Local Government Secretary Ismael ‘Mike’ D. Sueno has challenged local government units nationwide to “dare to innovate and care to share” by joining the “Innovative Solutions Bank” of the Local Government Academy (LGA).
The solutions bank would hasten the collection, dissemination, and creation of practical yet strategic solutions for specific governance challenges faced by local governments, Sueno’s Department said in a statement marking the 25th anniversary of the Local Government Code.
Under this program, an LGU will be given training to replicate selected policies of another LGU.
Sueno lauded the first three LGUs that “deposited” their solutions in the bank: Quezon City for its anti-drug and rehabilitation campaign; Tagum City for regulatory simplification; and Barangay Hingatungan in Silago, Leyte for its work in Katarungang Pambarangay, or barangay justice system.
“LGUs and the sovereign Filipino citizenry are in better times nowadays. Exemplar LGUs can systematically share their process of local governance best practice to replicating LGUs through the Innovative Solutions Bank. This is a manifestation of being partners for change with compassion or malasakit,” said Sueno.
“Let’s start the incoming year with the spirit of sharing and caring for an inclusive nation-building,” he added.
Sueno also urged experienced local officials to mentor newly elected officials (NEOs) through the LGA’s “Mentoring for Optimal Leadership and Development (MOLD) the NEOs Program.”
The program pairs local chief executives, such as mayors and governors, with more experienced officials to learn effective leadership strategies. A mentoring contract aligns the mentor and NEOs’ expectations and guides them throughout their time together, Sueno said.
“Let us share what’s within our capability to bring about real change,” he added.