Published on: July 21, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX has recently conducted a coordination meeting on the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) for CY 2023. The meeting took place on July 17, 2023, through a Zoom teleconference, with the primary goal of familiarizing the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) involved with the key aspects of DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-046, issued on March 17, 2023. This circular introduced enhanced guidelines for the RCSP, aiming to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively carry out the program in their designated target barangays.

The Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) stands as a crucial government initiative, playing a central role in fostering peace and development within conflict-affected barangays in Region IX.

The primary attendees of this coordination meeting consisted of the Provincial RCSP Focal Persons representing DILG Zamboanga del Sur, along with the MLGOOs from the municipalities of Tigbao, Bayog, Guipos, San Miguel, Dimataling, and Midsalip in the same province. Moreover, the meeting also saw the participation of the Provincial RCSP Focal Persons from DILG Zamboanga Sibugay and the MLGOO of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The occasion began with an opening speech by LGOO VII Jose Ruel D. Trobanos, the LGMED Chief, who represented the Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III. During his address, he underscored the importance of the RCSP as a crucial initiative that promotes peace and development, particularly in barangays affected by conflict within the region.

After the opening message, LGOO VI Elmer L. Egama, the LGMED Assistant Division Chief and the RCSP Regional Focal Person, provided a comprehensive overview and objective of the activity. His presentation explains the change under the enhanced Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) outlined in DILG MC 2023-046 and its planned execution for CY 2023. LGOO VI Egama further highlighted the importance of six (6) key Milestones in the successful implementation of the RCSP. These Milestones are essential indicators that will gauge the program’s progress. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of having specific Means of Verifications (MOVs) for each Milestone. These verification methods will play a vital role in closely monitoring and evaluating the execution of the CY 2023 RCSP.

The attendees actively participated in the deliberations, actively seeking clarifications and guidance on different aspects of the RCSP implementation. The coordination meeting served as a forum for them to exchange their insights and experiences, promoting a cooperative environment conducive to the successful execution of the program.

DILG IX is steadfast in its dedication to assist LGUs and communities in their pursuit of enduring peace and sustainable development. By effectively executing the RCSP, the region embraces a positive outlook, firmly believing that the combined endeavors of all stakeholders will drive transformative change and advancement in conflict-affected regions.

As the RCSP for CY 2023 takes shape, DILG IX looks forward to significant positive results, fostering enhanced peace and development within the region’s barangays.