RDC gears for Best Public Sector Projects Award
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be the keynote speaker during the awarding ceremonies for the Best Public Sector Projects Award to be held in the New Government Center (New City Hall) of Bacolod City on May 14, 2009.
Now, on its third year, the award has four categories namely, regional line agencies, provincial/city government, municipal government and the state universities and colleges. It aims to recognize and emulate good public sector practices, excellence in governance, and effective program/project implementation.
The award is conferred by the Regional Development Council (RDC), Region VI and is the first of its kind given to government projects in the different categories.
This year’s award brought to the helm three winners for each category. The top three winners under the Provincial/ City Government category are the Computerized Real Property Tax Assessment (RPTA) System Project of Negros Occidental, Eco-Center Project of San Carlos City and the Comprehensive Health Development Program of Talisay City. Under the Municipal Government category, the top three winners are the Positive Deviance (P.D.) Hearth Nutrition Development Program of Nabas, Aklan, Integrated Health Care Program of Sebaste, Antique and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Program of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
The top three winners under the regional line agencies category are the Multi-Purpose Cooperative of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Empowering Persons Living with HIV/AIDS by the Department of Health and the International Standards Organization (ISO) Certification of the Land Transportation Office. Under the State Universities and Colleges category, the top three winners are Isla Kapispisan Mangrove Reforestation and Eco-Tourism Project of the Aklan State University, the Coconut Breeding Trials Unit Program of the Capiz State University and Towards Community-Managed Peace and Order Initiatives of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas.
Engr. Gilberto Altura of NEDA Regional Office VI who is the over-all award coordinator pointed out, “this activity continues to generate the support and enthusiasm among the public sector institutions in the region, as well as, among private sector groups and NGOs.” He continues, “It will be sustained through the efforts of the RDC VI Officials and its Secretariat (NEDA Region VI) to give due recognition to regional initiatives that uphold good governance, dedication in public service, and dynamism in leadership.”
Winners will bring home cash prizes and trophies. This year’s fund is sourced out from the RDC 6, elected officials and the private sector. Aside from President Arroyo, Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro and Senator Migs Zubiri are also invited. Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia will host this year awarding ceremonies. RDC 6 Chairperson Salvacion Perez and CORD for Western Visayas DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez together with RDC Vice Chair and NEDA Director Ro-Ann Bacal will spearhead the event. (Cynthia C. Lumampao, NEDA 6)