The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)- Region V, through its Bicol Local Governance Regional Resource Center (Bicol LGRRC) – Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Council (MSAC) convened on January 30, 2024 for a Coordination Meeting to discuss the proposed Regional Convergence Program in the Bicol Region.

DILG Region 5 Assistant Regional Director Jhoaden G. Lucero, EnP, MM, CESO V presided over the meeting and shared that the program is one of the office’s initiatives to have a synergized capacity building mechanisms and collaborative efforts with other National Government Agencies (NGA) in order to equip the LGUs and other stakeholders with technical knowledge for the improvement of their communities.

In attendance at the LGRRC Library were Regional Director Jessie B. Doctolero, Assessment Unit Chief Mr. Geralden S. Purog and Treasury Unit Acting Chief Mr. Vincent R. Chavez of Department of Finance- Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF-BLGF) Region 5, Regional Director Claudio L. Yucot of Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 5, Katrine May Baranquil of Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD) Region 5, Engr. Vicente Ollanes Jr. of Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Region 5, while DMO Girlie de Guzman, DMO Gabriel Joshua Tayson, DMO Lourd Jayne S. Salido, and DMO Emmanuel A. Causon of Climate Change Commission (CCC) were also present via Zoom.
Also in attendance from DILG Region 5 were LGCDD Division Chief Ma. Ruthel P. Gigantoca, Assistant Division Chief Mae G. Clemente, LGMED Assistant Division Chief Amaline R. Colina, LGOO V Ivy S. Ramirez, LGOO V Sheena P. Dela Cruz, LGOO V Romasanta C. Miranda LGOO IV Lysandra Gale D.Escoto and LGOO II Gizelle A. Tabilin.

The Regional Convergence Program aims to increase the local government units’ compliance in the formulation of mandated and thematic plans, integrating and/or mainstreaming thematic concerns, investment programming, sound budgeting, and effective revenue generation that will lead to a developed, peaceful, safe and self-reliant LGUs that will be contributory to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international standards.