In line with the 20th anniversary of local autonomy in the country, DILG Region V through its Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) launched “Biyaheng Pinoy: Matapat na Palakad, Biyaheng Maunlad” on November 26, 2010 at the Jennifer’s Garden, Kabayan Hotel, Legazpi City

Attended by representatives from different national government agencies, DILG V provincial directors, representatives from non government organizations, media and the academe, said launching sought to popularize and celebrate the challenges and gains of local government units as they engage towards transparent, participatory and accountable and decentralized environment.

DILG V Assistant Regional Director Elouisa T. Pastor stressed the importance of “Biyaheng Pinoy” to the members of the Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Committee (MSAC) and the role that MSAC plays as one of the knowledge providers for  local government units. The MSAC, a pool of local governance stakeholders and local resource institutions plays an important role in linking LGUs to appropriate and other relevant knowledge resources and be able to avail of development interventions.

In a nutshell, Biyaheng Pinoy commemorates the 20^th anniversary of local autonomy in the Philippines through a year-long series of activities both at the local and national level. By way of enrolling various relevant activities of stakeholders, Biyaheng Pinoy  aims to showcase the gains of local autonomy as it propels the country towards national development. – (Francisco Callo, SLGP Coordinator)