Gov Lacwasan cites nat’l awards during SOPA

By Erwin S. Batnag

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan cited  citations and recognition by the national government of  achievements in implementation of government and civic programs in Mountain Province. 

“Excellence defines good governance and behind excellence is shared or collaborative governance,” Lacwasan said in his recent state of the province address (SOPA).

He said strengthening of partnership between the provincial government and government and non-government sectors and agencies paved the way for the successful implementation of the projects, programs and activities of the provincial government.

Among the highlights of the annual report were the regional and national recognitions that the province received last year.

“Highlighting and summarizing the accomplishments of the provincial government are four national awards which did not only showcased the capability of our provincial government to meet national standards but also, have proven that we can be at par with our counterparts and even excel in our performance as an LGU despite our limited resources,” Lacwasan said.

In August 2019, the provincial government was recognized and accorded the 2019 National Kabalikat Award for its “deep commitment in the promotion of technical-vocational education and training, its significant contributions to the development of the Cordillera’s skilled manpower and for continuously upholding the standards of skills excellence and appropriate work ethics.”

On Oct. 23, 2019, the Provincial Accounting Office was awarded as one of the 2019 Outstanding Provincial Accounting Office nationwide by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines.

The PLGU’s Accounting Office was the lone awardee from CAR and was also one among the only three PLGU awardees nationwide.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC),  like the PAccO, were also the only awardees from CAR in their respective categories.

In the national awards level, MP-PDRRMC was one of the only two PDRRMC national finalists wherein it landed second place.

Also, the PADAC was among the few provincial ADAC awardees that got ideal performance award for being 100% compliant to said award’s criteria by the National Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

According to the governor, the awards closely summarized his administration’s accomplishment as a whole as the criteria set by the award bodies are part and parcel of the core and essential assessment areas of the Seal of Good Local Governance by the DILG, particularly on Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection and Peace and Order.

“I would like to commend the efforts of everyone for without the cooperation of all offices and special bodies’ members, we could not have satisfied all the criteria or standards set by the award-giving bodies,” Lacwasan said.

The governor cited the support of the members of Sanggunniang Panlalawigan on implementation of the current administration’s special programs under its mantra, “Barangay Muna.”

He said that under this program, barangays, associations and individuals were assisted thru provisions of equipment and supplies and livelihood packages among others. He further said that under its special programs, the provincial government gave due attention to job-bridging programs which include OFW financial assistance and annual mobile passport services, scholarships and livelihood assistance as sort of poverty alleviation measures.

On top of the special programs, the governor said the provincial government leveled up implementations of its regular programs.

The governor said that the regional and national awards that were earlier mentioned proved employees worked as a team.

“Given all these, we have done well as a province. However, the bigger challenge awaits- the sustainability of our performance as a whole local government unit and our ability to surpass our previous feats,” Lacwasan said. 

The governor said in preparation for 2020, the provincial government has conducted an assessment to measure its absorptive capacity. According to him, the activity determined the factors which affects the provision of basic services which are being accorded by the Provincial Government to its people and those which affect the implementation of programs, projects and activities.

The governor delivered his annual report in front of municipal and barangay officials including representatives from the partner agencies and private sectors during the session of the Sangunniang Panlalawigan on Jan. 14, 2020 at the multi-purpose hall.