Last August 13, 2024, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Bobon, conducted an “Orientation on Posting and Reportorial Requirements and on Local Budget Circular No. 154 or the Revised Omnibus Guidelines on the Monitoring and Evaluation of LGSF-SBDP Projects Cum LPMC Strengthening.” The Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program, or LGSF-SBDP, is a program aimed at addressing some of the primary issues of the RCSP barangays. This activity also served as a capacity development intervention for the Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC), which has a vital role in the monitoring of development projects such as the LGSF-SBDP.

The orientation was attended by various stakeholders, including the LPMC, led by Porferio T. Gepollo Jr., LPMC Chairperson; Atty. Begie T. Lucenecio, MLGOO; Engr. Luncio N. Ramos, Municipal Engineer; and Darwisa A. Agda, Municipal Engineering Office staff, who is also a part of the LPMC Secretariat; Ar. Louie A. Celespara, the head of the Municipal Planning Development Council and head of the LPMC Secretariat; Hon. Margarita B. Noque, Punong Barangay, Brgy. Magsaysay, and Kris B. Esquillo, CSO Representative, both MDC Members; together with representatives from three (3) different contractors, particularly M4K Construction, RB Sanchez Construction and Supply, and Modulus Construction. They were joined by four (4) other Punong Barangays: Hon. Rowena Sanico of Brgy. Arellano, Hon. Luisa F. Delorino of Brgy. JP Laurel, Hon. Salvador Del Monte of Brgy. ML Quezon, and Hon. Jisrel Baldestoy of Brgy. Trojello, who are the grantees of LGSF-SBDP.

This orientation was held prior to the commencement of Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) – Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) projects: Opening with Concreting of Road in Brgy. Arellano, Brgy. ML Quezon, and Brgy. Trojello; Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road in Brgy. JP Laurel; and Upgrading of Farm-to-Market Road in Brgy. Santander. Each project has an allocated amount of Php 2.5M.

Three (3) engineers from the DILG Northern Samar Provincial Office provided technical assistance during this activity, which included key considerations for contractors and project managers before, during, and after road work. Engr. Victor Ace Pajuelas gave a review of the Guidelines on the Release and Utilization of LGSF-SBDP of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) of Republic Act No. 11975, where he stressed that in order to help these communities, the government needs to ensure that the people feel supported and valued by demonstrating its commitment to their needs. He also discussed the anticipated deliverables. The second discussant, Engr. Ox Roque Abeto, focused on posting and reportorial requirements. Engr. Abeto highlighted the importance of correct progress reports and developments. The third topic was discussed by Engr. Jude Terrence Bacol, who provided basic knowledge for non-engineers to keep a keen eye on the standard quality of projects that will be made. Engr. Bacol underscored the crucial role of the LPMC and Punong Barangays in ensuring adherence to the established standards.

This significant event affirms the commitment of LGU-Bobon to implement projects that conform to quality standards, which will benefit the Bobon-anons.