The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 2, through its Regional Project Development and Management Unit (RPDMU) and DILG Batanes, in partnership with the Department of Health - Batanes, successfully conducted a training on the formulation of Municipal Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plans on November 26-29, 2024, at the Schools Division Office Ivatan Conference Hall in Basco, Batanes. Resource speakers from the Office of the Project Development Services - Water Supply and Sanitation Sector (OPDS-WSSS) and the RPDMU facilitated the training through a blended approach, combining face-to-face sessions and virtual engagement.

Before the training officially began, the team paid a courtesy visit to OIC-Provincial Director Marietta F. Abalus. They were accompanied by PDMU Chief and Program Manager Arlene E. Suetos and Cluster Head Imelda P.A. Rosales.

The event was attended by key officials and functionaries from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, and Uyugan, as well as field officers, staff, and personnel from DILG Batanes.

Jeffrey R. Garcia, Provincial Health Team Leader for Batanes, underscored the importance of collaboration and ownership in project implementation. "To achieve a successful program, we need LGUs to take ownership first, followed by the national government agencies (NGAs) co-owning the initiative. When challenges arise, collaboration becomes essential to finding solutions," he emphasized.

OIC-PD Marietta F. Abalus also delivered a message, highlighting the significance of the training and the active participation of LGU representatives. She stressed that the success of the activity hinges on the engagement of the participants. "This training is vital not only for creating the MWSSMP but also as a requisite for accessing other programs of the Department, such as the Local Government Support Fund - Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (LGSF-SAFPB)." She expressed her hope that the activity would be meaningful, engaging, and productive in achieving its objective of developing comprehensive water supply and sanitation plans for each municipality.

Through this initiative, the DILG continues to support LGUs in enhancing their capacity to develop and implement impactful and sustainable water supply and sanitation projects that address the needs of their communities.