Based on the Key Points of Agreement finalized during the SLGP National Planning Conference held last February 21 and 22, 2011 at the Lancaster Hotel, Mandaluyong City, SLGP LGU partners of Region V and Region XIII were selected based on their performance in the implementation of various capacity development interventions under SLGP Phase I and Phase II.

      Good performance in internal housekeeping focusing in four areas of good planning, sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and valuing of performance evaluation as well as people’s participation and community capability building was also considered part of the assessment and qualification. The LGU must also commit to provide a focal person and project team and other counterpart resources and a fund of about 20% of the total project cost.

       Under the management of ARD Elouisa T. Pastor as SLGP Program Manager, the SLGP Project for Region V has implemented various capacity development interventions since 2008 for selected fifty-five (55) municipalities and cities in Bicol under SLGP Phase I and Phase II. The project  is anchored on result areas such as enhanced institutional capacity of the DILG to coordinate with stakeholders on good local governance to deliver the necessary capacity development, and enhanced capacity of LGUs to create business friendly environment that promotes sustainable climate for financing and investment. –(Francisco Junior B. Callo, SLGP Coordinator)