TADIAN, Mountain Province – The municipal government here recently launched a modified and scientific approach in the conduct of the peoples forum, called ‘talakayan’, to allow greater participation among local residents and for concerned offices to address the concerns being raised for their immediate action.
Mayor Anthony Wooden said the new format of the consultative forum dubbed as “Batbatog di Litagwan ed Tadian” is primarily anchored in the age-old tradition of the ‘dap-ay’ system of discussing and settling various issues as practiced in the villages of the town.
“We want the residents to have greater participation and to air their emerging issues for immediate action from concerned offices of the local government. We hope to find ways on how to sustain the peoples forum to ensure that the people will sustain their trust and confidence in the ability of their leaders to address their concerns,” Wooden stressed.
The local chief executive revealed the municipal council passed an ordinance institutionalizing the Peoples Day but he wants to introduce some amendments to incorporate the operating principles and procedures on the effective and efficient conduct of the consultative gathering among the residents and their local officials.
Wooden said the regular schedule of the talakayan will depend on the amendments to the ordinance so that residents with pressing issues and concerns can personally interact with officials and offices on matters that need their action.
He is inspired at the success of the launching of the peoples forum almost all the residents who attended the gathering were satisfied with how the concerned local officials and department heads addressed the issues they brought to their attention.
Wooden expressed confidence that the municipal council will pass the needed amendments to the existing ordinance institutionalizing peoples day in the locality to bring government closer to the people.
He said he wants a regular schedule for the talakayan to establish a harmonious working relationship between the residents and the local officials and for the latter to be accessible to their constituents.
Wooden suggested to the municipal council to include in the proposed amendments the recommendations of the various stakeholders to formulate a scientific and modified system of talakayan as model for other localities.
By HENT
