MUNICIPAL Mayors of 28 towns in Western Visayas said a private-led initiative program on leadership and governance have been an effective tool in providing better service to their constituents.
Town mayors in Western Visayas are beneficiary of the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP) initiated by Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF).
It is a one year two-module leadership program intended for municipal mayors, municipal health officers and municipal planning and development officers anchored on the Bridging Leadership Framework (BLF).
It aims to empower municipal leaders to be bridging leaders so that they are able to transform their local health systems and make health programs and services work for the community especially the poor.
On March 17, the last batch of health and local officials and municipal planning and development officers graduated in the training conducted by the University of the Philippines Visayas.
rGuimbal, Iloilo Mayor Christine Garin said the training made her realize the responsibilities of a true leader and commitment to bring about change and development in her town.
Mayor Ernesto Estrao of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental said the course is his effective arm against ignorance and help in bringing development through community projects such as sanitary toilet, community water system and others.
Mayor John Tarrosa of Zarraga, Iloilo said he is fortunate to participate in the program that bridges health projects and improve service delivery in his town.
Those who received their certificates of graduation on March 17, are Iloilo Mayors Juan Alvarez (Ajuy), Geefre Alonsabe (Alimodian), Vicente Escorpion Jr. (Igbaras), Ligaya Apura (Lemery), Macario Napulan (Miagao), Eduardo Servidad (San Joaquin), Suzette Alquisada (Tigbauan), Vicente Gargaritano Jr (Tubungan), Tarrosa and Garin.
Two batches earlier graduated in February 5 and March 10, respectively.
The first batch are mayors Liecel Mondejar Seville (New Lucena, Iloilo), Milliard Villanueva(Concepcion, Iloilo), Edgar Peralta (New Washington, Aklan), Bernard Pesayco (Bugasong, Antique), and Francisco Baladjay Jr (Laua-an, Antique).
The second batch are from Aklan province namely Mayors Denny Refol of Altavas, Erlinda Maming of Banga, Delfina Ramos of Batan, Quezon Labindao of Buruanga, Ma. Lourdes Mirafloes of Ibajay, Vincent Navarosa of Libacao, Alfonso Gubatina of Madalag, Wilbert Ariel Igoy of Malinao, James Solanoy of Nabas and Gene Fuentes of Tangalan.
The other graduates were Mayors Emmanuel Galila of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and Ernesto Estrao of Hinoba-an and Richard Jaojoco of Toboso, both in the province of Negros Occidental.
A fourth batch of MLGP training is proposed after the May 9, 2016 elections. (LCP/Sunnex)