The Municipality of Lemery Batangas headed by Mayor IAN KENNETH M. ALILIO recently conducted Local Town Development Council Meeting held at the Municipal Hall.

Part of the program is the discourse on the plans and programs of the Municipal Government, with the Villages, for 2024 and the current year.

Alilio said, municipalities in rural areas are facing a variety of challenges. The lasting effects of the pandemic, the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, inadequate health care services, volcanic smog effect and public transportation, these are just a few of the many global challenges that affect rural towns directly.

Over the course of one year, these councils are meant to develop strategies for dealing with the complex issues of our times. Utilizing a multi-stakeholder approach bringing together representatives from civil society, business, politics and administration, they enable collaborative strategy making and develop an action plan for local development. Local coordination from the partner municipality and local moderation teams are trained and continuously supported within this project to ensure sustainability of the approach. Together with the municipalities, they aim to test and further develop municipal development councils as an innovative democratic instrument that addresses societal challenges locally.

Punumbayan attended the said meeting, representative of the Municipal Council Hon. Aris Kenneth Punzalan, ANC President Benito Tolentino, chief officials of 46 Barangays, and representatives of sectors such as BHWs, women, workers, senior citizens, fishermen, and others. (Photopiolemery/Renante Arjay Jarobel/Marjorie Mahusay)