The DILG MIMAROPA Region spearheaded the conduct of the Online Coaching and Mentoring of LGUs on Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) Formulation: Building Local Development Planning Database on September 14-16, 2020, in partnership with Gurin Urban Design and Concepts Inc. It was a Regional Office initiative specifically designed to capacitate LGUs in establishing risk-informed and updated planning databases.

Two hundred thirty-one participants, composed of Provincial, City, and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, DILG Provincial CDP Focal Persons and other LGU functionaries in the region attended the online activity.

Open Forum: The participants raise their questions to the Resource Speakers during the online training.

The CapDev activity focused on the discussion of Building Ecological Profile, Integrating CDRA Results into Eco Profile, and Building of Local Planning Database (LDIS/ RaPIDs). Both live plenary and offline/asynchronous sessions were employed to elicit active participation of the attendees and inculcate the knowledge through workshop and offline exercises.

During the Opening Program, RD Wilhelm M. Suyko, CESO IV stressed that the road towards plan implementation starts with having a solid foundation, and that is having an updated and multi-thematic local planning database. It is imperative that we must identify first the problem before we can think of possible strategies or solutions to address it.

“The assigned tasks in every activity are so refreshing”, one participant shared. Another expressed that the workshop processes allowed them to simulate the process in filling-out and completing the necessary forms.

Other participants also expressed their gratitude to the office for continuously conducting CapDev interventions to assist them in the fulfillment of their mandate.

“Salamat at may mga matitiyagang katulad ninyo na supportive at willing tulungan ang mga LGUs na hirap especially sa development planning”, one of the participants expressed.

“What I like most about this training is the eagerness of the DILG to impart or share their expertise and knowledge to the public, most especially to the local planners. Kudos!”, one participant also added.

To culminate the activity, a message of challenge was conveyed by ARD Rey S. Maranan, CESO V during the Closing Program. “The presence of a comprehensive and updated local planning database will aid in the formulation of your various local development plans and will improve the identification, prioritization and implementation of Programs, Projects and Activities in the LGU; those which will impact the lives of your constituents more”, ARD Maranan said. ##

By: LGOO V Cidney Pamela Bejasa