http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090907-224045/Iloilo-San-Fernando-cited-as-well-governedIloilo, San Fernando cited as well governed
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 14:58:00 09/07/2009
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines—A good governance institute has cited the cities of Iloilo and San Fernando in Pampanga for breakthroughs in instituting systems and practices promoting good governance.
In its evaluation of a four-stage program being implemented in the two cities, the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) said both local governments scored high in the implementation of the Performance Governance System (PGS).
The PGS is a management system adapted by the ISA that enables executives and stakeholders to mobilize the community toward a common direction and achieve both short-term and strategic goals. Its implementation is being regularly assessed to identify gains and weak points in governance.
The evaluation was released by the ISA recently, a copy of which was furnished the Philippine Daily Inquirer by its media partner, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).
The evaluation recommended Iloilo and San Fernando to become benchmarks for further governance studies and as showcases of the PGS success for the ISA’s local government partners.
Iloilo was cited for advances in public-private partnership, financial planning, and heritage and cultural preservation. It was also considered a model for involving the youth, in social welfare and development, in instituting environment-friendly infrastructure and urban planning, and implementing integrated education infrastructure.
The ISA said the city had achieved an effective governance model for the partnership of the LGU and the private sector and other stakeholders. The partnership has been instituted in processes and measures, including the holding of the annual Dinagyang Festival and the program to preserve heritage houses and other structures.
The city has also been effective in implementing a comprehensive land-use plan and streamlining processes in business registration and renewal.
The evaluation also showed Iloilo’s significant gains in financial management, which has reduced its dependence on the International Revenue Allotment (IRA) and substantially increased its revenues. This was done through the implementation of tax mapping, tax information campaigns, and the strict enforcement of its revenue code.
The ISA cited Iloilo’s “high regard for culture and heritage” with the creation of the Heritage Council which cross-links heritage, social, economic, and governance programs.
San Fernando was also lauded for its public-private sector partnership through the creation and institutionalization of a Multi-Stakeholder Governance Council (MSGC).
It was cited for being a model for cooperation and dialogue between the legislative and executive branches which ensured coherent policies and effective planning, budgeting, execution, and monitoring of these policies.
It was specifically cited for implementing a successful sustainable urban development program and with the Sagip Ilog project which focuses on the rehabilitation of the San Fernando River.
“The Sagip Ilog project provides a holistic and integrated framework that zeroes in on unleashing the strong economic potential of the city by protecting its basic and important resource—water,” according to the evaluation.
The city was also cited for gains in improving efficiency in business processes and transactions; revenue generation and resource management; civil service professionalism and development; and in engaging public participation and support.
