Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Kabalikat 2011 Awardee

By: Mrs. Angie Collyer
(Below is the entry that LSDEC sent to the 2011 KABALIKAT AWARDS as the Dipolog City nominee; LSDEC is the 2011 Kabalikat Awardee.)

The growth of Dipolog City sparkled through the years and during  the past decade, progress came even more evident and undeniably remarkable – mark of good governance as well as  strong partnership and trust among its constituents, the national and international government bodies, people’s organization, and the DIPOLOGNONS.

In the 1998 local polls, Roberto Y. Uy, a Chinese businessman was elected. He served three consecutive terms, highlighting his administration with tangible proof of good governance via vital infrastructure projects. (CPDO)

Installed in the 2006 polls was Evelyn T. Uy, the wife of the former mayor. With the goal of continuing what her husband had started in terms of development projects and punctuating her administration with transparency and accountability, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy took the helm with evident grace leading Dipolog City to further prosperity and development. (CPDO)

With good foundations at the outset, the development plan of the local government  considered that the needs of the growing population are ever increasing. This scenario ignited the need for more development in the following problem areas:

1.    Inadequate infra-facilities/projects
2.    Inadequate basic service   
3.    Low local tax collection
4.    Unemployment
5.    Poverty rate

With this scenario, a call to address these problems was pronounced. Since sustainable economic growth can only be attained if the above-mentioned problems are properly addressed vis-a-vis existence of dedicated leaders and esprit de corps among stakeholders, legislations to strengthen programs as well as full support from the coffers of the City Government of Dipolog are worked on and tapped.

The local government of Dipolog had a major leap in good governance when it sealed a partnership with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA). This is considered dramatic and dynamic move. All major factors that are relevant in achieving economic growth are put in place – like infrastructure, human capital, peace and order among others.

This opportune linkage with ISA paved the way for the Performance Governance System aimed to fully institutionalize the practice of good governance.

Henceforth, institutions and good governance pertaining to manpower development are put into place. Existing resolutions, ordinances, memorandum of agreements, and institutions support manpower development in the city.

In Dipolog City, Good Governance focuses the development of the human capital – local administration and citizenry.  It is undeniably considered as the driving force towards a better future. While it is true that strong foundations be built upon its human resource, all other requisites of development are primarily considered and attained in order to ensure efficacy and sustainability of the program.

One legacy of the present administration is the creation of the Livelihood Skills Development and Enhancement Center (LSDEC) located in Barangay Galas, Dipolog City.   

Inaugurated last August 28, 2008 , this LGU-run training center opened its doors to all interested individuals , especially those who are out-of-school youth, who want to acquire technical skills in various hard trades and soft trades. With the support of the LSDEC Council, ably chaired by the City Mayor - Hon. Evelyn T. Uy, LSDEC was able to formulate its thrust: commitment to improve the quality of life among the trainees; and to inculcate in them the value of efficiency, integrity, cooperation and social responsibility. Thus, aside from the curricula recommended by TESDA, supplemental modules on values formation are designed and scheduled as part of the training program. Values formation is a nucleus in the LSDEC’s instructions.
Apparently, surveys have shown that negative attitude among people is one cause of non-productivity. The LGU-Dipolog intends to address this issue by inculcating work ethics among its trainees and workers.

With its main line of activity - delivery of skills training program - provision for expansion in the field of research and linkages are made integral in the process. Concerns such as the identification of highly demanded skills of industries are being pursued. Prospective employers in the local and international communities are identified through the utilization of in-house capabilities of the blue desk, the city PESO as well as networking potentials. Most recent addition to the effort is the launching of the Skills Registry System (SRS).

To stress, the City Government of Dipolog has institutionalized the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This employment arm studies labor market demands and regularly organizes job fairs.

Moreover, in November 2010, it launched the Skills Registry System (SRS) with the Orientation of ten (10) pilot barangays. The SRS established a manpower databank that contains a wealth of comprehensive information of various skilled workers in the city that would connect the job seekers of the City of Dipolog to the world’s labor market.
The barangay officials play a significant role in maintaining a continuing registration system by providing the updates of the skilled labor force.  Pertinent pieces information now placed in the Phil-Job.net of DOLE.

More employment opportunity provided by the LGU- Dipolog is through its Motor Pool Unit. It has accommodated on-the-job training to applicants from LSDEC and other TVI’s in the city.

Exposure of TVET-related qualifications in  Skills Olympics during the celebration of Pagsalabuk Festival 2010 was also realized. Some skills include bartending, flare tending, and skirting. In addition, the city also sent participants to the HOLCIM Galing Mason Olympics in Zamboanga City.

From the entry point to the post assessment period, LSDEC takes active part in the lives of its trainees. The screening procedures range from preliminary interview, panel interview, and the Youth Profiling for Starring Careers (YP4SC). This effort is to ensure that appropriate gauge is set to check social preparedness. Moreover, pre-employment seminars are done in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Further, an alumni tracking is undertaken to check the efficacy of our programs, to have a benchmark on future improvements in instructions and instructional materials, to provide starter kits, etc.

Participation of women in the training programs is given emphasis to help promote the integration of women as full and equal partners of men in development. This is to counteract the unnoticed and undervalued contribution of women in nation-building.

Persons with disability and the under privilege, on the other hand, are given their opportunity to learn and earn. This is one of the most challenging roles of the center. A true demonstration of compassion in public service.

Livelihood as defined by the British Department for International Development (1998) comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base (RFLP Philippines Baseline Study).

A clear understanding of what livelihood truly is has been the guiding tool of Livelihood Center Management Office  (LCMO) of LSDEC. Coupled with the resounding call of the City Government of Dipolog, the LCMO fosters linkages from the grassroots, private sector, and NGOs to the local, national and even international government agencies. These foundations have already exhibited concrete accomplishments in the form of trainee endorsements, loans and donations of training tools and equipment, hosts of professional advices, consultations, technical support,  invitation to/participation in/ conduct of various trainings, employment referrals and placements, more empowered citizens,  higher opportunity to earn among its beneficiaries, more progressive small communities in the outskirts, more prospects for Dipolog City to ensure sustainability in its delivery of basic services and development programs. These and more…

As an institution, LSDEC has taken into account that assets (natural, physical, human and financial) be properly mediated, promptly accessed and properly allocated or utilized. Well-thought-of training programs are conducted based on the points of view of the beneficiaries – job/employment seekers and employment providers both local and foreign.

Collaboration is done with the NGOs and business sector as means to identify grey areas in manpower development consequently enhancing its program offerings, strategies and instructional materials.

The good management information systems and Alumni Tracking in LSDEC enables the trainee endorsements to other relevant skills and management trainings sponsored by other partners like OWWA, DTI, DOST, and DOLE. Technology on proper handling of fish capture is one of the scores of reasons why the LGU-Dipolog welcomed to its doors the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (RFLP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The city is noted, in fact making history, for its high incidence of post-harvest practices - bottled sardines being one. A common fish/food processing facility, designed and maintained with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliance, with in-process FDA application, is now constructed at LSDEC Compound ready to serve the local producers – individuals or associations. It has been a venue of many food processing trainings.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures are a must in the training packages in the food processing facility. With the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), packaging and labelling requirements on Cassava Chips, Bottled Sardines and Dried Mangoes are facilitated. In addition, useful equipment like the cassava grater/chipper, cassava presser, and cassava flour mill are presently used by the graduates of food processing programs. Other tools and host of equipment are underway for acquisition with available funds amounting to Php 711T. Specific items include:

1.    Mechanical Dryer
2.    Form Fill and Seal Machine (complete with electrical motor)
3.    Vacuum pack machine
4.    Band Sealer
5.    Packaging/Label Data Printer (lot # and expiry date)
6.    Deep Fat Fryer

HALAL inspection was also conducted with the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Through this effort, our Muslim brothers will be assured of food safety.

Backbones for the future improvement of LSDEC are being laid to upgrade present operations to include the construction of a dormitory with a multipurpose hall for lectures and demonstration activities, cooking and dining area among others. A backyard garden for cut flower and flower arrangement training is prepared. A vegetable garden to grow basic ingredients for cooking modules on the other is proposed. In addition, enhancement of Training Map (using an analytic tool to direct trainees (from local associations) to the right training modules to take in order to strengthen group capabilities for them to be more deserving to become beneficiaries of tool and equipment assistance as well as working capital support from partner agencies. Topping the plan is the research capability which is also given due attention.

Another highlight of good governance is evident in the agriculture sector. Agriculture plays a vital role in the Philippine economy. According to FAO, trends –significant decrease in productivity, high production costs, and poor government support to the agriculture sector - seem to dim the picture and may not be beneficial in the future if not acted upon. The LGU-Dipolog wanted to see the brighter side: resources are mobilized to eliminate the said barriers and perception.

The LGU - Dipolog’s primordial list in the development agenda is to bring food on the table of each and every Dipolognon in the city. The call for agricultural productivity comes in the scene. Training programs on high – value crop and fruit were conducted and agri-support services were extended with the support of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Further, joint efforts of benefactors like the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, resulted in more note-worthy facilities: Trichoderma Laboratory and Composting Facility; CAFC Multipurpose Center; Three (30) units of mechanical flat bed dryer from DA, situated in Barangay Olingan, Galas, and San Jose; three units shredder machine from DA and BSWM for composting and production of organic fertilizer ; and Rice mill and Multipurpose Drying Pavement in Barangay Diwan, extended under the SELAP of the DA.

The Office of the City Agriculture has intensified the implementation of its Fields Programme. The distribution of 1638 bags of F1 Hybrid Certified Seeds to farmers, establishment of 50-50 sharing scheme between the government and the farmer-recipient was a success. Other successful programs include the Organic Rice Program, One Barangay – One Product, Vermicomposting Project were given importance. The LGU’s Demo Farm highlights the intensified farm production. Gainful harvest from our land and marine resources supplemented our supply of food.

Furthermore, post-harvest facilities are set-up to make certain the reduction of post harvest losses, proper handling of these rapidly perishable commodities, good quality of fish and other marine products for consumers and to producers as well.

With the belief that optimum benefit can be achieved through establishment of support systems and infrastructure, more partnerships are given importance. Programs are implemented and environmental issues addressed.

Indeed, social relations can be tagged as one of the strengths of the LGU-Dipolog. This possibility is brought about by its credibility in pursuing good governance. This level of confidence is demonstrated in the influx of technology transfer and donations of instructional materials, mechanical gadgets, school buildings among others, thereby bridging the learners to better learning environments and better performance indicators.

An example of support systems, take into account the Communal Irrigation System from the National Irrigation Administration through a Memorandum  of Agreement with efforts from the City Development and Planning Office and the Second Congressional District. To add, 7 million-peso irrigation project from the Growth Equity in Mindanao (GEM). The farm-to market roads reaching a total of over 2,000 meters have eased farm produce to our markets.

Giving credit to fishing, which is one of the sources of livelihood of the local residents in six barangays that lie along the sea coast. These are the following: Sicayab, Minaog, Barra, Miputak, Galas, and Olingan. Livelihood is now supported by post-harvest facilities.

The pillars of a sustainable program for TVET is supported by the numerous linkages that the city government has established. Examples:

The LGU-Dipolog now operates the 15-million pesos cold storage facility and ice plant. This is a proof of its concern on Value Chain Analysis (VCA) – benefitting not only the poor fishermen but also the consumers.

Coastal resource protection is conscientiously addressed, dutifully enforced, and financially backed-up. A fish sanctuary in Barangay Olingan is maintained. Lambaklad is established and fish corrals now laid in Barangay Sicayab.

Business may be hampered if peace is not gained. To ensure peace in remote areas, thoroughfares, and workplace, conflict mitigation down to the barangay level is promoted. Further, the LGU-Dipolog is reaching out to professional group and businessmen through its active involvement in the local and regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC), an arm of DOLE.  It is envisioned that industrial peace and decent work come into play for Dipolog City to soar high!

Availability and accessibility of information regarding the LGU’s programs and advocacies are supported by printed advertising materials displayed in strategic locations, as well as on-air coverage that reach far-flung areas. LGU-Dipolog believes in information marathon to have a well-informed community.

Under a strong leadership of Hon. Evelyn T. Uy and coupled with participatory management mechanisms, Dipolog City aims to offer a better place to live. From physical structure built, human capital empowered, natural resources protected, systems updated, peace situation maintained, funds properly allocated, and God revered, Dipolog City will reach heights…

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