DILG R02 2010 CHALLENGE

The New Year 2010 ushers new hopes, aside from being the start of the second decade
in the 21st century, it is also the national and local automated elections which will give birth to a
new administration who will take the helm of our Nation stewardship. A new set of national
and local elected officials will bring new challenges for DILG hence, this year’s policy is the DILG
2010 C.H.A.L.L.E.N.G.E.
The DILG R02 2010 C.H.A.L.L.E.N.G.E. (Comprehensive and Harmonious Assistance by
Leading and Lending hand for Efforts and Needs towards Governance for Excellence) is a
comprehensive approach to Local Government Unit (LGU) operations and performance using
various assessment tools like CBMS (Community Based Monitoring System), LPGMS (Local
Government Performance Management System), SCALOG (System on Competency Assessment
for Local Governments), CapDev (Capacity Development Agenda), and PACTS (Policy Audit
Compliance Tracking System). Its aim is to build harmony among the elected officials both old
and new termer, the new administration and the Department. This is also to harmonize the
LGU’s various programs, projects and activities with the national thrusts of the new
administration. Through our assistance by leading and lending hand, the various national
programs will reach the barangay level and reciprocally, their concerns will be addressed in the
national government programs. Leading through coaching, brokering, channeling and linking
with right organization will help them to self-empowerment in their own unique way and
accomplishment. Lending a hand through our consultation and technical assistance services to
them for endeavors like project packaging, marketing and networking is in-tune with the DILG
thrust as a knowledge-centric organization. These efforts must be proactive not reactive, up-to-
date or innovative, and demand driven. Demand driven efforts compliment he identified needs
of clients based on the various assessment tools, whether previous year’s policies addressed
these needs and what policy innovations must be done, to help the LGU’s attain excellence in
governance adhering to our Department’s vision as its primary catalyst.
We as members of the DILG family are compelled to respond to the DILG 2010
CHALLENGE. For this challenge tests our outmost dedication as public servants in particular, and
as citizens of the Philippines in general.
The challenge is here, now with and among us.

BARANGAY HUMAN RIGHTS SEMINAR SPEECH

Maalala ko noong 1960’s and 1970’s, ang usaping karapatang pantao ay pumapailanlang
na sa kamalayan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Naging idolo ko noon si Jose Diokno na isang
tangyag na abugado at naging senador sa Pilipinas sapagkat siya ang naniniwala sa
kasagraduhan at dignidad ng pagkatao ng isang tao.
Gusto kong ibahagi bilang panimula ang mga kataga ni Atty. Diokno na hanggang ngayon
ay siyang inspirasyon ng mga nagpapalawig ng karapatang pantao.
 He said, no cause is more worthy than the cause of human rights. Human rights are
more than legal concepts: “They are the essence of man. They are what make man human. That
is why they are called human rights: Deny them, and you deny man’s humanity”.
GREETINGS! (Ad Lib)
Ang mga karapatang pantao ay tumutukoy sa “payak na mga karapatan at mga
kalayaang nararapat na matanggap lahat ng mga tao”. Kabilang sa mga halimbawa ng mga
karapatan at mga kalayaan, na karaniwang iniisip bilang mga karapatang pantao, ang mga
karapatang sibil at political, tulad ng karapatang mamuhay at kalayaan, kalayaan sa pagsasalita,
at ang pagkakapantay-pantay sa harap ng batas; at mga panlipunan, pangkalinangan at
pangkabuhayang karapatan, kasama ang mga karapatang makilahok sa kalinangan, karapatan
sa pagkain karapatang makapaghanapbuhay, at karapatan sa edukasyon. Ang suliranin
(problems) o pangangailangan (needs) panlipunan ay naka-ugat sa karapatang pantao (human
rights). Ang bawat karapatang pantao ay may pamantayan (standards) na nakasaad sa mga
international treaties or agreements. Bawat usapin o suliranin ukol sa karapatang pantao ay
naaapektuhan. Ito ay ang mga nagpapahayag o nag aangkin (claim holder) tulad ng mga
vulnerable or disadvantage sectors tulad nalang ng mga bata, kababaihan, persons with
disability, mga tenants at iba pa.
Bawat kakulangan o paglabag sa karapatang pantao ay may mananagot o katungkulang
tumupad (duty bearer). Ang mga estado at mga ahens’ya ng pamahalaan, mga pribadong
mangangalakal, mga local na opisyal na katulong ngayon ng aming Kagawaran at ng Komisyon
ng Human Rights.
Now let’s think about some of the human rights problems in our community.
 There is inadequate access to education – particularly for children in rural and remote
areas, indigenous children, children with disability, and children form diverse cultural,
religious and linguistic backgrounds
 Employers are allowed to discriminate against young people in terms of pay. This means
that a young person with the same skill level, and doing exactly the same task as
another employee who is an adult, can legally be paid a different amount for that work.
 Homeless children and families.
 Issues on land grabbing and demolition
 The issue on illegal detention
 Discrimination
All these things happen in our communities. Right now, many of these situations could
affect you or people you know. Some of these situations are very serious.
Ngunit ang lahat ng mga batas, agreements at mga treaties tungkol sa Human Rights ay
walang saysay kung hindi ito maipatupad ng ating mga nanunungkulan. Kayo ang aming
kasangga upang maitaas ang antas ng right awareness at right respecting sa ating mga
constituents sa ating kanayunan.
The establishment of Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) plays an active role in
the promotion and protection of human rights. The Center is a business center to respond the
needs of those in the community who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. The election of
Barangay Human Rights Officer serves as a link of the Commission in the provision of support to
those who are disadvantaged in our society.
 We believe that if there is no human rights, there is no development and reciprocally there
is no development without human rights.
And I trust you that you can make a difference. What you will commit and do have an
influence on what kind of family, community or municipality we have in the future. We are
looking forward to a community where human rights and development will flourish.
Salamat sa pagkakataon na makausap at makadaupang palad ko kayo.
Mabuhay tayong lahat.

CIVIL MASS WEDDING SPEECH

Greetings!
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers, especially to the
Municipal Mayor the Hon. Jose Marie L. Diaz, for having me to be the keynote speaker in this
momentous and very rare event, one that could land in the Guinness Book of World’s Record.
Of course, my warmest congratulations to the 100 couples who have just exchanged their
“’I Dos’ and have uttered their vows as husband and wives… till death do they part.
I have decided and made it a point to be with you today. I should have been elsewhere for
some official and speaking engagements pero minarapat ko na dumalo sa okasyon na ito para
saksihan ang pinakahihintay na pangyayari sa inyong tanang buhay… ang inyong pag iisang
dibdib.
Patuloy-tuloy na tumatakbo o umiikot ang panahon kung kaya’t napagisip-isip ko na balang
araw makakapagtagpo’t makakadaupang palad ko rin ang iba pang opisyales ng ibat-ibang
pamahalaang local ditto sa lambak ng Cagayan.
Since my assumption as the new regional director of the DILG, Region 02 early this year, I
have already paid courtesy calls on some provincial governors, municipal mayors and other
local officials of this region, purposely to established a closer and dynamic working partnership
with them and to make the feel and think that our department will always be available to the
extend technical and consultancy services to their LGUs in the struggle to become self-reliant,
peaceful and progressive communities.
We must believe and accept the fact that it is not a remote possibility to any community, let
us say Ilagan, to become self-reliant, peaceful and progressive for as long as within this
community, has a happy, cooperative and productive families. Families that pray and stay
together, come hell or high water sa hirap at ginhawa.
A happy family can be had if and when to persons- I mean the husband and wife – make
and fulfill their vows the rest of their life.
It is easy to say “I do” hindi po ba? But to realize your promises is not that easy.
Having said your “I do’s” before God and people, I am posing this challenge to all of you ‘to
walk your talk’ and ‘practice what you preach’.
You have promise to love each other… so be it… as long as you live. Bear in mind that love is
one important requirement for a marriage to be successful. Along this line, please allow me to
quote, Mignon McLaughlin who says that: “A successful marriage requires falling in love many
times, always with the same person”.
Ito mismo ang turo ng Panginoon sa atin that we should always love each other. Hindi po
tayo tinuruan na magmahal tayo ng iba at marami maliban sa ating asawa. Sa mga
nangangaliwa diyan, kung meron man, mag-isip-isip. You must now mend your ways before it is
too late.
Di baling mabasag o mawasak ang ating mga kasangkapan o kagamitan basta huwag lang
ang ating pamilya.
Around the country, we have children who are in the conflict with the law. Sila yung
tinatawag na Juvenile Delinquents. Kalimitan sila ay prudokto ng ‘broken family’ o watak na
pamilya. Kung bakit sila ganuon, sisihin natin ang ating mga magulang na hindi marunong
pangalagaan at panatilihin ang isang buo at masayang pamilya.
I am sure not a single couple here today would want to have a broken family. Therefore, the
encouragement is for all to internalize, fulfill and play their respective roles as husband and
wife, as father and mother, at bilang haligi at ilaw ng tahanan.
It is because of love that you got married and become one according to Rabbi Julius Gordon:
“Love is not blind-it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less”.
Bago kayo pumayag na magpakasal at mag-asawa, nakita at naramdaman ninyo ang
kahinaan at kalakasan ng bawat isa. You must learn to accept the way things that are, at ang
pagkatao ng inyong asawa. Lagi nating isipin na ang tao ay may apat na personalidad (Johari’s
Window of Personality). Sabi ni Reymond Hull: “All marriages are happy. It’s the living together
that causes all the trouble”.
If you want your family to be happy and blessed, stay away from troubles always remember
that marriage is sacred. Cite: Love is not love if it is not given away once again, my
congratulations and best wishes. And as the bible says: Go forth and multiply”.
Dios Y Maballo!

INTRODUCTION SPEECH

Greetings!
It is a wonderful experience for me to be introducing to you today, a great man who is an
internationally recognized expert in local governance.
His greatness rings a bell not only in Naga City, where he had his simple beginnings, but also
throughout the country, from Aparri to Tawi-tawi and abroad.
He is not afraid of taking a paradigm shift, introducing changes and facing challenges and
facing challenges. If I am not mistaken, he idolizes William Shakespeare who says: “Be not
afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness
trust upon them”.
What Naga City had become and where it is now, is all attributed to his dynamic leadership
when he was the City Mayor.
His remarkable achievements, accomplishments and expertise did not escape the
meticulous eyes of his Excellency President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and his trusted
advisers.
 Upon his assumption to office as the highest official of the land, President P-noy found no
difficulty in scouting for the most qualified man who he would appoint as the new Secretary of
the Interior of Local Government and who he would be comfortable working with in advancing
the cause of the Local Government Units.
This man could only be found in Naga City, a City which is a model Local Government in the
country and a laboratory of local governance innovations.
With him at the DILG, the year 2010 saw groundbreaking reforms and initiative in Local
Governance as the agency introduced pioneering efforts to uphold the tenets of
transparency, accountability and responsiveness.
The Department ably steered local governments and its attached agencies
onwards/towards “Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na palakad, Bayang Maunlad” through the
implementation of exacting policies and programs that call for better performance and
improved services.
Highlighting the DILG’s accomplishment are the implementation of the policy on public
disclosure of the budget, finances and expenditures of Local Government Units and agencies
attached to the DILG reforms and initiatives in the peace and order public safety sectors, the
recognition of high performing LGU’s through the performance challenge fund and the
institutionalization of partnership with civil society organization.
I would be failing in a pleasant duty if I would not mention some of his striking and inspiring
circumstances.
Our Guest of Honor is an Edward Mason fellow and a graduate of Masters in Public
Administration at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
He completed his master’s in business administration at the University of the Philippines,
finishing at the top of his class as University and College Scholar.
He is an Alumnus of the De La Salle University, having obtained undergraduate degrees in
Industrial Management Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
He joined San Miguel Corporation’s Magnolia Division after his graduation from De La Salle
in 1980.river
Returning home in Naga City in 1986, he was named program director of the Bicol River
Basin Development Program, an agency tasked to undertake integrated area development
planning for the region’s three provinces.
In 1988, he won his mayoralty bid, making him the youngest Philippine City Mayor at the
age of 29. He would later serve the city for an unprecedented six 3-year terms as a Local Chief
Executive.
In 1999, the Asiaweek Magazine cited him for the transforming Naga City into one of Asia’s
most improved Cities.
In recognition of his skills and competence as a leader and development manager, his peers
elected him President of the League of Cities of the Philippines in 1995.
He was also elected Chairman Of The Regional Development Council, The Regional Planning
and Cooperative Body of Bicol’s Six Provinces and Seven Cities, from 1992-1998. Since 1995, he
also chaired the Metro Naga Development Council.
In recognition of his work, our guest of honor received 14 major individual awards, including
the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, the 1996 Outstanding Young
Person Award for Government Service, the 1996 Outstanding Young Person of the World
Award, The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines, 1998 Konrad Adenauer Medal
Excellence as Most Outstanding City Mayor of The Philippines and the first ever “Dangal ng
Bayan award of the Civil Service Commission. In March 2008, he was conferred an Honorary
Doctor of Humanities Degree by the Far Eastern University in Manila.
A trustee of Synergia Foundation, A National advocacy group of Education Governance
Reforms, he is a member of the Liberal Party of the Philippines and a Prime Mover beind the
Kaya natin! A National Movement that seeks to bring genuine change and ethical leadership in
the country.
And so ladies and gentlemen, fully realizing the distinguished privilege that is mine and the
rare pleasure that is to be yours. I introduce to you a man who blazes the trail with the wisdom,
of the educated and the cultured, a man who has sufficient reservoir of inner power for the
advancement and prosperity of local governance, none other than the Secretary of the
Department of the Interior and local Government, the Honorable Jessie Manalastas Robredo.

GAWAD AWARDING CEREMONY

(Gantimpalang Alay sa mga Wagas na Alagad ng Demokrasya)

Greetings!
They say, and I agree, that one of the saddest moments or episodes in our life as public
servants, is to see our dedicated and dynamic partners go, retire for good and never to make a
comeback for some of public service.
As an official of the Department, the DILG I mean to say, it pierces my heart if and when a
performing and over achieving elective official, be it a local or a Barangay Official, calls it quit or
is ‘graduating’ after having rendered a service to his/her LGU of Barangay full term or
otherwise.
Officially and personally, I hate to see our partners bow out of service. Partners, who,
through thick and thin, come hell or high water, have helped us realize our vision for peaceful,
orderly, self-reliant and progressive communities in the countryside, most especially in Cagayan
Valley Region.
But as others say, goodbyes are not forever. Surely, there will come a time for us to meet,
rub elbows, and work again for the good of the nation and its people. Malay natin you will be
invited or tapped as a resource persons in the different trainings to be conducted by our
department aimed at capacitating Barangay Officials and functionaries.
Even if you have already served your repective communities for three consecutive terms
totaling to nine years, our dear ‘graduating’ Punong Barangays and Barangay Kagawads, the
door would always be wide and fully opened for opportunities to come in, for you to continue
serving the people and the government, though in different capacities already, perhaps, as a
private citizen, as a businessman or a government employee because you are eligible anyway.
As “Republic Servants”, as termed by the civil service commission, we must continue to
serve. The real essence of life is for us to continue to be active, worthy and productive. We only
stop serving when we breathe our last. But as long as we live and as we age, let us keep on
doing something, especially for the Barangays.
Who among you knows or know or have heard of Mr. Rufino A Pagadduan, of Barangay
Salvacion, Saguday, Quirino? He was the recipient of the DILG Region 02’s Most Outstanding
Barangay Tanod-Loyalty Award for two consecutive years, from 2005-2006. In 2006, he was
expected to receive the same award to become a hall of famer. But, unfortunately, this did not
materialize because God took his life away at the age of 84. Mr. Pagadduan was considered to
be the oldest and the longest-serving Barangay Tanod in the region, if not in the whole country.
Let us emulate him and follow his footsteps.
As I have said, let us keep on doing something for our Barangays. It is always emphasized
that our nation draws its strengths from the Barangays. There can be no ‘Strong Republic’ if and
when the Barangays are weak.
As a basic Political unit, the Barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit
of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community. It also
serves as an avenue where the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystalized,
and considered and where disputes may be amicably settled.
If and when one barangay is weak, it affects the whole country.
Ikanga, ang sakit ng kalingkingan ay ramdam ng buong katawan.
At present, our department considered most if not all the 42,000 plus barangay of the
country strong, self-reliant and progressive basing on their performance along barangay
administration. Thanks to barangay officials who really walk their talk and practice what they
preach. Thanks to you our honorees.
I know and I am sure that each of you has done his fair share or has contributed a lot in the
development and progress of his barangay.
We cannot just let you go as if you have nothing. There is a need to recognize your efforts
and contributions towards nation building or building a strong republic, hence, the importance
of holding today The Gawad Awarding Ceremony to acknowledge your untiring efforts and to
formally award your certificates of eligibility.
Ladies and gentlemen, our honorees and development partners, let us sustain our passion
to serve our nation and fellowmen. Tayo po ay may kontrata sa panginoon, na paglingkuran ang
kapwa hanggang sa huling araw at habang tayo ay nabubuhay.

May God bless you more.

 SPEECH FOR QUIRINO PROVINCE FOUNDATION DAY

I take immense pride and pleasure regaling or feasting with you as you celebrate the
founding anniversary of your beloved province of Quirino. Your celebration symbolizes the
great fact that you have in you a capability along a local government which is coupled with your
great faith in servant leadership exemplified by God.
When I had my first assignment after training as Barangay Development worker in my
hometown, which likewise happened to be called Quirino, I was struck by the enormous task
that had to be done to attain the objectives of good governance. And these are still the same
objectives that we are all groping for since then. But not until one incorruptible official came to
exemplify excellence in local governance whose reign, however, was short lived as Secretary of
the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the late Jessie Manalastas Robredo.
I take these objectives seriously and fully intend to achieve them in Region 02- and more-
during my stint as DILG Regional Director and even in my retirement from service. I urge all
local government officials to help in this quest. Alone, I can do little, no matter how enthusiastic
I am. It will require much more than desire, no matter how avid to get things done. We need to
re-stablish excellence in local governance and have it institutionalized in all parts of the country
thru collective enthusiasm which is in line with Ralf Waldo Emerson ringing line and I quote;
“nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
I have noted the province of Quirino as exemplar of excellence in local governance.
Evidence to this is the inclusion of the municipality of Saguday as one of the only 34 recipients
of the performance challenge fund (PCF) in year 2010 nationwide, then again, in year 2011. This
year, 2012, the other five municipalities each was given 1M each and the province had been
likewise accorded this grant for fully compliance with the seal of good housekeeping (SGH)
under the baton of your provincial governor, the Hon. Junie E Cua.
This manifest the excellent leadership of your local officials in the province...
Sab nga ng pumanaw na dakilang kalihim ng kagawaran ng Interior at Pamahalaang
Gobiyerno na hindi lahat ng mahusay ay matino lalo na hindi lahat ng matino ay
mahusay.Kailangang makapasa sa Seal of Good Housekeeping requirements ng LGU kung hindi
lang mahusay kung di matino pa ang namamahala kaya ang inyong mga bayan at lalawigan ay
pinamumunuan ng hindi lang mahusay kundi matino na mayors at gobernador.
Panatilihin at payabungin, paigtingin ang inyong mahusay at matinong pamamahala para sa
mas mabilis na pag-unlad at kaigaigayang mga bayan at lalawigan ng Quirino.
Mabuhay kayong lahat!
 SPEECH FOR A RETIREE

The inevitable day has come. I’ve said inevitable because it cannot be avoided. The Lord
has made today for celebration.
today will never come again that’s why we have decided to tender this testimonial luncheon
in honor for a great woman of the DILG.
It is a truism that everything that happens in life has its reasons. Every little bit of happening
leads to another. So, let’s treasure these moments because we have all the reasons to
celebrate to the achievement of one among us who has had fought the good fight of life for her
career thru the DILG.
Indeed, for everything that has beginning, has it’s corresponding end. Just like what
Provincial Director Lily Garcia Bacani. Her name has an echoing meaning:
Lily – Any bulb plant of the genus liliums having showy bell-shaped flowers.
Garcia – Rock guitarist and singer
Bacani – BAC – percentage of alcohol in the blood stream
ANI- “apit”, harvest in English
Aanihin na niya ang kanyang nasimulan o itinanim sa DILG. This goes with her
retirement for retirement is an achievement. Let’s remember that achievement is doing the
right thing while accomplishment is doing the thing right. It must be emphasized that
achievement only comes to an individual who is willing to do more than what is necessary.
In this respect, we can say without an iota of doubt that she is a very successful woman.
She succeeded not only because she is destined to but also determined to be so. Nasabi ko ito
sapagkat laging may sagot sa mga tanong ko sa meeting, telephone, fax, email o cellphone.
Wen bossing, next bossing, madamdama bossing itan or gagawin ko na bossing.
Sasabihin niyang hindi kung hinihingi ng pagkakataon. She has been a risk taker which is
in line with Mark Zuckherberg statement: “The riskiest is not to take any risk”. She got the
nerve to challenge the status quo which leads to innovation.
Although we must accept that somewhere in her life, sometimes she failed, sometimes
she got hurt at other times, she got lost. She is a solo parent. This is what we call the ups and
downs of life.
However, those sometimes have been the reasons why she learned to mend wounds.
Ang daming pinagdaanan na hamon na nakakawindang ng puso but she told me toe the line
towards the right direction. She practices Soren Kierkegard’s reverberating line: “Life can be
understood backward but it must be lined forward.” Nota Bene: “you’re the best thing that
ever happened to DILG”
She has done great things for the LGUs and her country tempered by her striking qualities
which can be expressed in 4 letters. This can be spelled in acronym which stand for:
L – ovable – with a nature for as to attract or deserve love and to love
I – maginative – having exceptional powers of guess or conjecture
L – oyal – faithful to DILG from Barangay Development Worker to Provincial Director
Y- ielding – flexible, productive and achiever
Hence, Lily achieved great deeds which brought about her retirement as fulfilled DILG
Lady Official.
 Remember my batchmate and “kumare”, you might not be conducting meetings,
seminars, attending conferences as much as you please but, you have now the luxury of time to
sit back, reflect on and be grateful for the countless glowing moments that you have made life
so meaningful. This is so because you have touched the lives of others and thus you have lived
your very purpose on earth thru the DILG.
Certainly, God has always something for you as you take a step towards the second
phase or episode of your human journey as retired DILG official with the full knowledge that it
begins and ends with God.
Mabuhay, retired Provincial Director Lily!!!

EULOGY FOR A GREAT MUNICIPAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS OFFICER

Some say stories end, songs fade, flowers die and therefore all things come to end good
radiating memories and gracing remarkable leads of a precious DILG official, a true friend and a
reverberating gem of wisdom of a solid alliance of DILG retired employees of Isabela, Inc.
(SADIRI) will remain treasured.
We have before us whom we use to call Manang Iseng, the forever treasure of DILG and
SADIRI in terms of good values/behavior and outstanding gem. She had lived up to the
challenging statement of Albert Einstein and I quote: “try not ot be a men of success but also a
woman of value”. This is so because Manang Iseng had been the embodiment of a glowing
Manager-Leader, the true mark of a wife as well as a mother as revealed by the Local
Government Units, National Government Officials and the people in her places of assignment.
She was the consummate example of a trustworthy and reliable partner for the enhancement
of a local governance as disclosed by a solid demonstration of excellent performance.
Alam ninyo, may mga tinatawag na AMASONA mula sa DLGCD hanggang DILG. Kung
may mga bagong programa o proyekto, hindi nila basta tinatanggap. They challenged the merits
of the program, the effectiveness of the mechanism or the strategy of the system. Examples of
which were redeployment, reassignment or transfer of field officers. They would not just
accept, they would not move, they would remain in their stations. I experience this when I was
newly assigned in Isabela as the provincial head owing to some requests of field officers and
local chief executives. Kasi may nagawang hindi maganda at hindi masayawan ang estilo ng
pamumuno ng local chief executives, they challenge the order.
However, with the smooth and persuasive intervention of one of the AMASONAS’ or
field officers included in the reassignment/redeployment order, finally heeded and obeyed such
order. Ang AMASONANG ito ay walang iba kundi si Manang Iseng. Hindi ko makakalimutan ang
ginawa niyang pagtulong. This was made possible thru her cooperative vigilance.
Ang mga natatanging katangian niya:
 Pagnagsalita, deretso, prangka ngunit nakakkahikayat at nakakaengganyo.
 With authority but with tender voice
 Firm but friendly
 With the caring touch of a mother
 Samahan ka sa hirap at ginhawa
 May command presence
  Visible sa estasyon niya
 Siya’y tinitingala.
She has had lined up to the gem of wisdom which says: “there’s no greater joy than
giving joy to the others; there’s no greater inspiration than inspiring others; and, there’s no
greater blessing than sharing blessing to others.
Dagiti pammatigmaan na kadagiti kakadua ken gagayyem na:
 Dapat itong gawin mo o ginawa mo;
 Buti’t yan lang ang nangyari sa iyo;
 Pasalamat ka sa Diyos;
 Buti’t di ka kinuyog/kinatay, telling with expressive and tender voice coupled
with rolling eyeballs at pahabol niya, saying ka;
 Dapat “maclone” ka, mapaadu ka koma a leader, nairamanak kadaytoy nga
ibagbagana;
 Kada makitak, kunana: kumusta ni Edna (ni baketko), makaedna met laengen?
 Kung may gagawin, may magagawa
 Kung may bubuuin, may mabubuo;
Her dealing with her colleagues were always done in good faith. I would be failing in my
duty if I would not tell you that her industry and frankness and her oozing and inviting laughter
tempered with her smiling countenance which were always free from arrogance and affection
made her the favorite of her peers, her clientele as well as her supervisions. Kahit na ang asawa
niya, the late Mr. Cornelio Santiago who was a director, kakaiba si Manang Iseng, director din sa
bahay nila.
These values made her the “dean” of the field officers and staff of Isabela as well as
made her a good friend to many. Indeed, as a friend, you could count on her.
Ang kanyang kadakilaan ay maisummarize sa apat na salita:
 Matapat
 Maprangka
 Magaling at higit sa lahat
 Masikhay
These my brothers and sisters of DILG, the Seniors and Senioras of SADIRI are the ringing
gems of her life which I consider priceless to which we in a high sense of duty must do well to
treasure and to keep.
Sa pamilya, mga kamag-anak at mga kaibigan, ang aking pamilya, ang DILG at SADIRI ay
buong pusong nakikiramay at nakikidalamhati sa kanyang di inaasahang pagpanaw.
Manang Iseng, sumasaiyo ang taimtim na panalangin na gabayan ka ng Panginoon sa
iyong walang katulad na paglalakbay tungo sa kaiga-igayang antas ng buhay. Ito’y panalangin sa
mga kapatid at kasama sa DILG at higit sa lahat mga kapamilya mo sa SADIRI.
GOD SPEED!!!

PROVINCIAL LAUNCHING OF THE NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM

 First and foremost, I would like to commend our friends from the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office led by William C. Sanella, OIC-
PENRO, for organizing and fulfilling this significant activity. Of course, my warmest
congratulations to all for your attendance and participation in this event. Above all, DILG’s
commendation to the Governor, the Hon. Faustino Bojie G. Dy III, Mayor Jossie Maria Bella
Lucas Juan and Congresswomen Ana Cristina S. Go for being supportive of this laudable project.
Mother earth badly needs our help. We should not ignore its plea to mend our anti-
environment ways now, lest we shall suffer in the long run.
WhaT are happening now adays across the universe-strong earthquakes, heavy
floodings, massive soil erosion, destructive typhoons, melting of iceberg, prolong droughts, to
name a few-are the result of our doings. We have no one to blame but ourselves. We are the
culprits; we will be the solutions!!!
 Crack a joke on 3 Marias: Innocente, Burayok, latugeng; Tulang, lasag ken agong-
nagpangres pay.
Apparently, we have not learned our lessons of the past and have forgotten the
universal belief that “nature always fights us back with a vengeance”. I am telling you: “Let us
not do to Mother Earth what we do not want her do to us”.
Of all the problems, what human beings fear most at present are the problems passed
on brought about by climate change.
Nagbasol tayo iti Ina a daga. Adam and Eve should not have committed the original sin
kung ang kinain ay ang ahas hindi ang prutas sa Eden. Ngamin Ilocano da Adan ken Eva ket
naimas kuma a pinulutanda ti uleg.
The world has changed not only the very basic of Human beings but also the time
dimension and thus we have must know, plan and act upon which all our efforts must converge.
Climate change according to Wangari Maathai, an African environmentalist, “is a matter
of concern, as it will affect both the wellbeing of economies and people lives”. Adu a rigat no
adda calamidad. He says that: We have a responsibility to protect the rights of generations, of
all species, that cannot speak for themselves today. The global challenge of climate change
requires that we ask no less of our leaders, or ourselves”.
As in crime prevention, addressing climate change is everybody’s concern. We
congratulate the DENR for coming up with its “National Greening Program” which we are now
launching in this moment at this barangay in particular. Pagsamasamahin natin ang ating lakas
ng katawan, isip at ng puso at ihingi ng bendisyon sa Panginoon, tayo’y magtatagumpay.
The number of tree seedlings that we are going to plant after this opening program are
part of the billion of tress that the government has targeted for us to plant, to add color and
significance to the Labor Day Celebration which was last June 25, nakaimula tayo iti nasurok nga
4million nga seedlings ditoy Region 02. Maikatlo tayo iti intero a Pilipinas. Napasamak daytoy
gapu iti panangidaulo dagiti gobernador, mayors, ken punong barangays. Palakpakan tayo ida.
Government units have participated in the massive tree planting activity.
A national Greening Program requires either individuals or concerted efforts.
Nagtitipid tayo ng tubig. Ngayon binibili na natin. Baka balang araw: may nagtitinda ng
hangin at isinisigaw: “air for sale” kaya magugulat ka na sasabihin ng katulong ninyo: “sinusop
ni sir ang hangin ko, sinusop ko rin ang hangin niya, naimas raman na”.
 Not to blow my horn and modesty aside, I have been planting trees for many years now
and I intend to plant more trees for the sake of the environment and future generations of
Filipinos. Ginagawa ko ito dahil balang araw ayoko na matanong ako ng apo ko: “lolo, what a
tree looks like? Nakarehistro iti DENR ken ti Municipal Assesor’s office ket kada tawen a
baybayadak iti buwis da.
Let us continue to care for the environment because of what Puerta Princesa City Mayor
Edward S. Hagedon says: Everything that we need comes from the environment. To care for the
environment, the call for us is to keep planting trees. Let us not just grow trees, we have to
nurture them. I would like to share with you a Chinese saying, and I quote: “the time to plant
trees is 20 years ago”. The second-best time is now.

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE
th
30 NATIONAL SUPER QUIZ BEE REGIONAL ELIMINATION

Mga kapuso at kapamilya isang maganda at mapagpalang araw sa inyong lahat. I am so

happy to be with so wholesome alas young dreamer but also winners.
I am both honored and flattered to speak before you today for the 30th National Super
Quiz Bee Regional Elimination.
As the new Regional Director of the DILG R02, I would like to take this excellent busy day
and opportunity to salute the men and women behind the strong partnership of the
Commission on Higher Education and the DILG for sustaining the gains of the Super Quiz Bee
for 11 years.
The Super Quiz Bee is in pursuance to the government’s continuing effort of
strengthening education by promoting academic excellence in Philippine history, Mathematics,
Science and Technology, Good Values, Leadership, Peace and Unity, Brotherhood and Love of
Country.
The noble goal of nurturing academic excellence, leadership, community service and
character among the students are the core of a fulfilled and fulfilling life.
The country is known as a fertile ground to raise international champions. Recently, four
Filipino students were among this year’s winners in the world’s largest pre-college science and
technology research competition, the INTEL international Science and Engineering Fair (Intel
ISEF) besting other equally talented students from 56 countries.
It is a proven fact that favorable environment is essential in leveling the playing fields for
our students to excel academically and to grow as righteous ad responsible members of the
community. When a student has support at home, when his family loves and cares for him and
there is a community which secure his future, there is a probable cause to achieve the success
of a student. However, always bear in mind that success will only come to the man who is
willing to do more than what is necessary. This is in line with the challenging statement of
Nicholas Butler Murray and I quote: the world is divided into 3 classes of people; the few who
make things happen, the many who just let things happen and the vast majority who do not
know what is happening. Your presence/participation in this Super Quiz Bee regional
Elimination that you are among the few who makes things happen. Just like Efren Penaflorida,
he was chosen as the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year who pioneered a brand of mobile Education
or the “Pushcart Classroom” for the youth in the urban poor. According to him, “you just have
to look inside you and search it in your heart and be the hero to the next one in need.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, the difficult times we are facing at present necessitate that every
person should have a positive attitude promised with a purpose. Life without a purpose is life
without heart. Purpose is not doing a good thing but doing the right thing the right. Remember
that purpose is the master of motivation and the mother of commitment. Being the
representative of your college or your universities is a responsibility which needs the cultivation
of positive attitude backed by purpose in your life.
Your participation in this activity is a feat in itself. Once more you have proven your
being an eager-beaver recipient of excellence. One which is not an act but a habit by time and
backed up with a noble purpose.
We join therefore in your continuous pursuit for academic excellence and achieving
loftier goals. Bear in mind that you were not chosen at random but were put to make
excellence in the centerfold. Piling pili talaga: Pili na, pino pa: Pilipino talaga hindi pilit, pino.
Hence, winning is something but valuing the issuance of this competition is more than winning.
There is no loser here. Being contestants of your respective schools inevitably show that you
are all winners.
In closing, I just want to leave the words of famous scientist Albert Einstein, for you to
ponder and he said, “Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.
Sa inyong lahat maraming Salamat at mabuhay!

RAFAEL AWARDING CEREMONIES

Isang maganda at mapagpalang umaga sa ating lahat!!!

The world is full of prediction and Region 02 is no exception. This is so because today,
we are going to give what is due unto Ceasar. Hence, top performers be it individuals or groups,
deserve official recognition. No one will gain the idea of extolling individuals or groups for their
illustrious and development efforts. This is the primary reason why we are having our awarding
ceremonies today, here at this prestigious university.
On this moment, we are celebrating dedication, passion, and excellence! We will be
honoring those who have enthusiastically rendered genuine public service, not the ordinary but
the astonishing and excellent way! Indeed, success will come to the men who is willing to do
more, than what is necessary.
Today we have these ceremonies for the Rafael Awards or Regional Awards for
Achievers in Excellent Local Governance. To be recognized are the regional nominees and
winners of the searches for the:
1.) Most outstanding GMAC
2.) Barangay Frontline Workers (Day care workers)
3.) Barangay Health Worker
4.) Rural Health Midwife
5.) Barangay Nutrition Scholar
6.) Barangay Tanod
7.) Barangay Peace and Order Committee
 8.) Anti Red Tape implementer
9.) Lupong Tagapamayapa and Barangay Human Rights Action Officers

At first, I was reluctant to have this new incentives and awards system coined after my
surname which is Rafael. Wala akong balak tumakbo o kumandidato balang araw. Masidhi lang
kasi ang hangaring maipagawa ng thinktank natin: heto tayo ngayon.
Well, awarding ceremonies are usually held in the month of December. For this year,
gusto naman naming magkaroon ng paradigm shift. We are advancing the holding of these
awarding ceremonies so that all the regional awardees and those who have not made it will
have ample time to prepare for the next year’s edition of these Rafael Awards.
In this respect, our event today would not have been possible have it not for the
dynamic involvement of those who in one way or the other, had contributed their fair share in
realizing this event.
We would like, therefore, to acknowledge and extend our deepest gratitude to the
following:
1. The members of the Regional/provincial, city, municipal evaluation teams
composed BFP. BJMP PNP, NAPOLCOM,PPSC, OCD, CHED, CHR, CVMC, DA, DAR,
DENR DepEd, DFA, DOH, DPWH, DOLE, DSWD, DTI, IBP, NNC, NSO, NTC,
Philhealth, PIA, PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE, RTC, TESDA and DSD for providing
secretariat services.
This is so because of the time, effort, and talent you have shared that we were
able to identify who among our nominees truly deserve the title of Most
Outstanding in the Various searches.
2. To the Provincial Directors, City and Municipal Government Operations Officers
of the awardees.
Local Government Units and awardees from your respective area of
responsibility would not have excelled and emerge outstanding in the
implementation of various programs and in achieving excellent local
governance were it not for your unwavering support, constant guidance, and
ringing motivation.
3. The Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors, Punong Barangays and
other local and Barangay Officials.
Hats off to you. Without your dedication and invaluable support in the
implementation of our program, we would not succeed in pursuing today’s
endeavor.
4. The University of Saint Louis of Tuguegarao under the leadership of the
University President Madam Rosalinda P. Valdepeñas
We commend your steadfast support to our department by willingly hosting
these recognition rites and generously sharing your resources for the
preparation of the Hall.
5. And finally, those people whom I may not have mentioned but have silently
worked and contributed for the realization of this endeavor.
 Thank you so much. We have proven once again that in joining our hands and in
exerting our efforts together. We can scale greater heights, we can accomplish more and we
can be successful in many things.
To our awardees, may you not rest on your laurels. Keep up the good work. We hope
that others will follow your glowing examples.
In closing let me share with you one of the world’s famous sayings and I quote:

The highest reward for man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes
by it.
-John Ruskin

If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as

Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote
poetry. He should sweep street so well that all the host of heaven and earth will
pause to say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well.
-Martin Luther King Jr.

God gave man work, not to burden him, but to bless him useful work, willingly,
cheerfully, effectively done, has always been the finest expression of the human
spirit.
-Walter R. Courtenay

One machine can do the work of 50 ordinary men. But no machine can do the
work of one extraordinary man.
-Anonymous

To our awardees, in our minds and in our hearts, you are extraordinary. Congratulations
and may your tribe increase.