The DILG-NCR, through its Center for the Advancement of Local Governance (CALG), facilitated the first Praxis Convergence (PCon), a knowledge exchange and collaboration activity among the Cities of Parañaque, Valenzuela, and Ormoc thereby affirming the strategic partnership of DILG-NCR CALG and DILG Region 8 LGRRC towards good local governance.

PCon was initiated by CALG as a means to introduce the practical application of theories and practices between local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. The program shall serve as a platform for meaningful exchange of knowledge and competencies aimed toward building better communities.

On June 2, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to formally institutionalize the partnership between the two regions. As envisioned in the MOU, the parties shall actively promote and foster various collaborative undertakings in knowledge management and shall exchange information on areas of common interest.

Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III signed the MOU on behalf of DILG-NCR CALG, while Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., CESO V represented DILG Region VIII LGRRC. Acting as witnesses to the agreement were Hon. Richard I. Gomez, DPA, Mayor of Ormoc City together with Hon. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Congresswoman and Mayor-elect of Ormoc City; Hon. Edwin L. Olivarez, Mayor of Parañaque City; DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V, DILG Parañaque City Director John A. Visca, CESO V, Ormoc City CLGOO Jean Redi T. Briones; and DILG-Region VIII LGCDD Assistant Division Chief Geselle P. Endriano.

The MOU signed by both parties envisaged the continuous engagement of their respective LGRRCs to enable the key players and prime movers in local governance to collectively build a culture that encourages learning and sharing of knowledge in pursuit of excellence in local governance.

The CALG expects the foregoing arrangements to lead to more such initiatives between LGUs and even among regions.#