The Quezon City Field Office, in collaboration with the Quezon City Government, hosted the Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region’s (DILG-NCR’s) Regional Team Conference (RTC) held on June 29, 2023, at the Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City.

Attended by DILG-NCR executives composed of the Regional Director, Assistant Regional Director, City Directors, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), Cluster Heads, and Chiefs of the regional operating units, the RTC is conducted regularly as an avenue for the top management to discuss office plans and budgets, and share updates and concerns on the implementation of various programs, projects, and activities of the Regional and Field Offices.

With half of the year already past, the operating units had laid down their still outstanding targets, while reviewing plans of action to make good on commitments and to complete remaining deliverables.

With a view to study and replicate NCR LGUs’ inspiring programs, particularly in the area of Tourism Governance, the RTC conferees visited examples of best practices adopted by the host City.

The DILG-NCR delegation visited the Quezon City BJMP Female Dormitory headed by City Jail Warden JSUPT Maria Ignacia Monteron, in order to know more about Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s program “No Women Left Behind.” Quezon City Gender and Development Technical Working Group Head Janet Oviedo briefed the participants on the said program, which includes the provision of healthcare, education, livelihood, and after-care services for Persons Deprived of Liberty or PDLs.

In her message, Mayor Belmonte narrated how the program started and evolved to what it is now – a program to continuously improve the welfare of women PDLs even while still detained inside the facility.

Apart from good governance, Mayor Belmonte is on a mission of pushing equality and inclusivity, as evidenced by the ordinances passed during her watch, giving due importance to the rights of women, children, and the LGBTQ+ community.

DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, expressed her gratitude to Mayor Belmonte and the Quezon City Government for constantly being ready to extend assistance to the DILG whenever needed. “The visit to the Female Dormitory is truly inspiring, and once again, Quezon City leads the way in advancing women’s issues and championing their rights,” said RD Agustin.

Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V, echoed the sentiment that found the project of Mayor Belmonte truly inspiring, though not entirely surprising, as the Mayor is already known for her strong advocacy of women’s rights and gender equality. ARD Baltazar-Cortez further stated, “with a passionate Local Chief Executive, and one imbued with a strong political will, nothing is impossible.”

The meeting ended with the summation of actionable items agreed upon to ensure that the deliverables committed for the second semester are fully accomplished. RD Agustin again reminded the conferees to be mindful of target timelines so as to reach actual accomplishments.