BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) reported that the region took significant strides to ensure people-centered, clean and efficient governance.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, chairperson of the RDC-Car Development Administration and Good Governance Committee, claimed that as local government units assumed devolved functions, their capacity to raise more revenues to implement programs and projects was strengthened last year.
He added that the Bureau of Internal Revenue–Cordillera (BIR-CAR) increased public awareness efforts on tax compliance through extensive programs and consultations where total revenue collections in the region continue to rise, surpassing 2022 levels, with locally sourced local government income also showing an increase in 2023.
Further, 47 local governments submitted their financial management assessment reports and public financial management improvement plans in the past year, validated by the Department of Budget and Management–Cordillera.
The mayor pointed out that living in a high trust society is fundamental for every citizen to be assured of a safe, secure, and comfortable life and complimenting the sustained gains in the peace and order situation in the region, reforms and initiatives to ensure fair and swift administration of justice were also strengthened.
He noted that the decreasing crime rate was sustained as the average monthly crime rate in the region dropped last year. The crime solution efficiency significantly improved to 81.52 percent in the first three quarters of 2023 compared to 63.13 percent efficiency in the previous year. Crime solution efficiency notably increased to 81.52 percent from 63.15 percent in 2022 while crime clearance efficiency rose to 97.75 percent from 73.28 percent the previous year.
Moreover, the police and anti-narcotics agents conducted 370 operations involving community participation resulting in the arrest of 302 drug personalities and the filing of 403 cases.
According to him, efficiency has been at the forefront of the region’s efforts where the Department of the Interior and Local Government, through its Dagyaw or town hall meeting platform, and the council’s Social Preparation of CAR into an autonomous region, conducted orientations for newly elected officials, agencies, and civil society organizations. The said initiatives aimed to foster good governance in preparation for autonomy.
Earlier, the Anti-Red Tape Authority–Cordillera reported that 98 percent of local government units in the region are compliant with the Ease of Doing Business streamlining processes to support economic growth and development. The unwavering pursuit of regional autonomy gained significant momentum by forging stronger alliances and enhancing capabilities across various sectors
The mayor said that the region has undertaken several pivotal activities to advance the said cause, including the Talakayan on the proposed autonomous region bill and press conference that provided a platform for open dialogue and media engagement.
He admitted that while the region has made significant strides in governance and development administration, the journey is far from complete as concerned sectors still have a great deal of work ahead. Creating an enabling environment for the region requires more than just good governance but it demands sustainable infrastructure that supports the long term growth and prosperity. By Dexter A. See
