CITY OF CALAMBA, LAGUNA—As part of the DILG IV-A’s continuous efforts to expand connections and linkages between the government and the academe, the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) inked a partnership with the National University (NU) Laguna, Dasmarinas, and Lipa Campuses, as well as the INSPIRE Sports Academy on March 18, 2026 at the NU Laguna Campus Auditorium.

Organized and coordinated by LGOO V Sarah Joy V. Pastores, the 1st Quarter MSAC meeting highlighted new partnerships, the meeting convened the DILG IV-A’s Sub-LGRRCs, Multi Sectoral Advisory Committee (MSAC) partners consisting of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non Government Organizations (NGOs), academic partners, and others. The highlight, however, comes in the form of a new partnership with the National University Campuses of Laguna, Dasmarinas, and Lipa, and the INSPIRE Sports Academy.

“We have always maintained that effective governance is a responsibility too significant for the government to carry alone.” Regional Director Ariel O. Iglesia, CESO III began in his message, underscoring the importance of a united front in providing necessary and expert knowledge for Local Government Units (LGUs) “Our agenda today is designed to move us from theory to actual implementation. We are establishing guidelines to identify and tap into the professional talent within our own regional pool through expert certification, while simultaneously engaging our Local Resource Institutes to provide the research and review necessary for meaningful Local Government Code amendments. Furthermore, we are creating platforms for the youth through the Youth’s Choice Program and institutionalizing transparency through our Dagyaw Town Hall Meetings.”

Dr. Josefina G. San Miguel, the Executive Director of NU – Laguna Campus welcomed the participants with a lesson rooted  in folklore that ultimately placed the idea of unity and common ground at the forefront.

Afterwards, the ceremonial signing between the DILG IV-A, NU LAGUNA, Dasmariñas, Lipa, and INSPIRE Sports Academy commenced, solidifying the joint commitment.

LGOO V Sarah Joy V. Pastores then presented the proposed Resolution No. 2026-01 also known as the Resolution Authorizing the LGRC manager, Assistant Regional Director Darrell I. Dizon, CESO IV, to sign the Minutes of Meetings for and on Behalf of All Members of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Council, which was approved by the committee.

Pursuant to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) partnership with De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), LGOO II Floyd Reji B. Francisco of DILG IV-A presented the brief background of the Barangay Justice (B-JUST) Program, which aims to  strengthen community-level dispute resolution, as well as enhance the competencies of barangay officials and Lupon Tagapamayapa members through a training program.

Next, Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Assistant Division Chief Monette S. Landicho-Palo, presented the collaboration with UP Los Baños – College of Public Affairs and Development (UPLB CPAf), regarding the review and possible amendments of Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC). The proposed REVAMP of DILG IV-A serves as a response to outdated mandates that should be improved in line with the current status quo of the LGC and its possible renationalization of devolved services to better address the needs of the communities.

Assistant Division Chief of the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED), Mary Janice B. Sobremonte, discussed the Public Education Facility, which contained the following sub-topics, and their roles in strengthening collaboration between the government, CSOs, NGOs, etc.:

• Guidelines for the Appointment of Civil Society Organization Representatives of Peace and Orders;
• PH OGP Localization and Co-Creation Activities; and

LGOO V Sarah Joy V. Pastores, DILG IV-A LGCDD, presented the linkages facility that emphasized several activities and programs of DILG IV-A LGCD Division. The presentation highlighted the need for resource persons for Regional Institutional Development Support (RIDS) in key areas such as Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA), Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), and Violence Against Women (VAW) and Gender-Based Discrimination (GBD), among others. It also identified opportunities for resource sharing to support the effective implementation of DILG IV-A LGRRC programs and projects.

DILG Laguna, through Provincial Director Jay Beltran, pledged several activities, including (1) Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) and Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), in possible collaboration with UPLB SESAM and the College of Human Ecology (CHE); and (2) a Youth Engagement Program on anti-illegal drugs advocacy. The Philippine Commission for Women (PCW) also committed to collaborate with DILG IV-A on programs addressing Violence Against Women (VAW) and Gender-Based Discrimination (GBD), while the Department of Health IV-A (DOH IV-A) expressed its intent to support initiatives under the Immunization and Nutrition (Survival) Program.

Myla A. Velgado, RMT, CBO, DMM, MPH-MG of the Department of Health (DOH) IV-A presented a comprehensive analysis of the Regional Blood Situationer in CALABARZON. Anchored on its mission to provide timely, adequate, and safe blood and its vision of an accessible and unified blood network

by 2027, several key projects and activities were highlighted. Leading indications for blood requests in Region IV-A include Chronic Kidney Disease (dialysis patients), upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and anemia of unknown etiology, among others.

Justin Jeffrey C. Boquiron, MPS from Cavite State University presented the study, “Implementation of the Citizen’s Charter under Republic Act 11032 and Service Delivery Satisfaction among Barangays in Naic, Cavite,” which examined the implementation of the Citizen’s Charter and its relationship with client satisfaction in service delivery. Specifically, it aims to describe the clients’ demographic profile, assess the level of implementation of the Citizen’s Charter provisions, determine the level of client satisfaction, identify significant differences in these indicators when grouped according to demographic profile, and examine the relationship between the level of implementation and client satisfaction.

NU Laguna, Dasmarinas, Lipa and INSPIRE Sports Academy showcased their facilities, advocacies, and potential contributions to the newly-minted partnership through Audio-Visual Presentations (AVPs).

The DILG IV-A Creatives Unit was also featured during the meeting, highlighting its ongoing social media initiatives aimed at informing the public about various agencies—both government and non-government—and their respective programs, projects, and activities that promote effective local governance and community participation.

ARD Dizon formally adjourned the meeting after no further concerns were raised, reiterating gratitude for the new partnership and upcoming collaborations that advance local governance toward greater progress.