City of San Fernando, La Union –The awarding of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) to 52 local chief executives of fourth to fifth class municipalities in the region highlighted the Tapatan Roadshow on Full Disclosure Policy held at the Oasis Country Resort here early this month.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, who was guest of honor during DILG Region 1’s “Tapatan: A Celebration of P.A.R.T.nerships towards Good Local Governance”, personally awarded the Certificates of SGH to the 52 local government executives.

“The Department owes Region 1 a total of PhP 58 Million for the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of these SGH awardees,” Robredo said.

The DILG Secretary was assisted by DILG Region 1 Director Manuel V. Biason, Provincial Governors AmadoEspino of Pangasinan, Luis “Chavit”Singson of Ilocos Sur, La Union OIC Governor SanggunianPanlalawigan Member Francisco Ortega, and Ilocos Norte Provincial Administrator Atty. Windell Chua.

Mayor Silverio D. Alarcio of Laoac, Pangasinanan, City Mayor Hernani A. Braganza of Alaminos, and City Vice Mayors Lourdes D. Baquiran and Alfonso D. Singson, of Vigan and Candon, respectively, took part in the ceremonial awarding of the PCF checks amounting to PhP 1 Million for the 4^th - 5^thincome class municipalities and PhP 3 Million for the cities belonging to same income class.

A total of 272 local officials and representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), National Government Agencies (NGAs) and media attended the DILG Region 1 Tapatan, exceeding the expected participants.

During the occasion,Robredoled the covenant signing among the local chief executives and other stakeholders to strengthen theircommitment towards good local governance.

He said that the Department’s Full Disclosure Policy requiring the posting of budget and finances, and bids and public offerings of local government units is a mandate from the Local Government Code of 1991. “Ito ay kaakibatngatingresponsibilidadbilangmga public servants”, he said.

The Secretary also led the text voting in support of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) campaign to become one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. He gave the local chief executives these instructions: “Bago magtapos ang inyong mga talumpati sa anumang programa sa inyong mga lokal na pamahalaan, himukin muna ninyo ang mga tao na bumoto at suportahan ang Puerto Princesa Underground River“.

On the other hand, Director Biasonsaid the event was a timely occasion to celebrate good local governance, highlighting the gains of local autonomy through sharing of good practices, and recognition of performing local government units in line with the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

“This is also an opportune time for all local governance stakeholders to interface with the DILG Secretary,” he said.

The Tapatan Roadshow was initially conceived to pave the way for the Secretary to personally advocate the DILG’s Full Disclosure Policy. He has been going around regions all over the country engaging in dialogues.

Other highlights of the Tapatan was the sharing of good practices of Region 1. Mayors Benjamin S. Lim of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Alfredo P. Valdez, Jr. of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte and Hernani A. Braganza of Alaminos City, Pangasinan served as the resource speakers. xxx

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