gigs for the kids

Cushe for the tanods, that was the intention of this writer when she embarked on a fund raising activity that ended not so good but became a learning experience. Had it been supported by the people I was expecting to be on my side, it would have been a better one. But like they say, people have their own priorities and one should not rely on them. I was so disappointed. So much for helping people.. I am one who goes out of her way to help others but people take that for granted. I don't expect people to return the favors I do for them but sometimes, when you needed them most they desert you and it hurts... sometimes, the devil in me surfaces and taunts me "stop extending a hand. You keept on helping others who turns their back when you need one" It has been a difficult experience for me, it was not just my position that is put on the line but my integrity too.

A Reflection........

For almost two years now, I have been serving the barangays and the city as the head of office. A few years back,I was just taking it lightly because,I was not the head then and I believed above all,its the head's responsibility and accountability. I was more of a happy go lucky lady then, but mind you I also did my job. The only difference is, I am now more serious.

Being the head of office is not easy, contrary to what many may think. They believe the head is just their to sit and command but that is not true. Leading a group of intelligent and young people will sap anybody's energy..varied personalities.. outlook in life, principles, values could even be a greater responsibility than accomplishing what was set to be done.

My ultimate goal as head is to create an impecable image of the office in my area through the department's programs... that the LGUs would see the critical role that the department play in their administration... THAT THE LGU.. needs the services of the office.

Baguio City Executives learning the ropes of barangay governance

Becoming a chief executive is not an easy task contrary to what many think, neither does public service. In today's world, the dynamics of local governance has become complex coupled with increasing demands for quality service that councils have to be "on their toes" at all times.. barangay governments are the frontline service delivery structures established by the central government for the people. As these executives go through a series of capability building interventions from April to May 2008 to capacitate them to manage their communities for the next three years... my department is hopeful that as they traverse the road for which they were installed for, they do it with wisdom, commitment, passion and love for people.

Capacity Enhancement for Executives

Executives on the go!!!

Baguio City Local Government Month Celebration

The Igorot leaders from this northern part of the country were raring to go for autonomy, everyone was talking of a separate autonomous region in the Cordilleras, this they said is an opportunity for the indegenous people to get their identity, more development and a better place for everyone. But the people of the Cordilleras thought otherwise, thus, only one province voted for it. A few believed then that autonomy can bring forth better lives for the people of this region. I am thankful though coz were it not for the move for an autonomous region, I would not have been able to get into government. Sometime in 1989, I was a lucky animal to be at the right time and place when the Cordillera Administrative Region was just established and I got hired with the Department of Local Government. A few months after, On October 10, 1991, republic act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 was signed into law givng more powers and authority to local governments. It gave them wider horizon aimed at empowering them to chart thier own destiny. I call this "Independence Day", because this was the day that the local governments got freed from the clouts of the central government. Decentralization was at its peak. The central government was undergoing a lot of adjustments as powers were devolved to the local level..

17 years after, as we look back through the years, we need to assess the gains of decentralization. How did we fare in the implementation? have LGUs improved? Did the devolution of powers and authority brought better lives to the people? have we improved as a people? a community? as a country? I let you be the judge of that.

On October 10, 2008, the City of Baguio commemorated the signing into law of the Local Government Code. This was spearheaded by the DILG City Field Office. I wanted the city government and the barangays to celebrate this day because I believe that if there was anything that they should celebrate, this is the local government month and day, simply because, they were born on this day... the day that central government weaned them.. the day the LGUs were finally set free.

Working with local governments specifically with the city of Baguio and its barangays is very exciting and challenging.. infact its very colorful. When I started with the department in 1989, I didnt appreciate much the work I was doing for the Department not because it was boring but coz it was purely administrative. But sometime in 2002, when I joined the city field office, I began to appreciate the work we do.. I begun to see challenges.. opportunities. I began to love the work... meeting people, networking, mentoring but most of all, I love being just the DILG. It's not an easy task, neither is it an idle one, contrary to what many may believe. Of course it all boils down to choices.. I can choose to be idle or to be on the go.. either way I will still get paid as all government employees do.. but i chose the latter one.

There is no better work than working with the local governments...

Association of Barangay Kagawads

Joel Roldan, was elected President of the Association of Barangay Kagawads of the City of Baguio by a landslide. Together with him were his VP Posadas, Board of Directors: Myrna Garcia, Evelyn Balisong,

to be continued)