LAOAG CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recognized on Wednesday the city government of Batac, along with six other municipalities of Ilocos Norte, for their exemplary performance in crafting ordinances and resolutions that help build a strong foundation for local administration and development.
In time for the celebration of Independence Day held at the Provincial Capitol, the city officials of Batac led by re-elected mayor Albert Chua received the award as they rank first under the component cities category in the 2019 Local Legislative Award (LLA) which the Provincial Awards Committee (PAC) conducts every three years.
For the first to third-class municipalities category, San Nicolas won gold followed by Nueva Era (silver) and Vintar (bronze).
The municipality of Pagudpud also ranked first in the fourth to sixth class municipalities next to Marcos and Dumalneg.
Each awardee which includes mayors, vice mayors, city/town councilors, Liga ng Barangay presidents, Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen, and city/town council secretaries received medals, plaque of appreciation, and cash incentives ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP10,000.
Pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular 2015-68, the PAC conducted an assessment of all Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018.
DILG Provincial Director Reggie Colisao said that in 2006, the department, in partnership with the Philippine Councilors’ League, launched the LLA “to recognize the exemplary performance of the city and municipal councils in legislating measures that help build the foundation of local administration and development.”
The award is conferred on a Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan that has passed ordinances or resolutions which brought socio-economic and environmental development to the local government unit.
This is to inspire other local legislatures to perform better and institutionalize a system of recognition for Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan for exemplary performance. The criteria for the award require the legislative agenda to complement the executive agenda.
There must be also prior consultation with stakeholders in the development agenda.
The PAC is composed of representatives from the DILG, Philippine Councilors League, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. (PNA)
