DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo formally signs MOA with SIPPAD

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
October 6, 2010

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) represented by Hon. Jesse M. Robredo signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) represented by Most Rev. Bishop Emmanuel C. Trance, Bishop of Catarman; Most Rev. Isabelo T. Abarquez D.D., Bishop of Calbayog and Most Rev. Bishop Crispin B. Varquez D.D., Bishop of Borongan on the occasion of the 15th SIPPAD Assembly held in Catbalogan last September 22, 2010.

The signing, which highlighted the activity, was intended to establish commitments from both the government and the private sectors in pursuing an honest and effective governance. The move was in response to President Noynoy Aquino’s call upon every citizen to get involved in a change that will alleviate poverty and offer equal opportunities to everyone, SIPPAD stressed.

Focusing on the forum’s theme,” Good Governance: A Development Imperative for Samar Island”, Robredo shared  his leadership experience as Mayor of Naga City for nineteen consecutive years where he effectively mobilized and engaged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as partners in promoting accountability and  transparency in his local administration.

The Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) is a partnership of the church, CSOs, the academe, LGUs convened by the three Bishops in the three provinces of Samar Island whose vision is to promote peace and development, good governance, protection of its environment, and alleviation of poverty in Samar. The said organization existed since 2004 and has been addressing those issues even before the MOA was formally signed.

SIPPAD and DILG, having shared common interests of promoting good and responsive governance, entered into this partnership with the commitment of improving the lives of the Samarnons.

Based on the MOA signed, the DILG commits to acknowledge the citizen’s participation in governance through the provincial arms of SIPPAD, in development planning, budgeting, implementation monitoring and evaluation of government projects in local governments; ensure the access of information on government transactions; respond with prompt and appropriate action on issues raised by SIPPAD; adhere with the establishment of special development bodies provided by the Local Government Code; provide linkages to concerned central and local government authorities for decision making and provide a mechanism for the regular consultation with SIPPAD to address the issues of good governance.

On the other hand, the SIPPAD will ensure transparency and accountability by involving in the above activities without violating the fiscal autonomy of the local governments concerned. It shall participate in the enhancement of existing programs and policies or development of new policies in the local level. It is committed to submit regular and special reports to DILG on the results of its involvement, prepare a report to the public such as “Ulat sa Bayan” or “Score Cards” on the performance of local government units in governance. Moreover, it will serve as the Service Provider to local government units in planning and budgeting implementation, monitoring, evaluation, capacity building, participatory research. Finally, the SIPPAD will serve as avenue for sharing of experiences and best practices in good governance.

SIPPAD asserted on its independence as a body by not allowing the DILG to allocate funds for the purpose.