The BLGF 3^rd Quarter Regional Directors’ Conference:
Highlights of Accomplishments and Best Practices Towards
Sustainable Local Revenue Generation

The Bureau of Local Government Finance is steadfast in pushing for excellence, competence, professionalism, and dedication towards the achievement of good governance through sustainable local revenue generation. In its 27 years of inception, the Bureau has set the bar in devising strategic measures to assist in generating local revenues. Among these measures is the conduct of the quarterly Regional Directors’ Conference which serves as the platform in reviewing the accomplishments of the Bureau, consolidating strategies for improvement of local revenue generation, and conducting visitation of LGUs in aid of policy formulation for local treasury and assessment offices.

Last September 1 to 4, 2015, directors from the BLGF central office and regions flew to Butuan City, Agusan del Norte to participate in the 3^rd Quarter BLGF Regional Directors’ Conference. Region XIII—Caraga, under the directorship of Ms. Carmelane G. Tugas, hosted the said conference. The Almont Inland Resort is the official venue and accommodation for the 3^rd Quarter Conference.

Agenda Setting and Discussion

September 1 and 2 are the scheduled dates for the conference proper, the agenda, namely: (1) Local finance policy updates on LGU depository bank policy; (2) Status of reclassification of LGUs; (3) LGU compliance monitoring and evaluation as per the Department Order No. 034-2014 re: the show cause order for eSRE submission; (4) European Union project updates; and (5) Administrative concerns: SPMS Implementation, National Expenditure Program 2016, Rationalization Plan Implementation, Performance-Based Bonus, Performance Standards for Treasurers and Assistant Treasurers, and Trainings for LGUs and BLGF Staff.

LGU Visitation and Appreciation of Best Practices

The remaining days of the four-day conference are dedicated to visitation of LGUs to witness firsthand the best practices for each LGU. The LGUs visited are Cabadbaran City and the municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

Cabadbaran City is renowned for its fresh frontier for investment. City Mayor, Hon. Dale B. Corvera lead the city of Cabadbaran with the core vision of making the city livable in harmony with nature, with a sustainable development on agriculture, trade, and industry, focusing on good governance according to the satisfaction of its constituents. The city’s strategic programs and policies greatly contributed to its sustained local revenue generation.

The municipality of Socorro prides itself with its Bayanihan culture, a Filipino traditional characteristic that is deeply ingrained in the entirety of its populace. Through this impressive value, the municipality accomplishes great feats, making Socorro as the premiere ecotourism destination in the CARAGA region. The impressive ecotourism development program is the key source of the municipality’s income. Mr. Aga Ver D. Galanida II led the presentation of Socorro’s best practices.