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.
Revitalizing the Philippines Mining Industry: A Pillar for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Growth and Development
ULAP President Gov. Dax Cua participated as a panelist in the event titled "Revitalizing the Philippines Mining Industry: A Pillar for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Growth and Development." The event, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Stratbase ADR Institute, aimed to explore sustainable practices and the socio-economic potential of the mining sector.
In his speech, Gov. Cua highlighted the crucial role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in ensuring sustainable mining operations. He emphasized, "LGUs are at the forefront of enforcing environmental standards and safety protocols in mining operations within their jurisdictions. Through rigorous permit issuance and monitoring, LGUs will be able to ensure that mining activities adhere to sustainable practices and ESG principles, mitigating adverse environmental impacts and safeguarding community welfare."
Gov. Cua also stressed the importance of investing in the technical capacities of LGUs to enhance regulatory oversight and compliance. He pointed out that local communities should benefit from mining activities through job creation, infrastructure development, and economic diversification. Referring to the Local Government Code, he noted, "The proceeds from the share of local government units shall be appropriated to finance local development and livelihood projects."
The event underscored the need for transparency, effective governance, and strong community engagement to harness the full potential of the mining industry.
World Bank and ULAP Engage in Productive Dialogue to Strengthen Local Governance in the Philippines
Taguig City, Metro Manila — Senior officials from the World Bank and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) convened on 6 May 2024 to explore potential engagements to strengthen support for local governments in the Philippines and identify avenues for deeper collaboration.
The meeting, held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, provided a platform for meaningful exchanges between key World Bank officials led by Mr. Ndiamé Diop, Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, and Ms. Anna Wellenstein, Regional Director of Sustainable Development Practice Group for East Asia and the Pacific, and ULAP representatives led by its National President, Governor Dax Cua. Joining Gov. Cua were Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor of the Province of Iloilo, Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza of the Province of Cotabato, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez of Bacolod City, Mayor Germelina Singson-Goulart of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, BM Jessica Dy of Brgy. San Fabian, Echague, Isabela, BM Ma. Martina L. Gimenez of Brgy. San Miguel, Tanauan, Leyte, and Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Also present during the dialogue were the ULAP Secretariat, Quezon City Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office Head Jay Gatmaitan, League of Cities of the Philippines Executive Director Veron Hitosis, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines Deputy Executive Director Vingaye Pizarro.
The agenda featured World Bank’s presentation of its sustainable development programs in the country particularly on urban resilience and disaster, water, agriculture, and environment, natural resources, and blue economy. Meanwhile, ULAP National President Governor Dax Cua outlined ULAP’s activities and programs, local government programs, challenges, and opportunities. Governors and mayors present also shared firsthand experiences and strategic priorities from their respective local government units, enriching the dialogue with practical insights.
Mr. Ndiamé Diop shared insights into the World Bank's interventions, stating, "Our goal is to help design projects that truly meet the needs of local communities. Development is local, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that have a strong local impact."
"We look forward to identifying synergies with ULAP to scale up successful projects and empower local governments in driving sustainable development," Ms. Anna Wellenstein added.
The dialogue also discussed challenges faced by local governments, including infrastructure, disaster response, water management, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. ULAP emphasized the need for capital investments, technical expertise, and direct partnerships with the World Bank to address resource constraints and enhance service delivery.
"We are encouraged by the productive dialogue with World Bank today and look forward to advancing our collaboration to empower local governments and drive sustainable development outcomes in the Philippines. The local government units are your partners in national development. The future is local!" remarked Gov. Cua.
ULAP Advocates Voluntary GSIS Contributions for Qualified Elected Officials to Fulfill Contribution Years
In a significant development, the House Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization, under the leadership of Congressman Edwin Olivarez, has approved a crucial bill aimed at amending the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) law to address the retirement benefit challenges faced by elected officials who have not completed the minimum 15 years of government service. This legislative move was the focus of a recent hearing held at the Batasan Pambansa on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
During the hearing, Councilor Atty. Raul R. Corro, the PCL National Chairman and Chairman for Advocacy and Policy of ULAP, delivered a compelling opening statement acknowledging the pressing need for House Bill No. 8858. This bill, entitled "An Act Providing an Option for Qualified Elected Officials to Pay Voluntary Contribution to the GSIS," seeks to enable elected officials to complete the required years of service to qualify for retirement benefits.
The proposed bill aims to rectify the disconnect between the GSIS law's provisions and the realities faced by elected officials whose terms are limited by the Constitution. Councilor Corro argued that elected officials, deriving their mandates directly from the people through elections, deserve fair access to retirement benefits equivalent to their appointive counterparts.
The approval of House Bill No. 8858 at the committee level marks a significant milestone in addressing the retirement benefit disparities faced by elected officials. As advocacy efforts continue to gain momentum, ULAP remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting equitable policies that uphold the welfare and rights of government employees across the Philippines.
