In line with its commitment to fostering sustainable development within local communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU), conducted the third session of AGSIKAP 2024 on October 10, 2024, at Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City.

The activity served as a platform to apprise City Engineering and Planning Officers and Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) Focal Persons of the DILG-NCR Field Offices on the guidelines of the Green, Green, Green Program (G3P), particularly on the submission of proposals and documentation of projects. 

To officially commence the session, DILG-NCR Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta underscored the importance of reflecting on the foundations of sustainable development and effective local governance, as the activity coincides with the celebration of Local Government Month and the 33rd commemoration of the enactment of the Local Government Code.

“We hope to instill within us three (3) core principles that must guide our efforts in green infrastructure planning—designing for the environment, designing for resilience, and designing for the people. These principles are not mere buzzwords; they represent the heart of sustainable development and effective governance that will enable us to respond to the needs of both the present and future generations,” Acting Chief Pilarta explained.

Shortly after, LGOO V and PDMU Chief Dennis R. de Paz shared that AGSIKAP 2024 Session 3 aims to highlight the importance of the G3P, as well as its long-term effects on the community and environment; assist LGUs in developing projects aligned with urban green infrastructure planning; and ensure that LGUs adhere to the guidelines set by the program while utilizing the DBM-DRSL Portal to maintain consistency and quality in project implementation.

Department of Budget and Management – Local Government and Regional Coordination Bureau (DBM-LGRCB) Acting Chief Budget and Management Specialist Mhegan Patricia V. Navarro then proceeded with her presentation on the Local Budget Circular No. 158, outlining the guidelines for the release and utilization of funds under the LGSF-G3P. Additionally, she provided an overview of the Digital Requests Submission for Local Government Support Fund (DRSL) found in the DBM Apps Portal, which serves as the official portal for submitting project proposals, including LGSF-G3P projects such as the construction, rehabilitation, repair, or improvement of green open spaces and infrastructure for active mobility. 

Subsequently, Engr. Harold Ladringan, Project Evaluation Officer IV of the DILG – Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), highlighted the importance of first-party monitoring by LGUs, second-party monitoring by the DILG, and third-party evaluations to ensure the comprehensive assessment of projects. Likewise, he stressed the need for beneficiary LGUs’ compliance with the necessary reports, plans, or documents relative to project implementation.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority – Office of the Assistant General Manager for Planning (MMDA-OAGMP) Supervising Environmental Management Specialist Monica Marie Mateo, EnP, then showcased various MMDA park and open space projects, illustrating the significant impact of these initiatives on improving public spaces and promoting community engagement. She also shared several best practices and lessons learned in designing public open spaces, underscoring the necessity of effective site selection, thoughtful design, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to maximize their utility and accessibility.

Finally, Ar. Roxanne Marie S. Serrano, Administrative Officer III under the Architectural Section of the City Government of Caloocan, delved into the critical role of public open spaces in an urban setting. Specifically, Ar. Serrano explained how open spaces contribute to promoting environmental sustainability, supporting economic productivity, and fostering social productivity and equity.

In her closing remarks, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV expressed the Department’s readiness to provide necessary assistance to LGUs in integrating urban green infrastructure into their local development plans, urging the participants to prioritize initiatives anchored on the concept of sustainability to ensure a greener future.

“Sa pagtatapos ng ating programa ngayong araw, umaasa kami sa DILG-NCR na magsisilbing inspirasyon sa inyo ang mga aral upang patuloy na gumawa ng mga makahulugang aksyon tungo sa isang likas-kayang kinabukasan. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang adhikaing ito hindi lamang para sa ating mga pamayanan sa kasalukuyan, kundi pati na rin sa mga susunod pang henerasyon,” ARD Baltazar-Cortez expressed.

As the project monitoring and implementing arm of the Department, the PDMU-NCR remains steadfast in supporting LGSF-beneficiary LGUs through the conduct of various capacity-building activities, such as the AGSIKAP or Apprising Government Employees’ Skills on Infrastructure Projects and Knowledge on Monitoring and Evaluation, and Performance, geared towards building sustainable and resilient communities in the region.