Academy better than junkets for politicians-PCLLA

TAGUM CITY-Politicians would be better off going to the Philippine Councilors League Legislative Academy (PCLLA) and complete their degrees instead of joining junkets that only waste people’s money.

This was the message imparted by PCCLA Executive Director Hilario Caminero during the launching of the Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI) at the Bulwagan Hall of the Provincial Capitol Monday.

“Let’s do away with massive spending of government money through junkets,” he said.

Caminero said “when I tried to evaluate the capability building process of our councilors I realized that up to P1.2 billion was spent every year in the guise of attending training, seminars and conferences.” By the time a councilor completes his term which is usually after nine years, he added, a councilor would have spent P1.2 million each for such trainings.

However, he said, this has not increased the chances of this councilor getting a government position once he applies for it no matter if “malakas sya sa mayor” because of the lack of a degree.

This was the reason why the Academy, which has produced more than 800 graduates nationwide, was established. He said up to 400 politicians have finished College because of the Academy.

He said it provides an opportunity for legislators to complete a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration and Public Governance. PCLLA also offers a Master in Public Administration Degree for government employees and politicians, he added.

Caminero said the PCLLA has legal basis particularly Executive order No. 330 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996. EO 330 mandates the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to “expand and strengthen the tertiary education equivalency and accreditation program to benefit deserving individuals.”

He said this only shows that acquiring higher expertise and education can also take place in the workplace and not just in the classrooms. He added that the Order allows CHED to conduct a thorough evaluation and after certifying that a government employee’s work experiences have been acquired through non-formal training, award such employee with the appropriate academic degree.(RGA/LAC/PIA XI)