The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) recently concluded its 104th National Executive Board Meeting on April 5, 2024, at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City.
Present during the said meeting are Gov. Dax Cua, who serves as ULAP National President and LPP National Chairman; Mayor Joseph Bernos, holding positions as ULAP 1st VP for Luzon and LMP National President; Vice Gov. Atty. Reynaldo Quimpo as ULAP 2nd VP for Visayas and LVGP National Chairman; and Vice Mayor Bernard dela Cruz as ULAP 3rd VP for Mindanao and VMLP National Chairman. Also present were BM Saul Paulo Lazo, serving as ULAP Assistant PRO and NMYL National Chairman; Vice Mayor Dean Anthony Domalanta, ULAP Liaison Officer and VMLP National President; BM Ananias Canlas, Jr., ULAP Legal Counsel and PBMLP National Chairman; and Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, ULAP Chairman for Advocacy and Policy, and PCL National Chairman. Further attendees included BM Jessica Dy, LNB President; BM Ma. Martina Gimenez, LNB Executive Vice President; Mayor Sammy Co, LCP National Vice Chairperson; Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, NMYL National PRO; and Coun. Tol Zarcal, NMYL VP for NCR.
Special guests to the NEB were Governor James Edduda of the Province of Kalinga, Governor Joseph Cua of the Province of Catanduanes, Mayor Jane Yap of Tagbilaran City, Mayor Don Victor Alcala of Lucena City, Mayor Francis Faustino "Kiko" Dy of Echague, Isabela, and Mayor Nikko Mercado of Maasin City. Also present were representatives of Mayor John Rey Tiangco of Navotas City, CENRO Chief Ms. Yzabela Habunal and Youth Development Officer Ms. Kathryn Anne Hilario as well as representatives Mr. Orville Ballitoz of the Province of Cotobato and EnP. Ermin Lucino of Sta Rosa City.
The meeting featured Honorable Benjamin Abalos, Jr., Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) who was accompanied by Usec. Marlo Iringan, CESO III, Usec. Atty. Odilon Pasaraba, Usec. Lord Villanueva, Usec. Felecito Valmocina, Dir. Debbie Torres and Ms. Diane Baldonado. Usec. Karlo Fermin Adriano, from the Department of Finance (DOF), Ms. Leila Areola, Director IV of the Bureau of Curriculum Development of the Department of Education (DepEd), Atty. Reena Vivienne Pineda, Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC), Mr. Jerome Ilagan, Chief of the Policy Research and Development Division of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Maj. Nilbert Dagpin of the Philippine Army, Colonel Charles Castillo of Philippine Army, and Atty. Herminio Bagro of the US ASEAN Business Council also enriched the discussions of the NEB meeting as resource speakers.
Present via zoom were Vice Gov. Atty. Katherine Agapay, serving as ULAP Vice Chairman and LVGP National President, Vice Gov. Christine Garin, as ULAP Assistant Secretary General and 4L National President, Coun. Marlon Alejandrino, as ULAP Assistant Treasurer and NMYL National President, and Ms. Chris Valenzuela, LVGP Executive Director.
Together with the ULAP Secretariat, also present were League Secretariat Members namely Atty. Jomar Olegario, LPP Executive Director; Ms. Andrea Loriaga, LMP Executive Director; Ms. Peachy Aguado, NMYL Executive Director; and Ms. Miki Monterde, LCP Deputy Executive Director.
ULAP's DILG Hour
Secretary Benjamin Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) played an active role in the 104th National Executive Board Meeting of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, convened at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel on April 5, 2024.
During his address at the ULAP's DILG Hour, Secretary Abalos underscored the DILG's commitment to accountable, transparent, and effective governance under the theme "MATINO, MAHUSAY AT MAAASAHAN." He emphasized aligning DILG's strategies with the national development agenda and outlined the department's key thrusts for nation-building.
Secretary Abalos highlighted the importance of strategic alignment with the national development agenda and the adoption of a results-oriented framework to maximize collaboration with stakeholders. He stressed DILG's focus on ensuring initiatives prioritize the interests of Filipinos through tailored interventions and technological enhancements to meet evolving citizen demands. The Secretary emphasized DILG's commitment to alliance-driven, people-centric, and future-ready strategies aimed at fostering partnerships, advancing citizen interests, and preparing communities for future challenges.
Secretary Abalos also provided updates on DILG's initiatives to intensify citizens' participation through platforms like town hall meetings and consultations with stakeholders. He highlighted recent milestones such as the launch of the eLGU Caravan and the deployment of the eLGU App to digitize local government services, streamlining processes for enhanced efficiency and transparency.
In closing, Secretary Abalos expressed gratitude to ULAP and its members for their partnership in advancing the DILG's mission of promoting good governance and inclusive development across the Philippines.
Newly Elected LNB Leadership Attends 104th ULAP NEB Meeting
The recently elected President of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB), Hon. Jessica Dy of Isabela, attends her first ULAP National Executive Board Meeting held on April 5, 2024, at EDSA Shangri-La.
During the meeting, President Dy conveyed the unwavering support of the Liga ng mga Barangay to both ULAP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). She emphasized that ULAP and DILG can rely on the collective strength and collaboration of the LNB in advancing initiatives and programs that benefit local government units across the nation.
In her statement, President Dy expressed gratitude to the DILG and ULAP for their continued partnership and pledged the commitment of the LNB in fostering stronger ties and synergies among local government organizations.
President Dy also took the opportunity to introduce the new lineup of LNB Officers with BM Ma. Martina Gimenez, LNB Executive Vice President.
"I am honored to serve as the President of the Liga ng mga Barangay and to represent the interests of our barangays" remarked President Dy. "Together with our dedicated officers, we are ready to contribute actively to the advancement of local governance and community development."
ULAP NEB Throws Support Behind DepEd's National Learning Recovery Program
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines National Executive Board expressed their strong commitment to the Department of Education's (DepEd) National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) through a recently adopted resolution.
The resolution signifies ULAP's support for DepEd's efforts to improve student learning outcomes and strengthen teacher competence. The NLRP includes initiatives like the National Learning Camp (NLC), which has shown promising results in its initial run.
DepEd Director Areola emphasized the importance of collaboration with LGUs in addressing challenges faced by the NLC program. These challenges include student economic barriers, lack of interest, academic difficulties, and limited parental engagement.
Discussions also highlighted the need for disaggregated data to target areas needing the most support. Proposals included increasing scholarship incentives for student tutors and exploring partnerships for immersion programs between LGUs and the Department of Labor and Employment.
ULAP NEB Backs National Youth Development Plan
During their 104th meeting, the ULAP National Executive Board endorsed the implementation of the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023-2028.
Atty. Pineda, representing the National Youth Commission (NYC), presented the PYDP, a comprehensive plan crafted after a year of consultations. The plan aims to empower Filipino youth, who make up 30% of the population.
Atty. Pineda emphasized the crucial role of LGUs in implementing the PYDP, as mandated by law. She urged LGU officials to explore the plan's strategies for youth development in areas like governance, education, and health as well as to allocate funds specifically for youth development initiatives, create a permanent position dedicated to serving as a PYDP focal person within LGUs, ensuring sustained focus and coordination on youth-related programs, and actively participate in NYC meetings that center on the PYDP, fostering collaboration and alignment between national and local efforts aimed at youth development and empowerment.
CCC Strengthens LGU Climate Action Through ULAP Partnership
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) presented its programs and funding opportunities to the ULAP National Executive Board (NEB) during their recent meeting.
Mr. Ilagan, representing the CCC, highlighted their role in mainstreaming climate action through various plans and the People's Survival Fund (PSF). The PSF offers financial support for local government climate initiatives.
ULAP members expressed interest in increased collaboration with the CCC. Atty. Corro proposed ULAP involvement in the PSF grants, while other members requested easier access to the fund.
The CCC is committed to supporting LGUs through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and training programs on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
DOF Pushes for Plastic Tax, ULAP Voices Support
The Department of Finance (DOF) presented a proposal for an excise tax on single-use plastics (SUP) to the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.
Undersecretary Karlo Adriano highlighted the Philippines' plastic pollution crisis, ranking it as the third-highest contributor to plastic waste in the ocean globally.
The DOF proposes a Php 100 per kilogram tax on single-use plastic bags, such as "ice," "labo," and "sando" bags. The tax is projected to generate significant revenue for solid waste management programs while encouraging a reduction in plastic bag use. Undersecretary Adriano pointed out that this proposed measure seeks to curb the high volume of mismanaged plastics in the country and serves as the Philippines’ contribution to the global movement of reducing pollution and adopting more sustainable practices while raising revenues to spur economic growth. ULAP expressed support for the DOF's initiative to address this pressing environmental issue.
However, ULAP members also raised concerns about the utilization rate of the Solid Waste Management Fund. The ULAP NEB called for a study on waste management failures and requested disbursement mechanisms and training for LGUs on accessing the Solid Waste Management Fund.
ULAP and US-ABC Forge Partnership to Bolster Local Economies
During the ULAP NEB Meeting, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) announced a new partnership to strengthen economic cooperation and promote sustainable development at the local government level. As approved by the NEB, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed by ULAP Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua, outlining areas of collaboration such as leveraging public-private partnerships, facilitating business growth, promoting tourism, fostering financial inclusion, and exploring innovative procurement strategies. This collaboration aims to benefit ULAP members by providing them with access to US-ABC's network, resources, and expertise. ULAP, in turn, will connect US-ABC members with business opportunities across the Philippines. Both parties believe this partnership will unlock new opportunities for American businesses and create a win-win situation for both countries.
