City of Koronadal – Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes graced the first SOCCSKSARGEN Good Governance Summit as its Keynote Speaker last September 17 at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, this city, as part of the kick-off ceremony of this year’s Regional Development Council (RDC) Week celebration spearheaded by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 12.
In her message, Governor Fuentes, who is also the Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 12, stressed the principles to be followed to achieve good governance such as transparency, efficiency, consistent implementation of policies, greater consultation, revenue generation, nurturing of moral conviction toward public service, personal sacrifice and creation of environment towards “Daang Matuwid.”
But she was quick to point out the difficult tasks confronting local government units (LGUs) in the pursuit of good governance due to the “rigid and unmovable bureaucracy,” which appears to paralyze politicians.
She likewise challenged everyone to make sure that what they will pledge in the summit can be achieved because of the several obstacles to good governance, just as what she mentioned earlier.
Two (2) LGUs, Polomolok in South Cotabato and Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and likewise two (2) alliances, PALMA-PB of North Cotabato and AVLDA of South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat, showcased their “best practices.”
Polomolok was adjudged 8th over-all in the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index Survey recently, but ranked 6th over-all in the Economic Dynamism criteria among 500 cities and municipalities in the country.
Tacurong City, a “Galing Pook” awardee, shared the reforms they initiated in “bringing their city government nearer to the people,” through mandatory annual financial assistance to barangays.
The alliance PALMA-PB, representing the 7 towns of North Cotabato, showed how shared responsibility through the “bayanihan spirit” could efficiently and effectively deliver basic social services to their respective constituents.
AVLDA, the joint alliance of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces that was formed in the aftermath of the Lake Maughn (Holon) tragedy, also presented how an alliance could help manage the different environment issues and concerns through cooperation and convergence.
Prior to the presentation, NEDA 12 Regional Director Arturo Valero gave the rationale of the summit, emphasizing on the importance of institutional development in good governance.
City Mayor Peter Miguel also welcomed the summit participants coming from the government and private sectors and non-government organizations.
