89th PH-EITI MSG Meeting
ULAP's Finance and Admin Director, Maricor Cauton, attended the 89th Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) Meeting held on March 19, 2024, at Lyf Hotel, Malate, Manila. Key discussions included updates on ongoing initiatives on the Improvement of Feedback Mechanism and Reconciliation Process and approval of the 2024 Work Plan. Additionally, attention was given to the Targeted Self-Assessment and Work Plan priorities for the fiscal year. The meeting concluded with agreements on various action points, including refining the feedback mechanism, engaging with BARMM, and coordinating responses to community concerns regarding mining activities.
Meeting with PhilHealth on the Konsulta Primary Provider Care Networks
ULAP Executive Director Aileen Leycano and Project Development Manager Lawrence Trinidad met with the Philhealth Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN) Project Management Team led by Dr. Francis Sarmiento last 19 March 2024 to discuss the expansion of the PCPN demonstration sites to accommodate more provinces and cities for sandboxing. This will allow more LGUs to access prospective capitation or frontloading of funds from Philhealth based on commitments and targets to provide Konsulta services to their constituencies.
NEDA Consultation Meeting on the Devolution Study
ULAP's Executive Director Aileen Leycano and Policy Director Blake Barrios participated in a consultation meeting held by NEDA alongside National Government Agencies and Local Government Leagues on 15 March 2024. During the session, NEDA presented the preliminary findings of its sensitivity study, which examined the DILG-ULAP submission regarding rationalized functions, services, and facilities (FSFs). This study aligns with Presidential Directive No. PBBM-2023-765-766, issued on December 21, 2023, mandating NEDA to conduct a sensitivity analysis to optimize government investments. This analysis includes identifying essential functions and services for LGUs, considering their capacities, as part of a phased-in devolution approach. Additionally, DILG, in collaboration with ULAP, was tasked with outlining a set of fundamental functions and services for LGUs, taking into account Devolution Transition Plans (DTPs) of Government Agencies (GAs) and LGUs. These efforts will culminate in a comprehensive report to be presented to the President in the near future, encompassing the contributions of ULAP, DILG, and NEDA.
20th Emergency 911 Commission Conference
ULAP, represented by Executive Director Aileen Leycano joined the 20th Emergency 911 Commission Conference on 8 March 2024. The conference saw discussions on pertinent topics including updates on the integration of existing local command centers into the Emergency 911 National Program. Furthermore, deliberations revolved around updates on local government units seeking establishment of their own Emergency 911 Local Call Centers. Additionally, the conference garnered attention towards the approval of the budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025, emphasizing the financial aspect crucial for the effective functioning of emergency response systems.
ULAP Consultation with PSA re PIIP Template
On 5 March 2024, ULAP Executive Director Aileen Leycano and Finance and Admin Director Maricor Cauton met with representatives of the PSA to discuss the PhilSys Integration Implementation Plan (PIIP). Discussion ensued on incentivizing local government units (LGUs) to comply with MC 95, s. 2022, with ULAP expressing concerns about internet access hindrances in remote LGUs and the continuity of plans across succeeding administrations. Strategies were proposed, including prioritizing provincial submissions, leveraging provincial influence over component LGUs, and rolling out revised PIP submissions in phases. Challenges regarding LGU capacity, personnel responsibility, and program identification were addressed, leading to recommendations for standardized instructions and preferred program lists. ULAP's recommendations for enhancing the PIP template were discussed, along with strategies for cascading information and conducting pretests. The meeting concluded with agreements to promote MC 95 compliance through awards, press releases, and potential revisions to the circular for enhanced clarity and accountability.
Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Participates in the 11th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand
In his address, Atty. Corro underscored the pivotal role of local and regional governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with over 65% of the SDG targets requiring local action. He emphasized the need for an enabling environment that empowers these governments, asserting that their active involvement can substantially expedite the progress of the Asia-Pacific region toward the SDGs.
This advocacy aligns with a global recognition that local governments play a crucial part in achieving sustainable development. Atty. Corro's message echoes a call for collaboration, emphasizing that local and regional authorities are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to the sustainable development agenda.
