In a move to strengthen knowledge management and sharing between the two regions, the DILG-NCR, through its Center for the Advancement of Local Governance (CALG), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DILG Region XI last September 21, 2022. The signing ceremony was held at the Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases, Davao City.

DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III signed the MOU on behalf of CALG, while Regional Director Alex C. Roldan, CESO V, represented by Assistant Regional Director Abdullah V. Matalam in the ceremony, signed on behalf of DILG Region XI LGRRC. Acting as witnesses to the agreement were DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V and DILG Region XI Assistant Regional Director Abdullah V. Matalam.

City Directors, Provincial Directors, Division Chiefs, MLGOOs, and other key officials of both regions were also present during the ceremony.

In her message, DILG-NCR Regional Director Agustin expressed optimism that the institutionalization of the partnership between DILG-NCR and DILG Region XI will result in several collaborative undertakings, which will further enhance the capacities of the two regions’ Local Governance Regional Resource Centers (LGRRCs).

For his message, read by LGCDD Chief Aurora C. Corpuz, Regional Director Roldan thanked DILG-NCR for choosing Region XI as one of its newest LGRRC partners. “We are elated with this opportunity as DILG-NCR is the first region which personally went here to formalize this LGRRC partnership. We are keen not only on learning from NCR’s experience but also on determining what best practices we may also offer in return to NCR”.

DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director and CALG Program Manager Atty. Baltazar-Cortez also conveyed the belief that the MOU just signed gives her the certainty and confidence to say that both regions are on the right path towards a bright and mutually beneficial future.

In response, Assistant Regional Director Matalam stated that “DILG Region XI would do everything that we can to guarantee that our partnership thrives and endures” and reaffirmed their unwavering support for the recently inked MOU.

The MOU signed by both parties envisions the continuous engagement of their respective LGRRCs and thereby 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.#