By: Vicente W. Villavert
SAN JOSE, Antique – The 28th anniversary of the Local Government Code (LGC) was highlighted with the conduct of Knowledge Exchange Forum, Local Governance Quiz and Exhibit.
Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) was signed in 1991 to provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Antique Provincial Director Cherryl P. Tacda said the DILG and the Antique Local Governance Provincial Resource Center embarked on activities to highlight the growths of local governments in the province and to raise public awareness of the significance of LGC.
The University of Antique (UA) Multi-purpose Convention Center in Sibalom town hosted the activity, and participated in by Municipal and Barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, students, and other stakeholders.
The Knowledge Exchange Forum highlighted the province’s accomplishments in local legislation presented by J.T. Gabin, Secretary to the Sangguniang Palalawigan; and Mayor Elmer C. Untaran presented San Jose de Buenavista’s best practices in garnering the Seal of Good Local Governance for three consecutive years.
The quiz contest challenged the municipal, barangay and SK officials’ knowledge and competence in local governance.
Marjorie M. Ballenas, Administrative Officer III of Sibalom town, topped the quiz contest for the Municipality category; followed by Sharon Rose Gallego, Local Treasury Operations Officer of the MunicipalTreasurer’s Office of Tobias Fornier; and Victor Soria, Municipal Accountant of Libertad town.
For the Barangay category quiz contest: Joan Buton(champion), barangay secretary of Catungan IV, Sibalom; Jimmy Verano,(second),punong barangay of Ilabas, Sibalom; and Maria Gleda Escobar(third), barangay secretary of Poblacion, Belison.
For the SK Category: Jovelyn A. Pelone, Rondick J. Mabuhay and John Paul A. Loyola of the UA College of Arts and Sciences garnered first place; Arnel C. Yaranon Jr., Rodin Vallido , and Madelyn E. Morillo of the UA-BSCE were on second place; and third went to Diana Rose G. Lampasa, Cherry Lyn V. Estolano, and Jenny Joy M. Hermogenes of UA-College of Education. (PIA-Antique)
