T he Department of the Interior and Local Government V represented by its information officer Ma. Grace Joy Tango participated in the 2009 midyear media conference held at

the Makati Sports Club on June 23-25, 2009.

This year’s conference adopted the theme “Media and the 2010 Elections: Challenges and Opportunities” where aspiring candidates for president interfaced through an open forum

with members of the national, provincial and government media.

Vice President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro was the keynote speaker. He lauded the conduct of said media conference saying that media serve as vanguard of press freedom in the

country and plays a primordial role in allowing democracy to rule.

Ms. Tango was joined by other information officers from the local government units of

Pilar, Sorsogon, Pili, Camarines Sur and Baao, Camarines Sur.

The media conference was spearheaded by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) whose president Juan P. Dayang said that members of the press particularly those in the provinces articulate the voice of the people in the countryside. Dayang said that the forum can effectively serve as a vital link in bridging the people’s expectations and

the candidate’s intended program of government.

The Official Newsletter of DILG Region 5

May to July 2009 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

Magarao, Cam. Sur: Regional Entry to Zero Basura Olympics

2

Pili launches Citizen’s Charter

3

Catanduanes observes joint celebration of nutrition and disaster consciousness

4

Pictorials 5

LGU intensifies drive vs. rabies

4

Legal al dia 6

Inside this issue:

HAMODYONGHAMODYONGHAMODYONGHAMODYONG

DILG V participates in 2009 media conference AO IV Ma. Grace Joy U. Tango

Vice President Noli de Castro emphasized the role of media in preserving democracy in the country

RIO Joy Tango had the chance to interact with Sen. Dick Gordon during the media conference

“

DILG remains to be an

architect, an engineer and a

carpenter in building a strong

local government unit through

the programs and projects

addressed towards creating

procedures and developing

processes that are made

available to them for a more

effective and efficient delivery

of basic services.”

- RD Blandino M. Maceda

In line with the implementation of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) and the civil society groups has launched Zero Basura Olympics Garbology Marathon 2009, a nationwide search for model municipality/city on June 20, 2009. The search aimed to 1) Promote multi-sectoral/multi-stakeholder cooperation to attain and sustain ESWM programs at the LGU-wide level; 2) Assist LGUs in the formulation and implementation of an effective and doable ESWM program through a social mobilization program; 3) Identify, validate, document and recognize different stakeholders and LGUs successfully implementing ESWM programs; 4) Highlight and recognize novel and creative ESWM approaches that can serve as models for other LGUs to learn from; and 5) Develop self-monitoring system for the LGUs to track and

benchmark their compliance with RA 9003.

The municipality of Magarao, Camarines Sur submitted its entry ( LGU Report on its Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation) for the nationwide search on April 16, 2009 at the Environmental Management Bureau, DENR Region V and was validated by the Regional Ecology Center (REC) together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the DILG Provincial and Regional Office on May 11-13, 2009. The validating team adopted the following procedures: 1) Coordination with the local government unit; 2) Interview/ data gathering; 3) Ocular inspection of barangay SWM facilities; 4) Validation and review of barangay records on SWM programs/activities; and 5) Photo documentation. Magarao was assessed according to the criteria and mechanics developed by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)/ NSWMC Secretariat and the Earthday Network Philippines.

LGU-Magarao, with the consistent

support and strong political will of Mayor Nelson B. Julia, adopted a sustainable low-cost, low- technology Ecological Solid Waste Management Program widely known as Zero Waste Technology. The LGU hopes to attain their vision of “an ecologically concerned and empowered Magaraoeño adopting and practicing the Zero Waste lifestyle by 2010” by advocating Ecological Resource Management through the 4 Es ( Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Entrepreneurship) at the community/ barangay level.

The Regional Olympics Committee deliberated on the findings and results of the on-site validation and submitted LGU report on June 17, 2009 at the EMB V Conference Room, Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City. Having been able to sufficiently comply with the requirements prescribed under the criteria and mechanics of the nationwide search, the entry of the municipality of Magarao was endorsed to the National Olympics Committee for validation as the regional entry to the Zero Basura Olympics, 4th class municipality category.

Magarao, Camarines Sur: Regional Entry to the Zero Basura Olympics

LGOO V Higino Gene P. Sambo

Page 2 HAMODYONG VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

Page 3 HAMODYONG VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

Pili Launches Its Citizen’s Charter LGOO V Angela Lourdes V. Astor

J une 16 was a memorable day for the for the people of Pili, Camarines Sur as they celebrated the Capital Town’s

54th Foundation Anniversary. The occasion was made even more meaningful with the launching of the First Edition of the Pili Citizens Charter which is reflective of the town’s commitment to provide quality service to its clientele. The Local Government of Pili, as a frontline service provider of goods and services, institutionalizes a mechanism for effectiveness and accountability in its transactions by laying more efficient systems and procedures to eliminate practices of red tape and graft and corruption as embodied in the charter. Being the pilot municipality for the province of Camarines Sur, the crafting of the charter started in January 2009 and reached completion in May 2009. This challenging task entailed a series of workshops, conferences and consultations which was largely

participated in by LGU officials and employees and the Pili People’s Council, a network of NGOs and POs operating in the

locality.

The launching started with a concelebrated mass and blessing of the charter and Public Assistance and Complaint Desk. The occasion was graced by DILG Assistant Regional Director Elouisa Pastor, CSC Regional Director Cecilia Nieto

and Hon. Luis R. Villafuerte.

ARD Pastor lauded the local government through the leadership of Hon. Mayor Alexis D. San Luis for taking the lead in the preparation of its Citizen’s Charter. The municipality was the first among the municipalities in the province to come-up

with the said output.

Apart from the publication of the book, the local leadership has also instituted several landmark measures in support of the charter among which is the redress mechanism that is now being strictly enforced in the local government. These measures are in fact supportive of the LGU’s battlecry : “Good Governance For

Change, Change For Good Governance.”

“ THE PUBLIC “ THE PUBLIC “ THE PUBLIC “ THE PUBLIC

DESERVE BETTER DESERVE BETTER DESERVE BETTER DESERVE BETTER

AND MORE AND MORE AND MORE AND MORE

IMPROVED IMPROVED IMPROVED IMPROVED

GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT

SERVICES ”SERVICES ”SERVICES ”SERVICES ”

Th e province of Catanduanes, being an island province has been targeted to be declared as rabies-free province by year 2012. As a requirement two year before its declaration the province must

have zero incidence of rabies starting by year 2010.

The Provincial Rabies Control Committee through the Provincial Veterinary Office had asked the support of the Provincial

Government to fund the Rabies Program.

In order to attain a zero level rabies incidence in the province, a “Search for the Best Barangay for Rabies Elimination Program” was launched to empower the barangay officials to act and implement RA 9482 known as the Anti Rabies of 2007 and the Provincial Rabies Control Ordinance No. 002-2000 - that provides compulsory of dog registration and vaccination control and disposal of stray unvaccinated and unregistered dogs and the creation of rabies control committee, information and education campaign in their territorial jurisdiction. Moreover, the content is one way to recognize the efforts of the important players in intensifying the

rabies elimination campaign.

Page 4 HAMODYONG VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

LGU intensifies drive vs. rabies

LGOO V /ASS Chief Zenaida S. Vargas

Th e Provincial Government of Catanduanes marked the opening of a joint celebration of

the nutrition and disaster consciousness with a motorcade and simple program on July 1, 2009. Atty. Alfred Aquino, Vice Governor and OIC Provincial Governor issued a memorandum requiring the members of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) and all the employees of the provincial

government to support the month-long celebration.

A motorcade took the major roads of the capital town of Virac. A simple program followed highlighted by the moving rendition of the song “Sulong Catandungan” by the Capitol Chorale and the

messages of the key officials of the province.

OIC Provincial Governor Alfred Aquino bared the highlights of accomplishment of the province especially those related to disaster preparedness and mitigation. He cited the creation of the Provincial Disaster Management Office. He also called for the continued harmonious relationship and better understanding of those in the provincial government.

The PNP Deputy Provincial Director for Operations

Catanduanes observes joint celebration of nutrition and disaster consciousness

Aside from the search, there will be a Rabies Awareness Seminar/Symposium which will be highlighted by the participation of Saver, the

Wonder Dog.

The search started on March 2009 and will culminate on March 2010. The evaluation shall be quarterly basis. The final judging will be on February 2010. The awarding ceremony is scheduled on March 2010 to coincide with the celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month. The winner

will receive a plaque of recognition and cash incentives.

Rolando Joachim discussed concerns related to illegal logging, illegal fishing and poor waste management. He assured the audience of their

continued support on these.

OIC Provincial Director Arnel Renato L. Madrideo expressed appreciation to the lead offices of the provincial government as well as their partners for all the efforts exerted to address nutrition and disaster related concerns. He also discussed the relation of these issues to the various programs and advocacies of the Department as well as that of the national leadership especially on poverty and the rest of those

included under the millennium development goals.

Ms. Marites Curativo, Nutrition Officer III, also disclosed the other activities during the month such as fruit tree and vegetable planting, monitoring of school canteens and healthy lifestyle fitness exercise. On the other hand, the Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO) scheduled a forum on Disaster Management System in the Philippines as among the activities to raise awareness on disaster

preparedness.

Page 5 HAMODYONG VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

(legal updates)

Page 6 HAMODYONG VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

Issue: 1. May the Provincial Treasurer post a bond purposely to guarantee withdrawals in behalf of the Vice-Mayor of a municipality?

2. Can the resolution authorizing the Municipal Vice-Mayor to sign warrants for the expenditures of the sangguniang bayan prosper with

out passing thru the office of the Municipal Mayor? Is this a requirement in posting a bond?

Held: Please be informed that Section 445 (a) (1) of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) clearly provides that the Vice Mayor shall be “the presiding officer of the sangguniang bayan and sign all warrants drawn on the municipal treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the

operation of the sangguniang bayan”.

Likewise, the 2nd sentence of Section 344 of RA 7160 provides that: “vouchers and payrolls shall be certified to and approved by the head of the

department or office that has administrative control of the fund concerned, as to validity, propriety and legality of the claim involved”.

Accordingly, since the Vice Mayor and as Presiding Officer is the head of both the offices of the Vice Mayor and the Sangguniang Bayan, respectively, the Vice Mayor has the authority to approve disbursement vouchers for expenditures appropriated for its operation, without need of

any resolution authorizing him to do so.

Parenthetically, in the case of Ramon M. Atienza vs. Jose T. Villarosa, G.R. No. 161081, 10 May 2005, the Supreme Court En Banc, in supporting their declaration that the Vice Governor has the authority to approve vouchers as abovestated, cited Section 39 of the Manual on the New

Government Accounting System for Local Government Units, prepared by the Commission on Audit, which states that:

“SEC. 39. Approval of Disbursements.- Approval of disbursements by the Local Chief Executive (LCE) himself shall be required whenever local funds are disbursed, except for regularly recurring administrative expenses such as: payrolls for regular or permanent employees, expenses for light, water, telephone and telegraph services, remittances to government creditor agencies such as GSIS, BIR,PHILHEALTH, LBP, DBP, NPO, PS of the DBM and others, where the authority to approve may be delegated. Disbursement vouchers for expenditures appropriated for the operation of the Sanggunian shall be approved by the provincial Vice Governor, the city Vice Mayor or the municipal Vice Mayor, as the case may be.”

Now, going back to your first query, considering the above discussion, posting of bond to guarantee withdrawals of the Municipal Vice-Mayor is not necessary, provided that such withdrawals are those that warrants for all expenditures appropriated for the sangguniang bayan. There is nothing in the code which provides that a provincial treasurer may post a bond to guarantee withdrawals of a municipal vice-mayor. What Sec. 305 (f) of the LGC provides is that “(f) Every officer of the local government unit whose duties permit or require the possession or custody of local funds shall be properly bonded, and such officer shall be accountable and responsible for said funds and for the safekeeping thereof in conformity with the provisions of law;” If the provincial treasurer erred and/or committed an abuse of authority, an appropriate action may be filed against him/her in the proper

forum.

HAMODYONGHAMODYONGHAMODYONGHAMODYONG

EDITORIAL BOARD & STAFFEDITORIAL BOARD & STAFF

Hamodyong is the official monthly newsletter of DILG Region 5, with

Editorial Office at 2nd Floor, DILG Regional Office V, Rizal St., Legazpi City.

Editor

MA. GRACE JOY TANGOMA. GRACE JOY TANGO

Contributors

DESIGNATED INFORMATION OFFICERS OF DILG DESIGNATED INFORMATION OFFICERS OF DILG

PROVINCIAL OFFICES & DIVISIONSPROVINCIAL OFFICES & DIVISIONS

Layout Artist

EDEN S. LANUZA EDEN S. LANUZA

Illustrator/Cartoonist

TON PASANOTON PASANO

Support Staff

MICHELLE ORTIZ RYAN DEL ROSARIOMICHELLE ORTIZ RYAN DEL ROSARIO

Circulation Managers

MARDY CANO EFREN DE ASISMARDY CANO EFREN DE ASIS

Consultant

RD BLANDINO M. MACEDARD BLANDINO M. MACEDA