from page 12 - Department of the Interior and Local Government

LGUs’ support instrumental
in PPUR’s victory
Story on page 12
VOL. 6 NO. 11 www.dilg.gov.ph November 2011
For complaints and inquiries, text DILG to 2299
The Department is the primary
catalyst for excellence in local
governance that nurtures selfreliant,
progressive, orderly, safe
and globally-competitive
communities sustained by Godcentered
and empowered
citizenry.
The Department shall promote
peace and order, ensure public
safety and strengthen capability
of local government units through
active people participation and a
professionalized corps of civil
servants.
Clean-up drive to save Manila Bay
Volunteers and members of the Interior Sector participate in the One Day, One Bay activity, while Secretary Jesse Robredo and NCR Director Renato
Brion (inset) lead local government and DILG officials during an inspection conducted along the Manila Bay area.
Photos by Lito Espelimbergo & Noel Dayang
In a bid to bring back the
glorious beauty of Manila Bay,
DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo
led Metro Manilans during
one weekend in the massive
clean-up drive of Metro
waterways, rivers and creeks
dubbed as One Day, One
Bay.
Robredo said One Day One
Bay aims to encourage Metro
LGUs, the general public and
other concerned sectors to
participate in the drive to
restore the innate beauty of
Manila Bay.
“We all enjoy watching the
sunset at the Manila Bay. Let
this not be a thing of the past.
Let us act now to save Manila
Bay and take part in this cleanup
revolution,” he said.
The DILG Secretary, who
was present at the clean-up
operations in the city of Manila,
particularly at the Rajah
Sulayman Park fronting the
bay on Roxas Boulevard in
Ermita, said 16 other cities and
towns in Metro Manila
simultaneously held their own
cleanup activities in
waterways connected to the
Manila Bay, including the
Pasig River.
Other clean-up sites in
Metro Manila are: People’s
Park, Quezon Avenue, Brgy.
Tatalon, Quezon City; Buting
Linear Park, Brgy.Buting,
Pasig; Riverbanks Ferry
Station, Brgy.Barangka,
Marikina; Maytunas Creek,
Haig St., Brgy.DaangBakal,
Mandaluyong; Maytunas
Creek, Brgy.Addition Hills, San
Continued on page 4

Page 2 NEWS
November 2011
DOF urges LGUs to revise land valuations
The Department of Finance has
called on all local government units that
have not revised their land valuations
to do it now, as this has significant
repercussions on local revenue
generation over the years and
consequently undermines local fiscal
autonomy.
Salvador M. Del Castillo of the
Finance Department’s Bureau of Local
Government Finance (BLGF) said that
under the law, LGUs should conduct a
general revision of assessments and
property classification every three years
in order to reflect true market values of
properties. However, this has not been
followed by most LGUs.
Data from the BLGF, which has
supervision over all LGU treasurers,
showed that only 28 percent of the
provinces and 22 percent of the cities in
the country have revised their SMVs as
of its last revision in 2008.
To date, a total of 29 provinces and
84 cities have yet to revise their SMVs
with base years 2006 or even older, the
same data showed.
“If the LGU uses outdated SMVs in
real property tax collection, then
properties which have appreciated in
value over time would still be taxed
based on the lower values; thus, taxes
imposed are lower than what they
should really be,” Del Castillo said.
DOF Joint Memorandum Circular
2010-01 issued in October last year
enjoined all LGUs to update their SMVs,
used by local assessors as basis for
appraising properties for real property
tax purposes, so as to raise more
revenues.
As of November this year, those that
already complied were the provinces of
Pangasinan, Cavite, Rizal, Romblon,
and Compostela Valley, and the cities of
Santiago, Palayan, Antipolo, Tagaytay,
Trece Martires, Calapan, Kabankalan,
Bayawan, Zamboanga, and Davao.
He said that using an updated SMV
as basis in the assessment of real
property tax increases LGUs’ capacity
to generate revenue from real properties
so that they do not depend much on their
share of internal revenue allotment.
“By making SMV current, real
property tax base expands, thus provides
LGUs the opportunity to generate
additional income, which can be used
to finance various projects and improve
delivery of basic services,” Del Castillo
explained
On the other hand, he said that
unrevised SMVs would tax properties
which have depreciated in value over
time based on higher value, penalizing
property owners who will be taxed
higher than what they should really be
taxed with. www.dof.gov.ph
CSC to offer Braille-based
civil service exams
The Civil Service Commission
(CSC) has partnered with the
Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) for
the conduct of career service
examinations (CSE) to visually
impaired people.
In simple rites held October 24 at
the CSC central office in Quezon City,
the Commission signed a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with RBI to secure the latter’s technical
cooperation in translating the CSE to
Braille, and in setting up computers
that can interface with computerliterate
visually impaired examinees.
In the said agreement, RBI shall
also assess the readiness of visually
impaired examination applicants to
take either the computer-based or the
Braille-based mode.
The signatories to the MOA are
CSC Chair Francisco T. Duque III and
RBI Executive Director Randy Weisser.
“The CSC has never exempted
persons with disabilities (PWDs),
including the visually impaired, from
taking the examination and from
entering government service. In fact, we
want to make it easier for them so that
more PWDs would consider public
service as a career,” said Duque.
At present, the CSE is
administered to visually impaired
individuals guided by two examiners
per examinee. The first examiner
reads the test item to the examinee,
who listens and dictates his/her
answer. The second examiner shades
the corresponding answer choice in
the answer sheet.
The CSC said that while this has
helped visually impaired examinees
in the previous years, there is a need
to improve the process to avoid
cheating and make it less
cumbersome.
The Braille-based and computerbased
test for visually impaired
individuals is expected to become
available within six (6) months from
the signing of the MOA.
According to 2005 data from the
National Council for Disability
Affairs, there are 2,373 PWDs
employed in government.
www.csc.gov.ph
Safety measures vs disasters in place
Pres. Aquino
The general population is safe from
disasters because of the current
initiatives against natural calamities,
according to no less than President
Benigno S. Aquino III.
President Aquino said the
government has completed geo-hazard
mapping that identifies flood and
landslide prone areas in different parts
of the country to make local government
units more prepared in handling and
preventing disasters.
With the help of the National
Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC) and
other agencies, the government was also
able to release multi-hazard maps to 13
provinces in the country, the President
said. Currently, the government is
preparing the release of 3D mapping for
Metro Manila, he added.
“Ramdam na rin po ng karamihan sa
inyo na napagbuti na natin ang ating
weather forecasting sa pagsasanib puwersa
ng Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) at ng Philippine
Atmospheric and Geophysical
Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA),” the President said.
The government not only relies on
modern technology for forecasting, he
said, noting that with the help of several
government agencies, it is now
promoting the use of coco coir as erosion
control material.
The government, through the
National Greening Program, was also
able to plant 35 million seedlings in more
than 75,000 hectares of land in the entire
country. The government targets to plant
1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of
land from 2011 to 2016, the Ehief
Executive said.
While the government focuses on
the security of the nation’s future, at the
same time, it will fight the changing
weather conditions with the National
Climate Change Action Plan, President
Aquino said.
“Sa komprehensibong planong ito
Continued on page 4
Mangudadatu, Robredo lead
Maguindanao Massacre commemoration
The commemoration of the
Maguindanao Massacre started with
the lighting of candles and offering of
prayers for the fallen victims and slain
journalists at the massacre site at the
Ampatuan town.
Maguindanao Gov. Ismael “Toto”
Mangudadatu, who was joined by
DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, led the
victims’ relatives during the
commemoration of the second year of
fateful massacre where 58 people,
including 33 journalists were
mercilessly killed, allegedly on orders
of the Ampatuan clan led by former
Governor AndalAmpatuan Sr. and
Andal Jr.
The DILG chief said he came
upon the invitation of Mangudadatu,
the former Buluan town vice-mayor
who lost his wife, several female
relatives and two female lawyers
while on their way in a vehicle convoy
to file his certificate of candidacy as
Maguindanao governor on November
23, 2009.
Robredo met with the journalists
and Ampatuan massacre victims’
families, including members of the
various local and media
organizations and gave them updates
about the case and the government’s
plan to help in the early prosecution
of the suspects.
“Right now, at least 100 still atlarge
suspects are roaming various
parts of Mindanao and we are doing
our best to have them accounted for
and pay for their crimes. I have directed
all local executives in Mindanao to
help us find them and include them in
the government’s “all-out justice”
campaign in the region,” he said.
“Like everybody else, particularly
the families of the slain journalists
and Gov. Mangudadatu, I am also
disappointed with the slow pace of the
proceedings of the case. But I want to
assure them we’re still hunting down
the still at-large suspects and that this
kind of incident won’t happen again
in the future,” he added.

Page 3 SPECIAL FEATURE
November 2011
Citizen’s Query: Participatory Governance
The only time that citizens can claim absolute power over politicians is when
they cast their votes. Often, they have no voice in drafting development programs
once the officials have been elected into office.
But in the Municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo, the citizens have been empowered
to influence the actions undertaken by their elected officials and help chart their
community’s socio-economic development through the program “Pamangkutanon
sang Banwa: Kwentahan hindi Kwentohan” or Citizens’ Query: Accountability,
not Lip Service. The program began in 2004 as a multi-sectoral mechanism that
institutionalizes the active participation of community members in local
governance. Basically, it entails the periodic conduct of municipal assemblies where
citizens can raise issues and concerns, and forward recommendations on the
delivery of basic services as well as criticize the performance of elected officials.
The program begins when the election period kicks off and a Candidates’
Forum is held. During this forum, the vying candidates are required to sign a
Performance Evaluation Covenant in which they agree to subject themselves to a
performance evaluation session known as Pamangkutanon sang Banwa (PsB) or
Citizens’ Query once they are elected into office. The PsB is conducted every second
Monday of February and July each year.
During the PsB, the public is given the opportunity to raise relevant governance
questions, clarifications and recommendations on government projects, delivery
of basic services, and what the politicians promised during the election campaign
period. Among those required to attend are 3rd and 4 th year high school students
because PsB is part of their Social Studies class. Officers of the Student Government
Organizations both in elementary and high school are also invited to attend as
part of their training as student leaders.
As many as 2,000 participants join in the three-hour session but the question
and answer process is well organized. The questions are written on paper and
placed into drop boxes which are passed through a screening committee before
these are read by panelists. The elected officials and LGU department heads then
take turns in answering the questions. All the unread questions are later turned
over to the Drafting and Consolidation Committee for appropriate action.
Through this feedback and feed forwarding mechanism, the people of
Bingawan are assured that their concerns are addressed promptly and concretely.
More importantly, this performance-based system of governance has kept the
politicians truly beholden to the people.
Municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo
In effect, the LGU has institutionalized an effective participatory governance
mechanism and also exposed its officers and personnel to public scrutiny. This
mechanism has helped the LGU identify which projects need to be prioritized. In
turn, this mechanism has elicited the cooperation of the citizens as can be gleaned
from the municipality’s increasing tax revenue collection. Among the apparent
priority projects of the LGU were the the construction and rehabilitation of Small
Farm Reservoirs and the establishment of day care facilities. The people also
requested the building of a Health Center and the procurement of a Travelling
Rice Mill.
The success of the project is attributed to the LGU’s healthy working
relationship with existing civil society organizations which now comprise the
members of the PsB screening, panel and other committees. Together with these
CSOs, the LGU institutionalized and permanently established the program
through the passage of Municipal Ordinance No. 4 Series of 2004.
Other organizations, such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible
Voting (PPCRV), in partnership with other stakeholders in the municipality,
were instrumental in raising the electoral awareness of the barangays. Bingawan
counts the women and the youth among its crucial partners in this project, and
considers the municipal and barangay development councils as the lynchpins
that enable all the stakeholders to act in concert.
Because of its innovation, the PsB program won a one million project grant
from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the
Transparent and Accountable Governance (TAG) Project which is being
implemented by The Asia Foundation.
Today, the program has been replicated in all the fourteen barangays of
Bingawan, each with their own program titles. The Local Chief Executives of
other municipalities (such as Tapaz in Capiz, Banate in Iloilo and Tangalan in
Aklan) have invited Bingawan to present the program to their respective
M u n i c i p a l
C o u n c i l s .
Meanwhile, the LGU
of Kapangan,
Benguet in
partnership with
S h o u n t o g
Foundation had an
exposure visit to
Bingawan in June
10, 2008 to study
possible replication.
The PsB program
was one of the
programs presented
during the YC3 or
Young Citizens
Cyber Conference
that was
simultaneously
held in Manila and
Davao on October 8,
2009 and in Cambodia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines and Thailand on
October 20, 2009. YC3 is a meeting of young citizen’s ideas and initiatives on
social accountability.
The people of Bingawan are confident that the LGUs which are truly intent
on improving governance policies and addressing the needs of their constituents
will be able to replicate this program. (Source: Galing Pook Awards 2010 Magazine)

DILG NEWS DIGEST
Page 4 November 2011
Clean-up drive... from page 1
Juan; Dagat-Dagatan Creek,
Tanigue St., Brgy.14, Caloocan;
Letre Canal, Letre Road and
Longos-Pinagsabugan Creek,
Brgy.Tonsuya, Malabon;
Centennial Park, C4,
Bagumbayan North, Navotas;
DulongtAnke River, Mariveles
St., St. Jude, Malinta,
Valenzuela; Taguig-Pateros
Creek, Waling-waling St., Zone
7, Brgy. Pembo, Makati;
Libertad Channel, Brgy.76,
Roxas Blvd., Pasay; Zapote
River, Brgy.Zapote, Las Pinas;
Salvador Creek, Brgy.Isidro 4,
Paranaque; Alabang-Cupang
River, Manuel L. Quezon St.,
Brgy.Cupang, Muntinlupa;
Hagonoy Creek, Pio Felipe St.,
Brgy.Hagonoy, Taguig; and
Pateros River, Brgy.Aguho,
Pateros.
DILG-NCR Director
Renato Brion said One Day
One Bay is part of DILG-
National Capital Region’s
Manila Bay OK campaign
under its Manila Clean-up,
Rehabilitation and
Preservation (MBCRP) Project,
which aims to rehabilitate and
preserve Manila Bay and all
waterways of Metro Manila
which are interconnected to it.
Brion said the project was
conceptualized to fuel an
engine of concern and create
sustainable change that starts
within one’s self.
The target of the campaign
is to reduce pollution in the bay
and river systems connected to
it by half and increase
vegetation by 25 percent within
four years.
Local execs... from page 12
20 government troops and at
least 10 lawless elements from
the MILF and the displacement
and evacuation of more than
2,000 families in the affected
areas.
During the meetings with
Basilan and Zambonga
Sibugay provincial peace and
order council members, which
was attended by top local
military and police
commanders, and other
stakeholders, Robredo
underscored the vital role of
local chief executives in
preventing the prevalence of
killings, extortion, kidnapping
and other illegal activities
being perpetrated by lawless
elements in their localities.
Robredo also explained
the government’s policy of
“all-out justice” instead of an
“all-out war” being espoused
by some quarters against
rogue MILF elements and Abu
Sayyaf members in the region,
saying that a military solution,
based on past experiences, is
not the correct answer to the
peace and order problem
prevailing in some parts of
Mindanao.
Interior chief... from page 12
The DILG chief said
calamity funds should
primarily be used, first, in the
delivery of relief goods, such
as food, water and clothes,
and second, in disaster
mitigation and preparedness.
“It’s more important that
instead of waiting for the
storm to bring damage and
then respond, we prepare
accordingly and minimize the
damage beforehand,”
Robredo said.
He noted that not all
calamity funds are equal.
“The minimum (calamity
fund) is five percent, so the
LGU can appropriate more,
depending on its priorities
and its capabilities. If you
look at it, the cost of property
losses is always much more
than the amount
appropriated for the calamity
fund,” he said.
“That’s where the general
fund comes in. That’s when
we start using money from
national agencies. For
example, the government,
perhaps the Department of
Public Works and Highways,
will shoulder the damage to
infrastructure and so on,”
Robredo said.
LGUs’ support...
and patriotism at its best. It
is not just the pride and joy
of the people of Palawan but
the entire country as well,”
he said.
“Aside from the global
prestige it will bring to the
Philippines, the country also
stands to benefit from PPUR
in terms of tourism and
related revenues,” he added.
In a last-ditch effort
during the last day of voting,
the DILG issued a memo
circular to all local chief
executives nationwide to
conduct and attend their
flag retreat and rally their
constituents to vote via their
cellular phones by texting
PPUR send to 2861.
Patrol 117... from page 12
Ramgen is one of the nine
children of Genalyn
Magsaysay and actor and
former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr.
He is also a half-brother of
actor and Sen. Ramon “Bong”
from page 12
Robredo also directed all
chiefs of bureaus and offices
under the DILG such as the
Philippine National Police, the
Bureau of Fire Protection,
Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology, Local
Government Academy,
National Police Commission,
the DILG regional offices,
among others, to conduct same
flag retreat activity.
The DILG Chief said he is
very much delighted to learn
that PPUR has made it to the
top 7 New 7 Wonders Nature
finalists, expressing
confidence that it will stay
despite the organizers’
statement that the list was
provisional and may change
Revilla Jr.
“The gruesome incident
involving Ramgen Bautista
and Janelle Manahan, which
was initially reported to
Patrol 117, led to the quick
Safety measures... from page 2
nakabalangkas ang mga
espesipikong mga programa at
mga estratehiya para sa
paghahanda natin sa climate
change mula 2011 hanggang
2028. Nakatuon po ito sa ilang
prayoridad: food security,
water sufficiency,
environmental and ecological
stability, human security,
climate friendly industry and
services, sustainable energy, at
knowledge and capacity
development,” he said.
The President earlier
signed the National Climate
Action Plan in compliance with
the country’s international
commitments, especially with
the United Nations Framework
by the time a final
announcement is made
early next year.
Aside from PPUR, the
S w i s s - b a s e d
N e w 7 W o n d e r s
Foundation announced the
list of provisional winners
as the Amazon rainforest,
Vietnam’s Halong Bay,
Argentina’s Iguazu Falls,
South Korea’s Jeju Island,
Indonesia’s Komodo
island and South Africa’s
Table Mountain.
Tanzania’s Mount
Kilimanjaro, the Dead Sea
and the US Grand Canyon,
which made it to the top 10
finalists, failed to make the
cut.
response and rescue of
Manahan by the Paranaque
City Police,” Marcos
Cabauatan, Patrol 117 acting
director, said in his report to
Robredo.
for Climate Change
Convention.
The action plan will
become the basis of any
assistance that will come from
industrialized countries once
the release of a green fund is
approved in Durban, South
Africa late this month.
www.president.gov.ph
The Career Executive Service Officers from the DILG lea by Asec. Eubert Guiterrez (seated, second from left) pose
for posterity during the 10th Annual CES National Conference recently. Photo by N. Dayang

LGU EXEMPLARY PRACTICES
Page 5 November 2011
Tagum City (1
“Raising the Literacy Level of Market Out-of-School Youths
through the Palengskwelahan Project”
st Class City)
Background
Tagum City is a first-class city in the 1 st Congressional District of Davao del Norte serving
as its provincial capital. One of the fastest growing cities in Mindanao, Tagum City has become
a bustling center of culture, commerce, health services and entertainment in Davao Region and
in Southern Philippine Region.
The city boasts of its high literacy rate of 93.30 percent with more than 236,069 people
living in 43,193 households, according to the actual census of 2010.
The alarming presence of market children and out-of-school youth whose parents are
working in the market and do not have time to care for their children became a problem in Tagum
City. Secondary problem includes lack of basic elementary and secondary education and values
formation to children whose parents belong to the informal sector. These children ran away from
their homes and roam around the streets.
To address the problem, the local government of Tagum convened its City Social Workers
and consultations were made with informal sectors. This paved the way for the birth of the
Palengskwelahan as a Street Education Program. Phenomenal as it may be considered,
Palengskwelahan brought a new kind of educational approach using modular instruction. They
were able to convince the parents to assemble their children in one place and give them informal
and alternative education. The initiative had fueled the desire of street children and child
laborers to acquire education while earning something for their family’s income.
As the program was established and institutionalized, it becomes a way of life for the
informal sector. The program championed the LGU’s solid stance of not sacrificing the
development of its people in exchange of economic gains.
Because of the project’s success, it was recognized as one of the LGU Exemplary Practices
under the DILG’s GO-FAR or Good Practices in Local Governance: Facility for Adaptation and
Replication.
Palengskwelahan: Raising the Level of Literacy of OSYs
Palengskwelahan is a brainchild project of the city mayor. In one of the visits to the public
market, he saw many children roaming around. He wanted to address the social malady of
proliferating street children in the market. Thus he immediately looked for a place where these
children can stay and gave instructions to the Social Welfare Officer to look for an instructional
manager for these children.
The Street Education Program was conceived and initiated by the CSWDO to respond to
the social need of these street children and give them full access to better education. It is an
alternative response which includes the delivery of social welfare services and to ensure the
provisions of services for street children’s survival and protection against the harsh elements of
street life.
The program was established in 2006 as an immediate response and built towards
community-based approach social services conducted by the instructional managers and mobile
teachers as frontliners and implementing arms of the program. The program’s primary goal is
to help the market children to acquire basic education and instill moral values. It seeks to
improve the standard of living of the beneficiaries by providing educational opportunity and
ethical formation that are responsive to their needs.
Project Results: Palengskwelahan sparks hope
The Palengskwelahan has considerably benefited the constituents in general; the children of
the ambulant vendors, the consuming public and the treasury of the City Government. The
market children have their own success stories to tell which include the feeling of importance and
the improved quality of life of vendors and their families.
The program also created a feeling of satisfaction for the city government with its successful
implementation. The project created a more focused program implementation on Literacy and
Education. It increased graduates in information education and alternative learning. The ALS
A & E passers increased from one in 2007, to five in 2008 and 14 in 2009.
Its positive results have a holistic economic and social impact for both the LGU and the
market vendors. It created great impact on both the implementers and the stakeholders.
This best practice on good governance has educated both the parents and their children to
become more productive individuals as well as improved the standard of living of their families.
The program started in 2005, expanded in 2006 and was firmly established in 2007. In
2008 it gained recognition and was cited as one of winners during the city’s successful bid to the
2008 Search for Most Child-Friendly Cities and the Search for National Literacy Awards.
Implementation Steps
The following are the key implementation steps of Palengskwelahan:
1. Creation of a Task Force. A task force was created through an EO whose primary
functions are to plan, implement, monitor, evaluate program intervention suitable to the needs
of the market children. The composition of the TF includes the representatives from the Office
of the City Mayor, DepEd, CSWDO, Economic Enterprise, market vendors association and
CLCC.
2. Focus Group Discussion and Meeting with the Stakeholders. The TF members
met to discuss and layout details of the program such as conceptualization, implementation
and sustainability. Such were presented to the responsible persons or OPR emphasizing their
respective roles in the program.
3. Site Identification. The TF identified the learning center right at the heart of the
market which is part of the vegetable bagsakan area.
4. Advocacy Campaign. After getting the support of the market vendors, they themselves
encouraged their children to enroll in the Palengskwelahan. Leaders of the market vendors
association, DepEd and barangay officials led the information campaign.
5. Mapping and Enlisting. A mapping activity was conducted at the beginning of each
year of implementation with a purpose of assessing the educational needs of the market children.
After a thorough mapping, the CSWD and DepEd in coordination with the vendors association,
enlisted the child laborers and street children, out-of-school youth, and fruit and vegetable
washers.
6. Parents’ Orientation. Parents and guardians were oriented and made to understand
the importance of education and the benefits they will get from the Palengskwelahan.
7. Children Values Developmental Activities and Counseling. Both parents and
their children were given counseling session and values development activity. Instructional
managers employ a lot of creativity and give the learners communication skills, critical thinking,
problem solving skills, and expansion of global views.
8. Integration of ALS A & E. ALS A&E is integrated in the program implementation.
Beneficiaries were exposed to a 10-month literacy package and subject to take the National A &
E Examination.
9. Recogniton of Learners. After the 10-month literacy package and after taking the
A&E Test, a Recognition Program is set for them to feel a sense of accomplishment and appreciate
the value of the program.
10. Program Evaluation. An evaluation at the end of the calendar year is conducted to
evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Whatever the results of the program
evaluation, a report is submitted to the city mayor.
Analysis and Lessons Learned
The society’s notion for acquiring education is too expensive but the City Government of
Tagum had proven otherwise. As long as there is political will, getting education will always be
affordable in any possible way.
The impact of Palengskwelahan is like a domino effect. First and foremost, it helped the
student acquire the education they deserve. With this, they were given a chance to free themselves
from the bonds of ignorance. In return, it created a powerful impact in society judging from the
improved quality of life of the beneficiaries. The program does not simply cater to the education
needs among children of the vendors but at the same time fulfills their dreams while earning a
living.
The primary goal of the local chief executive in empowering the market children was
achieved as the program has equipped them with the necessary knowledge to face the challenging
world. Because of the alternative education they acquired, they were given a chance to improve
the quality of life of their families.
The smooth implementation of the program will never be accomplished without the financial
backup of the local government. It has to be included in the Annual Investment Plan, Local
Development Plan and the General Appropriations. Other resources were sourced out from the
partner national line agencies, barangay council and non-government organizations.
The support of the partner organizations is also a big factor that contributed to the success
of the program. It has built a strong foundation of partnership between the LGU and the
partner organizations which ensures the sustainability of the program.
All these efforts are anchored on the firm belief of the city officials guided by the old
Chinese proverb that says: “Give a man a fish, you have fed him for a day. But teach a man how
to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime.” The program has not only given the children
education but also empowered them to battle ignorance and face the many challenges of life.
(Source: BLGD)

Page 6 PCF SUCCESS STORIES
November 2011
PCF builds roads, beach facilities of MisOcc towns
More often than not, low-income municipalities and cities have very bright project
ideas for their constituents but have no adequate funds to implement them. They are just
relying on their small revenues and share from national revenue collections, as well as doleouts
from their provincial governments and congressmen to finance some of their projects.
Such is the case with many local governments, especially those belonging to the fourth
to sixth income classes.
However, for those that, in spite of their meager resources and low economic condition,
exhibit good performance and strictly adhere to good governance principles, their efforts do
not go unnoticed and were aptly recognized through the Performance Challenge Fund of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Under the PCF program of the Department, local governments that have passed the
assessment for good housekeeping by showing high performance in the key governance
areas of planning, fiscal management, transparency and accountability and valuing
performance management shall be provided with an incentive fund to help jumpstart their
local development projects.
Qualified LGUs should have also fully complied with the Department’s full disclosure
policy and have no adverse reports from the Commission on Audit (COA).
Not a Dole-Out
The PCF program provides a subsidy of P1-million for municipalities, and P3-million
for cities that should be utilized for development initiatives that are aligned with the national
government’s programs for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, tourism
and local economic development, disaster risk reduction and management and solid waste
management.
The PCF is a subsidy and an incentive, not a dole-out.
The program does not intend to just hand over funds to qualified LGUs or let them
solely rely on it for their projects. Rather, they should show willingness and capability to
provide a counterpart fund. In this way, they will feel a sense of ownership of the project.
After all, PCF does not come on a silver platter. LGUs have to meet several requirements
and go through numerous processes to be able to avail of the fund.
First, upon conferment of the SGH, eligible LGUs shall submit within 30 days a letter of
intent along with other documentary requirements such as project proposal, sanggunian
resolution allocating counterpart PCF funds, and certification from the budget officer on
funds allocation to their respective DILG regional offices.
And as soon as the project proposal is approved, the eligible LGU shall enter into a
Memorandum of Agreement with the DILG through the regional director and issued with a
certificate of availability of funds.
Projects that may be financed by the PCF include school buildings, rural health units,
water and sanitation system, local roads and bridges, slaughterhouses, flood control,
reforestation, postharvest facilities, cold storage facilities, among others.
This year, 319 local government units around the country, composed of 302 fourth to
sixth class municipalities and 17 cities, have been conferred with the Seal of Good
Housekeeping and availed of the PCF to finance their local development efforts.
PCF Success Stories
Many success stories have unfolded because of the implementation of PCF.
These have been noted by the monitoring teams that were deployed in the different
LGUs-beneficiaries to
assess the progress of
the PCF-funded
projects.
Among the
projects assessed were
two roads and a
municipal beach resort
in Northern Mindanao,
particularly in
Calamba and Clarin in
Misamis Occidental.
The total cost of
these PCF
infrastructure projects
is roughly P4-million,
which comes from a
50-50 equal sharing
between the recipient
LGU and the PCF.
Rough, Stony and Muddy Roads No More
Residents of Brgy. Calamba in the town with the same name in the heart of Misamis
Occidental have long suffered the inconvenience of rough, stony and muddy roads in their
communities.
As the town became eligible and was granted PCF subsidy, the municipal road, which
has a length of 195 meters, was improved and completed in November 15 with a total cost
of P1.2-million.
“Dati po nahihirapan kami dito sa aming kalsada dahil mabato at lubak-lubak po, tapos kapag
umuulan ay maputik kaya delikado”, says Norma Mulet, a fish vendor and resident of Calamba
Municipality for 20 years now.
“Mabuti na lang po at inayos na ang kalsada namin kaya malaki ang aming pasalamat sa
aming mga lokal na opisyal sa kanilang tulong”, adds Joel Lomocso, who works as an assistant
meter calibrator in the
area.
The infrastructure
project, which benefits
19,597 people, did not
only improve
accessibility and reduce
travel time as well as
increase the number of
trips of public utility
vehicles, but also
enhanced the delivery
of social and economic
services.
However, some
concerns raised by the
residents interviewed
by the monitoring team
were the need for canals
where water could flow
especially during the
rainy season to avoid
flooding, and humps since there is a school nearby and children pass through the road most
of the time.
Covered under the same PCF project is another road in Brgy. Solinog located in the
same municipality.
Brgy. Captain Celestina Aguhob said that the road project, which costs P800,000.00,
serves an estimated 400 residents or 550 households in the barangay composed mostly of
quarry laborers.
“Simula nung naayos ang aming kalsada ay madali na naming nailalabas ang aming mga
produkto papunta sa mga pamilihan,” Solinog said.
In order to help maintain the road, she said the barangay collects 50 pesos as “pass
through” fee from vehicles carrying goods and other commodities to be sold that traverse
the road.
LGU-Owned Beach Resort
The Municipality of Clarin owns and manages a beach resort with a total land area of
4,895 sq m. However, the town’s beach resort is not without competition as many others
with much better facilities and services nearby have made it difficult for the LGU to gain
maximum client stronghold.
Hence, in order to restore its competitive edge, the municipal government, after being
awarded with the good housekeeping seal, availed of the PCF to upgrade the beach resort’s
existing facilities.
The PCF grant was used to construct the second floor of an existing function hall in the
resort in order to accommodate more visitors who want to stay longer in the place. The
dormitory will also be used as a transient place for participants of future seminars and
conferences.
With the renovation of the function hall, the municipal beach resort expects to provide
more services and attract more customers.
Eventually, this will translate to more revenues and create more jobs and business
opportunities for the inhabitants of Clarin.
Target beneficiaries of the project include the residents of Clarin; Suman Makers
Association of Clarin; Women’s Association of Clarin; the Sangguniang Kabataan; and outof-school
youths.
The total expenditure for the whole project amounted to P2 million pesos.
Challenges
The successful projects of the two Misamis Occidental towns are unique and inspiring
stories brought about by the PCF.
As these projects have already been completed, the concerned LGUs should ensure the
sustainability of the projects and set up a fund for maintenance, such as in roads, bridges
and the like. It would be a big waste if after a few years, the benefits of such PCFimplemented
projects would not be felt anymore because they were not properly maintained
by the LGUs.
For program implementers, the challenge is to institute more stringent criteria for
availment to ensure that only those that are really qualified and capable would be able to
avail of the PCF.
There should also be a systematic monitoring and assessment system that will give
way to a pre-, during and post-evaluation and validation of the PCF project as well as the
projected impact of the project to the residents and the communities.

Page 7 LEGAL OPINIONS
November 2011
On imposition of “pass through fees”
Facts:
A barangay passed an ordinance imposing fees in the amount of P20.00 on trucks
that pass through its road carrying raw materials and cement finished product.
The legal bases of the barangay in passing the ordinance are Sections 133 (e) and
155 of the Local Government Code of 1991.
Issues:
a. Is there a conflict between Sections 133 (e) and 155 of the Local Government
Code of 1991?
b. What fees or collections are considered illegal?
c. Which roads are exempted from the collection of “pass through” fees?
Held:
There is no conflict between Sections 133 (e) and 155 of the Local Government
Code of 1991. The former enumerates the common limitations on the taxing powers
of local government units and qualifies the taxes which it may impose, while the
latter specifies the common revenue-raising powers of LGUs.
In other words, Section 155 which allows the imposition of toll fees or charges
does not run counter to Section 133 (e) which prohibits the imposition of taxes,
fees, and charges upon goods carried in or out of, or passing through the territorial
jurisdiction of the LGUs in the guise of tolls, charges for wharfage or other taxes
and fees.
As to the second issue, illegal fees refer to collections imposed by LGUs which
are not covered by its specific taxing powers and common taxing powers. A tax,
fee, or charge may also be considered illegal if it is being collected by the LGU
without any ordinance supporting its imposition.
Moreover, Section 55 provides that a barangay may impose fees or charges in
roads and other infrastructure which are barangay funded and constructed.
With regard to the last question, the imposition of pass through fees is
prohibited on any type of road. This is supported by several issuances of the
Department: DILG MC No. 2006-70 for the “Suspension of LGU Imposition and
Collection of Illegal Fees and Taxes”; MC No. 2009-76 for “Reiterating Strict
Compliance to Pertinent Laws, Rules and DILG Circulars Prohibiting LGUs from
Charging Fees on Passing Through Vehicles especially those Carrying Agricultural
Goods and Products and Exempting such Vehicles from Truck Ban
Implementation”; and MC. No. 2011-122 for the Reiteration of DILG Memorandum
Circulars on the Suspension of LGU Imposition and Collection of Pass Through
Fees.
In addition to these circulars, the Department has also issued MC No. 2009-42
for the Imposition and Collection of Local Taxes, Fees and Charges to guide LGUs
on the scope and limitations of their taxing powers. (DILG Legal Opinion No. 83,
s. 2011)
On the other hand, a province is authorized to impose a fixed tax on delivery
trucks, vans, or any vehicle carrying goods enumerated under Section 141 of the
Code, and other products as determined through an ordinance by the sangguniang
panlalawigan.
Under Section 141 of the Code, provinces may levy an annual fixed tax in an
amount not exceeding P500 for every truck, van or any vehicle used by
manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, dealers or retailers in the delivery or
distribution of distilled spirits, fermented liquors, soft drinks, cigars and cigarettes,
and other products as may be determined by the sangguniang panlalawigan.
(DILG Legal Opinion No. 82, s. 2011)
Punong Barangays can order road closures
Issue:
Are punong barangays authorized to order the temporary closure of roads
pursuant to Section 21 (c) of the Local Government Code of 1991?
Held:
Punong barangays have the authority to order the temporary closure of roads
under Section 21 of the Local Government Code of 1991. This is done through the
issuance of a written order which should specify the reason and duration of the
road’s temporary closure.
A road may be temporarily closed during actual emergencies; fiesta
celebrations, public rallies, agricultural or industrial fairs, construction/
improvement or undertaking of public works and highways, and
telecommunications and water work projects.
Under the law, the temporary and permanent closure and opening of roads
require the enactment of an ordinance by the sanggunian of the local government
unit concerned. This authority encompasses all levels of the local sanggunian.
However, the written order issued by the barangay is still subject to the review
by the city mayor who exercises general supervision over component barangays
pursuant to Section 30 and 32 of the LGC. This is to ensure that said executive
order conforms to the law and other local ordinances.
Nevertheless, this authority must not be exercised arbitrarily since this statutory
grant of police power to local government units is based on the general welfare
provision under Section 16 of the Code which has for its purpose the maintenance
of peace and order and the preservation of the comfort and convenience of the
residents, among others. (DILG Legal Opinion No. 84, s. 2011)
Local council may declare brgy.
under a state of calamity
Issue:
Is the sangguniang barangay authorized to declare the barangay under a state of
calamity under RA 10121 for purposes of utilizing 30% of the 5% Local Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) allocated as quick response
fund (QRF)?
Held:
Section 16 of RA 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and Rule 12 of its Implementing Rules
and Regulations (IRR) provide that the declaration and lifting of the state of
calamity may be announced by the President of the country upon recommendation
of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
This may also be issued by the local sanggunian upon the recommendation of the
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC), based on
the results of the conducted damage assessment and need analysis.
The LDRRMCs in barangays are now named as Barangay Development
Councils (BDCs). It assumed the powers and functions of the dissolved Barangay
Disaster Coordinating Councils (BDCs).
The provision on the utilization of the LDRRMF is found under Section 21 of
RA 10121 and Rule 18 of its IRR. Pursuant thereto, LGUs are mandated to set
aside not less than 5% of the estimated revenue from regular sources as the
LDRRMF to support disaster risk management activities.
Based on the foregoing, the sangguniang barangay may declare a barangay
under a state of calamity upon the recommendation of the BDC for purposes of
utilizing the 30% of the 5% LDRRMF allocated as quick response fund.
LDRRMF releases as well as its utilization, accounting and auditing shall be
subject to NDRRMC guidelines and procedures.
(DILG Legal Opinion No. 88, s. 2011)
DILG NEWS DIGEST is the official newsletter of the Department of the Interior and
Local Government published by the Office of Public Affairs with editorial offices at A.
Francisco Gold Condominium II, Edsa cor. Mapagmahal St., Diliman, Quezon City.
Tel. Nos. 925-0349 & 51/920-6849; Fax No. 925-0345
BOARD OF EDITORS
Feliciano C. Regis-Editor-in-Chief; Anna-Lissa K. Cariaso, Marilou E. Dominguiano,
Rowena Taliping, Rose Ann Limon, and Jun Meneses-Associate Editors; all PIOs
of Napolcom, PNP, BJMP, BFP, PPSC, LGA and the DILG RIOs-Contributing Editors;
Louie N. Muni-Layout Artist; Jun Villanueva, Rudy Sanchez, Noel Dayang and Lito
Espelimbergo-Photographers

Page 8 THE REGIONS AT A GLANCE
November 2011
DILG XIII, SK Federation hold
orientation workshop for SK officials
BISLIG CITY. The
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)
City Federation, in
coordination with the
Department of the Interior and
Local Government, conducted
an Orientation Program and
Planning Workshop cum
Symposium on the Effects of
Illegal Drugs, recently.
The event was held in
Florland Ventures, San Vicente,
Bislig City and was
participated by 138 SK Officials
from the 24 Barangays of the
City.
The activity aimed to
ensure proper implementation
of youth development
programs and to enhance the
competencies of SK members
on the basics of barangay
governance and
administration so that they will
be fully aware of their tasks
and responsibilities.
A briefing on the Basic
Information on Katipunan ng
Kabataan (KK) and Sangguniang
Kabataan (SK) by LGOO V Julius
Carrido commenced the activity,
which informed SK Officials on
the Structure and Organization
of the KK and SK; the Roles,
Duties, Responsibilities and
Benefits of the SK Officials; and
the SK Constitution and By-
Laws.
On the other hand,
Provincial Director Pedrito P.
Alacaba emphasized that strong
moral values are the foundation
of servant leadership and new
politics during The Call for
Righteous SK Leadership, while
CLGOO Olivia Bagasbas
discussed Basic Parliamentary
Procedures and Local Legislation to
guide and equip the SK Officials
on the appropriate
parliamentary methods used
during SK sessions.
Participants were able to
craft their 2012 SK Operations
Plan and Budget for the
utilization of their 10% SK fund
during a workshop on SK
Operations Planning and
Budgeting facilitated by LGOO
VI Joseph G. Porgatorio.
Towards the end of the
activity, Bislig City Chief of
Police P/Supt Ronelo Jaurigue
illustrated the detrimental
effects of illegal drugs on the
welfare of the youth, the
warfare of the government
through policies, legislations
and enforcement, and the role
of the youth to attain a drugfree
community.
Ezhraim Jon Maymay
Sangguniang Kabataan City Federation members participate in the Orientation Program and Planning Workshop
cum Symposium on the Effects of Illegal Drugs which was conducted in coordination with DILG-RXIII.
Local officials and residents of Puerto Princesa
were jubilant after the Puerto Princesa Underground
River was declared as among the provisional list of
winners in the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Mayor Edward Hagedorn said that upon learning
the good news, as early as 3:00 in the morning of
November 12, fireworks from 35 urban barangays of
the city were started. This was followed by the offering
of thanksgiving masses in the different churches in
the city.
After the Masses, Vice Mayor Lucilo Bayron led
Puerto Princesans rejoice over PPUR’s victory
the Unity March from the Immaculate Concepcion
Cathedral to the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum,
participated in by local and barangay officials, the
youth sector, military groups, academe, contingents
from the Philippine National Police and national
government agency representatives.
A short program ensued at the City Coliseum with
around 5,000 celebrating Puerto Princesans in
attendance.
During the program, Hagedorn, who was still in
Manila extended his gratitude to everyone through a
DILG Region III Monitoring and Evaluation Division OIC Chief Lerrie
S. Hernandez explains the importance of the Manila Bay Clean Up
campaign to Jun Lutero of Focus, a TV show of CLTV 36.
DILG-3 goes full swing in Manila
Bay clean-up info drive
The DILG Region III goes full swing in the campaign to
clean-up Manila Bay as regional officials actively
campaigned for the support of the public during two recent
live TV guestings in the region.
Monitoring and Evaluation Division OIC Chief Lerrie
S. Hernandez was interviewed in two major shows of CLTV
36 , Focus with Jun Lutero and Hamon Central Luzon with
Tonette Orejas on October 14 and 15, 2011, respectively.
In both programs, Hernandez was able to impart to the
viewers the importance of the Manila Bay Clean Up,
Rehabilitation and Preservation Project (MBCRPP) and the
reasons why the Supreme Court ordered the ten Mandamus
agencies to clean, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay.
She also underscored the roles of the LGUs within the
Manila Bay Area and called for their participation in the
massive cleaning of the major and minor river systems,
waterways, esteros and creek that eventually drain their
water into the Manila Bay.
Even the crucial roles of the residents living beside the
said river systems and waterways were also laid down for
them to understand not only the danger it may cause to
their lives and properties but the negative impact of
environmental degradation in general.
In the said TV guestings, Hernandez urged the public
to campaign and take part in the implementation of the
MBCRPP in their own little way. Miriam Gaviola
recorded message, while Bayron delivered his
congratulatory message to all and thanked city folks
for their active support during the entire campaign
period.
Bands from the Life College and the 570 th
Composite Tactical Wing played the music, while the
Life College Dancers performed modernized
indigenous dances. An original Filipino music concert
by Noel Cabangon followed which all the more
contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Rey Maranan/ Isidro Cabiguen, Jr.

THE REGIONS AT A GLANCE
Page 9 November 2011
DILG Region IV-A joins KBP’s Oplan Broadcastreeing Project
The Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) Region IV-A
(CALABARZON) has joined the
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng
Pilipinas (KBP) in the recently
concluded nationwide Oplan
Broadcastreeing Project that was held
at the Kaliwa Watershed, Brgy. San
Andres in Tanay, Rizal.
The said activity, which aims to
plant 10,000 seedlings to address
climate change, global warming,
flooding, and soil erosion was attended
by around 1,000 participants from the
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs);
DILG (Region IV-A and the National
Barangay Operations Office); KBP;
Poveda School; ABS-CBN and TV 5
reporters and celebrities; De La Salle
University (DLSU) students; University
of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo de
Manila University (ADMU)
Mountaineers; Generika Drug; Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP);
Philippine National Police (PNP);
Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR); officials
and employees from the Rizal
ILOILO CITY. Local chief executives of
three disaster-prone local government
units in the Western Visayas region
recently shared their strategies in coping
with disasters and climate change during
the Basic Orientation on Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM)
and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)
held here.
Sharers were Guimaras Governor
Felipe Hilan A. Nava, San Jose, Antique
DRRM Officer Engr. Alex S. Crespo and
Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Christine S. Garin,
who recently received the Gawad
Kalasag 2011 for her municipality’s
excellent disaster preparedness
program.
For Guimaras, Nava said that
employing technology and scientific
governance helped mitigate the effects of
Typhoon Frank in June 2008 which
paralyzed almost all of Panay Island.
He demonstrated that political will
and a clear vision is a big contribution
towards LGU preparedness during
calamities.
“LGUs should be efficient, creative
and resourceful in using the 5% DRRM
Fund so that its use in the LGU is
maximized,” said Nava.
For San Jose, Antique, being
surrounded by moving tectonic plates
and trenches necessitates
institutionalizing an early warning
system that is understood by all.
Provincial Government and Tanay
Municipal Government; Brgy. officials
of San Andres in Tanay; San Andres
Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and other
visitors and guests.
Despite his hectic schedule, Sec.
DILG Region IV-A Director Josefina E. Castilla-Go (middle) and Broadcaster Rey Langit (left)
during a short program held at the Kaliwa Watershed, Brgy. San Andres in Tanay, Rizal for the
Oplan Broadcastreeing Project which aims to plant 10,000 seedlings. Photo by L. Espelimbergo
Disaster-prone LGUs share DRRM strategies
“Once an earthquake strikes, our
people know that they have to go to
higher grounds previously determined by
our LGU,” Crespo explained. “We have
no time for early warning, so we
conducted information and education
campaign among our constituents on
what they should do. The strong
earthquake itself serves as our warning
against tsunami,” he added.
Garin, meanwhile, said that her
constituents have such a high awareness
of calamity response that even grade
school pupils participate in the Kiddie
Fire Brigade. “Some of our Kiddie Fire
Brigade members are grade one pupils,”
she said. “The kids help prevent fire by
educating their households on fire
prevention, and are also capable of
helping out in case fire breaks out,” she
added.
All three sharers recognize that a
Guimbal Mayor Christine Garin (left) talks about her municipality’s experiences on disasters
with the participants of the Basic Orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)
and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) composed of local government officials.
Robredo took time to drop by at the
assembly area early in the morning to
show and express his full support and
appreciation to the undertaking of the
KBP.
Leading the contingent of DILG
Region IV-A (CALABARZON) was
Regional Director (RD) Josefina E.
Castilla-Go, who was accompanied by
OIC-Assistant Regional Director Ariel
Iglesia, and LGMED Division Chief Noel
Bartolabac. The contingent from the
National Barangay Operations Office
(NBOO) on the other hand was led by
Director Virgilio A. Castro.
The convoy gathered around 5:00
AM at Robinson Metro East along
Marcos Highway and departed at
around 6:00 AM. A short program was
also conducted at the tree planting site
shortly after the arrival of the convoy.
Among those who gave their
inspirational messages were renowned
broadcaster Rey Langit and Tanay
Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco.
Celebrities who graced the occasion
were Martin Del Rosario and Lauren
Young, Megan Young’s younger sister.
holistic approach is necessary in disaster
risk management. Their action plans
include maps, land and sea analyses,
directory of responders, a list of high-risk
families in every barangay, a system of
how the locality can respond, and how
they can manage post-disaster situations.
Also, they recognize that the LGU can
best prepare by tapping even nongovernment
and international
organizations that offer help along this
area, if not through direct financial
assistance, then by sharing technical
knowledge and expertise.
Other speakers during the activity
included representatives from the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), Office of Civil
Defense, Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), University of the
Philippines – Visayas, and Canadian
Urban Institute (CUI).
Conducted by the DILG-6 in three
schools, the orientation covered the
Provinces of Iloilo and Capiz, which were
earlier identified to be among the most
disaster-prone areas in the country.
Participants, who were composed of
LCEs, Sangguniang members and
Municipal Officers, were briefed on the
salient features of the DRRM and CCA
laws, Republic Act Nos. 10121 and 9729,
respectively, and were exposed to LGU
Best Practices in the region.
Christine Salcedo-Palma

Page 10 THE INTERIOR SECTOR AT A GLANCE
November 2011
Inventory of donations to police,
fire and jail bureaus ordered
Donations, whether
financial or material, given by
local governments to their
local police, fire and jail offices
should all be accounted for,
according to the Department
of the Interior and Local
Government.
Secretary Jesse Robredo
expressed concern that at
present, there is no clear
system that would account or
make an inventory of the said
donations.
According to him, the nonaccounting
or inventory of the
support given by the LGUs
had been the usual findings of
the Commission on Audit
(COA) in their value for money
and financial performance
audit of the concerned units.
“For purposes of
transparency, accountability
and in order to maintain
inventory or accounting of
fund support whether in kind,
cash or lot donation given to
PNP,BFP and BJMP, and
equipment on loan basis, we
should be provided with
reports on this financial or
material assistance,” said the
DILG secretary in his
directive.
Robredo explained that the
inventory will help his
department in coming up with
a policy on accounting and
rationalizing the allocation to
the concerned operating units
of the PNP, BFP and BJMP.
In a directive, DILG
Secretary Jesse Robredo called
on all provincial governors, city
and municipal mayors
nationwide to submit to the
DILG central office through the
Office of Assistant Secretary for
Finance and Comptrollership
Ester Aldana reports on the
financial or material assistance
they have given to the local
offices of the Philippine
National Police (PNP), Bureau
of Fire Protection (BFP) and
Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology (BJMP), all
attached agencies under the
DILG.
Under the Local
Government Code, LGUs are
mandated to maintain peace
and order and public safety in
their respective areas of
jurisdiction, and in support to
such function they (LGUs)
usually provide or donate
financial or material assistance
in the form of funds, lots,
equipment, including firearms
and ammunitions and other
facilities to the three uniformed
bureaus of the DILG.
In Metro Manila for
instance, almost all city
governments in the metropolis
have provided mobile cars for
the anti-crime operations of
their respective police districts,
fire trucks and other fire
fighting equipment to their fire
stations, firearms and
ammunition to city jails
personnel, and even lots for the
construction of jail facilities.
For a quick and orderly
reporting system, the
department has prepared and
disseminated to the local chief
executives a ready-to-fill-up
inventory form.
Two Central Luzon-based senior police officers
assigned at the PNP Aviation Security Group are
facing dismissal from the service after a Singaporebound
lady plane passenger lodged a complaint
against them before the National Police Commission
for alleged grave misconduct thru extortion.
The extortion suspects have been identified as
Senior Superintendent (Col.) Amador Hernandez and
Superintendent (Lt. Col.) Eulogio Lovello Fabro, both
assigned with the PNP Aviation Security Group at
the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport,
Clark, Pampanga.
DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, who is also the
Napolcom chairman, said he has recommended the
BJMP allows virtual visit thru E-Dalaw
With the advent of social
networking sites and internet
chatting, the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology
(BJMP) has found a way to
bridge the distance between
inmates and their loved ones
through the internet.
The e-Dalaw System
project launched by the BJMP
and the Office of the Solicitor
General makes use of a
supervised internet video call
allowing inmates, particularly
the sick and the aged and those
whose families live very far
away, to connect to their
families locally or abroad.
Under the project, each
user/inmate is allowed five
minutes of Skype use daily.
administrative relief against the two police officers
pending investigation and resolution of their cases.
The two subject PNP officers had undergone,
after due notice, summary dismissal hearing
pursuant to Section 42 of Republic Act 6975 as
amended by Section 53 of RA 8551 in relation to
Napolcom Memo Circular 2007-001.
The Napolcom, which is a collegial body and a
policy-making office of the PNP, is set to decide on
the fate of Hernandez and Fabro anytime soon, the
DILG chief said.
The case against Hernandez and Fabro stemmed
from the complaint of Mary Ann Delgado, a resident
of Binguang, San Pablo, Isabela, when she was
Relatives of persons deprived
of liberty who want to avail of
Skype calls shall send an e-mail
request one week before the
intended call, indicating the
time and date when call shall
be made and full name of
inmate to called. The service is
available Mondays- Fridays
from 9am -12nn and 1pm-4pm.
Currently, there are more
than 65,000 inmates under the
management of the Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology
(BJMP), some of them come
from far flung provinces
making it difficult for their
families to visit.
BJMP Director Rosendo
Dial said the project will not
only save lots of money on the
Two police colonels face the ax over P5K “kotong”
part of families but will also
address homesickness and
boredom of inmates because
they now have a chance to
interact with their families.
“The e-Dalaw System also
resolves security issues caused
by the large number of visitors
who need to be searched for
contrabands,” he said.
After its successful launch
at the Quezon City Jail in
October, the e-Dalaw system
was introduced at the Manila
City Jail. It shall be extended to
the biggest jails in Metro Manila
and will soon be replicated in
Visayas and Mindanao in
partnership with the Office of
the Solicitor General.
BJMP-CRS/Julian Meneses
Secretary Jesse Robredo (center) and Manila Congresswoman Naida Angping (left) join Wardress Supt. Esemeralda
Azucena and Warden Sr. Supt. Ruel Rivera during the launch of e-Dalaw System project at the Manila City Jail
recently.
checking in at the Diosdado Macapagal International
Airport prior to her Singapore trip.
When Delgado’s baggage passed through the
airport’s X-Ray machine, the personnel assigned
found out that she was carrying cash of more than
P20,000 which she failed to declare in compliance
to a Central Bank Circular that “excess money of
more than P10,000 should be declared” before the
local Bureau of Customs office.
A few minutes later, Delgado said she was
brought inside the airport’s PNP ASG office where
she met Hernandez and Fabro who allegedly
coerced her to hand over P5,000 to settle the
problem.

Page 11 THE INTERIOR SECTOR AT A GLANCE
November 2011
SILG Jesse M. Robredo, in his visit to the Lumbia City Jail in Cagayan de Oro City where an
86-meter tunnel leading into the city jail was discovered.
BFP, PNP- FED to inspect firecracker
stores and products
Officials of the Bureau of Fire
Protection and the PNP Firearms and
Explosives Division should
immediately effect immediate
inspection of all firecrackers and
pyrotechnics manufacturers’ stores
and plants in the country,
particularly in Bulacan, and ensure
safety of all products they would sell
in the market.
DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo has
directed acting BFP chief Samuel
Perez and PNP FED chief, Chief
Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, to
coordinate and request
representatives from the Department
of Trade and Industry and the
Department of Health in carrying out
their tasks.
“In the advent of the Holiday
Seasons, particularly during the
Christmas and New Year’s eve
celebrations, we expect different
types of fireworks and firecrackers to
flood the market. We need to regulate
and check the efficacy and safety all
these products to reduce firecrackerrelated
injuries,” he said.
The BFP, Robredo said, should
inspect all firecracker stores and
plants in the country and ensure that
all of them comply with fire safety
regulations and avoid accidental
fires and explosions.
The PNP FED, which has control
over the ingredients being used in the
manufacture of firecrackers, on the
other hand, should strictly enforce
Republic Act 7183 or the law
regulating the manufacture and sale
of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to
ensure that all banned products such
as “atomic big triangulo,baby
dynamite, super lolo, kwiton and
similar devices will not be sold in the
market, the DILG chief said.
He also said there is a continuing
need for a closer coordination among
the DILG-PNP, the DTI, DOH and
other concerned agencies to properly
classify firecrackers and
pyrotechnics to determine which are
authorized for sale to the public and
which are not.
To protect the local firecrackers
industry, Robredo said the PNP-FED
should also coordinate with the
Bureau of Customs to prevent the
influx and sale in the local market of
illegally imported or smuggled
firecracker products from China and
other countries.
PNP goes after
motorcycle-riding crooks
The Philippine National Police
(PNP) has already adopted some
measures to stop the proliferation of
crimes committed by motorcycleriding
in tandem criminals.
PNP chief, Director General
Nicanor Bartolome said that while
there was an increase in crime
incidents involving motorcycle riding
criminals this year, the PNP has
already carried out some strategies to
enhance crime prevention and
solution such as, the implementation
of the Police Integrated Patrol System
(PIPS), and the deployment of
motorcycle mounted police officers
known as Motorized Anti-Street
Crime Operatives (MASCO).
The deployment of the MASCO,
whose members are required to
undergo basic tactical rider’s course,
is aimed at preventing robberies,
carnappings/carjackings,
kidnappings and other crimes
perpetrated by motorcycle riding
criminals.
Bartolome also reported that
maximum police visibility has been
intensified with the deployment of
administrative personnel assigned at
headquarters and support units to the
field especially in the metropolis.
Likewise, PNP field commanders
have been directed to optimize police
personnel deployment in the streets,
malls, banks, transport terminals,
airports/seaports, and other places
of convergence to implement
“KontraBoga” and “Operation
Bakal” against loose firearms and
“Oplan Sita” and “No Plate No
Travel” policy against motorists.
Earlier, Robredo, who is also
Chairman of the National Police
Commission (Napolcom), issued an
order to the PNP to conduct
operations amid reports of the
increasing number of victims falling
prey to riding in tandem crooks
especially in Metro Manila.
In his directive, Robredo asked
the PNP Chief to submit an
assessment report on the matter
including measures that the PNP
intends to implement with specific
operational requirements and
logistical support.
Statistics show that there were
1,700 crime incidents committed from
January to September 2011, compared
to 1,565 similar incidents during the
same period last year, a number of
which were committee motorcycleriding
crooks.
Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region Director C/Supt. Santiago Laguna and
San Juan City Fire Marshal C/Insp. Gilbert Dolot together with other BFP officers conduct
inspections on firecracker stores in the city to ensure the efficacy and safety of the firecracker
products they are selling. Photo by J. Meneses

LGUs’ support instrumental
in PPUR’s victory
The successful bid of
Puerto Princesa
Underground River (PPUR)
as one of the New Seven
Wonders of Nature could be
attributed to the all-out
support given by the
country’s governors,
mayors and barangay
chairmen.
Local executives,
particularly in the “conflict
areas” in Mindanao, are dutybound
to lead and carry out the
government’s “all-out justice”
campaign by working for the
arrest of lawless elements and
wanted persons staying or
hiding in their localities.
DILG Secretary Jesse
Robredo said all elected local
officials have sworn duties and
are mandated under the law to
lead the peace and order
campaign, including going out
after lawless elements and
wanted persons, in their
respective localities.
DILG Secretary Jesse
Robredo, who is chairman of
the Inter-Agency Task Force for
the PPUR campaign created
under Presidential
Proclamation 182, said the
more than 80 percent
compliance of local chief
executives nationwide to rally
their constituents to vote –via
text message PPUR 2861 or
via the Internet – contributed
a lot in the effort.
“I thank all the local
chief executives nationwide
who answered our call to
support the PPUR to be one
of the New Seven Wonders
of Nature. It is Filipino unity
Continued on page 4
FIRST TEXT PROMO MILLIONAIRE DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero (second from left) and
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn (right) hand over the symbolic check of P1-million to Marites
Balagtas of Malolos, Bulacan and her two kids, who won in the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River (PPUR)’s
Text Raffle Promo “Pera sa Kuweba.” Balagtas is the first millionaire of the PPUR promo which is
extended up to December 30 this year where lucky texters could win as much as P25-million for the first prize.
Texters could participate by texting the word “PPUR” and then sending to 2861. Also in photo is Rod Saucelo
of the Puerto Princesa Support Committee (left).
Local execs to lead all-out justice
campaign in Mindanao
“If a concerned local chief
executive does nothing against
lawless elements or even
harbors fugitives in their areas,
they are liable under the law.
We can file criminal and
administrative cases against
them such as harboring
fugitives or dereliction of duty
under the Local Government
Code of 1991,” he said.
The DILG chief was with
Social Welfare and
Development Secretary Dinky
Soliman and Presidential Peace
Adviser Ging Deles in Basilan
and Zamboanga Sibugay to
deliver President Noynoy
Aquino’s message and
government assistance to
evacuees in the strife-torn areas
in said provinces.
Robredo, Deles and
Soliman’s visit in Mindanao
was part of the government’s
response on the recent
encounters between
government troops and lawless
elements from the Abu Sayyaf
and Moro Islamic Liberation
Front in Al-Barka in Basilan
and in three towns of
Zamboanga Sibugay.
The separate encounters
resulted in the killing of at least
Continued on page 4
VOL. 6 NO. 11
DILG Secretary Jesse
Robredo is backing the creation
of a trust fund for unused
calamity funds so disasterstricken
provinces, towns and
cities could still use the money
in the next storm cycle.
Robredo said almost all
local government units do not
use up all their calamity funds,
which are just declared as
savings at the end of the year.
He cited a bill pending in
Congress that sought to create
a five-year trust fund from
unused calamity funds instead
of reverting them to savings.
“Not all places go through
the same storm or disaster.
That’s why the concept of a
trust fund is very good. If you
have no calamity this year, then
you set aside the money. It’s
November 2011
Interior chief bats
for calamity trust fund
The Patrol 117 emergency
call center has been cited for
its role in the quick response
and rescue of Janelle
Manahan, girlfriend of slain
actor Ramgen Bautista, after
both were shot and stabbed by
an unidentified man on the
eve of October 28 inside their
home in Paranaque City.
Reports reaching the
Department said the Patrol 117
NCR Call Center received a
call around 11:44 pm of
October 28 from a certain
Wendell Cunanan stating that
her friend Manahan was shot
by an unidentified person at
the Bautista residence at No. 4
President Avenue, Phase 6 A,
BF Homes, Paranaque City.
Although badly
wounded, Manahan managed
to dial up her cellular phone
and informed Cunanan of
what had happened to her and
Ramgen. After receiving
like you just deposited the
money in the bank for the time
that you’d need the money,”
Robredo said.
Under the law, LGUs may
tap five percent of their internal
revenues for a calamity.
Robredo said this meant
that of the P300 billion Internal
Revenue Allotment (IRA)
shares of the LGUs, roughly
P15 billion, or 5 percent, would
be set aside as calamity funds.
“In practice, that money is
used not for the calamity but
for the rehabilitation afterward
– for damaged roads and
bridges, farming programs….
That’s not a calamity fund
anymore. A calamity fund is
quick response money,” he
said.
Continued on page 4
Patrol 117 cited for timely
rescue of Ramgen’s GF
Manahan’s call, Cunanan
quickly called up Patrol 117
NCR Call Center which
promptly relayed the call for
assistance to the Paranaque
City Police Station.
A certain SPOI Maaba
from the Paranaque PNP
Station who received the
information immediately
dispatched a responding team
composed of PO2 Bukid, PO2
Locsin and POI Marcos,
accompanied by an
ambulance from Barangay BF
Homes.
Manahan, who was
reportedly shot in the head
and bleeding profusely, was
rushed to the Asian Hospital
for treatment. She recovered
from the incident while
Ramgenwas declared dead on
arrival at the Paranaque
Medical Center due to gunshot
and stab wounds.
Continued on page 4