Local legislators should have enough knowledge on local governance to become more effective public servants, according to the national chairman of the Philippine Councilors' League.

Councilor Alan Zulueta of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, also the national chairman of the Philippine Councilors' League, said that local legislators should be equipped with enough knowledge on how the branches of the government work.

He said that educating councilors on local governance will enable the local legislators to create more effective ordinances that complement with the programs of the executives.

"Our work does not end on legislation alone; we need to educate our councilors in order to create strong legislative measures," Zulueta said.

He said that councilors must also do their further functions like reviewing the present ordinances if there is a need to amend or repeal.

Zulueta and 1,000 PCL members and government officials from around the country were in Iloilo City for the Second Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting and the Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) at the Sarabia Manor Hotel which opened yesterday.

PCL is the largest government league in the country with 16,722 members nationwide.

The three-day activity will consist of lectures on the legislative functions and responsibilities of the city and municipal councils.

Meanwhile, PCL president Alma Moreno of Parañaque City also stressed the importance of further education among members of the council to help them become more capable in other positions.

This June 30, more than 600 councilors will graduate with Bachelor of Arts and Political Science Major in Local Governance Administration degree. Some will also graduate with Masters in Development Management and Governance similar to Master in Public Administration.

Aside from the legislative education, Moreno also said that the PCL is pushing for the civil service eligibility among councilors.

"Three-termer legislators shall automatically be given professional civil service eligibility while two-termers shall also be granted a sub-proof eligibility," she said.

Meanwhile, Moreno and Zulueta also urged the national government to prioritize underdeveloped cities.

Zulueta said that most opportunities were given to highly urbanized cities and for first class municipalities.

"More projects should be directed to fourth until sixth class municipalities, since they need more help," he stressed.

SHARING EXPERIENCES

Meanwhile, noting their experience in Tagum City, Zulueta said that development must be coupled with improvement in the lives of the people.

Noting the problem on informal settlers, Zulueta said that before relocating them, the government must first provide the basic necessities on the area.

He said that aside from the lot, it is the government's responsibility to provide convenient water and electricity facility and also complete drainage system for the informal settlers.

In Iloilo, some people in relocation sites, especially in Lanit, Jaro and in Sooc, Mandurriao, still complain of the lack of access to potable water supply and efficient drainage system.*