Tuguegarao City, Cagayan—With the theme “Yearning Extensive Support or YES to Federalism”, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office O2 (DILG RO2) conducted an orientation to its twenty five On-the-Job Training (OJT) Students coming from the different schools in the Province of Cagayan and to its newly hired Cotract of Service (COS) employees on July 13, 2018 at DILG RO2 Conference Hall, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
The activity aims to disseminate proper information on Transition to Federalism Project and to make an avenue for the participants to address their issues and concerns.
In his opening message, RD Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., CESO IV, encouraged the students to be well informed about federalism. He explained that the need for a strong president is necessary for federalism to succeed. He asked the students to take the opportunity while the present administration is willing to share the huge powers of the presidency. He further cited some states where federalism succeeded. He emphasized that informed citizens is very essential to better appreciate the would-be gains of federalism in the country.
Before the orientation proper, Federalism Regional Focal Person/LGOO V Arianne Bennevic Batugal prepared a group activity to level off with the participants. The OJT students and COS employees were tasked to give their ideas, expectations and the possible impact of Federalism in their lives.
After which, Federalism Provincial Coordinator James Daryll B. Liggayu presented the salient features and general information about Federalism. Also, he shared to the group the possible benefits of federalism in the country.
On the other hand, Regional Project Officer Romeo P. Manongas shared the Message of former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel who one of the lead member of the Consultative Committee. He discussed the general provisions of the proposals drafted by the said committee.
After the presentations, an open forum followed where issues and concerns of students and employees on transition to federalism were entertained and responded.
In closing, RD Leusen urged the students and newly hired COS personnel to remain pro-active and supportive to the programs and initiatives of the Department. He assured that under Federalism, government becomes more democratic.
