The Philippine Councilors’ League-Negros Oriental Chapter, together with the Department of the Interior & Local Government, honored five outstanding city and municipal Sanggunian members who demonstrated “innovation and exemplary performance” in local legislation, during an awarding ceremony in Dumaguete.
This year’s Outstanding Local Legislators are: Dumaguete Councilor Atty. Karissa Faye Maxino, Dauin’s Atty. Nelson Bandoles, Dumaguete Councilor Dr. Jose Victor Imbo, Bayawan City’s Engr. Rusma Tijng, and Sibulan Councilor Atty. Mark Christoffel Banquerigo.
The Search for Outstanding Local Legislators sought to honor the exemplary performance of the local councilors in the different Sangguniang Panlungsod and Bayan of the Province for legislating “measures that help build impactful administration and development” in their local government units.
The first search for the top legislators of the Province was initiated during the leadership of PCL President Bruno ‘Thirdy’ Bouffard III, Board Member representing the 2nd District of Negros Oriental.
He said the award highlights the values that every legislator must hold dear as public servants: integrity, accountability, innovation, inclusivity, and a drive for positive change.
“This [search for outstanding legislators] was borne out of my deep desire to highlight the critical and often-under-appreciated role of local councilors in shaping in the development of our LGUs,” Bouffard said.
Of the 11 nominees, the Provincial Assessment Team voted for the top five local legislators based on the criteria on “effectiveness of performance, exemplary pillar, innovative legislative measures, and interview” by the judges.
The interview served as an avenue for the assessment team to scrutinize on their knowledge and involvement in the social, civic, and leadership pursuits. The nominees were given an opportunity to elaborate on their advocacies, principles and philosophies in life that inspire them in public service.
Councilor Maxino, one of the awardees, thanked the PCL and DILG, as well as the assessment team, for their efforts to bring credibility and honor to the awards. “I am humbled and honored for this award. This is not mine alone but for Dumaguete City kay I did not do this alone. I would like to thank my colleagues kay without them, dili ma-approve ang akong mga ordinances, and without the help of our constituents,” she said.
DILG Provincial Director Farah Diba Gentuya also recognized the PCL here for its “unwavering dedication” as it prioritized the welfare of the people, balancing legislative actions and responsibilities in undertaking their role as lawmakers.
“The PCL recognizes the unremarkable performance of local legislators who, in one way or the other, have made a distinctive mark on good governance, building sustainably progressive and inclusive communities,” said Gentuya.
She also cited the judges’ dedication, and for meticulously evaluating the nominees to ensure that the recognition process was both fair and thorough.
The Provincial Assessment Team, headed by PCL President Bouffard, was composed of representatives from various sectors to ensure fair and just deliberation of the entries: Atty. Gretel Kelly delos Santos-Dy of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (legal profession sector), Fr. Christian Benjamin of the Diocesan Association of Volunteers & Interpreters for the Deaf (religious sector), Jennifer Catan-Tilos of the Philippine Information Agency (media), and Dr. Delma Manila of Metro Dumaguete College (academe). (JCT/PIA7 NegOr)
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Photo Caption: DILG Provincial Director Farah Gentuya and Board Member Bruno ‘Thirdy’ Bouffard III (5th and 6th from left), president of the Philippine Councilors’ League-Negros Oriental, pose with the Outstanding Local Legislators (holding their respective trophies) during the awarding ceremony on Dec. 9. With them are members of the Provincial Assessment Team. (PIA Negros Oriental photo)
