BAGUIO CITY – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. on Wednesday said he is holding dialogues with local chief executives and visiting the regions to further improve the operation and systems of the department and the local government units (LGUs).
“I go around visiting the provinces to effect changes so that the LGUs will be better, the DILG will be better,” Remulla told reporters in a press conference held at the Bell House in Camp John Hay here.
He shared that they are expediting processes such as setting appointments to meet with local chief executives (LCE) to avoid waisting time and boost productivity.
“When I visit the provinces, I get at least two hours or more and it becomes more productive and directly addressing what is relayed by the LCEs and their needs,” Remulla said.
He said he learned of Baguio LGUs’ request for a fire station, which has dragged on for six long years.
“As soon as I arrive in Manila, I will see to it that it is looked into and is acted upon,” he said.
Remulla also noted of the benefits of personally visiting places to have a first-hand knowledge of the situation on the ground.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in a statement, expressed gratitude to Remulla, saying “the visits are both productive and constructive. Constructive because there is a discussion of insights. An active listening skill which he knows, having come from the local government unit himself. Productive because it can easily address issues, problems or requests which have been archived like the requests for vehicles of the police, firetrucks and others including the city’s request to have a fire station.”
The DILG chief, meanwhile, reiterated his stand on police personnel who are remiss in performing their jobs.
“I have a very low tolerance for officials’ malfeasance especially involving members of the Philippine National Police,” he said.
He mentioned about the two-year-old case of a police officer involved in illegal drugs, saying he immediately acted on it.
“I will not hesitate on the filing of charges,” Remulla said.**Liza Agoot
