By Matthan Luceño

The Xavier University - Governance and Leadership Institute (XU-GLI) was one of those invited to share during the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of the Philippines - Center for Regional and Local Governance (UP-CRLG) on June 19 at UP Techno Hub, Diliman, Quezon City.

XU-GLI director Dixon Yasay related stories of inspiration from outstanding barangays in the country recognized by the Gawad Galing Pook Foundation (GGPF), a leading resource institution that promotes innovation and excellence in local governance. Every year, GGPF awards local government units (LGUs) with the best local government practices.

Yasay said that barangay councils play a critical role in linking citizens with government agencies, particularly in the delivery of basic services and programs. He challenged UP-CRLG to give special attention to barangay leadership and its development for the next 50 years.

Besides Yasay, other speakers at the event were e-Democracy founder Steven Clift on open government, Philippine Council on Islam and Democracy (PCID) director Amina Rasul Bernardo on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and musician-activist Joey Ayala on the environment.