PH EMBASSY APPLAUDS QUEZON CITY BARANGAY CAPTAINS FOR ADVANCING INNOVATIONS IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-41-2024
04 June 2024
Embassy Press and Information Section
info@phembassy-us.org

WASHINGTON D.C. – Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez congratulated the Quezon City Liga ng mga Barangay on successfully completing their four-day learning program, “Building Sustainable Communities: A Learning Program on Innovations in Local Governance,” held from 25 May to 01 June 2024 in Maryland and Washington, D.C. 

Recognizing the significance of the Liga ng mga Barangay and its role in local governance, the Quezon City Government established a partnership with the Washington Global Institute, the School of Diplomacy and Governance of the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – National Capital Region to conduct the learning program for barangay officers.

Designed to empower barangay leaders, the program focused on enhancing governance capacities and driving positive community change through collaboration with experts from Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County. The program aimed to enhance local governance knowledge, develop leadership skills, foster collaboration, and learn from innovative practices. Participants engaged in comprehensive sessions emphasizing governance, leadership, and innovation to improve service delivery and community development at the grassroots level.

In his inspirational message, Hon. Jose Maria M. Rodriguez, Barangay Captain of Barangay Laging Handa and President of the Liga ng mga Barangay, thanked Mayor Joy Belmonte for the opportunity to study and observe practices in the United States that can be emulated in Quezon City. He also addressed his fellow delegates, stating, “I hope and wish all of our delegates the best of luck in applying what we have learned to our respective barangay. We look forward to bringing home knowledge and realizations for the benefit of our constituents.”

In the closing remarks, Ambassador Romualdez applauded the delegates and organizers. “Your journey does not end here. The real work begins as you return to your barangays with new knowledge and renewed determination,” he stated. He encouraged participants to draw inspiration from former president Manuel L. Quezon and other historical leaders, and engage with their respective communities to find more collaborative and innovative solutions.

The program concluded during Asian Heritage Month, underscoring the shared values and aspirations that bind communities across continents. Ambassador Romualdez emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration between the Philippines and the United States to create a brighter future for all. END