Published on: April 04, 2024 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – March 26, 2024 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX effectively organized the 1st Quarter Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Council (MSAC) Meeting on March 26, 2024, at the One Cecilia Building in Santiago, Pagadian City. The gathering provided an opportunity for diverse stakeholders to engage in discussions and work together on local development strategies.  

A key moment during the event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) IX, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Yllana, and JCI Greater – Pagadian. This agreement is intended to strengthen community development efforts and advance sustainable urbanization in the area. 

The meeting officially began with Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, introducing the tentative agenda. Following this, Linkage Facility Head Lizzette Regine R. Boltiador reviewed the key points from the previous MSAC 4th Quarter Meeting and addressed any related issues. 

Several important agenda items were discussed, such as the selection of a co-chairperson, appointment of a permanent MSAC representative, and the introduction of the Local Government Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) IX Strategic Business Plan for FY 2024-2026 by Research and Innovation Facility Head Meredel Fe P. Fullo. 

Furthermore, the meeting examined the assessment findings of the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which was presented by Mae Ann C. Tuden from the Performance Assessment Facility. Mary Jane Mohammad-Sali from DOH IX also presented the CY 2023 LGU Health Scorecard, and Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) IX presented the 2023 BLGF Indicators in the SGLG. 

The meeting ended with Capacity Development Facility Head Alvin Rex M. Lucero presented Regional Capacity Development Analytics, focusing on the region’s advancements and opportunities for enhancement in capacity building efforts. 

The initial MSAC Meeting of the first quarter served as a valuable platform for stakeholders to collaborate and enhance partnerships for the betterment of local communities within DILG IX’s area of responsibility.