Xavier University’s vice-president for social development Roel Ravanera welcomes the Mindanao local government unit legislators during the Local Legislative Enhancement Training Course, conducted by the Governance and Leadership Institute. Supplied photo.

By Mary Ann Chiong

In a recently-concluded training conducted by the Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) of Xavier University, participants agreed that a good relationship between local chief executives (LCE) and local legislators is key in the successful implementation of development programs in their municipalities.

To this end, XU-GLI conducted a Local Legislative Enhancement Course Training at AVR 1 of Xavier from October 10 to 11.

The training targeted the newly-elected vice mayors and councilors in Mindanao. Six municipalities, one city and one provincial government joined the training, namely: Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; the municipalities of San Agustin and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; Lugait, Misamis Oriental; Bislig City; and the provincial government of Surigao del Sur.

The two-day training featured lectures on good governance from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Bukidnon provincial director Bruce Colao, CESO V; local budget process from Cagayan de Oro City finance officer Elmer Wabe; executive-legislative partnership from Opol Vice Mayor Tatchie Mabulay-Ortigoza; requisites of ordinance and resolution from CdeO Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya; parliamentary procedures from the DILG - Iligan City; social media and marketing from XU Development Communication chairperson Evans Yonson; and evidence-based legislation from XU – Engineering Resource Center founding director Engr Dexter Lo.

For two days, one question kept on popping from the participants: How to maintain a good relationship with the LCE without sacrificing poverty alleviation programs in their locality?

LGU Opol Vice Mayor Tatchie Mabulay-Ortigoza shared her experience in dealing with LCEs during her three terms as vice mayor of the municipaliy. She said that diversity is good and the LCE and the council members don’t have to be politically aligned to work for a good cause.

In her experience, Ortigoza said, that it is not wise to gossip. “Just do your job and what is mandated of you as a public official,” she advised. ∎