DAY 1. The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) in partnership with the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI), and Bantay Kita conducted the second of the six LGU Roadshows, National Resource Governance at the Local Level: Making Transparency Matter, Fersal Hotel, Puerto Prinsesa City on July 22-23, 2015. Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. welcomes the 20 participants composed of LGUs from MIMAROPA Region, local CSOs, Regional Directors of the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Energy, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Customs, Department of Budget and Management and Department of the Interior and Local Government and Bureau of Local Government Finance. Also present during the first day are Alfonso Umali Jr. (Governor), Jose Alvarez (Governor), Lucena Demaala (Mayor), Wenceslae Ignacio (Councilor) and Ethel Olid (Councilor).

The first day of the Forum discussed current gaps and issues in the extractive sector and possible policy recommendations on the national and local levels. It also looks at how the EITI process can contribute to good governance in the extractive industries. During the morning session, the PH-EITI Multistakeholder Group, represented by Atty. Marie Gay Alessandra Ordenes, presented the highlights and findings of the 1st EITI Report.

A panel discussion was also conducted to gather insights from the different stakeholders on what have emerged from the first report and can these insights target particular policies and implementation reforms, specifically on the computation and release of the LGU shares on the national wealth. The panelists were Jose Alvarez (Governor), Jennifer Galorport (DILG), Engr. Roland De Jesus (Mines and Geosciences Bureau), Atty. Josephine Sescon (Mines and Geosciences Bureau), and Ronald Barnacha (PH-EITI). The panel was moderated by ULAP Technical Manager, Genixon David.

The participants were asked to sign the commitment on continuing the advocacy of transparency and good governance in extractive industries. On the afternoon, the participants attended different track sessions on extractive industries. The topics are: Sub-national EITI Implementation, Environmental Governance, Social Development and Management Programs and Social Expenditures, Mining 101 and Small-scale Mining. Ms. Jane Abella of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was also present to discuss the existing process and structure on the LGU Shares from the national wealth. She also mentioned that the Department, together with the different collecting agencies such as BIR and MGB, are currently looking into the current process to hasten the release of shares to the LGUs.

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), together with its partners, Australian AID, The Asia Foundation, Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), held a project consultation meeting in Northern Samar on July 14, 2015 for the project "LGU-DENR partnership in the implementation of the Residential Free Patent Act (RA10023). Present during the meeting were Efren Sabong (Provincial Administrator), Eduardo Custorio (Provincial Assessor), Elias Aya-ay (DENR), Melba Arino (DENR), Napoleon Gacusan (DENR), Denms Armo (FAMN), Winston Solite (DENR), Ramon Unay (DENR), Dr. Diana Apistar (FEF), Loubert Tan (FEF).
The consultation meeting aims to create a partnership between the DENR of Northern Samar and the Provincial Local Government Unit by creating a desk office in the provincial government to help facilitate requirements needed to qualify for the Residential Free Patent Act. The partnership will not only expedite the land titling process but will also help increase the number of titles issued to residential public lands.

DAY 1. The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) in partnership with the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI), and Bantay Kita conducted the first of the six LGU Roadshows, National Resource Governance at the Local Level: Making Transparency Matter, Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City on July 15-16, 2015. ULAP Assistant Secretary General Councilor Kirk Asis welcomes the 83 participants composed of LGUs from CARAGA region, local CSOs, Regional Directors of the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Energy, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Customs, Department of Budget and Management and Department of the Interior and Local Government and Bureau of Local Government Finance. Also present during the first day are one (1) Vice Governor, six (6) Municipal Mayors, two (2) Municipal Vice-Mayors and one (1) Councilor.
The first day of the Forum discussed current gaps and issues in the extractive sector and possible policy recommendations on the national and local levels. It also looks at how the EITI process can contribute to good governance in the extractive industries. During the morning session, the PH-EITI Multistakeholder Group, represented by DILG-BLGD Director Anna Liza Bonagua, presented the highlights and findings of the 1st EITI Report.
A panel discussion was also conducted to gather insights from the different stakeholders on what have emerged from the first report and can these insights target particular policies and implementation reforms, specifically on the computation and release of the LGU shares on the national wealth. The panelists were: Director Anna Liza Bonagua, ULAP Assistant Sec. Gen. Councilor Kirk Asis, Engr. Daniel Belderol, MGB Regional Office 13, Director/Engr. Rex Monsanto, MGB Regional Office 10, Atty. Ronald Recidoro, Chamber of Mines, and Executive Director Starjoan Villanueva, Alternative Forum for Research in Mindanao, Inc. The panel was moderated by ULAP Technical Manager, Genixon David.
On the afternoon, the participants attended different track sessions on extractive industries. The topics are: Sub-national EITI Implementation, Environmental Governance, Social Development and Management Programs and Social Expenditures, Mining 101 and Small-scale Mining.
Undersecretary Janet Abuel of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was also present to discuss the existing process and structure on the LGU Shares from the national wealth. She also mentioned that the Department, together with the different collecting agencies such as BIR and MGB, are currently looking into the current process to hasten the release of shares to the LGUs.
Lastly, the participants were asked to sign the commitment on continuing the advocacy of transparency and good governance in extractive industries.
DAY 2. The second day is a half-day workshop on the EITI Reporting Process attended by 24 local treasurers, revenue collection officers, local accountants from provincial, city and municipal LGUs in CARAGA region . The workshop presented the new reporting template for local government units. It explained and provided instructions for the data gathering and reconciliation process.
Participants of the Workshop on Day Two were required to bring collections from large-scale metallic mining companies for all types of payments for the year 2013 and 2014; receipt of shares from national wealth for 2013 and 2014; and management/utilization of collection shares from national wealth for 2013 and 2014.

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines’ (ULAP), through its President, Gov. Alfonso V. Umali, forged a partnership to formally launch the Puno ng Buhay Program with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Bantay Kalikasan Foundation Inc. (ALKFI) Chairman, Ms. Regina Paz Lopez, ABS-CBN Corporation Free TV Head Ms. Cory Vidanes, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Bantay Kalikasan Foundation (BKF) Executive Director, Ms. Mary Elizabeth Delgado, President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Tantoco of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).The MOA signing was held at ABSCBN ELJ Communications Center, Quezon City last July 9, 2015.
The Puno ng Buhay Program is a countrywide tree planting/growing program for the benefit of the environment, the communities and the country in general. The initial sites that will serve as project models for replication are Marikina Watershed, Oriental Mindoro, Samar, Leyte and North Cotabato. The program’s goal is to conserve, enhance and expand the existing patches of natural forests in the area through rain forestation by planting indigenous and threatened forest species for biodiversity enhancement and wildlife habitat. This will also create environmental awareness and advocacy by involving all sectors of society.

ULAP, as one of the lead partners of this program, shall serve as an advocate partner to the Local Government Units (LGUs) and shall support the information dissemination and advocacy campaign through its networks of leagues of local governments, and its other information platforms.

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), together with its partner Atikha Inc., and the Provincial Government of Surigao Del Sur, conducted a Multistakeholders’ Orientation at the Provincial Governor’s Office of Surigao Del Sur in Tandag City on July 6 for the project “Scaling Up Initiatives in Mobilizing Migrant Resources towards Agricultural Development.” Representatives from the provincial development agencies, national agencies for local development, private sectors, and other local key stakeholders actively participated during the workshop and discussions.
Surigao Del Sur is one of the sites selected by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for its enormous potential for agricultural and economic development and sustainability, through the mobilization of OFW remittances and investments. Atikha initiated its PinoyWise initiative on investments, savings, and entrepreneurship in the province back in 2012. From 2015 onwards, the migration and development projects will be scaled-up with the support of IFAD, to concretely mainstream migration and development in the local development plans of the province.