The objective of the PGS is to transform the LGU into a well-governed institution that produces breakthrough results. It begins by enabling the LGU to define its aspirations as articulated in its vision statement (Eizmendi, F., 2015). This defines its aspirations in a 3-5 time frame and becomes the basis for creating a strategy map. For participatory governance to work, others outside of the Local Government Unit (LGU) must share in the responsibilities of governance. This is done with the formation of Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC), which provides a platform for involvement in the strategy formulation and implementation of programs/services. It also acts as a monitoring and advisory body. Its primary role is to assess the implementation status of the initiatives on a regular basis. The Local Government Unit and MSGC acknowledged that the challenges in developing the city are not only problems of the government but of the community as a whole. They have come to realize that everyone is part of the problem and the solution. Policies and projects implemented should be responsive and inclusive given the platform to dialogue with various sectoral representatives (Cortes, J, 2015). This is done through the formation of VACs (Vision Aligned Circles) which are small ad hoc work groups in departments and service sectors. It was an avenue for employees to know that they, too, have significant role to play in achieving the city’s goals. Each team was assigned to handle a particular strategic initiative. The timeline set for each initiative varies from 6 to 12 months, depending on the nature of the initiative. The VAC undergo a bi-annual public revalidation (assessment) to present their accomplishments to external stakeholders. Through the #iammandaue Transformation Program, the city’s governance charter is being cascaded to the different departments in the local government. The emphasis was on the value of identity for the vision and the strategy to work. The learning process was made through plays/simulation exercises. It allowed VACs to examine their dynamics as a unit. The importance that communication and teamwork for synergy was expressed by VAC members themselves. For Disaster Preparedness and Management strategy to move forward and produce results, it must do parallel activities of disseminating information to securing people’s buy-in and involving them in concrete programs like post disaster recovery and rehabilitation. They identify specific and realistic activities and work on it within a time frame of six months. Presently, they focused their attention of preventive (preparedness training and capability-building), management and post disaster rehabilitation. Activities were cascaded at the barangay level through the formation of BRRMCs (Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Councils) and the activation of volunteers to anchor early warning, rescue/recovery and recovery. This was also facilitated through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) data. This was made to assess and determine natural and man-made hazards and identify critical factors affecting vulnerability of community residents. It was envisioned that results of mapping out of vulnerability levels for each barangay will be made during the next six months. This participatory modelling/ mapping is integrated in the DRRM planning and training sessions. Materials like vulnerability, topographic and population maps were used as planning tools during city and barangay discussions. Basic data like morbidity, mortality, dengue and HIV-AIDS prevalence were accessed from the City Health Department. Critical incidents data like flooding, typhoons and fires were 324 Proceedings of the International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Proceedings of International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals : Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016 at the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
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