Davao del Norte celebrates good governance

Davao del Norte, October 8, 2015 – Public administration experts, local officials, the academe, private sector and the civic society converged in Tagum City on Tuesday to celebrate good governance.

The provincial government of Davao del Norte, in partnership with the Davao del Norte State College, held the Good Governance Congress to drum up advocacy for better public administration.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the forum, dubbed as Go-Go DavNor (Good Governance for Davao del Norte), intends to increase public awareness on the value of good governance in capacitating LGUs to improve delivery of services and advance progress and growth.

He revealed the crucial reforms he instituted that valued the principles of performance, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity fueled the success of the shifting strategies of his 15-year administration, particularly in providing better life to the Dabaonons.

After heralding the accomplishments of his reform initiatives, the governor announced his thrust of cascading the innovative systems, processes and procedures of the Capitol to the barangays.

He announced the implementation of a P500,000 stimulus fund to be given to each barangay for the institutionalization of these reforms in the communities.

Renowned political analyst Dr. Prospero de Vera, Vice President for Public Affairs of the University of the Philippines lauded the province for organizing the event.

He explained that the core of good governance is transparency.

“How can we ask the people to participate well in our democratic processes if they don’t have proper information about government affairs,” he said.

University of the Philippines Professor Angelito Manalili use compelling stories to stress the government’s duty to serve the interest, particularly of the poor and vulnerable sectors.

“Good governance is serving the needs of the least, last and lowest in our society,” he said.

University of Southeastern Philippines Professor Aristeo Salapa detailed the measures of good governance that include, among others, accountability, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness, capacity and sound fiscal management.

Other speakers during the congress were Local Government Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) Field Director Francis Gentoral, Dr. Jonathan Bayogan, President of the Davao del Norte State College, Ananias Villacorta, Regional Director of DILG-XI and Dr. Marilou Junsay also of DNSC.

Famous singer/songwriter Gary Granada offered a repertoire of his hit songs of social relevance that provided a respite from the intense discussions.(Noel Baguio-PIo DavNor)