Mayor Bernard S. Waclin hosted the regular meeting of the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines – Benguet Chapter (LMP), attended by mayors of the thirteen municipalities of the Province of Benguet on July 17, 2024, at the Itogon Evacuation compound, Malasin, Ucab.
Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro, President of the Benguet Mayor’s League, presided over the meeting. He began with announcements about upcoming LMP activities, ranging from national initiatives to provincial events. Mayor Lauro also addressed concerns regarding delays in infrastructure projects due to stringent clearances required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera (DENR CAR).
The local chief executives agreed to pass a resolution appealing to the DENR to expedite the clearance process for certain infrastructure projects, such as school gymnasiums, to ensure timely completion and handover to the public. They emphasized the importance of prompt project implementation to qualify for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance, which rewards top-performing local government units (LGUs).
Oscar Paris, administrator of the Red Cross Benguet Chapter, a partner of LMP-Benguet, provided updates on their project accomplishments and raised concerns affecting various municipalities. Lorenz Pesigan, co-founder of the Vendors Partylist, presented their advocacy for the welfare of Filipino street vendors. Additionally, a representative from TOP haul, a partner from the private sector, showcased their products and services related to solid waste management.
The meeting was attended by Benguet mayors, including Bakun Mayor Bill Raymundo, Bokod Mayor Thomas Wales Jr., Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin, Kibungan Mayor Cesar Molitas, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, Mankayan Mayor Dario Banario, Sablan Mayor Alfredo Dacumos Jr., Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan, and Red Cross Benguet Officer and Board Member Rose Fongwan-Kipes.
Continuing a valued tradition, the Benguet mayors participated in a ceremonial tree planting at the Itogon Evacuation Center to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection.
