ULAP Leads Insightful Webinar on Enhancing Marine Resources and Maritime Spaces in the Philippines
ULAP, in partnership with The Asia Foundation and Waypoints, successfully hosted a timely webinar entitled "Advancing the Interest of an Archipelagic Nation: The Role of Local Government in Enhancing the Country’s Marine Resources and Maritime Spaces" last January 22.
The webinar featured distinguished panelists shedding light on crucial aspects of marine resource management. Dr. Rhodora Azanza, Professor Emeritus of the Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines Diliman, led the first session, emphasizing the pivotal role played by LGUs in enhancing marine resources and bolstering the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy.
The second session, presented by Prof. Jay Batongbacal, Director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Laws of the Sea, delved into the issues surrounding maritime security, and the importance of legislating a maritime zones law, as well as opportunities for the advancement of marine spaces. Prof. Batongbacal discussed the critical responsibilities held by LGUs in safeguarding the nation's marine and maritime interests.
DTI, ULAP forge collaborative partnership to boost local industries and enhance consumer protection
“It is a top priority of Secretary Fred E. Pascual to expand our network and explore potential partnerships with our different stakeholders, in fulfillment of the DTI’s mandate. Hence, we continue to boost our local industries to become globally competitive and support the current administration's trade and investment promotion engagements that will benefit our economy,” said Undersecretary Bernardo-Lokin.
ULAP 103rd National Executive Board (NEB)
ULAP recently concluded its 103rd National Executive Board (NEB) Meeting, marking a pivotal moment for the organization as it solidified its strategic plan for 2024. The gathering, held at Makati Diamond Residences, was attended by ULAP President Gov. Dax Cua, Chairman Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., Vice Chairman Vice Governor Atty. Katherine Agapay, 2nd Vice President - Visayas Vice Governor Atty. Reynaldo Quimpo, 3rd Vice President - Mindanao Vice Mayor Bernard Dela Cruz, Secretary General Councilor Handy Lao, Assistant Secretary General Vice Governor Christine Garin, Assistant Auditor Councilor Jorge Daniel Bocobo, Public Relations Officer Councilor Kate Galang-Coseteng, Assistant PRO Board Member Atty. Saul Paulo Lazo, Liaison Officer Vice Mayor Dean Anthony Domalanta, Legal Counsel Board Member Atty. Ananias Canlas, Jr., Chairman for Policy and Advocacy Councilor Atty. Raul Corro, Chairman for Gender and Development Councilor Eden Pineda, NMYL Representative Vice Mayor John Paul Lampig, and NMYL Representative Councilor Marjorie Martin.
Special guests to the meeting were Gov. Angelina Tan of Quezon Province, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo Province, Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr. of Marinduque Province, Mayor Maila Ting-Que of Tuguegarao City, Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas of Mandaluyong City, Assistant Administrator Alberto Kimpo of Quezon City.
Governor Dax Cua during UN DESA's Virtual Workshop on Subsidiarity and Decentralization for Sustainable Development
Governor Dax Cua, President of ULAP highlighted the vital role of local governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for their empowerment through greater autonomy and resource allocation during UN DESA's Virtual Workshop on Subsidiarity and Decentralization for Sustainable Development today, 13 December 2023.
Gov. Cua believes that subsidiarity and decentralization are essential for unlocking the full potential of local communities and achieving a sustainable future, emphasizing that LGUs should not be viewed as subordinate entities, but rather as partners of the national government in achieving shared national development goals.
Empowering LGUs with real authority allows them to craft solutions tailored to their communities' needs and aspirations. Gov. Cua also shared ULAP's work in improving service delivery at the local level through the identification of essential services for each level of local government and the development of data-driven service delivery models.
First Filipino to Lead United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific
We are thrilled to share that Governor Dax Cua, President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), has been elected as the new President of the United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC)!
The UCLG-ASPAC, the largest regional section of UCLG with connections to over 7,000 local governments, made this historic decision during the Council Meeting in the 9th UCLG-ASPAC Congress held in Yiwu, China, from November 13 to 15, 2023.
“Mayors, governors, my fellow local government leaders, we have each been given the power to make the world a better place. Not everyone is given that opportunity– not everyone has the power to positively change the lives of other people. And by working together, we can amplify this power to improve not only our cities and provinces, but our region and the world.” said Governor Dax Cua.
ULAP Calls for Peaceful and Orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections
Mandaluyong, Philippines– The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) is calling on all stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections on 30 October 2023 are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“The BSKE is a crucial part of our democratic process, and it is important that all eligible voters are able to cast their votes freely and without fear of intimidation or violence,” said ULAP National President Gov. Dax Cua. “We urge all candidates, their supporters, and the general public to conduct themselves and cooperate with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the elections are held in a safe and secure environment.”
Barangays and SKs play a vital role in grassroots governance in the Philippines. They are the first responders to the needs of the community, and they are responsible for delivering basic services and promoting peace and order. They also play an important role in developing the youth and promoting civic engagement.
Likewise, ULAP is urging all registered voters to come out on election day to cast their votes. “Your vote is your chance to make a difference in your community,” Cua said.
