USIC Governance Cluster and CLG conduct training
on Brgy. Legislation in Cabusao

By: Honesto N. Murillo, Jr., Staff, Center for Local Governance

The Governance Cluster of the University Social Involvement Council (USIC) and the Center for Local Governance (CLG) conducted a training on Barangay Legislation to the Local Government Unit of Cabusao represented by  its Local Chief Executive, Hon. Norberto Genova, last September 1-2, 2008.  The training was attended by the Sangguniang Barangay officials of the following five (5) pilot barangays: Barcelonita, Biong, Castillo, Pandan and Sta. Cruz.

The activity was conducted to (1) enhance the skills/capabilities of barangay leaders to enact Barangay Ordinances/Resolutions for the benefit of their respective barangays and the welfare of their constituents; (2) expose the barangay leaders to the legal processes and requirements in enacting Barangay Ordinances/Resolutions in their respective barangays; (3) minimize if not totally eliminate the enactment, approval and implementation of a defective or invalid Barangay Ordinances/Resolutions.

The speakers were faculty representatives from the College of Commerce of the University namely: Mr. Florante L. Belleza, Jr.from BSBA Department; Atty. Ferdinand I. Diño and Atty.  Salvador B. Reyes III, both from the Department of Accountancy. The following students from the Legal Management Institute of Ateneo de Naga University (LMIANS): Herold Pelonio, Juan Palo M. Rubio, Marlon M. Antonio, Juvirose D. Tonga, Ayla Marie A. Lunar and  Mary Grace U. Rivera including political science student Ivy Magistrado were also tapped to be the Workshop facilitators.

The said capability-building was identified during the Joint Assessment and Planning Workshop conducted in the municipality late last year and was also prioritized during the Consultation Meeting with the Counterpart Community Cluster and other stakeholders last May 30, 2008. This is also part of the commitment of the University to render outreach and extension services based on the Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the said Municipality.