The Cagayan State University (CSU) is currently proposing two programs that would lead to the improvement of local governance in the region. These include: the establishment of an Institute of Local Governance under the CSU- College of Public Administration (CPAd) and the Barangay-based Integrated Capability Building Program (BICBP).

Said programs were presented by Dr. Lily M. Tamayo, Dean of CSU-CPAd, during the first quarter meeting of the Committee on Development Administration (CODA) on March 19, 2013 at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Pamegafanan Hall, Tuguegarao City.

The proposed establishment of an Institute on local governance aims to further capacitate newly-elected Local Chief Executives (LCEs) through the Extended Tertiary Education Equivalency Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), of which the CSU-CPAd is one of the deputized institutions nationwide.

The program shall provide four services: continuing training program, research, consultancy, and ETEEAP services in the field of public administration and local governance among Local Government Units (LGUs). The University shall extend its expertise to local government officials and functionaries in partnership with other development stakeholders. The cooperation and technical expertise of the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG) shall be tapped as well as the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).

“Separate training packages will be conducted to cater to the three levels of LGUs. Certain requirements must be met to join the program and other government agencies may attend said program,” stated Dr. Tamayo. She added that the Institute will also serve as the training and research arm of the University along local governance.

The committee members commended the proposal in its effort to enhance local governance and administration among the LGUs. More so, the Department of Budget and Management Region 2 recommended the inclusion of a training on procurement since it is one among the areas where local employees need to improve. Dean Tamayo hoped that this would later on develop a pool of competent, dedicated and committed LGU officials.

Meanwhile, the Barangay-based Integrated Capability Building Program intends to attain good barangay governance thru the provision of skills/training and technical assistance in the core areas of barangay administration. The identified pilot barangay is Namabbalan Sur and the program will run for three years (2013-2016).

There are six components in the program which include barangay development planning, barangay legislation, barangay budgeting, barangay revenue generation, citizens empowerment, and the replication of the Millennium Development Goals – Family-based Action for Children and their Environs Slum (a DILG-UNDP project piloted in Centro 10, Tuguegarao City).

Said program is expected to strengthen barangay governance and administration, ensure transparency, accountability and responsiveness in the pilot barangay, and provide exposure for Public Administration professors and students on the core operations of the barangay. It shall also conduct three research studies centering on the profiling of the barangay, functionality of the Barangay Development Council (BDC), and evaluation of BICBP.