LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Mayor Edna Tabanda recently reported on her administration's achievements, plans and ongoing efforts on local governance.
Reporting on the 23rd anniversary of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, with the theme, "Ang LGUng Magaling May Nararating", Tabanda cited accomplishments focused on eight point legislative agenda.
Good governance is highlighted by the open door policy; finalization of executive legislative agenda; strengthening of the newly created Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office; and digitization of data systems of the different departments.
On peace and order, strengthening of the community policing system, yearly allocation of P5 million, and purchase of mobilization facilities are key. It is chosen as pilot area for the formulation of a Public Order and Public Safety Plan.
On efforts in mainstreaming poverty reduction and employment of the poor and vulnerable, La Trinidad has adopted the Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Network (CAPIN) Protocol Manual; provision of protective and rehabilitation services to cases of abused children; trainings to day care workers, capability building of parent and youth leaders; and logistic support to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
The town is a pilot area for the Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Programs.
On education, provision of assistance to women, support to children and family programs and the LGU partnered with Synergiea, a private company, to implement a mother’s learning project together with their children.
On health, provision of sustainable adolescent reproductive health initiative, appointment of one medical doctor, healthy lifestyle promotion through sports and health awareness, and provision of P11 million budget for the construction of a new rural health unit.
On tourism programs, rehabilitation of the Balili River into a river park; ongoing validation of potential tourism sites in coordination with the Department of Tourism; and finalization of Municipal Tourism Plan.
Some of the agriculture projects in support to sustainable agriculture include full operation of Village Level Processing Facility at Longlong, Puguias with P1.5 million funding from the Department of Agriculture, establishment and operation of Coffee Processing Facility with P1.5 million from the Department of Trade and Industry; improvement of irrigation system from Pico to Betag; and support for the Bahong Livestock Natural Farming Demo.
On infrastructure for 2013-2014, 120 projects worth P58.99 million were LGU-funded, 88 of which were completed while 32 are still ongoing.
The LGU also acquired funds for infrastructure development projects endorsed by Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan including a P50 milliion worth of flood control project for 2014 and P1 million for the construction of Senior Citizen’s Multi-Purpose Building from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
On environment, major accomplishments include production of 12,000 potted Benguet pine seedlings; crafting of Busol Watershed Management Plan; renewal of MOA for the ‘Adopt an Estero’ program; and Asian Development Bank assistance to the LGU such as provision of trucks, garbage bins, improvement of composting facilities, information drives in barangays.
On climate change adaptation and mitigation, partnership with International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations committed to sustainable development, led to the formulation of climate change action plan including technical assistance.
Some programs and activities on human resource management were the scheduling of two jobs fairs and special program for employment of students and out-of-school youth.
On international relations and linkages were the establishment of sisterhood relations with Minimimaki, Japan and the re-establishment of sister municipality with Miyako City, Japan.
On fiscal management and tax reform, Tabanda reported a total of P262.603 million collected last year while a total of P224.186 million was collected from the first to last quarter of this year.
Likewise the local government has exerted efforts in streamlining its processes for a business-friendly environment launched early this year. (Susan Aro)