NORTHERN Mindanao Interior and Local Government Department (DILG-10) starting Thursday conducted a NEO Orientation Course for local councilors in Lanao del Norte at a hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.
Led by Lanao del Norte Chapter Philippine Councilors League President Lyndon L Abucay of the Municipality of Lala said the course focused on the importance of spending public funds for public purposes under the local government's comprehensive development plan.
"Public money should always be spent for a public purpose," emphasized Abucay to the local media in Cagayan de Oro.
The DILG's guidelines on budget spending ensure that local government units prioritize the development needs of their respective communities.
“By creating a comprehensive development plan, LGUs can effectively allocate resources and address the most pressing concerns of their constituents,” explained Abucay.
The NEO Orientation Course ultimately aims to equip local officials with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and serve their communities to the best of their ability.
In the NEO Orientation Course given for local councilors in Lanao del Norte, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) emphasized the importance of the local government's comprehensive development plan in the effective allocation of resources to address the most pressing concerns of the community.
Abucay also stressed from the seminar the local government operations office of the DILG developed the NEO or New and emerging opportunities in public service and governance programs.
“It is a capacity-building program designed to strengthen the capabilities of local government units' personnel, particularly the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panglungsod members,” said Abucay.
Part of NEO according to Abucay is the NEO for Sanggunian program, which focuses on enhancing the Sanggunian's capacity to perform their legislative function.
The Sanggunian members play a critical role in local governance through their legislative function, he said adding that they are tasked with creating ordinances and resolutions that can affect the lives of the local community.
Abucay also thanked the DILG's NEO for Sanggunian which provides training and development programs that aim to enhance their leadership, analytical, and legislative skills.
He added that part of NEO for Sanggunian's program is to provide training on local budgeting processes.
It includes a lecture on the preparation, review, and approval of the executive budget, which is often the most critical work of the Sanggunian.
Also, he said the program teaches the Sanggunian members on aligning the budget with their comprehensive development plan and annual investment program.
“NEO for Sanggunian is an excellent opportunity for us in local Sanggunian to enhance our capacities in creating and passing laws that will help improve the quality of life and provide necessary services to their constituents,” said Abucay.
He said that through this program, local legislators can gain more knowledge and skills on various aspects of local governance to strengthen their institution's performance and effectiveness in serving the community.
At the forefront of the orientation course are the DILG's guidelines on operation and budget spending, which ensure that local government units prioritize the development needs of their respective communities.
Abucay maintained that this guideline is anchored in the idea that public money must be spent for public purposes – for the greater good of the people.
“Councilors attending the orientation course learned more about the intricacies of creating a comprehensive development plan,' he said.
Meanwhile, in an earlier statement given by regional PCL president Cagayan de Oro City counselor, George Goking said that such a plan considers the status quo of the communities through a needs assessment process.
“This process identifies the pressing issues that the LGU must address, such as providing access to basic services like healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities,” said Goking.
Going explained that after identifying the present situation of the community, the LGU can then create a development plan that outlines the specific projects and programs that aim to address the articulated needs.
“The comprehensive development plan primarily serves as a roadmap for LGUs to follow so that they can use their resources effectively, efficiently, and equitably,” emphasized Goking.
Ultimately, the NEO Orientation Course's goal is to provide local councilors with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed and responsible decisions as they serve their communities.
Going also explained that in line with the DILG's advocacy of empowering local government units and ensuring good governance, the NEO Orientation Course provides an opportunity for LGU officials to continue honing their skills to enable transformative change in their areas of jurisdiction.
“Overall, the NEO Orientation Course highlights the critical role of the LGUs in nation-building,” Goking said.
Abucay like Goking said as local councilors leave the event equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to create comprehensive development plans, they become better prepared to serve their communities and contribute to the country's growth and progress.
