“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch

This paradigm is clearly manifested by Mayor Agatha Cruz of Guiguinto, Bulacan who believes that leading and learning are indispensable to each other.

As a game changer in education, she brings new power to listening, consensus-building, collaboration and partnership in creating a more solid foundation to good governance and education reforms.

Listen to how Mayor Agay, who also now chairs the LEARN Council whose members include the Local Chief Executives from Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas, and Surigao del Norte. leads by learning and innovating with a heart for her community’s goal to put education at the forefront of change and continuous improvement.

Source: Instagram

Synergeia Team for Training of Teachers in Reading at Maluso, Basilan with Former Bulacan Governor Josie Dela Cruz, former Vigan Mayor Carlo Medina of Vigan, Dr. Nene Guevarra, former Mayor Beng Climaco of Zamboanga, Kong Tawisil, Synergeia coordinator, and Ms. Annie De Leon of Synergeia.

First, it is an organization of like-minded local leaders whose vision for education is as long and enduring as its name. LEARN stands for “Learning Environment Accessible in Rebuilding the Nation.”

Second, there is nothing typical about the LEARN Council in terms of its broad membership which compares with the focused, area-centric representation of a standard “regional education council.” It has for its members the Local Chief Executives from across Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas and Surigao del Norte.

Third, because of this more expanded and diversified structure, the LEARN Council rises with a resolute and determined energy and passion, allowing it to joyfully experience a kind of “rebirth” that exemplifies its resurgence towards the opening of a new chapter in its existence.

Its readiness and wherewithal to lead LGUs in the implementation of education governance programs extends beyond a renewal of faith in its mission but more of a strengthening of vigor and dedication to what its name is hoping to achieve.

Finally, the renaissance of the LEARN Council promises to be a living proof of the capability and leadership of its officers and members to improve the reading proficiency of children, share and adopt best practices in education governance and work to encourage more LGUs to be part of LEARN.

Mayor Agatha Paula Cruz of Guiguinto, Bulacan is the new Chairperson of the LEARN Council. Other newly-elected officers are:

Mayor Alfredo Coro II of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte – Vice-Chairperson

Mayor Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City – Secretary

Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City – Treasurer

Mayor Francis Garcia of Balanga City, Bataan – Auditor

Mayor Josell Aimee Vistan of Plaridel, Bulacan – Communication Officer

In its two meetings this year, the LEARN Council has accomplished quite a feat. It reviewed its by-laws and analyzed the education performance of members towards solidifying their goal and success metrics as an education council.

Indeed, we can trust that the LEARN Council is relentless to put education of our children on the right and more progressive track.

Source: Synergeia

NPC opens Women’s Month with former Bulacan Governor and Postmaster General, Josie dela Cruz

It was never a competition, but complementation, Ms. Josie Dela Cruz said on the relations between men and women in the workplace or even in their roles in society.

The former Bulacan Governor and Postmaster General addressed NPC employees on Monday’s Flag Raising Ceremony as the Corporation opens the women’s month which carries the theme, Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan.

Ms. Josie emphasized in her message that men and women must partner to achieve success.
“Maximize strengths and create synergy from partnerships so that success becomes easier, more achievable,” she said.

She also encouraged all women to keep on trying to do things as men have tried.
“March is a celebration of every contribution of women, yes, but the greater significance of this month is, maaaring may mas mabuti at mas maganda pang magagawa [ang mga kababaihan],” Mam Josie quips.

To celebrate Women’s Month, NPC employees will join the #PurpleFridays and will hold a film showing featuring women’s empowerment.

Source: NAPOCOR: https://www.facebook.com/nationalpowerph/

Capturing Collaboration: Insights from the Stakeholders’ Consultation for the World Bank’s Philippines Systematic Country Diagnostic Update

March 3, 2024

Galing Pook Foundation, the World Bank, and De La Salle Institute of Governance co-organized a pivotal stakeholders’ consultation. Bringing together representatives from local government units (LGUs), academia, and civil society organizations (CSOs), the event aimed to delve into the insights of the Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) Report. Ralph van Doorn, World Bank Senior Economist in the Philippines, presented the report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the country’s socio-economic landscape.

Galing Pook Trustee, Dr. Ador Torneo took the floor to address the critical role of data-driven governance in aligning the priorities of both national and local governments. His insights emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making in fostering effective governance strategies.

Facilitating the discussion, Executive Director Georgina Hernandez-Yang emphasized the necessity of strengthening collaboration to realize the goals of devolution. She underscored the importance of expanding spaces for active citizenship in governance processes, highlighting the potential for meaningful engagement from diverse stakeholders.

A highlight of the consultation was the sharing of local governance innovations by Galing Pook Awardees. Representing Barangay Graceville in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; Barangay Taloot in Tanay, Rizal; and Alabat in Quezon, these exemplary communities showcased initiatives aligned with thematic priorities on inclusive growth and jobs, human capital development, and building resilience.

The event served as a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, emphasizing the collective effort required to address complex challenges and drive sustainable development at both local and national levels.

Source: Galing Pook Foundation

The Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation, Inc. (DBFI) celebrates its 20th Anniversary and held its Christmas Party on December 9, 2023 at the Millhouse Gastropub, Baliwag, Bulacan. Former Bulacan Governor Josefina M. Dela Cruz graces the event as the Special Guest and Keynote Speaker. DBFI is a foundation established by former awardees of the Gawad Dangal ng Lipi, the highest honor conferred by the Provincial Government of Bulacan to its outstanding sons and daughters who excelled in various fields of endeavor. It conducts charitable and other noteworthy projects for Bulakenyos through the years. In her speech, Gov. Josie, who was the main supporter of the foundation in its early years, greets the members for their twenty years of volunteerism, and challenge them to continue helping Bulakenyos in need.