CALG Accomplishment Report 2021

REDEFINING LOCAL GOVERNANCE NEWin the NORMAL Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region Accomplishment Report 2021



TABLE OF CONTENTS v Messages vii CALG: The DILG-NCR’s Local Governance Regional Resource Center x Acronyms 01 Outcome Areas 01 Accountable, Transparent, Participative and Effective Local Governance 13 Peaceful, Orderly and Safe LGUs 21 Socially Protective LGUs 27 Environment-Protective, Climate Change-Adaptive and Disaster-Resilient LGUs 45 Business-Friendly and Competitive LGUs 51 Strengthened Internal Organizational Capacity 61 Statistics at a Glance iii



MESSAGE 2021 was eventful in more ways than one. As in many and economic, as well as logistical stress that characterized maturing relationships, the dynamics between the most of 2021. Department of the Interior and Local Government- Leading the charge in knowledge management is National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) and the 17 local the reinvigorated and revitalized Local Government government units of the NCR evolved into one that is Regional Resource Center, now renamed more aptly as more collaborative and less hierarchical. the Center for the Advancement of Local Governance. There was no clearer evidence of this than the whole- It has the mandate to level the field of knowledge of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic among local governments and its network of partners, when national, regional and local instrumentalities of collaborators, and stakeholders. government meshed almost seamlessly to control and Toward this end, information technology is seen mitigate the virus. As with any crisis of monumental increasingly as the vital and indispensable component proportions that the pandemic was, the actors knew of a city or municipality that is smart, efficient, almost instinctively the roles each should play, what capable, empowered, and competitive. DILG-NCR functions are best executed nationally and locally, and will spearhead the more widespread adoption and what initiatives necessitated collaborative action. Most integration of information technology as an instrument importantly Need, and only Need, dictated how, when, of local governance, beginning with compiling data and where resources are allocated and deployed to the on what are already in use in NCR, such as those that exclusion of other extraneous considerations. facilitate remote transactions, geo-locate areas of Ancient wisdom tells us that crisis and opportunity are significance, create a database of inhabitants, and but two sides of the same coin. monitor projects and activities in real time. Building on the momentum of this changing dynamic, 2022 promises to be no less consequential than the DILG-NCR saw the opportunity to institutionalize many year just passed. With the Mandanas-Garcia ruling positive changes in local governance that the pandemic of the Supreme Court, and the national and local wrought.  Knowledge management is one such imperative. elections in May 2022, new challenges will emerge that will test the mettle of our local chief executives and It is the keystone to the strength of the institutions we have created and preserving, organizing, nurtured over the years. The great management guru, and disseminating Peter Drucker once said: “Management is doing things the invaluable right, leadership is doing the right things.” lessons learned, the Going forward, DILG-NCR sees its role variously as knowhow gained that of a communicator, capacity-builder, a setter and best practices of standards, a monitor of results, and recognizer of implemented exemplary performance—all done in the service of the during a period of vast constituency that is the local governments of the extreme social NCR and its more than 14 million inhabitants. In those myriad capacities, DILG-NCR will manage, and it certainly will lead. MARIA LOURDES L. AGUSTIN, CESO III Regional Director, CALG Adviser and Chairperson, Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Board (MSAB) v

MESSAGE While taming the COVID-19 pandemic might be The DILG-NCR was notably active in building capacities considered the defining moment of 2021, there were and monitoring performances in other areas of local numerous other developments that have long-term governance. Among those that it counts as its many implications on local governance in the years ahead. accomplishments in 2021 are the major initiatives These developments, among many others, have to do in the Barangay Drug Clearing Program and the with preparing local governments to assume greater operationalization of the Integrated Drug Monitoring responsibilities as the process of devolution proceeds and Reporting System in conjunction with its and more financial resources flow into local coffers. In responsibilities as Head Secretariat of the Regional anticipation of the implementation of the Mandanas- Peace and Order Council. Garcia ruling and the inflow of additional Internal Relatedly, DILG-NCR reinvigorated the quasi-judicial Revenue Allotments for Fiscal Year 2022, DILG-NCR functions of the Lupong Tagapamaya system and participated actively in the work of the Committee promoted the use of the powers vested in local on Devolution and the preparation of Devolution Sanggunians to adjudicate cases of corruption and Transition Plans (DTP) at the local level. malfeasance involving local government officials. These DTPs cover a gamut of functions assigned When fully capacitated, these local institutions have to national government agencies and include the potential to help decongest the regular courts of deliverables in healthcare, infrastructure, livelihood the huge backlog of cases pending resolution. support, and social welfare. DILG-NCR continues Standard-setting and incentivization are tools the to be the organizing medium in linking regional DILG-NCR use to influence public behavior and reward line agencies with local governments. Accordingly, excellent performance in local governance. In June transition planning activities were facilitated by DILG- 2021, the Safety Seal certification system was launched NCR in coordination with national agencies involved to promote compliance with public health protocols with health, public works, nutrition, and finance among businesses, public and private workplaces, and matters, among others. the general public. In all, 2021 was an extremely productive year. The DILG- NCR will continue to pursue its strategic directions with clarity and purpose grounded on a bedrock of values enshrined in its motto: Matino, Mahusay at Maasahan. ATTY. ANA LYN R. BALTAZAR-CORTEZ, CESO V Assistant Regional Director and CALG Program Manager vi

CALG THE DILG-NCR’S LOCAL GOVERNANCE REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER How it All Started In 2010, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) established an interactive platform and harmonizing mechanism to build the DILG as a knowledge-centric organization and to create learning communities that pursue local governance excellence through knowledge sharing and innovation. It called the mechanism the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC). The LGRRC commits • to promote knowledge generation and sharing by documenting best practices, exemplary performance, innovations and current trends on urban governance and development; • to maintain knowledge products readily available to its clients—local government units (LGUs), stakeholders and the public in general; • to shape responsive policies and craft innovative programs based on thorough research and studies; • to install effective and up-to-date systems and technologies through constant performance review and “organizational analysis; The Center for the Advancement • to foster strong partnerships by actively of Local Governance serves as a engaging civil society organizations (CSOs), platform for multi-stakeholder nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), convergence on advancing local and other stakeholders in collaborative initiatives and undertakings; and • to strengthen capacities through holistic human resources development programs. governance theory and practice in In the National Capital Region (NCR), where local the National Capital Region, bringing together the government and the governments are at the forefront of innovation and the nexus of the local and global flows of people, knowledge and trade, the LGRRC-NCR was academe as well as other local rebranded and thus evolved into the Center for the resource institutions, to provide Advancement of Local Governance (CALG) in 2021. harmonized support interventions to local governments. What is CALG? The CALG is envisioned as a platform for multi-stakeholder convergence, linking theory and practice, harmonizing interventions, and promoting inclusive development. Its mission thus includes (a) knowledge management; (b) capacity development; and (c) effective local governance. Knowledge Capacity Development Effective Local Management Local actors must be Governance enabled to utilize their The effective use of powers and resources Honing local government knowledge is key effectively. capacities will improve to improving local development outcomes. government capacities. vii

The CALG Structure The CALG is spearheaded by the CALG adviser and Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Board (MSAB), which provide the overall direction and guidance to the Center. The MSAB consists of 12 partner institutions: four are national government agencies , seven are from the local resource institutions or the academe, and one is a civil society organization. Its CALG Core Team oversees the day-to-day operations of the Center, among others. Coordinators are tasked to align all knowledge management initiatives with the national LGRRC and other regional LGRRCs. Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III CALG Adviser and Chairman Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Board (MSAB) Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V CALG Program Manager Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Board 1.) National Government Agencies: Department of Budget and Management - NCR, Metro Manila Center for Health Development, Philippine Information Agency - NCR, and Metro Manila Development Authority 2.) Local Resource Institutions: UP-NCPAG Center for the Local and Regional Governance, Asian Institute of Management, City University of Pasay, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, University of Caloocan City, and University of Makati 3.) Non-governmental Organization: Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners Core Team Members CALG Coordinators 1.) IPO Director Engr. Perla M. Upano, CESO V Lead: LGOO VI/ ADC LGCDD Luigi D.C. Pilarta 2.) LGMED Chief Elsie H. Castillo Members: ITO I Lennie M. Yap and LGOO III/ 3.) LGCDD Chief Helen A. Verzosa Planning Officer Designate Mary Rose Mabato 4.) FAD Chief Ana Jury H. Castillo, RN, EnP. Secretariat Capacity Linkage Facility Public Education on Multi-media Civic Innovation Management and Development Good Governance, Knowledge and Facility Administrative Lead: LGOO V Development and Information Facility Support Facility Marda Alina Citizenship Facility Lead: LGOO V Services Lead: LGOO V R. Dumaoang- Lead: LGOO VI Adrian Dennis R. De Paz Maria Jasmin Lead: LGOO V J. Lopez Lead: SAO Edgar A. Acoba Kelvin John P. Gaen Co-Lead: LGOO Pacaño, Jr D. Diaz Co-Lead: LGOO VI V Jeremiah T. Co-Lead: AO V Co-Lead: LGOO Co-Lead: LGOO III Charlotte G. Publico Co-Lead: Regional Rachelle Gail III Kris-Anne Mary Rose Mabato Salamero Accountant Support: Rhodalyn O. D. Lopez Faye A. Munda Support: LGOO V Jonathan Support: Panganiban Support: LGOO III Ronald LGOO VI LGOO V Marlon Support: Portales, DMO IV O. Garbo Abigayle C. Support: LGOO V Charizza Leonides C. Frago, ADAS III Abigail B. Baligod, Budget Officer Clyde Jr, DMO III Maricon SAO Edgar A. S. Camilon, ADA A. Laccay, R. Avila, DMO II Panes Pacaño, Jr. Clavel D. LGOO VI Luigi Albert P. Soliot, IO Dominguiano, AO V IV Jennibeth III Maria Rosario L. Library Mgt: B. Ico, and ADA IV DC Pilarta, Insigne, RAC Laxmi ADA IV Mary Ann Rachelle Gail D. AO IV Allyn G. Angel G. Yangat, PC Lopez, and ADAS Nonel Jay Terez Theresa Marie Hipe, G. Alfanta ADAS III Abigail B. Tolentino, and ADA IV Kim ADAS III Rose Ann viii PC Hafadai T. Daniel B. Cerbito Panes L. Samson Ong-oy Information Technology (IT) Management and Infrastructure Lead: ITO I Lennie M. Yap Support: Database Administrator John Mark Vergara, Network Administrator Julius S. Nalda and Data Analyst Marc Allen B. Mojica

CALG Facilities To document the operationalization of the CALG mission in this 2021 DILG-NCR Annual Report, the writeups on the projects, programs or activities have been tagged with the representative icons of one or more of the CALG facilities: Capacity Development (CapDev) Facility – helps in the delivery of quality, strategic and responsive capacity development interventions on local governance and organizational development. Linkage Facility - facilitates partnership and networking with institutions and partners that play a role in the CALG operation and ensures convergence of initiatives and harmonization of programs with government stakeholders and league of local governments. Public Education on Good Governance Development and Citizenship Facility - promotes good local governance practices and innovations among the general public and is in charge of facilitating the conduct of conferences, round table discussions on exemplary practices, cases, policy issues and other government trends. Multi-media Knowledge and Information/IT Services Facility - maintains and updates LGU and local governance databases, audio-visual materials, and other related knowledge management products, including documentation of exemplary and replicable practices on local governance. Its Information Technology Management and Infrastructure, as a sub-facility, manages the existing information networks, databases and software applications of the CALG and develops online community tools (social networking) such as message boards, feedback forms. The Civic Innovation Facility - develops new systems and procedures, and/or enhancement of existing processes of the CALG, including those that address repetitive organizational concerns affecting efficiency and productivity of the CALG. Management and Administrative Support Services Facility - provides administrative and logistical support services for the effective and efficient implementation of the CALG activities. ix

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ADAC Anti-Drug Abuse Council BADAC Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council BDCP Barangay Drug Clearing Program BFP Bureau of Fire Protection BLGF Bureau of Local Government Finance BLGS Bureau of Local Government Supervision CALG Center for the Advancement of Local Governance CapDev Capacity Development CBDRP Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program CDP Comprehensive Development Plan CLRG Center for Local and Regional Governance CLRG-PMO Capacitating Local Government Units on Resettlement Governance- Project Management Office ComDev Committee on Devolution CSC Civil Service Commission CSOs Civil Society Organizations CWC Council for the Welfare of Children DBM Department of Budget and Management DA-BFAR Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources DCF Data Capture Form DDB Dangerous Drugs Board DENR-EMB Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development DTI-BSMED Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development DTPs Devolution Transition Plans DOF Department of Finance DOH-MMCHD Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development DOLE-NCR Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region DPWH-NCR Department of Public Works and Highways-NCR FishCA Fisheries Compliance Audit IMTF Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force ISFs Informal Settler Families IT Information Technology KM Knowledge Management LCAT-VAWC Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children x

LFC Local Fees and Charges LGCDD Local Government Capability Development Division LGMED Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division LGRRC Local Governance Regional Resource Center LGSF Local Government Support Fund LGUs Local Government Units LSBs Local Special Bodies MBCRPP Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation Program MMDA Metro Manila Development Authority MLGOO Municipal Local Government Operations Office MRFs Materials Recovery Facilities MSAB Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Board NALPSD National Assessment on Local Planning for Shelter Development NCR National Capital Region NCRPO National Capital Region Police Office NGAs National Government Agencies NGO Nongovernmental Organization OIC Officer-in-Charge PDEA Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency PIA Philippine Information Agency QMS Quality Management System RG-SLP Resettlement Governance-Sustainable Livelihood Program RIACs Regional lnter-agency Committees RIMT Regional Inter-agency Monitoring Team RPMT Regional Program Management Team RPOC Regional Peace and Order Council SCFLG-KMS Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance-Knowledge Management System SGLG Seal of Good Local Governance SGLGB Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays SICAP-BADAC Strengthening Institutional Capacities of BADACs SK Sangguniang Kabataan VAWC Violence Against Women and Children xi



Accountable, Transparent, Participative and Effective Local Governance

Transition Plans Mark Start of Three-Year Move to Full Devolution Right after President Duterte signed Executive WHAT IS THE Order 138 on June 1, 2021, the Department of MANDANAS-GARCIA the Interior and Local Government (DILG) hit the ground running to implement the Order, SUPREME COURT which has called for the full devolution of certain RULING? functions of the executive branch to local governments within a three-year transition period (from FY 2022 to In 2018, the Supreme Court affirmed that FY 2024). LGUs are entitled to just shares from all the A salient section in the Order requires local government national taxes collected, not just internal units (LGUs) as well as national government agencies revenues. (NGAs) to prepare and submit their respective devolution transition plans (DTPs) to the DILG and The expected increase in the just shares the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), of LGUs thus equips them to assume respectively. responsibility over the delivery of devolved The guidelines in the formulation of the DTPs by services under Section 17 of the Local LGUs—and the NGAs concerned—are further detailed Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act in the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-01 issued No. 7160). by the DBM and DILG. The said agencies are also the chair and co-chair, respectively, of the Committee on Devolution (ComDev) tasked to monitor the implementation of Executive Order 138. 2

Cascading the Directive “ While LGUs may be created “ At the regional level, the DILG-NCR equal in terms of power received its online orientation on and functions, they are not the salient points of Executive Order created equal in terms of No. 138 and other issuances on July the opportunities available 8, 2021 from the Local Government to them. and Regional Coordination Bureau of the DBM, the Local Government - DILG Usec. Marlo lringan, on why LGUs need a Academy, and the DILG-Bureau of Local robust Devolution Transition Plan Government Development. (Closing remarks during the roundtable discussion on the Likewise, even prior to the release of LGUs–NGAs convergence in the implementation of the ruling Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021- on the Mandanas-Garcia petitions, September 16, 2021) 01, the DILG-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) and DBM-NCR had held a 97.7 Percent of NCR Barangays Meet coordinative meeting on August 11 to the Deadline for DTP Submissions address possible concerns regarding the issuance’s directives and to plan how they DTPSStautbumsiossf iDAoTnsPsoCSofitufDybBe/maMcreiaumsnsnbgiioceanirypss2ao7pli,fte2yBr0aC2r1iatyn/gMauynsipcieprality could enjoin other regional line agencies As of December 27, 2021 to formulate their respective DTPs. On August 18, around 104 local Mandaluyong 200 400 600 800 1,000 government operations officers and Manila Barangay DTP Completed # of Barangays other functionaries from the DILG-NCR Taguig regional and field offices attended an Makati online orientation on the DTP operational guidelines as contained in Joint Navotas Memorandum Circular No. 2021-01. Pateros Las Piñas The Regional Committee on Parañaque Devolution The DILG-NCR, in coordination Pasay with the DBM-NCR, organized Quezon the Regional ComDev. Part of the committee’s tasks are to help align the Pasig efforts of regional member agencies Caloocan and to monitor Metro Manila LGUs’ Malabon preparation and implementation of DTPs. Marikina By September 2, the Support for the Muntinlupa Local Governance Program (SLGP) San Juan Regional Core Team of the DILG- Valenzuela NCR organized a forum where the ComDev interfaced with the cities/ - municipalities’ Devolution Transition Committees. In the NCR, 97.7 percent of its 1,710 barangays had The forum was attended by 242 submitted their DTPs to DILG-NCR by the end of participants from the DILG-NCR regional December 2021. The chart shows the status of barangay and field offices, and representatives submissions per city/municipality. from the region’s LGUs and regional line agencies of the ComDev. On the other hand,11 out of the 17 LGUs had submitted their DTPs by yearend. 3

NCR Validation Team Completes Second Pilot Test on Governance Assessment on Barangays In 2014, the Seal of Good Local “ The SGLGB is a…recognition- Governance1 was launched nationwide, based program for all barangays serving as the challenge to all provinces, that encourages their cities and municipalities to continue good commitment to…improve their governance practices. This gold standard in performances along various gauging LGUs’ performance now covers the governance areas, and become barangays, too, with the launch of the Seal champions of good barangay of Good Local Governance for Barangays govemance in their respective (SGLGB) in 2019. jurisdiction. - DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-074 Because of the COVID-19 pandemic starting 2020, the second round of pilot testing—which covered the barangays’ performance for the year 2019—was only implemented in 2021 to, among others, “verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the parameters developed in assessing barangay governance”. Following the guidelines of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-074, the 2021 round still required a sample of one barangay per city/municipality. 1 Formerly the Seal of Good Local Housekeeping, which started in 2011. 4

NCR Barangays Covered by the In the NCR, the preparation for the SGLGB 2021 SGLGB Pilot Test pilot test started with a Training of Trainer activity for all SGLGB focal persons and City/Municipality Barangay regional information and technology officers on July 26–27, 2021 via the Zoom platform. City of Manila Barangay 435 Attendees were given a walk-through of the City of Mandaluyong New Zañiga SGLGB information system and a review of City of Marikina Santo Niño the form that barangays would be required City of Pasig Dela Paz to fill out as well as other supporting Quezon City Batasan Hills documents that validators would need for City of San Juan Santa Lucia their evaluation. City of Caloocan Barangay 28 Malabon City Catmon Then, the SGLGB regional validation team City of Navotas Tanza 2 (Tanza) for the NCR reconvened for a preparatory City of Valenzuela Lawang Bato meeting on November 5, 2021 and conducted City of Las Piñas Talon Kuatro the initial assessment on the documents City of Makati San lsidro and means-of-validation forms the pilot City of Muntinlupa Sucat barangays submitted during the month of City of Parañaque San lsidro November. Pasay City Barangay 185 Municipality of Pateros Aguho Based on the results of the SGLGB, an exit conference was conducted with each pilot City of Taguig Tuktukan barangay to identify areas for improvement in its performance. Score Scheme Under DILG-Memo Circular 2021-074 Finally, the SGLGB Regional Validation Team endorsed the assessment results to the Performance Area Maximum Passing National Quality Committee through the Score Score DILG Central Office. The submission was Core Areas Safety, Peace further reviewed by the committee, where and Order 20 13 the national passers were identified and Financial confirmed. Administration 20 18 and Sustainability 20 17 Disaster Preparedness 15 13 Social Protection and Sensitivity Essential Business- 15 13 Areas Friendliness and Competitiveness Environmental 10 9 Management The “3+1” principle means a barangay must pass all of the three core areas and at least one of the essential areas. 5

MANILA, PARAÑAQUE, AND PASIG PARTICIPATE IN 2021 SGLG FIELD TESTING Due to mobility limitations brought by Source: From the Seal of Good Local Governance Facebook the pandemic, the 2021 Seal of Good Local Governance Assessment was suspended by Council of Good Local Governance Resolution No. 2 on June 22, 2021. Instead, the DILG’s SGLG field testing for select LGUs was implemented. The field test required a sample size of at least 10 percent of all cities and municipalities only and assessed LGUs’ performance for FY 2020. In the NCR, the cities of Manila, Parañaque, and Pasig were chosen as pilot LGUs for field testing. The three LGUs’ inclusion in the field test was expected to provide them the opportunity to evaluate their own compliance with the SGLG areas and indicators in preparation for the 2022 SGLG Assessment. On August 24, DILG office representatives and SGLG focal persons from the three cities attended the preparatory meeting arranged by the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED), in coordination with the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD), via Zoom teleconference. The meeting drew out some of the concerns and issues regarding the implementation of the 2021 field test as well as the recommendations. 6

An orientation-meeting for the attendees from SGLG ASSESSMENT the pilot LGUs and DILG field offices was next CRITERIA held on September 1 via the Zoom platform. The DILG-Bureau of Local Government Financial Administration and Sustainability Supervision (DILG-BLGS) facilitated the said Disaster Preparedness activity, covering topics ranging from the Social Protection and Sensitivity prescribed assessment tools and forms and the Health Compliance and Responsiveness field-testing process, to the Local Governance Sustainable Education Performance Management System, the online Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness data capture system. Safety, Peace, and Order Although it covered a limited sample size, Environmental Management the 2021 field test involved an updated list of Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and indicators under the Governance area. These Arts indicators were on health compliance and Youth Development responsiveness, sustainable education, and youth development. Table assessments were done online based on documents and photos submitted, although face-to-face meetings were allowed provided the prevailing local health protocols were adhered to. In lieu of the annual Seal of Good Local Governance audit this year, a field test was done on the 2020 performance of 10 percent of the country's LGUs. 7

DILG-NCR he LGCDD for DILG-NCR conducted an Holds online training program on the formulation Training, of a comprehensive development plan Helps Navotas T(CDP) for local officials and functionaries, Update Its CDP and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the city of Navotas. Held on October 26-29 and November 8 3, 2021, the training program was led by resource speakers from the DILG Bureau of Local Government Development and DILG-NCR. A CDP is the action plan utilized by every local administration to develop and implement priority sectoral and cross-sectoral programs and projects. Thus, participants in the training series were grouped into five development sectors: institutional, economic, environment, social, and infrastructure. Sessions allowed attendees to review their existing plans and vision for the city as well as prepare their local development investment plans. Lectures also covered the steps to mainstream climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management in the CDP. In the group exercises during the breakout sessions, actual LGU information were used to help participants understand, interpret, and utilize data for planning. As a final step, a separate writeshop on the 2022- 2027 CDP of Navotas City was expected to follow as an offshoot of the training activity. Status of CDPs of LGUs in Metro Manila As of December 31, 2021 LGU Updated Ongoing Updates City of Caloocan ✔ ✔ ✔ Malabon City ✔ City of Navotas ✔ ✔ City of Valenzuela ✔ Quezon City ✔ City of San Juan ✔ ✔ City of Marikina ✔ City of Pasig ✔ ✔ City of Mandaluyong City of Makati ✔ City of Taguig ✔ ✔ Pasay City ✔ City of Manila City of Muntinlupa City of Parañaque City of Las Piñas Municipality of Pateros

Dagyaw Town Hall Tackles Livelihood and Economic Recovery Amidst the Pandemic “Sapat ba o salat ang mga programang Such was the question posed to the 609 participants pangkabuhayan at mga hakbangin ng in an online poll during the Dagyaw Open Government pamahalaan para sa rehabilitasyon ng ating and Participatory Governance Virtual Town Hall ekonomiya ngayong nagpapatuloy ang Meeting on November 18, 2021, to set the context for pandemya?”2 the Zoom/Facebook Live event. Results of the Online Poll During the 2021 Dagyaw Town Hall Meeting Question: Are the livelihood programs and government interventions to rehabilitate the economy during this time of a pandemic adequate?” ADEQUATE 35% NEEDS IMPROVEMENT 65% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 9

This 2021 event, entitled “Sapat o Salat? Some Department of Labor and Employment Usapang Trabaho at Ekonomiya,” was the NCR (DOLE) Interventions During the Pandemic leg of the series of regional meetings to engage the public and allow them to learn more about DOLE’s INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION the government’s initiatives. This year, the NCR AND RECOVERY activity focused on the three sectors hardest hit PROGRAMS by the pandemic: (a) health; (b) livelihood; and (c) the economy. Department of Labor and One-time financial assistance Resource speakers from the Department Employment-Abot Kamay to displaced OFWs of USD 200 of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health ang Pagtulong (DOLE- or PHP 10,000 or its equivalent Development (DOH-MMCHD), Department AKAP) to the local currency of the host of Labor and Employment-National Capital country Region (DOLE-NCR), and Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Small and Medium Tulong Panghanapbuhay Emergency employment Enterprise Development (DTI-BSMED) shared sa Ating Disadvantaged/ for displaced workers, their interventions on the above-mentioned Displaced Workers (TUPAD) underemployed and seasonal sectors. workers, for a minimum period Assistant Director Grace P. Sudiacal of the DOH- of 10 days to a maximum of 30 MMCHD provided updates on NCR’s COVID-19 days pandemic situation, and how the department was faring in its vaccination efforts for the DOLE Integrated Flagship kabuhayan program of priority groups and children aged 12-17 years Livelihood Program (DILP) the agency to help marginalized old. groups Ryan Roberto E. Delos Reyes, senior labor and employment officer of the DOLE-NCR, BikeCINATION Provides an alternative source presented the labor department’s available TABANG OFW of income for informal sector intervention and recovery programs. workers or their next of kin Meanwhile, Chief Trade and Industry under the A3 and A4 category Development Specialist Edwin C. Pasahol of the who have received their DTI-BSMED shared his department’s stimulus COVID-19 vaccine . packages to help micro-, small-, and medium- The Commission on Higher size enterprises adapt to the new normal. Education and DOLE’s program; Providing feedback and suggestions to Tertiary Education Subsidy for the presentations of the three speakers Dependents of Repatriated were representatives from USAID CHANGE, OFWs in the midst of a International City/County Management pandemic Association, and the academe/women’s sector. One improvement in this year’s activity is on “ The NCR Town Hall this gender representation: The panel this year year focused on the three included a women’s advocate group. sectors hardest hit by the The town hall events are under the Open pandemic: (a) health; (b) Government Partnership of the DILG, the DBM, livelihood; and (c) the and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), economy. aided by other related government agencies. 10

File photo of a CSO orientation in Makati City in 2019. File photo of a CSO Conference in Pasig City before the pandemic. T he webinar series on November Upping the 22 to 26, 2021 entitled “Enhancing Ante for CSOs Effectiveness of CSOs in Local Development” is one of the DILG- Involved in NCR activities under a capacity development Local Special program that aims to develop CSOs’ capacities and knowledge as partners in Boards local governance. Through the pilot run of activities, CSO 11 representatives are expected to gain information and skills to effectively perform their mandated functions as members of LGUs’ various local special bodies (LSBs). Working to Empower CSOs It has been 30 years since the 1991 Local Government Code first recognized the role of CSO in local governance by mandating that the following LSBs be created to serve as engagement and participation platforms of CSOs in each LGU: • Local Development Council; • Local School Board; • Local Health Board; and • Local Peace and Order Council Today, studies have pointed out that there is still some room in improving CSO’s participation in local governance boards: there remains no unified, mainstreamed, and continuing initiative to capacitate CSO members in the LSBs. Based on the 2020 data under the Support for the Local Governance Program– National Capital Region, a total of 2,979 CSOs in the NCR were accredited by their local Sanggunian, where around 300 CSO

representatives became members of the region’s LSBs. The Training of trainers began in September CSOs are important stakeholders in local governance as their 2021 with the roll out of the activity for participation can reinforce LGU resources and improve the trainers of CSO involved in local health latter’s local service delivery. boards. The sessions for trainers for the other types of LSBs followed suit. Preparations in 2021 The training catering to CSOs were also Prior to the November 2021 pilot run, the training modules arranged by type of LSBs. The one on for CSOs were first reviewed by select program implementers November 22-23 catered to CSOs in local and program beneficiaries (e.g., CSOs) in the country’s development councils. This was followed 16 regions. In the NCR, Quezon City, Pasig City, and the by the training of CSOs involved in local Municipality of Pateros were the chosen module reviewers school boards on November 24. The third from the program implementers’ side. installment of the program focused on the local health boards. “ Itong seminar na ito ay nagbigay Participants in the series of online events in sa akin ng encouragement at November included representatives from nag-challenge sa akin na gamitin LSBs of Quezon City, Pasig City, Taguig ang aking posisyon sa local City, Caloocan City, and the Municipality special body upang maiparating of Pateros. ang ninanais na mga adbokasiya The capacity development program for ng mga CSO.* CSOs is part of the activities to prepare * “This seminar encouraged and challenged me to take for the implementation of full devolution advantage of my involvement in local special bodies to advance of certain executive functions to local what my CSO is advocating for.” governments starting 2022. - Lilibeth of the WOMEN Inc. of Quezon City November 22-23, 2021 training participant 12 File photo of a CSO orientationin the City of Manila before the pandemic.

Peaceful, Orderly and Safe LGUs

DILG-NCR Initiates On-site Inspection, Validates Status of Road Clearing Operation 2.0 In his Fourth State of the Nation address in 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the DILG to oversee LGUs’ efforts to free their roads of illegal obstructions and constructions to partly solve traffic congestions. In response, the DILG directed all local executives nationwide to implement their respective clearing operations within their Road Right of Way. However, the activities met a momentary setback when the pandemic hit, partly due to the mobility limitations during lockdowns. Toward the end of 2020, DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-145 entitled “Road Clearing, Partial Implementation, Full Implementation, Monitoring, Validation” was issued as part of the transition to the New Normal. The memorandum provided guidelines on how to continue the road clearing in LGUs’ areas of jurisdiction in the midst of a pandemic. It thus paved the way for Road Clearing Operation version 2.0. At the start of 2021, the DILG-NCR took the project a notch higher by starting its road clearing inspection and validation process. In February, it created the regional validation team composed of representatives from the DILG-NCR, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Bureau of Fire Protection-NCR (BFP-NCR), Department of Public Works and Highways-NCR (DPWH-NCR), and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The team was led by ARD Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V of DILG-NCR. 14

The validation process aimed to assess the progress each LGU had made in two areas: (a) actual removal of road obstructions; and (b) strict prohibition of tricycles, pedicabs, and motorized pedicabs from operating on national highways. To achieve the objective, the regional validation team physically inspected over 5,000 meters of road per LGU in the metropolis from February 15 to March 19, 2021. In its exit conference following the completion of its validation of 10 city and barangay roads, the team disclosed its general findings and recommendations regarding the level of LGU compliance in the NCR. Results showed that the City of Marikina garnered the highest weighted average score, followed by Valenzuela and Navotas. 15

SAFETY SEAL CERTIFICATION: Preparing for a Safe Reopening of the Economy A lmost two years since NCR Establishments Issued with Safety Seal the pandemic began, one wonders: How can NCR Establishments IssuCeedrtwificitahteSsafety Seal Certificates the country reopen its As oAfs DofeDceecmembbeerr2244,, 22002211 economy safely? The answer to this involves mechanisms that Government can assure the public that both establishments , government institutions and businesses are compliant with 1,905 the Inter-Agency Task Force’s minimum public health standards Private to contain another spread of establishments, COVID-19. One such tool is the Safety Seal Certification. 11,261 In an orientation on the Safety Seal Certification Program operations officers and Safety and BFP—is the issuing authority last May 20, 2021, the DILG Seal focal persons of the DILG- of the Safety Seal Certifications for guest speakers explained the NCR field offices and Philippine government buildings and offices. guidelines on how to implement National Police (PNP) Personnel. Meanwhile, the LGUs are in charge of the program as covered in the Undersecretary for Plans, Public issuing the certification on compliant DILG Memorandum Circular Affairs, and Communication private establishments. No. 2021-053 (“Implementing Jonathan E. Malaya outlined From malls to city halls, wet markets Guidelines of the Safety Seal the requirements that to police stations, restaurants to Certification Program for establishments may voluntarily provincial capitols, and museums to the Department and Local comply with to be granted fire stations, one can find the Safety Government Units Assuring the certification. Some of the Seal Certification signage at the Authorities”). indicators of compliance are ingress of establishments as proof that Participants in the online event the proof of proper ventilation; each venue is adopting the measures included the DILG-NCR regional presence of air purifiers and outlined in the memorandum to office personnel, city directors, disinfection protocols; and safeguard the public. municipal local government use of personal QR codes for The webinar was organized by the StaySafe.Ph or other contact office of the Undersecretary for Plans, tracing tools. Public Affairs, and Communications According to the memorandum, of the DILG central office. the DILG—along with the PNP 16

Bantay Korapsyon Training Highlights Quasi-Judicial Functions of the Local Sanggunian The Bantay-Korapsyon The first of the two events was a administrative complaints. of the National Capital two-day webinar attended by 279 The webinar aimed to apprise Region (BK-NCR) was representatives from the LGUs in the sanggunian members of created as a partner Metro Manila, their accredited such quasi-judicial powers as of Bantay-Korapsyon and its CSOs, and DILG-NCR personnel. well as covered the procedure Program Management Office On May 27, lectures centered on for administrative cases and (BK-PMO) in all anti-corruption the relevant laws against graft the role of DILG field officers in efforts and activities of the and corrupt practices, plunder, administrative complaints. Department. It is envisioned and crimes of public servants. to be the DILG-NCR’s strategy On June 3 (the second day), to mobilize citizens and attendees were educated on communities to advocate the techniques in case build- for an integrity-based up and fact-finding activities and corruption-free local to sufficiently establish the governance. existence of a crime or corpus In support of the DILG’s flagship delicti. Bantay-Korapsyon program, On November 16 and 18, the the BK—NCR organized two Bantay-Korapsyon of the NCR, online webinars in 2021 that in partnership with Regional operationalized its three- Peace and Order Council- pronged “educate-and-apply” National Capital Region, had strategy in promoting integrity the local sanggunian members in public service and deterring and the DILG-NCR region field all forms of corruption. officers as recipients of the The “educate” part involves capacity development training capacitating the Bantay activity via Zoom. Korapsyon partners (e.g., LGUs, While the local sanggunian is CSOs) and DILG-NCR personnel a legislative body, it also has with the knowledge and skills quasi-judicial functions over to address corruption at their levels. Source: Office of the Regional Director-Legal Unit The BK-NCR also played a significant role in the DILG-NCR’s response to COVID-19- related concerns, particularly in addressing complaints regarding LGUs’ health management processes during the pandemic as well as regarding the Social Amelioration Program and other relief programs. 17

The Many Hats Every Barangay Tanod Wears From the last week of tanods and personnel involved The second module included September up to the end of in the maintenance of peace and discussions on the human-rights October 2021, Quezon City’s order in Quezon City. based approach in barangay Executive Officer (Ex-O) or Each training activity lasted for peacekeeping; the barangay Chief Tanod, barangay brigades, three days. Its curriculum was tanod’s commitment to eradicate and Barangay Peacekeeping based on the Barangay Tanod violence against women and Action Teams underwent a Skills Enhancement Guidebook: children; and respect for the capacity development training Reinforcing the Roles of Barangay culture of indigenous peoples arranged by DILG-NCR. The Tanod as First Responder and in and Muslims. “Barangay Tanod Skills Crime Scene Preservation. Lectures Three other modules covered Enhancement Training” activity were delivered via the Zoom the various roles of the tanod was conducted in four batches platform and facilitated through in peacekeeping efforts such and attended by a total of 2,800 limited face-to-face engagements as maintenance of a watchlist participants. in the course of the training. on illegal drug use and trade, What healthcare workers are to The curriculum consisted of and vigilance against crime hospitals, barangay tanods are to four modules. The first was a and terrorism; in crisis/disaster a barangay. Both are frontliners re-introduction to the profile of management; and in ground in their own respect. Tanods, in a barangay tanod. One of this operations such as patrolling and particular, are frontliners in the module’s aims was to erase assisting in traffic management fight against lawlessness, crime, negative notions about barangay in their barangay. and terrorism. tanods by underscoring to the Thus, the four sessions aimed to participants the need to exhibit capacitate the knowledge and courtesy and discipline when enhance the skills of barangay dealing with their constituents. 18

Over 5,200 Members Attend SICAP-BADAC Training in NCR From September to November 2021, the “BADAC 101 topics included an 17 LGUs in Metro Manila completed the introduction to human rights- online training of over 5,200 Barangay based, gender-sensitive and Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) child-friendly approaches in the members under the DILG’s “Strengthening performance of BADAC duties. Institutional Capacities of Barangay Anti-Drug There are 1,709 barangays in the NCR. Abuse Councils (SICAP-BADAC)” program. The DILG rolled out the nationwide training of trainer The SICAP-BADAC is a capacity development activities in collaboration with its partner agencies: intervention program that aims to equip the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), BADACs with new knowledge on pertinent DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development laws; recently-issued national policies; and (DSWD), Commission on Human Rights, National the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, Drug Youth Commission, and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Prevention Program, Community-based Drug Council. Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP), and After Care and Reintegration Program. The training at the regional level had two phases. The first phase consisted of the SICAP- BADAC training for local training teams via the Zoom platform. Around 165 NCR training team members and partners as well as members of the 17 local training teams attended the event. The five-module training started with BADAC 101 topics, including an introduction to human rights-based, gender-sensitive and child-friendly approaches in the performance of BADAC duties. The other modules focused on specific anti- illegal drug programs of partner-agencies. The second phase consisted of SICAP-BADAC training sessions at the barangay level. The LGU-organized activities had around six target trainees per barangay. These included the Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairs, BADAC duty officer/ex-officio barangay tanods, and CSO/NGO representatives. The webinars ran from September 20 to November 15. There are 1,709 barangays in the NCR. 19

NEW COMMUNITY-BASED DRUG REHAB GUIDELINES FOR ADACs: Proper Implementation is Key A huge factor in a CBDRP’s success (or work in collaboration with other stakeholders—NGAs failure) is the level of performance and CSOs, for instance. of each LGU’s local Anti-Drug Abuse In his speech, DILG Undersecretary for External and Council (ADAC). Legislative Affairs Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri Under the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug Strategy, encouraged local ADAC members in attendance to heed the DILG is tasked to encourage LGUs to the new guidelines “to properly implement the CBDRP ascertain that their ADACs are fully functional in the field”. and effective. One way to hone ADACs’ functionality is to keep them updated on the The DSWD's Yakap Bayan Program was discussed during the roll-out of the latest issuances on drug prevention, treatment, new guidelines of the CBDR Program. Yakap Bayan is a holistic intervention and rehabilitation. to assist Recovering Persons Who Use Drugs in their recovery journey and to In Metro Manila, the DILG-NCR—which leads facilitate their social reintegration. the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs-NCR Advocacy Cluster—hosted a webinar OTHER WEBINARS RELATED that focused on these latest guidelines and TO ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG procedures, on November 11, 2021. In attendance were DILG NCR field office cluster INTERVENTIONS HELD IN 2021: heads, program focal persons, and representatives from city/municipal ADACs. Resource persons • Protocols When Handling Children from the PDEA for NCR, Dangerous Drugs Board Allegedly Involved in Dangerous Drugs (DDB), DSWD-NCR, and Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug Strategy-Project Management Office were • New Guidelines of the Community-Based invited to speak at the event. Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) Anti-Drug Abuse Councils are “multi-sectoral councils composed of local officials and • Guidelines for the Community-Based representatives of various community Treatment and Support Services for organizations tasked to spearhead the Persons Who use Drugs (PWUDs) planning, implementation and monitoring of in Primary Health Care Settings all local anti-drug abuse programs, projects (Administrative Order No. 2017-0018) and activities”3 in their provinces/cities/ municipalities/barangays. Thus, ADACs should 20

Socially Protective LGUs

Photo credit: Council for the Welfare of Children’s 2021 National Children’s Month The DILG-NCR, acting as the Regional presentation template. Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (IMTF) chair, facilitated the Child- NCR Task Force Friendly Local Governance Audit Makes First Test Run (CFLGA) on the 2019 performance of LGUs in of CWC Portal for the NCR. One adjustment in the process this Child-Friendly Local 2021 was the use of the automated Seal of Governance Audit Child-Friendly Local Governance Knowledge Management System (SCFLG-KMS) of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). The SCFLG-KMS was developed to facilitate end-users’ transition from a manual audit to an automated and online-based process. The IMTF first converged on July 16 for its preparatory meeting. From August 9–13, 2021, it started the review and validation of documents submitted by LGUs and assessed the latter’s performance based on a set indicators under the Survival, Development, Protection, Participation, and Governance categories. On September 17 and October 18, 2021, the task force met online to review the initial results of the individual audit. Scores were finalized during the deliberation on November 18. To pass the audit, LGUs had to hit an overall rating of at least 80 percent. Aside from the DILG-NCR, the regional IMTF consisted of the DSWD-NCR, DOH-MMCHD, MMDA, DOLE-NCR, National Nutrition Council-NCR, Department of Education- NCR, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), PIA-NCR, and NGO/CSO representatives (ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., Bantay Bata, and Congregation of the Living Faith in Jesus Ministry, lnc.). Under the Child-Friendly Philippines framework launched in 2014, a child- friendly local governance is one where LGUs give priority to children in their planning, budgeting, legislation, and delivery of services. The Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance as a recognition system is one strategy that guides and enjoins LGUs to prioritize the realization of children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation in their governance. 22

While saving families from hazards in Three NCR danger areas is a noble cause, the help Cities to Join that needs to be given to informal set- tler families (ISFs), particularly the Survey on marginalized and vulnerable, does not end with Resettlement the physical transfer to the new site. For LGUs, the Governance resettlement site should also be able to provide ISFs with access to basic services, income oppor- tunities, and social networks, among others. The Department, through the Capacitating Local Government Units on Resettlement Governance- Project Management Office (CLRG-PMO), has been assisting LGUs in addressing issues on resettlement and relocation of ISFs. To determine if the help has been inclusive, the DILG initiated the conduct of a country-wide assessment on the institutional and technical capacities of LGUs to manage their resettlement programs as well as their compliance with national laws on local planning and shelter development. In 2021, planning and training for the National Assessment on Local Planning for Shelter Development (NALPSD) project were started. On October 5 and 6, 2021, the CLRG-PMO arranged and led a two-day online consultative meeting on the NALPSD. It provided an overview of the survey to be undertaken, including key guidelines culled from the NALPSD Survey Manual. The plan required two enumerators/ surveyors per pilot LGU. For the NCR, the cities of Manila, Parañaque, and Taguig were chosen as pilot LGUs for this survey. Enumerators from these cities completed their online training on the NALPSD data collection instruments and processes on October 15–16. Also invited to attend the two-day session were the DILG regional office focal persons, DILG field office focal persons, LGU functionaries, and barangay representatives from the three cities. Results of the survey are expected to help the national government define a well-founded approach in executing future resettlement programs and projects for ISFs, including engagements in the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa program and with the Build Back Better Task Force. It will also give the DILG a data-driven basis for the financial and technical assistance extended to LGUs. Photo credit: Screengrab from Day 2 of the National Assessment on 23 Local Planning for Shelter Development project orientation (Zoom event). DILG Resettlement Governance Facebook Page.

How Did Anti-trafficking and VAWC Committees in the NCR Fare in 2020? In the midst of a pandemic in 2020, nearly deliberation on November 3, 2021 at the DILG-NCR 14,000 cases4 of violence against women Regional Office. and children (VAWC) were recorded in the Gaps found in the functionality of the LCAT-VAWCs Philippines. based on the audit were then used as bases for the Both the private and public institutions continue team’s recommendations to the respective local to address VAWC—and the trafficking in persons— chief executives for the latter’s consideration. through various interventions. In the government, The RIMT is the regional team assembled to assess the DILG and partner agencies had issued a joint Provincial or Highly-Urbanized City Committees on memorandum in 2010 that mandated all LGUs to Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and create their Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and their Children based on documents presented. In the Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC). NCR, the other member-agencies are DSWD-NCR, To monitor how the LCAT-VAWC have been Department of Justice, DOH-MMCHD, and NCRPO. performing in the NCR, the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Team (RIMT), which is led by DILG-NCR, carried out its first functionality assessment of the mechanism in all 17 LGUs in Metro Manila in October 2021. The RIMT then convened for a final 4 “Almost 14,000 Cases of Violence Against Women, Children Reported Amid Pandemic – PCW”. By Jamil Santos. GMA News. 24

ASSESSING LCAT-VAWCs’ FUNCTIONALITY LEVELS The LCAT-VAWC is assessed based on indicators in the areas of Organization; Meetings; Policies, Plans, and Budget; and Accomplishments. Depending on the overall percentage score, its level of functionality may be: • Basic - if the LCAT-VAWC obtained a rating of 20% and below • Progressive - if the LCAT- VAWC obtained a rating of 21% to 50% • Mature - if the LCAT- VAWC obtained a rating of 51% to 80% • Ideal - if the LCAT-VAWC obtained a rating of 81% and above Basis: DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-006. “Guidelines in Monitoring the Functionality of Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children”. 25

Trainers Prepare to Help Relocatees Turn Biz Savvy The Business Jumpstart Trainers’ Training aims to enhance the participant-trainers’ capability to help individuals in resettlement sites craft their business plans and start their businesses. Photo credit: DILG Resettlement Governance Facebook Page On November 24–26, 2021, the CLRG- This trainers’ training is expected to enhance the PMO conducted the Business Jumpstart participant-trainers’ capability to help individuals Trainers’ Training for functionaries in resettlement sites—called “resettlement from three NCR partner-cities under the governance start-up entrepreneurs”—craft their Resettlement Governance-Sustainable Livelihood own comprehensive business plans and ultimately, Program (RG-SLP). These cities are Caloocan, set up their businesses. Manila, and Valenzuela—all of which have been The Sustainable Livelihood Program is a hosting ISFs in their resettlement sites. community-based capacity building program Held at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon that aims to improve program participants’ socio- City, the three-day event covered topics under economic status. the six-part Business Jumpstart Training module. Resettlement governance start-up entrepreneurs, The curriculum included: (a) Human Resource on the other hand, refer to qualified communities, Management (b) Marketing Management; sectors, groups, or people’s organizations that (c) Operations Management (d) Financial passed the RG-SLP Evaluation and are eligible to Management; (e) and Business Sustainability and receive both financial and technical assistance Asset Protection. from the government. 26

Environment- Protective, Climate Change- Adaptive and Disaster- Resilient LGUs

Relocation of ISFs Is a Shared Responsibility of LGUs in the Midst of a Pandemic While containing COVID-19 cases No. of Resettled remains the top-of-mind of every ISFs LGU, there is an exigency to relocate informal settler families (ISFs), No. of ISFs particularly those living in danger areas such as along creeks, rivers, and esteros. But how 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 can LGUs carry out their law-based mandate regarding illegal settlers in the middle of a The resettlement governance is a continuing program of the government general community quarantine? through the various agencies and LGUs. The March 26, 2021 webinar entitled “Orientation on the Legal Issuances Relative to the Relocation pre-consultation activities have been held with of Informal Settler Families during the the affected ISFs. Pandemic“ attempted to answer the question by The Zoom event was organized by the Manila looking into the legal bases behind such LGUs’ Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation mandates regarding ISFs. Program-Regional Program Management Team Resource persons from the Presidential (MBCRPP-RPMT) for the NCR and attended by Commission for Urban Poor, National Housing representatives from LGUs’ Urban Poor Affairs Authority, and DILG-Resettlement Governance Office, Housing Office, Legal Unit; and Manila Project Management Office expounded on the Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation key points behind some of the recent issuances. Program (MBCRPP) focal persons of the 17 DILG These included a circular that enjoin both the field offices in the NCR. LGUs where the relocatees originated as well as the LGUs that accepted them to share the responsibility of extending assistance to ISFs in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The Presidential Commission for Urban Poor, in particular, highlighted the guidelines for a just and humane eviction and demolition. It stressed that no project/program could be implemented by government authorities unless Disiplina Village is Valenzuela City’s flagship in-city resettlement site and public rental housing project for informal settler families. 28

Calibrated FishCA Data Form Underscores LGUs’ Accountability Over Their Coastal Waters Five of NCR’s cities count among Source: Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-United States Agency the country’s 947 coastal LGUs for International Development’s Ecosystems Approach to Fisheries mandated by RA 8550 (Philippine Management module Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by RA 10654) to monitor and regulate WHAT IS THE FishCA fishery activities in their municipal DATA CAPTURE FORM? waters. To assess LGUs’ compliance with the Code, the Fisheries The 2021 FishCA Data Capture Form lists 14 Compliance Audit (FishCA) was FishCA indicators. These indicators’ range from developed in 2018. the presence of an LGU’s fisheries ordinance; Starting 2019, the coastal LGUs have to availability of a registry of municipal been submitting their compliance fisherfolk and organization; to proof of existing forms—called the FishCA Data collaboration with neighboring LGUs on the Capture Form (DCF)—to their Regional conservation and management of coastal and Validation Teams. marine resources. This 2021, the DCF was recalibrated so that the indicators would emphasize By ticking the Yes or No box per indicator and LGUs’ responsibility to improve their providing the means of verification, LGUs institutional role in the management disclose the degree of their compliance under of coastal waters. The revised DCF was each indicator for their area of jurisdiction. used during the evaluation of LGUs’ compliance to the Fisheries Code for 29 the year 2020. In the NCR, the MBCRPP Program Management Office discussed these changes in the DCF with LGUs comprising the Manila Bay Region during the April 19, 2021 online orientation on FishCA indicators. The

Program Management Team-NCR—which, COASTAL LGU NAVOTAS along with those of Regions III and IV-A, PASSES THE 2021 FishCA is part of the Manila Bay Region teams— REGIONAL VALIDATION attended the webinar. Speakers also discussed the FishCA In the FishCA validation stage, the performance validation process at both the regional and compliance of the covered LGUs are assessed and national levels. based on the DCFs and other documents that the On May 18, 2021, to prepare for the latter accomplish and submit annually. Regional FishCA validation stage in June 2021, DILG-NCR field offices and This 2021, the compliance audit on LGUs in the NCR functionaries of coastal LGUs such as for the year 2020 culminated on June 7-11, 2021 the cities of Las Piñas, Manila, Navotas, through an online meeting, where representatives Parañaque, and Pasay attended the from each coastal city in the metropolis (Las Piñas, online briefing conducted by the MBCRPP Manila, Navotas, Parañaque, and Pasay) were given Program Management Team. the opportunity to confirm to the validators the In explaining the ecosystem approach details in their DCF submissions. to fisheries management, Supervising Agriculturist Napoleon Lamarca of the Based on the FishCA validation results, Navotas Marine Fisheries Development Center of City was endorsed as the NCR’s regional awardee the Department of Agriculture-Bureau to the national validation team for 2021. The city of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was among those who later vied for the five highest highlighted some of the guidelines for FishCA-rated LGUs at the national level. LGUs. Among these were: (a) the coverage of the management of fisheries of coastal LGUs should be 15 kilometers from the shoreline; (b) the coastal LGUs in NCR belong to Fisheries Management Area No. 65; and (c) the lead region of Fisheries Management Area 6 is Region 3. “This 2021, the recalibrated data capture form’s indicators underscore LGUs’ responsibility to improve their institutional role in the management of coastal waters. Bombastic pumping stations in Navotas. Source: The DILG Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program 30 Facebook Page

The Barangay Potrero satellite MRF in the City of Malabon, which was funded by the The MRF servicing Barangays Bagumbayan North and South in DENR, is located near the Tullahan River. Navotas. Photo credit: Barangay Potrero, Malabon Facebook page. PSorougrcraem: TFhaecDeIbLoGoMkaPnaiglaeB. ay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation NGO Pitches the Benefits of “Zero Waste” in Revised Sanitation Code Webinar Materials recovery facilities (MRFs) have NUMBER OF BARANGAYS WITH FUNCTIONAL been around in the Philippines for a MRF/MRS AS OF JUNE 30, 2021 while now. In 2001, barangays were required to set up MRFs by virtue of LGU No. of Barangays the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001. This, however, was met with little success. City of Caloocan 94 The reason? There was a lack of understanding of the basic aspects of MRFs. City of Las Piñas 17 The benefits of MRFs as part of the Zero Waste advocacy was revisited by a resource person City of Makati 29 from the NGO Mother Earth Foundation during the June 29, 2021 webinar attended Malabon City 19 by representatives from the City/Municipal Health Offices, City/Municipal Environment and City of Mandaluyong 27 Natural Resource Offices in the NCR; DILG-NCR field office cluster heads; and MBCRPP focal City of Manila 679 persons. Entitled “Orientation on Better Hygiene and City of Marikina 1 Sanitation to Combat COVID-19”, the event was arranged by the MBCRPP-RPMT for the NCR. City of Muntinlupa 3 According to Raphaelo Villavicencio, program manager of Mother Earth Foundation, MRFs are City of Navotas 18 integral in the implementation of an effective Ecological Solid Waste Management. In City of Parañaque 9 contrast to the use of landfills and incineration of wastes, the “zero waste” concept is centered Pasay City 201 on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. City of Pasig 14 Municipality of Pateros 1 Quezon City 20 City of San Juan 5 City of Taguig 9 City of Valenzuela 2 Note: Based on the LGU Compliance Assessment conducted in the second half of 2020 and first half of 2021. Updates on the data shall be available at the conclusion of the next LGU Compliance Assessment in August 2022. In setting up their materials recovery facilities, barangays in the NCR are expected to include a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center, a composting facility, and a recycling facility. If any of these is not available in their MRFs, the barangay must present proof of where/how waste is stored/process (e.g., urban gardening in a vacant lot for biodegradable wastes). 31

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels WEBINAR IDENTIFIES IDEAL HEALTH CARE WASTE HANDLING PRACTICES DURING A PANDEMIC Metro Manila alone produced about 280 metric tons of medical wastes daily during the pandemic. In 2020, the government had set guidelines to manage this. On June 29, 2021, the MBCRPP-RPMT in In the area of waste segregation, the event brought the NCR organized a second webinar, this out at least 11 best waste management practices time to disseminate the guidelines in DILG that the MBCRP Program Management Team aimed Memorandum Circular No. 2020–147—or to reiterate to LGUs. Examples of the practices the “Guidelines on the Management of COVID-19- highlighted were for health care waste officers to related Health Care Wastes”. categorize the type of waste to be handled; for Entitled “Orientation on the Proper Handling and waste segregation at source to be strictly followed; Management, Treatment, and Disposal of Infectious- and for workers to use the appropriate plastic Municipal Waste,” the Zoom event was attended by container thickness and color-coded plastic liners the City/Municipal Health Offices, City/Municipal and containers per type of waste. Environment and Natural Resource Offices, DILG DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020–147 is field and regional offices. based on the National Solid Waste Management Based on the memorandum circular, LGUs have Commission’s Resolution No. 1364 s. 2020, which responsibilities to properly handle and manage provides the guidelines on the proper handling and all COVID-19-related health care wastes. Such management of all COVID-19 related health care responsibilities cover the areas of waste generation; waste, among others. segregation and storage at source; collection and transport; and treatment and disposal of wastes. 32

LGUs’ REFRESHER COURSE BRIDGES GAPS IDENTIFIED IN 2020 FishCA RESULTS The FishCA results in 2020 revealed some gaps in coastal-use zoning plan in their Comprehensive the coastal LGUs’ knowledge on the protection, Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance. rehabilitation and preservation of their water To bridge the gaps in the understanding of the 1998 resources. For instance, coastal LGUs are required Philippines Fisheries Code, the DILG-NCR, through to allocate up to 10 percent of the total area of its MBCRPP-RPMT, led an online refresher course municipal waters for aquaculture and declare at on the coastal LGUs’ duties and responsibilities last least 15 percent of the same municipal waters as September 17, 2021. The activity was participated fish sanctuary/ marine protected area. However, the by functionaries from Metro Manila’s coastal cities 2020 FishCA findings showed that only two out of of Las Piñas, Manila, Parañaque, Navotas, and Pasay. the five LGUs in the NCRs in 2020 had reflected their “ The FishCA results in 2020 revealed some gaps in the coastal LGUs’ knowledge on the protection, rehabilitation and preservation of their water resources. Also present were representatives from the LGUs’ database is useful for tracking registries and eases Agriculture Office and from the City Environment their monitoring of activities in their waters. Its data and Natural Resources Office. may be used as basis for their fisheries management Experts from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau and biodiversity conservation measures. of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) also The BFAR is the government agency mandated to discussed the DA-BFAR Online Database System prepare and implement a comprehensive National and how it could help coastal LGUs implement their Fisheries Industry Development Plan, among other mandates efficiently. functions. It coordinates with and assists LGUs in The DA-BFAR Online Database System has been protecting and managing the fisheries and aquatic developed to provide a simplified and standardized resources in the latter’s areas of jurisdiction. national registration system on municipal fisherfolk, and fishing vessels and gears. For LGUs, the 33

Photo credit: Screengrab from “ServiSerye Ep2 - Manila Bay, Clean-Up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program”, Facebook Page of Manila Bay- DILG North Luzon. POTENTIALS OF LGUs–NGOs SYNERGY IN WASTE RECYCLING EFFORTS The potential benefit of LGUs’ linkages L: Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III. R: Celebrity and CORA Philippines founder with NGOs in terms of Antoinette Taus speaks about urgent global challenges such as plastic pollution. recyclables and MRFs was highlighted during the “Webinar On Materials Recovery Facility Functionality and Management of Biodegradable and Recyclable Wastes During Pandemic” on September 24, 2021. Representatives from NGO/private sector firms CORA Philippines and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. graced the event. To set the overview of the public regarding MRFs and waste Questions from members of webinar’s theme, the Department management. the DILG-NCR field offices, city of Environment and Natural Speakers from the NGOs next health offices, city environment Resources- Environmental highlighted their environmental and natural resources offices, Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) protection initiatives. For and barangay secretaries for the revisited the proper handling of instance, Coca-Cola Beverages resource persons were varied. biodegradable and recyclable Philippines, Inc. revealed These ranged from the specifics waste at home, in the workplace, its ongoing project where it on the disposal of hazardous and in public spaces as well collects and recycles plastic PET wastes; to how barangays can as the management of MRFs. packaging at the community get involved in private sector Meanwhile, the Department of level6 and indicated its willingness initiatives on recyclables. Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and to engage in partnerships with The webinar was organized by the Wastes Management (DA-BSWM) interested LGUs. MBCRPP-RPMT for the NCR. laid out the department’s own initiatives and services to the 6 “Coca-Cola Partners with PBSP, PLAF to Collect, Recycle Plastic Packaging”. In https://business.inquirer.net/325025/coca-cola-partners-with-pbsp-plaf-to-collect-recycle-plastic-packaging 34

RIAC-NCR Grades LGUs’ Compliance to Environmental Laws Manila Bay’s 190-kilometer coastline lies in the areas of jurisdiction of 178 LGUs in three regions.7 Numerous studies have shown that part of the pollution issues in the Manila Bay is due to land-based human activities, including the discharge of municipal, industrial, and agricultural wastes. As LGUs play a huge role in protecting the environment, the DILG—through the MBCRPP, together with the other agencies—developed a mechanism that monitors all LGUs’ compliance to key provisions of national environmental laws and policies related to the Manila Bay program implementation. This mechanism is called the LGU Compliance Assessment. Regional lnter-agency Committees (RIACs) composed of numerous national government agencies are mandated to assess all LGUs in their respective regions. Thematic Clusters Under the 2017-2022 “The LGU Compliance Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Strategy Assessment is the mechanism where LGUs’ Habitat and Informal conformity to national Resources Settler Families environmental laws Management and policies related to and Illegal the Manila Bay program Structures implementation is evaluated. Institutional Arrangements/ Partnership & Governance Solid Waste Liquid Waste Management Management Source: “The Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program: Evolving Through Time...” Powerpoint Slide presented by Donna Mayor-Gordove. Manila Bay Coordinating Office- Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. October 2018. 7 “The Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program: Evolving Through Time..” A Powerpoint presentation. By Donna Mayor-Gordove. In https://events.development.asia/system/files/materials/2018/10/201810-manila-bay- rehabilitation-program-evolving-through-time.pdf 35

Regional LGU Compliance Assessment Results In the NCR, 30 members of the RIAC-NCR met 3rd Quarter of 2020 to 2nd Quarter of 2021 via webinar for a planning workshop on the LGU Compliance Assessment on November 4, 2021. Ranking LGU 2021 As there had been changes in the MBCRPP LGU Compliance Assessment Tool this year, the attendees 1 Makati City 93.70 were given a briefing on the performance indicators in the revised tool as well as on the methodology for the 2 Parañaque City 92.40 evaluation. The said activity was followed by the presentation of 3 Navotas City 92.27 the preliminary scores of all the 17 LGUs in the NCR on November 29 until December 9 via Zoom. 4 Muntinlupa 91.75 Example of Improvements in the LGU 5 Pasay 89.70 Compliance Assessment Forms 6 Las Piñas 89.40 • An indicator calls for the existence of a drainage master plan 7 Valenzuela 89.00 • Increased the percentage of inspected private 8 Quezon City 88.75 homes, commercial establishments, and factories (regarding liquid waste) 9 Mandaluyong 86.20 • Increased the percentage of issued notices of 10 Caloocan 85.85 non-compliance to liquid waste-related laws 11 City of Manila 82.85 • Stricter guidelines on the functionality of the Solid Waste Management Board 12 Malabon 82.68 • Increased the percentage of barangays 13 Marikina 80.82 expected to implement the solid waste collection system, records of waste diversion, 14 Pasig 80.75 households that practice segregation, and barangays that have functional MRF/MRS 15 Pateros 77.15 The RIAC-NCR members as well as the Regional Project 16 San Juan 76.52 Management Team of DILG-NCR (a) deliberated and identified the high-compliant LGUs, which could 17 Taguig 62.53 receive awards and incentives from the DILG; and (b) low-compliant LGUs, where a case could be filed with Source: DILG-NCR Regional Inter-Agency Committee Report, 2021 the Ombudsman for failure to implement existing environment-related laws. In the final deliberation held at the Ramada Hotel in Manila on December 10, the RIAC members further assessed the LGUs’ performance under four thematic categories, including the identified gaps as well as cited recommendations on how to further improve their assessment process. In the activity output submitted to MBCRPP Program Management Office, the highest performing LGUs were endorsed for the Manila Awards and lncentives Program (See related story on page 41). 36