The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with its DILG-CAR Regional Office held yesterday (July 16) a regional forum dubbed, “Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation in Cordillera Autonomous Region” coinciding the celebration of Cordillera Day at the Hotel Supreme in Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City.

The Tapatan aims to drumbeat and increase the awareness of local officials and constituents on the importance of disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.

Some 350 participants composed of governors, mayors and other local officials, and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (DRRMOs) from the six provinces, two cities and 75 municipalities of CAR attended the event including representatives from civil society organizations, national government agencies, media and the private sector.

DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero representing Secretary Jesse Robredo awarded some P5-million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to five municipalities who were recipient of the DILG’s Seal of Good Housekeeping, namely, Itogon and Tuba of Benguet province, Pinukpok of Kalinga province, and Calanasan and Kabugao both in Apayao province. The SGH intends to recognize local government units who comply with the government’s full disclosure policy on the use of public funds, exemplary good governance and efficient delivery of basic services.

Likewise, Alfonso Lista in Ifugao and Balbalan in Kalinga each received P1.5-million for projects under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig (SaLiNTubig) Para sa Lahat Program.

DILG CAR Regional Director John Castaneda said the Tapatan was made significant with the celebration of the 25th Foundation Anniversary of CAR and with the regional development council lining-up an LGU Recognition Day to highlight the month-long celebration.

He said Panadero conferred the Plaques of Distinction to the LGU recipients of national and regional awards for the past 25 years since the creation of CAR pursuant to E.O. 220 given by national and international award-giving bodies. ###

DILG Central News Archive DILG Regional News Archive