In pursuance with the program of the government relative to the continuous observance of economy measures considering its meager fund to support office operations, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office 02 (DILG RO2) always ensures prudent utilization of its financial resources. Measures for such would include activities that could be possibly carried out at the same time instead of conducting them one at a time. Hence, a program hitting to achieve a number of objectives was conducted:

 First, a Regional Launching of the Oplan Listo was conducted at Zen Hotel, Santiago City on December 17, 2014. No other than the Under Secretary for Local Government, Austere Panadero of DILG graced the event. He emphasized to the RDRRMC and Field Officers the need to assist LGUs in understanding the manual and their duties and responsibilities in institutionalizing the Oplan LISTO.

The concept was thoroughly explained through Audio Visual presentations and workshops provided by the Local Government Academy, the training arm of the DILG.

The sharing of PD Judy Batulan of Western Samar served as an inspiration for the participants of the Regional launching of the OPLAN LISTO. He shared the experiences of the province on how they acted and reacted before, during and after Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The activity was attended by 200 participants composed of Local Government Operations Officers, media, RDRRMC members and LGU representatives.           Region 02 was chosen as one of the three regions as pilot regions for the launching of OPLAN LISTO.

December 18-19, 2014 marked the day for the DILG RO2 family. The two-day event with the theme: “Matatag na Pagkakakilanlan at Matibay na Samahan: Ating Ipagbunyi at Ipagdiwang” highlighted the following:

OIC RD Marlo Iringan delivered his message by giving the “good news”, which meant the benefits to be received over the holidays. He also assured the provincial as well as cluster teams the full support of the Regional Management in all their endeavors specially the fulfillment of national commitments.

Director Iringan also stressed the very purpose of the activity, a paradigm shift from “I” to “WE”.  By that, the values of unity, partnership, team work, synergy and harmony were given emphasis. Moreover, he thanked each and everyone for their enthusiasm and active participation during the activity.

Second, the presentation of Performance Assessment to track down issues and concerns as well as identify strategies to address strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of Programs, Activities and Projects (PAPs). The report was delivered by the Regional Planning Officer Ive B. Saludez.

It was emphasized that if all the mentioned operational issues and concerns will be addressed, DILG RO2 PPA implementation by 2015 will be better and will surely realize its aim of achieving Rehiyon Dos: AYOS (Accelerating Yields through Outstanding System) .

Her discussion included the (1) Accomplishments on National Commitments and Regional Initiatives; (2) Personnel Strength; (3) Operational Issues and Concerns; and (4) Status of PAPs per Outcome Area.

Third, a forum to tackle concerns of the DILG R02 Employees organizations such as the Provident Fund, Inc., DILG Region 2 Employees Cooperative, Inc. and Employees Union. The Presidents of the Provident Fund, Employees Union and Credit Union gave some updates on the status of the said organizations.

Provident Fund (PF) Board of Director from Cagayan Provincial Office, MLGOO Arlene B. Martin presented updates on the financial statement of the PF. She assured that members will be provided a copy of the financial statement thru their Cluster Presidents. Employees Union (EU) President, Atty. Rolynne A. Javier, presented updates on EU. She said that EU will be giving thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) for the regional office’s Christmas party. DILG R02 Credit Cooperative President Consuelo P. Castañeda presented the Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2013.  She also mentioned that the Loan Redemption Fund as one of the major concerns of the Union. Since four (4) of the seven (7) BODs are relieving their posts, the body decided to elect 7 new members of the BOD.

Fourth, the Regional Incentive for Productivity and Excellence (RIPE) awarding ceremony which recognized exemplary performance of teams at the Regional, Provincial and Cluster Offices for CY 2014. The DILG Provincial Offices of Cagayan and Quirino hosted the awarding ceremony.

The following winners received Plaques of Recognition and cash awards:

Fifth, the "Pasasalamat at Pagpupugay" Program to honor personnel who retired during the year as authorized under CSC Memorandum Circular No. 7, series of 1999. The retirees, former LGMED Chief Estela E. Aggabao and LGOO V Evangeline Jose were given due honor and recognition through an audio visual presentation that showcased their many milestones in the service.

Sixth, sports activities to promote health and wellness as part of the daily lives of personnel. All personnel proceeded to Queen Isabela Sports Complex for Zumba activities and fun games. In charge for the program was the Province of Isabela. The participants truly enjoyed the physical exercises considering the synchronization of the Zumba Dance performed by all operating units.

Finally, a get-together activity of personnel in a Literary-Musical Night was conducted in celebration of the Christmas season as one big family. One of the highlights of the program was the dance and songs presentations which was actually a contest between and among all operating units.  The Asian-inspired theme Christmas Party started with a processional of the personnel wearing their costumes.  The night was filled with glamour and surprises.

Various contested events were prepared for the night to include the Chorale Competition; Dance Contest; and Vocal Solo Contest.  Each group showcased their creativity and surprising talents in every contested event.  The proclaimed winners for the events were:

1. Choral Competition -           Regional Office and Province of Cagayan
2. Dance Contest       -           Province of Cagayan
3. Vocal Solo Contest -           Province of Cagayan

The conduct of the two-day 2014 DILG R02 Summit was successful. The activity paved way for all the DILG personnel of the region to further strengthen their bond as one family. All participants showed active participation and enthusiasm in all the activities.

Finally, the activity was fully geared up by the DILG Regional Office 02, under the leadership of OIC Regional Director Engr. Marlo L. Iringan, CESO V and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Atty. Odilon L. Pasaraba, CESO V. –Documentation Committee