of the three world-famous centuries-old mummy caves -- Tingongchol, Opdas and Timbac -- which have drawn foreign anthropologists and scholars worldwide due to their almost parallel interest to the pyramids of Egypt. Kabayan natives were endeared to the President who spoke their tongue as well as exuded sincere gesture of valuing their rich culture that they offered prayers to Kabunian (Igorot god) whose secret home is at nearby Mount Pulag for the President's success in her leadership. Being deeply religious, the President and her family celebrated Easter Sunday (April 15, 2001) mass at a local church in the remote town of Battad, Ifugao. The scene whereby the simple townsfolk clad in their native regalia praying with the First Family was heart-warming. Tribal leaders, like wherever the President goes, with outpouring affection, prayed earnestly for the President and the country. To date, Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo has set the record to be the first President who has ever visited the remote Battad town to personally hear and see the needs of the rural populace. In her visit to Ifugao, more tourist promotions were made to the world-famous Ifugao rice terraces, especially in the town of Banaue. Another lucky town visited by a President in the Cordilleras for the first time was Bucay in Abra. That was on March 24, 2001, when she distributed 130 certificates of land ownership to beneficiaries in the hinterlands of Tuba, Tineg, Lacub, Bucloc, and Daguiman, all in Abra. President Macapagal-Arroyo also gave 97 free patent certificates to landowners in Manabo, Penarubia, Tayum, Lagangilang and Bucay towns. Seeing Abra's vast potentials in food production, the President released 4.5 million pesos for agricultural livelihood projects, as well as 2.5 million pesos for rehabilitation of electric distribution facilities in that area. It was also in that visit where she inaugurated the town's Senior Citizens Center, after she toured a garment factory whose sewers were trained by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) when she was still the head of that department in addition to her being vice president. In her first address at the graduation rites of the PMA on March 25, 2001, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stressed her administration's priorities: promotion of internal security, fight against poverty and reconstruction of peace. The premier military school was then declared by the President as "hazing free zone." The President's consultations with local residents and officials were indeed fruitful. One of the urgent needs she saw was the improvement of transportation facilities. Hence, last April 22, 2001, she released in the remote town of Tadian, Mountain Province 1.3 million pesos for energization of barangays. In that town, she is the second President to mingle with the natives. The first was her late father, former President Diosdado Macapagal in 1965. On that same day, she ordered the groundbreaking rites of the first phase of the Halsema Highway rehabilitation, worth some 718 million pesos. The 85-kilometer portion of the highway will be finished in year 2004 to further improve the "backbone" of Cordillera transportation. Next in line would be the implementation of the 1.6-billion-peso Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road with a length of 107 kilometers. (PNA) SCS/AAG/mlc |