Search to raise the standards of legislation is on

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The launching of the “Search for the Most Outstanding Sanggunian 2023” last Wednesday, April 12, 2023 was very successful as it was attended by vice mayors, sangguniang bayan secretaries and sangguniang bayan/city representatives from the 43 local government units (LGUs) in the Province of Iloilo.

Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-288 (AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SEARCH FOR THE MOST OUTSTANDING SANGGUNIAN IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND PROVIDING MECHANICS THEREOF) was authored by Vice Governor Christine “Tingting” Garin.

The attendees were welcomed by Ex-Officio Board Member Ramon Sullano of the Philippine Councilor’s League – Iloilo Chapter. He said that the ordinance was crafted to encourage sangguniang bayan members to do more in their legislative works.

“This ordinance is the basis for giving a reward to sangguniang bayan who enhanced their performance,” said Sullano.

Vice Governor Garin was very grateful of the presence of vice mayors  even as she acknowledged the presence of sangguniang bayan secretaries and sangguniang bayan/city representatives from each LGU.

While roaming around the province, the vice governor noticed the uniqueness of each sangguniang bayan with different style, quality and efficiency. This prompted her to plan for this ordinance.

“What we want is to bring everyone together and to raise the quality of our sangguniang bayan,” Garin said.

Garin added that part of the criteria for the search came from the inputs of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Atty. Raul Tiosayco, Jr., Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, believed that the search is a good opportunity for the SB secretaries to exchange notes and he was hoping that every sanggunian in the province of Iloilo will raise their standards.

“Those who think that they still have to do their best, raise your hand; and, those who think they have already done their best, raise your standards,” Tiosayco said.

He emphasized to do better on what is being done, document it, and explore on what has not been done. He suggested to apply these three: rethink, retool, relearn.

This ordinance, according to Tiosayco, is constituent-centered. The legislative process of an LGU should involve the constituent to qualify for the search.

“Let’s congratulate ourselves on why we are here and given a new opportunity to do things better,” Tiosayco added.

The criteria of the search were discussed by DILG-Iloilo Provincial Director Carmelo Orbista. He said that the assessment will start on the first quarter of 2024, covering the year 2023. The criteria were the product of the minds of the Provincial Legislative Awards Committee (PLAC).

Orbista mentioned that the search is mandatory and all 43 LGUs will be assessed and the search committee will be going to respective sanggunian next year.

The evaluation criteria cover seven areas which include 1.) Presence of Legislative Agenda, 2.) Availability of Legislative Documents, 3.) Effectiveness of Performance of the Sanggunian, 4.) Efficiency of Performance of the Sanggunian, 5.) Legislative Citations and Awards, 6.) Capacity Development (CapDev) for Legislators and Staff, and 7.) Innovations and Best Practices.

Meanwhile, 4th District Board Member Domingo Oso, Jr. encouraged all LGUs to participate in the search. He said that there is a need to improved ourselves, not just individually, but also collectively. The purpose of the provincial ordinance is collective effort of the whole sanggunian in the municipality.

“Local governance is a joint responsibility of the executive and legislative. If we don’t do our part then the executive will be a failure. But, if we work together hand in hand with the executive we will progress together,” said Oso.

He is hoping to see all the attendees next year and maybe some of them will be the best in this search. (Bert Ladera)