Published On: June 19, 2023 | Written By: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Zamboanga City – The 2nd Quarter meeting of the Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Committee (MSAC) took place on June 15, 2023, at ADZU’s Lantaka Campus in Zamboanga City. This meeting brought together partner agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, leagues, and private sectors, resulting in a productive and beneficial gathering. The primary purpose of the meeting was to promote collaboration and engage in meaningful discussions concerning crucial topics such as disaster preparedness and other relevant matters.

Alvin Rex M. Lucero, Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD), chaired the meeting, while Fr. Guillrey Anthony M. Andal, SJ, President of ADZU, warmly welcomed the participants as the event’s host. Chief Lucero then delivered an opening message on behalf of Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, establishing the direction for the subsequent discussions.

In the midst of the gathering, ADZU’s esteemed President, Fr. Andal, bestowed upon DILG IX the invaluable L!sto Disaster Preparedness Manual specifically designed to equip local communities with the necessary tools to fortify their readiness in confronting weather-related adversities.

A diverse range of subjects took center stage during the meeting, revealing the participants’ unwavering dedication to working together and promoting efficient administration. The ALeRTO initiative, spearheaded by ACES Director Emir Epino in partnership with ADZU, DOST, OCD, and DILG, captivated the audience. This groundbreaking project strives to enhance the region’s disaster response capabilities by delivering nearly instantaneous updates on water levels and rainfall, bolstering the region’s resilience.

Regional DTP Coordinator Pamela Grace G. Amantiad enthusiastically shared the latest developments regarding the Full Devolution implementation. These updates illuminated the remarkable strides taken to empower local government units, guaranteeing streamlined service delivery that directly benefits the communities they serve.

Moreover, a comprehensive introduction was provided on the KM Audit Tools for external collaborators, underscoring the significance of harnessing knowledge management to amplify organizational efficiency and optimize performance.

The MSAC Internal Rules and Procedures, a crucial blueprint steering the committee’s actions, were brought forth for endorsement. Deliberations ensued, exploring proposed modifications in pursuit of a shared agreement aimed at enhancing the committee’s operational effectiveness.

Notable advancement came in the form of unveiling the inaugural lineup of the LGRRC Registry of Experts, which promises to be a treasure trove of expertise. This registry holds the key to unlocking a wealth of knowledge and skills possessed by subject matter experts, who stand ready to make impactful contributions to the diverse range of initiatives spearheaded by the committee.

The meeting came to a close as Chief Lucero expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for their enthusiastic involvement and invaluable inputs. The triumph of the gathering serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of united collaboration among diverse stakeholders, especially when it comes to tackling urgent concerns such as disaster preparedness and effective governance.

As the DILG IX persistently nurtures robust collaborations and champions the inclusion of diverse perspectives in decision-making, the results of this gathering will unquestionably forge a path towards heightened effectiveness and seamless coordination in fortifying resilient communities within Zamboanga Peninsula.