Political Subdivision:

Region I or Ilocos Region is located in the Northwestern coast of Luzon and the land area is 12,840.19 km2. On the west is the China Sea, on the east by the Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region, on the south is Central Luzon and on the north is the Bangui Bay. Ilocos region is composed of four provinces namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan; and has nine cities: Batac and Laoag in Ilocos Norte; Candon and Vigan in Ilocos Sur; San Fernando in La Union; Alaminos, Dagupan, San Carlos and Urdaneta in Pangasinan. San Fernando City is the regional center which is found in La Union.

Climate:

Region 1 experiences a relatively dry season from November to April and an abundant rainfall during the wet season from May to October. The temperature occurs cooler during the months of December up to February. The hottest months are April and May.

Languages and Dialects

The dialects or languages that are use in this region are Ilocano and Pangasinense. Tagalog and English are the medium of instruction in schools. Ilocano is widely used by the majority people while Pangasinense is spoken in the central towns of Pangasinan.

Major Industries:

The major industries of this region include crop production, fishing, mining, manufacturing and cottage industries. This region is a leading producer of tobacco and mangos for export in the country. Region I is a prime agricultural land. This region produces crops like tobacco, rice, corn, vegetables, root crops and fruits such as mangoes. Region I is also rich in natural resources such as limestone for cement, feldspar for ceramics, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, and forest products such as bamboo and rattan. Other mineral resources include copper, gold, chromites, iron, manganese and silica. This region is known because of its longest coastlines and has numerous rivers and streams that it has extensive fishing grounds and large fishponds.

The region is also rich in crafts, with renowned blanket-weaving and pottery. The Ilocanos’ burnay pottery is well known for its dark colored clay.

Although the economy in the southern portion of the region, esp. Pangasinan, is anchored on agro-industrial and service industry, the economy in the northern portion of the region is anchored in the agricultural sector. The economy in Pangasinan is driven by agro-industrial businesses, such as milkfish (bangus) cultivation and processing, livestock raising, fish paste processing (bagoong), and others. At the same time the importance of trading, financial services, and educational services in the economy cannot be denied. Income in the Ilocos provinces or northern portion mostly come from cultivating rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, and fruits; raising livestock such as pigs, chicken, goats, and carabaos (water buffalos).

The service and light manufacturing industries are concentrated in the cities. Dagupan City is mostly driven by its local entrepreneurs, which have started to expand its network up to the national level. San Fernando City in La Union also has an active shipping port and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte has an international airport.

The tourism industry, driven by local airlines and land transportation firms in the area, focuses on the coastal beaches and on eco-tourism. There are fine sands stretching along Bauang, La Union and the rest of the region. Opportunities to engage in other water sports and activities abound. Eco-tourism takes advantage of the marine and forest resources in the region and displays the natural beauty of the Region 1.

Specialty Food:

Inihaw na Bangus – Milkfish or which is commonly called Bangus in the Philippines is the country´s national fish. Dagupan City, Pangasinan one of the cities located in Region I is rich in milkfish, it is one of the Philippine´s finest bangus producers. Because of this, the locality is known as the bangus capital of the country.

There are many ways of cooking the famous Dagupan Bangus. One is grilled or inihaw na bangus recipe which is easy to prepare and taste deliciously good.

How to cook the Inihaw na Bangus:

1. Cut the milkfish along its stomach.
2. In a bowl mix onions, tomatoes, little salt and pepper.
3. Grill for 15 minutes or until fish is cooked.
4. Serve with a dip of fish sauce or bagoong and calamansi and enjoy eating the delicious inihaw na bangus.

Pancit Miki -Pancit Miki is a specialty food of Batac City in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is an extraordinary noodle soup with its delectable taste and perfectly firmed and thick noodles that go well with soft chicken strips, hard boiled eggs and a rich color from asuete.

Bagnet -The bagnet from Ilocos Norte is locally known as chicharon or deep-fried pork meat. The Bagnet takes a longer process to prepare. Choice cuts from the pig (usually its side called three layers) are made into Bagnet. These cuts are placed in a sinublan (a very large iron pot) to boil. The [tag]pork[/tag] meat is then submerged in brewing oil until bubbles begin to appear while its skin hardens and begins to pop. About 20 minutes after the meat was taken out from the frying pot, the process is repeated until the skin pops further.The secret to the mouth-watering Bagnet is in its crispy skin. The crispier it becomes, the harder to resist. (source: www.globalpinoy.com)

Famous Activities/Festivals

The following are the famous activities/events/festivals being held in Region I:

Ilocos Norte Pamulinawen Festival and Lantern Festival in Laoag City; Guling-Guling Festival in Paoay; Damili Festival in San Nicolas; Farmer´s Festival in Bacarra; Ani Festival in Dingras; Mannalon Festival in Marcos; Rit-Ritemong Cayong Festival in Sarrat; Tambora Festival in Currimao; Kangayedan Festival in Pagudpud. 

Ilocos Sur Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival and Longaniza Festival in Vigan City; Beach/Tobacco Festival in Candon City; Pinakbet Festival in Santa Maria; Bawang (Garlic) Festival in Sinait; Battle of Bessang Pass in Cervantes.  

La Union Feast of Our Lady of Caysasay, Rimat Ti Amianan and Minoyongan Garden Show in San Fernando City; Baggak Festival in Bauang; Basi Festival in Naguilian; International Long Board Cup and La Union Surfing Invitational/Surfing Festival in San Juan; Buybuy Festival in Burgos.  

Pangasinan Feast of the Senora De Manaoag and Galicayo Festival in Manaoag; Feast of the Senor Divino Tesoro in Calasiao; Pistay Dayat or Sea Festival in Lingayen; Bangus Festival in Dagupan City; Puto Festival in Calasiao; Sugpo and Malaya Festival in Binmaley; Talong Festival in Villasis; Goat Festival in Balungao; Pidudungo Festival in Bolinao; Mango-Bamboo Festival in San Carlos City; Pandan Festival in Mapandan; Longganisa Festival, Talaba Festival and Hundred Island Festival in Alaminos City; Binungey Festival in Anda; Corn Festival in Santo Tomas; Holistic Festival in Labrador

Debt Service Ceiling

Issuance of Certificate on Debt Service Ceiling (Regional Office)

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The issuance of Certificate on Debt Service Capacity of the LGUs is in conjunction with the Bureau´s LGU Debt Service Certification System, which determines the maximum amount an LGU can allocate for debt service. LGUs are issued certifications for their borrowing and debt service capacities as a requirement for sub-loan projects.

The procedure below defines the steps to be undertaken in the issuance of Certificate on Debt Service Ceiling (Borrowing Capacity) of LGUs

Availability of Service: Monday to Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM except on holidays.

Clientele         : Local Government Units Other Agencies Taxpayers

How to Avail of the Service:

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STEP	Customer / Client	Service Provider (Offices / Units of BLGF)	Duration of Activity (Under Normal Circumstances)	Division / Person In-Charge	Fees	Form / Document
1	Submits Request for Debt Service Ceiling / Borrowing Capacity		20 minutes
2		Receives letter request by the Prov / City / Mun LCE together with documentary requirements	3 minutes	Receiving Clerk
3		Records letter request in the log book and attach routing slip for Action Officer	5 minutes	Receiving Clerk
4		Routes to Action Officer concerned		RD – ARD or duly authorized Officer
5		Evaluates / reviews completeness of documentary requirements if with complete documentary requirements, prepare letter / endorsement to CO for issuance of Certification if not complete or with deficiency, prepare letter to LCE concerned for submission of lacking requirements	2 hours15 minutes15 minutes	SpLTE PLM / MGB / MBB
6		Forwards draft / final letter to RD or in her absence, to ARD for signature / approval	10 minutes	RD – ARD
7		Records and releases documents	10 minutes	AO IV LTD / HRMA EPM
8		Files
END of TRANSACTION

Req. of Cert. on Debt Service Ceiling

Documentary Requirements for the Issuance of Certificate on Debt Service Ceiling (Regional Office)

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1. Statement of Actual Income and Expenditure for the past three (3) years duly certified and audited by the Local Accountant and Auditor with the following supporting documents:
   • Trail Balance
   • Balance Sheet
   • Report of Revenues and Receipts
   • Status of Appropriations, Allotment and Actual Obligations Incurred
2. Current Year Annual Budget and Annual Investment Plan
3. Certification of the taxable Assessed Value for the past three (3) years and the date of the last successful conduct of General Revision of Real Property Assessments duly Certified by the Municipal Assessor
4. Certification of the annual IRA received for the last three (3) immediate Preceding Years (Gross & Net) duly certified by the Local Treasurer
5. Certification of existing loans, if any, duly certified by the Local Treasurer and / or lending institution with the following details:
   • Kinds of Loans and Other Obligations
   • Purpose of Loans and Other Obligations
   • Name of Lending Institution
   • Date of Approval and Other Maturity
   • Terms and Conditions (Interest rate & no. of years to pay)
   • Annual amortization
   • Latest Balance Loans and Other Obligation
   • Current
   • Arreages
6. COA Annual Audit Report for the immediate preceding years

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STEP	Customer / Client	Service Provider (Offices / Units of BLGF)	Duration of Activity (Under Normal Circumstances)	Division / Person In-Charge	Fees	Form / Document
1	Submits Request for Certification on Income Classification		20 minutes			Letter request
2		Receives letter requests by the Pro / City / Mun LCE and other stakeholders	3 minutes
3		Records letter request in the log book and attach routing slip for Action Officer	5 minutes
4		Forwards letter to RD or in her absence, to ARD for scrutiny	2 minutes
5		Routes to Action Officer concerned	5 minutes	RD / ARD
6		Prepares letter with attached	20 minutes
7		Certified copy of income class		AO IV LTD / HRMA EPM
8		Forwards letter request to RD or in her absence, to ARD for signature / approval	10 minutes	RD / ARD
9		Records / releases documents	10 minutes	AO IV LTD / HRMA EPM
END of TRANSACTION

Response to Queries

Response to Queries

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The procedures below define the steps to be undertaken on queries or requests from the time the queries or other forms of communication are received to the time the responses are recorded.

Availability of Service: Monday to Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM except on holidays.

Clientele         : Local Government Units Other Agencies Taxpayers

How to Avail of the Service:

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STEP	Customer / Client	Service Provider (Offices / Units of BLGF)	Duration of Activity (Under Normal Circumstances)	Division / Person In-Charge	Fees	Form / Document
1	Client / customer submits the query to the Receiving Officer	Records incoming communication / query	Ten (10) minutes	Any of the following in the receiving area:	None	Logbook
2		The query goes to the Regional Director for his information and appropriate delegation	Fifteen (15) minutes	RD		Query / letter
3		The query is referred to the concerned Action Officer for appropriate action For simple transaction/s For complex transaction/s	Three (3) to Five (5) minutesOne (1) to Five (5) working days reckoned from receipt thereof Six (6) to Ten (10) working days reckoned from receipt of request. The ten (10) days can be extended depending on the complexity of the query or transaction.	ARD   Or any of the concerned employee		Logbook should be initialed by the Action officer upon receipt
4		For review of the draft reply and renders comment. In case of corrections / comments, the draft letter is returned to the concerned action officer for re-drafting In case there are no corrections / comments, the draft will be forwarded to the Regional Director.	Thirty (30) to One (1) hour	ARD		Draft letter
5		For final evaluation and notation of draft reply	Fifteen (15) to Thirty (30) minutes	RD		Draftletter
6		For finalization	Fifteen (15) minutes	By concerned action officer		Final letter
7		For initial of the communication	Fifteen (15) minutes	ARD		Letter with initial
8		For signature	Fifteen (15) minutes	RD		Letter with signature
9		For recording, sorting and mailing	Thirty (30) minutes	Records Officer		Signed letter / Logbook
10		Files copy and maintains records		Records Officer
END of TRANSACTION

Prelim Processing of Appointments

PRELIMINARY PROCESSING OF APPOINTMENTS (Regional Office)

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The Bureau by virtue of its mandate supervises the local treasurers nationwide. Relative to this, it processes the appointment of Treasurers and Assistant Treasurers.

The procedure below defines the steps to be undertaken in the preliminary screening / processing of appointments of treasurers and assistant treasurers from the time of submission of qualified recommendees until the endorsement to the BLGF, Central Office for final evaluation and issuance of appointment.

Availability of Service: Monday to Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM except on holidays.

Clientele         : Local Government Units

How to Avail of the Service:

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STEP	CLIENT / CUSTOMER	SERVICE PROVIDED	DURATION OF ACTIVITY (Under Normal Circumstances)	Division / Person In-Charge	Fees	Form / Document
1	Customer / Client submits a list of three (3) ranking eligible recomm endees together with the documen tary requirements of each in accordance with Sec. 470 and 471 of the LGC of 1991.	Receive and records incoming list of recomendees with documentary requirements	Ten (10) minutes	Any of the following in the receiving area:	None	Logbook
2		The documents goes to the Regional Director for appropriate delegation	Fifteen (15)minutes	RD		Letter / documents
3		The documents is referred to the concerned Action Officer for appropriate action Pre – evaluates qualifications of the three (3) recommendees to ensure that they all meet the prescribed qualification requirements – If there are lacking documents, prepares communication to the concerned client	Five (5) days from receipt of complete documents			Documen tary require ments
4		Prepares Comparative Evaluation of recommendees and determines their rating after receipt of complete documents	Three (3) days after pre – evaluation	-do-		Compara tive Evaluation Sheet
5		Presentation to the RD the comparative evaluation sheet for the scheduling of deliberation for the Regional PSB.
6		Prepares communication to the Provincial Treasurer concerned to be signed by the RD (member of the PSB) for the schedule of preliminary regional deliberation.				Letter
7		The Regional Personnel Selection Board (RPSB) will convene for the preliminary deliberation. Prepares resolution for signature	One (1) hour to Two (2) hours	Chairman: RD Members: ARD PT		RPSB Resolution
8		Prepares endorsement to BLGF, Central Office with the Resolution and the documentary requirements for final evaluation and issuance of appointment	Thirty (30) minutes			Signed endorse ment & RPSB resolution
9		For recording, sorting and mailing	Thirty (30) minutes	Records Officer		Logbook
10		Files copy and maintains records		Records Officer
END of TRANSACTION

Counseling

COUNSELLING (Regional Office)

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Availability of Service: Monday to Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM except on holidays.

Clientele         : Local Government Units Other Agencies Taxpayers

How to Avail of the Service:

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STEP	CLIENT / CUSTOMER	SERVICE PROVIDED	DURATION OF ACTIVITY (Under Normal Circumstances)	ACTION OFFICER/S	FEES	FORM
1	Client / customer asks / inquires from the receiving officer regarding their predicament / query		Five (5) minutes	Any of the following in the receiving area:
2		Receiving Officer will accompany the client to the Officer concerned.	Three (3) minutes	RD ARD T or any of the concerned employee
3		The client / customer will confer with the concerned officer / employee their predicament or query on what to do.	Thirty (30) minutes to One (1) hour or depending on the complexity of the transaction	Concerned action officer

Assistance on Local Treasury & Assessment Operations

Technical Assistance on Local Treasury and Assessment Operations (Regional Office)

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The service is designed to provide technical assistance on treasury and assessment operations in terms of revenue generation, local taxation, real property assessments and other related matters and provides information / data to regional line agencies, LGUs, private sector and the general public.

Availability of Service: Monday to Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM except on holidays.

Clientele         : The service may be availed by Provincial, City and

Clientele         : Municipal Treasurers and Assessors, Regional Line Agencies, LGUs, private sector and the general public.

How to Avail of the Service:

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STEP	Customer / Client	Service Provider (Offices / Units of BLGF)	Duration of Activity (Under Normal Circumstances)	Division / Person In-Charge	Fees	Form / Document
1	Client requests data / information / assistance either by walk – in, phone call or letter.	Accepts the call and refer to concerned Section.Accepts walk – in clients and refer to concerned Section.	1 minute1 minute	Receiving ClerkReceiving Clerk	None
2	Client discusses with concerned staff the requested data / information / assistance requested.	Provides data / information / assistance as requested.Accepts and record the letter request.Assigns letter request to Action Officer.Review / evaluate request and prepare action. simple transaction complex transactionReview and countersign the prepared action before final signature of the Regional Director.Record the documents before release.Release the documents for mailing.	Minimum of 30 minutes (depending on the coverage of subject matter referred to)5 minutes5 minutesw/in 5 days w/in 10 days30 minutes5 minutes10 minutes	Action OfficerReceiving ClerkRegional DirectorAction OfficerAsst. Regional Director / Regional DirectorRecords OfficerRecords Officer
END of TRANSACTION

ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS CY 2015

1ST QUARTER 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2ND QUARTER 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

BLGF REGION I