Written by: Meredel Fe P. Fullo | Photos by: Daryne T. Mayol
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – The Local Governance Regional Resource Center IX (LGRRC IX) convened the 4th Quarter Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC) Regular Meeting on November 22, 2024, at Kalikasan Hall, Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City. Present in the meeting are: LGRRC IX facility heads and members, Sub-LGRC of Zamboanga del Norte represented by their MSAC Chairperson, DILG Provincial Director Oliver Ombos, representatives from member agencies, and local resource institutes to celebrate achievements and outline future directions in strengthening local governance across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the updated Participatory Research Agenda. Representatives from state universities and colleges in the region expressed their interest to actively promote and integrate the agenda into their institutions. This updated framework, which reflects valuable insights and recommendations from NEDA IX and other MSAC members, is poised to drive more impactful research initiatives aligned with local governance needs.
A presentation on the Social Protection and Inclusivity Index, derived from data collected during the recent Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) assessment, highlighted key indicators of equity and inclusivity in governance. The index serves as a strategic tool for analyzing local government performance and guiding improvements in delivering social services.
The Performance Assessment Facility presented the latest SGLG results, showcasing an increase in the number of LGU passers—a testament to the region’s improved governance landscape. This achievement was credited to the harmonized capacity development interventions provided by MSAC member agencies. The council also addressed common challenges in governance, with members pledging to sustain the momentum and further strengthen collaborative efforts.
Another highlight of the meeting was the approval of the concept to co-host the Annual Local Governance Congress. Now in its third year, the Congress has become a vital platform for convergence among stakeholders in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Co-hosting by MSAC members is envisioned to amplify their visibility and influence as local governance champions, scaling up the impact of this important event.
DTI IX representative Mr. Jason Jao introduced the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) to the council, encouraging MSAC members to advocate for this platform to local governments. By focusing on CMCI’s pillars of development, the initiative seeks to enhance competitiveness and promote sustainable local development. MSAC members expressed their commitment to integrating the CMCI into their collaborative capacity-building efforts.
The 4th Quarter MSAC meeting reaffirmed the council’s shared commitment to fostering inclusivity, resilience, and competitiveness in local governance. As the MSAC looks toward 2025, the outcomes of this meeting lay the groundwork for even greater collaboration and impact in empowering local governments and communities across the Zamboanga Peninsula.