DILG R02 convened its partner Local Resource Institutes (LRIs) namely, Isabela State University (ISU) – Echague, Ilagan and Cabagan campuses, Cagayan State University (CSU), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), Quirino State University (QSU), and Batanes State College (BSC), to provide updates and assess the conduct of SK Mandatory Trainings in their provincial coverage. The activity, held on June 25, 2018 at Villa Blanca Hotel, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, was attended by the SKMT Training Managers of the partner LRIs, DILG Provincial Directors, Cluster Heads and SKMT Regional and Provincial Focal Persons.

In his opening message, RD Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., thanked the LRIs for partnering with the DILG in this endeavor on top of their many other equally important commitments. He looks forward to another fruitful partnership with the LRIs in the continuing trainings for the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Extent of SKMT completion, financial status, issues and concerns were among those presented and discussed during the activity. Based on reports and as noted by ARD Elpidio Durwin, DILG RO2’s SKMT Program Manager, completion rate of the Region is at 94%. To date, there were 12,921 trained SK Officials and 1,021 still to be trained. As agreed, special trainings for the untrained SK Officials will be conducted until 1^st week of July. Issues and concerns presented include the following: delayed remittance of payments, non-payment by some barangays, cancelled cheques, delays in procurement, unconducive training venues in some areas, limited training kits, among others. Good practices were also noted in certain provinces which contributed to a more efficient and effective conduct of training. These include, among others, the conduct of training for the LYDOs and mobilizing them as Resource Persons and tapping support of some LCEs to provide mobility.

Overall, as highlighted by ARD Durwin in his closing message, the activity has achieved its purpose as an avenue for learning for both DILG and LRIs especially in the conduct of similar activities in the future. As the LGRRC Manager, ARD Durwin also said that the activity reinforced the principles of Connect, Converge, and Convene, a crucial strategy for DILG in the implementation of its PPAs.

LGOO II Emmalene Kaye Linacero