Robredo’s UBAS launched
Despite having different interests, the government and Church have forged
a collaborative stance for the sake of good governance as they launched yesterday the “Ugnayan ng
Barangay at Simbahan” in Cebu.
The project, which was initiated by the late Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo in January 2011, seeks to institutionalize active community participation in grassroots level to serve as “watchdogs” for good governance and monitor compliance with anti-corruption measures in the implementation of project and delivery of basic services.
The UBAS is collaboration among the Church, the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas, and DILG. During the launching yesterday at the Capitol Social Hall, an agreement was signed and they pledged to support the project. As part of their agreement, the parties concurred to monitor the proper implementation of the projects under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process, formerly known as Bottom Up Budgeting, a method of budget preparation which requires active participation of basic sector and other civil society organizations.
They also agreed, among others, to initiate and implement programs, projects and activities to eradicate corruption and ensure transparency and efficiency in local governance. The memorandum of agreement was signed by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma representing the ecclesiastical province of Cebu, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, and Edmund Abesamis, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay.
Undersecretary Austere Panadero signed the agreement on behalf of Roxas. Other signatories include Rev. Fr. Carmelo Diola of the Archdiocese of Cebu, DILG7 Director Ananias Villacorta, LNB- Cebu President Celestino Martinez III, and Police Regional Office- 7 director, Chief Superintendent Prudencio Bañas.
Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III called on stakeholders to work hand-inhand in the pursuit of good governance in the province.
“Though most democratic nations and constitutions demand a separation between Church and State, the Philippines is unique, in that, there is a direct correlation between religious faith and government. Our devout faith inspires us to look beyond profit and monetary gains,” he added.
Palma is optimistic that the project will be sustained.
“The simple concern or fear of others about separation is, from the perspective of the state, it simply means that the state should not establish a religion like in many other countries. Here (Philippines), it says the government cooperate with all faiths. Therefore, there is no danger at all that that law is being circumvented kay dili man lamang Katoliko. This is aninterfaith collaboration,” Palma said.
Also attended during the launching was Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, wife of the late DILG Secretary, where she recounted the effort of her husband in initiating the project three years ago. She said the implementation of the project with the other areas in the country was halted after her husband died in a plane crash on August 18, 2012.
The congresswoman said the government that is led by the people is the answer to the development problems.
“We need to work on a grassroot participatory budgeting and planning system. It’s really the heart and soul of good governance because you gave voice to the one’s faceless and nameless.
We do not just give people a monitoring role but we allow them to say their piece in creating plans and budgets,” she said.
“When more people on different backgrounds beat on the table to be heard, things might sound and look chaotic but that process is beautiful in its seeming ugliness. I know the path ahead of us is not easy. People’s participation is really a messy process but it works. It worked in Naga City, it will work in the entire nation… I think that he(Jesse) is around right now watching as his ideas come to fruition,” the congresswoman added. —