The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental has raised the bar for local legislation by holding special sessions in the component local government units of the Province.
The Provincial Board has already held two special sessions outside of its comfort zone in Dumaguete City — in Bayawan City and in Manjuyod town. Laws passed by the City and Municipal legislators are sent to the Provincial Board for automatic review.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan had already held a series of Legislative Forums in the last three years attended by legislators from the towns and cities of Negros Oriental in order to streamline the legislative process.
However, Vice Governor Mark Macias said they decided to provide this extra service after noting that legislations from the towns and cities keep coming back to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for similar reasons.
The Board Members — all 13 of them plus the Vice Governor, fit comfortably in the 15-seater China-made Foton van which they bought for this purpose.
After Bayawan and Manjuyod, the Provincial Board will hold a special session in Mabinay to craft laws with the town’s legislators.
When asked if the innovation of the Negros Oriental Provincial Board is the first of its kind in the country, Macias said “This is not a contest. What is important is that the service is being given and that we are thinking outside the box and making it easier for others.” (IFBP)
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