Philippine Army, ULAP Bolster Partnership for Nation-Building
Present during the strategic briefing were key officials from the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and its member leagues. These included:
- Vice Gov. Katherine Agapay (ULAP Vice Chairman, LVGP National President, and Vice Governor of Laguna)
- Vice Mayor Dean Anthony Domalanta (ULAP Liaison Officer, VMLP National President, and Vice Mayor of San Mariano, Isabela)
- Vice Mayor Bernard Dela Cruz (ULAP Vice President – Mindanao, VMLP National Chairman, and Vice Mayor of Malabon)
- BM Ananias Canlas (ULAP Legal Counsel, PBMLP National Chairman, and Board Member of Pampanga)
- BM Ram Revilla (ULAP Treasurer, PBMLP National President, and Board Member of Cavite)
- BM Jessica Dy (ULAP Member of the Board, LNB National President, and Board Member of Isabela Province)
- Coun. Raul Corro (ULAP Chairman for Advocacy and Policy, PCL National Chairman, and Councilor of Muntinlupa City)
- BM Mila Catabay-Lauigan (Secretary-General and Board Member of Cagayan)
- BM Karla Monica Adajar-Lajara (Vice President for Luzon and Board Member of the 1st District of Calamba, Laguna)
- BM Christian Nino Lajara (Board Member of the 2nd District of Calamba, Laguna)
- Coun. Jetaime Okinlay (NMYL National Executive Vice President and Councilor of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon)
- Aileen Leycano (ULAP Executive Director)
- Fritzie Aguado (NMYL Executive Director)
- Larry Caminero (PCL Executive Director)
- Christine Valenzuela (LVGP Executive Director)
- Maricor Cauton (ULAP Director for Finance and Admin)
- Blake Barrios (ULAP Director for Plans, Program, and Policy)
- Lawrence Trinidad (ULAP Project Development Manager)
- Joshua Gonzales (ULAP IT Officer)
- Hezekiah Alis (PCL Technical Staff)
- Erwin Lulo (PCL Admin Staff)
- Hans Khristoffer Trabado (LNB Liaison Officer Visayas)
ULAP Joins Activities of the Philippine Open Government Partnership Week
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) actively participated in the Philippine Open Government Week 2024, held from May 27 to 31. ULAP Policy Director Ralfhee Blake Barrios joined key activities, including the Opening Session on May 27, themed "Meet the Moment. Raise Ambition. Rise to the Challenge," and the session on May 30 focused on advancing the OGP localization agenda through responsiveness, innovation, and empowerment in local governance. These events, hosted by the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), emphasized transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, aligning with ULAP's commitment to fostering open government initiatives across the nation.
ULAP Supports Philippine Open Government Partnership Achievements
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) proudly supports the recent accomplishments highlighted by Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Chairperson and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman. During the PH-OGP Diplomatic Reception on May 28, 2024, at the Marble Hall, Ayuntamiento, Bureau of the Treasury, Secretary Pangandaman showcased the country's strides in open government.
"We have accomplished a lot for open government in recent years. Hence, imagining the greater heights that we will achieve and the potential impact that we will create through the OGP gives us hope for a better and brighter future. And so...in the spirit of diplomacy and camaraderie, let us meet the moment, raise ambition, and rise to the challenge—together," Sec. Mina emphasized in her keynote.
The event also featured messages from distinguished guests such as Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Jesus Domingo, and PH-OGP Non-Government Steering Committee Chairperson Aurora Chavez. DBM Undersecretary Margaux V. Salcedo hosted the reception.
The gathering saw the presence of notable figures, including Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Treasurer of the Philippines Sharon Almanza, and various other high-ranking officials from national and local governments, the Diplomatic Corps, and International Development Organizations. Local leaders such as Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap, along with PH-OGP Steering Committee members, also graced the event.
ULAP stands committed to the principles of open government and looks forward to contributing to the continued success and impact of the PH-OGP initiatives.
Governor Cua Calls for Local Action on Water Security at World Water Forum
The Philippines, despite abundant water resources, faces water stress due to factors like changing rainfall patterns and increasing demand. Governor Cua emphasized that LGUs are at the forefront of ensuring water security, spearheading initiatives like public-private partnerships focused on water and sanitation.
The Governor commended innovative solutions being implemented by LGUs, such as rainwater harvesting, treated wastewater utilization, and watershed management programs, among others. He stressed the importance of collaboration between LGUs, the national government, private sector, and civil society to achieve universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.
UCLG ASPAC President Gov Dax Cua officially closed the Local and Regional Governments Day organized by UCLG, the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments, the Republic of Indonesia, and the World Water Council. Attended by local and regional leaders, policymakers, and experts, the event was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovative thinking in tackling global challenges.
ULAP Delegates Actively Participate in the the International Workshop on Building Smart and Resilient Cities and Communities in Asia and the Pacific
Gov. Jake Villa emphasized the critical need for learning and knowledge exchange to improve our efforts toward water sustainability. By collaborating and learning from the best practices of local governments locally and internationally, we can enhance our water distribution and monitoring systems significantly.
Meanwhile, Board Member Jun Canlas highlighted the immense potential of technology in water management. From AI to big data analytics, these advancements can revolutionize our approach, especially in the face of extreme heat and drought. Additionally, he stressed the importance of exploring simpler and more feasible solutions, such as permeable pavements, to enhance water resilience.
Gov. Cua Opens International Workshop on Building Smart & Resilient Cities
United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) and ULAP President Governor Dax Cua kicked off the International Workshop on Building Smart and Resilient Cities and Communities in Asia and the Pacific, highlighting the urgency of creating safer and more sustainable cities in our region. The workshop, co-organized by UNCRD and UCLG ASPAC, focuses on empowering local policymakers and planners with the tools and strategies to achieve this goal. ULAP Legal Counsel and Philippine Board Members League Chairman Atty. Ananias Canlas, Jr. and Siquijor Governor Gov. Jake Villa also joined the workshop.
"The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing unprecedented urban growth, but this brings complex challenges," Gov. Cua said. "We cannot afford to overlook the urgency of building safer, more resilient, and sustainable cities."
Governor Dax Cua and UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Bernadia Tjandradewi with Mr. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Minister for Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning of Indonesia, and Mr. Muhammad Tito Karnavian, Minister of Home Affairs of Indonesia, during the Local and Regional Governments Day at the 10th World Water Forum.
