DILG validates GMAC Iloilo nominees
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas is spearheading the regional validation of the fifteen nominees for the search for Outstanding Gabay sa Mamamayan Aksyon Center (GMAC).
The Search Committee, which is composed of representatives from different agencies concerned, will determine the winners that will receive the Pagdayaw Award on December 20, 2006.
The nominees in the Urban Category are Bgy. Cogon, Roxas City, Bgy. New Poblacion, Buenavista, Guimaras, Bgy. Poblacion South, Oton, Iloilo; Bgy. Ungka I, Pavia, Iloilo; Bgy. II (Poblacion); La Carlota City, Negros Occidental; Bgy. Estefania, Bacolod City; and, Bgy. Calaparan, Arevalo, Iloilo City.
For the Rural Category, the nominees are Brgy. Odiong, Altavas, Aklan; Bgy Cadolonan, San Remegio, Antique; Bgy. Malandog, Hamtic, Antique; Bgy. San Jose, Tapaz, Capiz; Bgy. East Valencia, Buenavista, Guimaras; Bgy. Camambugan, Dingle, Iloilo; Bgy Amiroy, Mina, Iloilo; and Bgy. Guilhongan, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
The GMA was established by Executive Order No. 130 signed by President Arroyo in 2002, to give access to information on government programs and services, particularly in poor communities.
GMAC was conceived to answer the information needs for livelihood opportunities, peace and order and public safety, health and sanitation, education and social welfare, agricultural support services, housing and infrastructure development, environmental management and sports development.
The GMACs are manned by the Punong Barangays as executive officer and Barangay Kagawads as Head information Action Officers.
The 2006 GMAC Search is governed by the following criteria: Administrative requirements which include accessibility, legislative measures enacted to legitimize the existence of the center and presence of GMAC billboard, pigeon hole with IEC materials, log books and others. Functionality criterion includes proper organization with staff, volunteers and organizational chart, meetings conducted. Innovations include best practices initiated to improve GMAC operations and documentation of these best practices.
The criterion on sustainability is indicated by the inclusion or integration of the GMAC project in the barangay budget and development plan, while that of capability include trainings conducted to upgrade the knowledge and skills of the information action officers.
(DILG/PIA)