DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — The Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) Negros Oriental Chapter together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) honored the five outstanding city and municipal “Sanggunian” or board members who demonstrated innovation and exemplary performance in local legislation in an awarding ceremony in Dumaguete City.
The Search for Outstanding Local Legislators sought to honor the exemplary performance of the local councillors in the different Sangguniang Panlungsod and Bayan of the province for legislating measures that help build impactful local government units’ (LGUs’) administration and development.
Of the 11 nominees, the Provincial Assessment Team (PAT) voted for the top five local legislators based on the criteria or indicators on effectiveness of performance, exemplary pillar, innovative legislative measures, and one-on-one interview by the judges.
The interview served as an avenue for the assessment team to scrutinize and expand their knowledge of the participants’ involvement in their social, civic, personal and leadership pursuits.
The nominees were given the opportunity to elaborate their advocacies, principles and philosophies that inspire them in public service.
This year’s Outstanding Local Legislators who were recognized include Atty. Karissa Faye Maxino of Dumaguete City; Atty. Nelson Bandoles of the Municipality of Dauin; Jose Victor Imbo, Dumaguete City; Engr. Rusma Tijng, Bayawan City; and Atty. Mark Christoffel Banquerigo of the Municipality of Sibulan.
PCL president Bruno ‘Thirdy’ Bouffard III, under his leadership, initiated the first outstanding local legislator awards in the province during the PCL general assembly.
Bouffard said the award highlights the values the legislator hold dear as public servants, integrity, accountability, innovation, inclusivity and readily drive for positive change.
“This was borne out of my deep desire to highlight the critical and often under- appreciated role of local councilors in shaping in the development of our LGUs,” he added.
Maxino, one of the awardees, thanked the PCL and DILG as well as the assessment team for their efforts to bring credibility and honor to this award.
“I am humbled and honor for this award, but this is not mine alone but for Dumaguete City kay I did not do this alone. But I would like to thank my colleagues kay without them dili ma approved ang akong mga ordinances and without the help of our constituents,” said Maxino.
DILG provincial director Farah Diba Gentuya also recognized the PCL here for its unwavering dedication as it prioritized the welfare of the people, balancing legislative actions and responsibilities in undertaking their role as lawmakers.
“The PCL recognizes the unremarkable performance of local legislators who, in one way or the other, have made a distinctive mark on good governance building sustainably progressive and inclusive communities,” said Gentuya.
The DILG director also cited the judges’ dedication and meticulously evaluated the nominees to ensure that the recognition process was both fair and thorough.
The Provincial Assessment Team was composed of representatives from various sectors to ensure fair and just deliberation of the entries.
The assessors included Bouffard, Atty. Gretel Kelly Delos Santos-Dy of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP); Jennifer C. Tilos from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); Fr. Christian Benjamin of the Diocesan Association of Volunteers and Interpreters for the Deaf (DAVID), and Dr. Delma P. Manila, president of Metro Dumaguete College (MDC).
In his message of support, Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarraria highlighted the significant impact the local legislators have made in the lives of their constituents. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
