1 Republic of the Philippines

2 Province of Palawan
3 Municipality of El Nido
4
5 MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
6
7 MINUTES OF THE FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
8 (MDC) ON JUNE 13, 2022 AT SEASLUGS RESTAURANT, BARANGAY MALIGAYA, EL NIDO,
9 PALAWAN.
10
11 PRESENT:
12 1. Hon. Edna Gacot-Lim Municipal Mayor, MDC Chairperson
13 2. Hon. Luningning L. Batoy Municipal Vice Mayor
14 3. Hon. Aracel A. Bacolod SB Member, ABC Federation President
15 4. Hon. Florito C. Villagracia II Barangay Kagawad, Aberawan
16 Representing Hon. Rodante V. Reynoso
17 5. Hon. Ronelo G. Delos Santos Punong Barangay, Bagong Bayan
18 6. Hon. Ricky C. Ballena Punong Barangay, Buena Suerte
19 7. Hon. Ryann G. Abela Punong Barangay, Corong Corong
20 8. Hon. Ruel G. Igam Punong Barangay, Mabini
21 9. Hon. Janet G. Tamayosa Punong Barangay, Manlag
22 10. Hon. Aura S. Cayabyab Punong Barangay, Maligaya
23 11. Hon. Clarence R. Legaspi Punong Barangay, New Ibajay
24 12. Hon. Conchita F. Panaguiton Punong Barangay, Pasadeña
25 13. Hon. Isidro F. Bacaltos Punong Barangay, San Fernando
26 14. Hon. Arvin Q. Gabayan Punong Barangay, Sibaltan
27 15. Hon. Helen V. Ramilo Barangay Kagawad, Teneguiban
28 Representing Hon. Alan B. Tanaleon
29 16. Hon. Johny M. Fabregas Punong Barangay, Villa Libertad
30 17. Hon. Nestor S. Egay Punong Barangay, Villa Paz
31 18. Mr. Jeal D. Sabino Lio Tricycle Operators & Drivers Association
32 19. Ms. Rosalina T. Dumaran Puerto Princesa City North and
33 South Transport Cooperative
34 20. Mr. Enrico N. Cabiguen Sibaltan Heritage Center
35 21. Mr. Conrado N. David El Nido Chamber of Commerce &
36 Industry
37 22. Mr. Jason J. Alvarez Ayala Foundation Inc.
38 23. Hon. Arnel Abrina OIC,IPMR
39 Bacuit El Nido Travel and Tours Association
40 24. Mr. Ronaldo F. Ipac Buena Suerte Diving Association
41 25. Mr. Resty Navarro El Nido Palawan Tricycle
42 Operators & Drivers Association
43 26. Ms. Judith Distal Buena Suerte Business Club
44
45 Absent:
46 1. Hon. Edgardo “Egay” Salvame Congressman, 1st District of Palawan
47 2. Hon. Rosano G. Llanera SB Member, Chair. Comm. On Finance
48 3. Hon. Daniel G. Gomez, Jr. SB Member, SK Federation President
49 4. Hon. Ronelo G. Delos Santos Punong Barangay, Aberawan
50 5. Hon. Antenor D. Sitjar Punong Barangay, Barotuan
51 6. Hon. Antonio D. Cabesas, Jr. Punong Barangay, Bebeladan
52 7. Hon. Ricky C. Ballena Punong Barangay, Buena Suerte
53 8. Hon. Edilberto G. Templado Jr. Punong Barangay, Masagana
54 9. Mr. Diomac D. Pable Dewil Eco-Mangrove Association
55 10. Ms. Elenita P. Dangan El Nido Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative
56 11. Ms. Elizabeth B. Panganiban El Nido Pumpboat Owners and
57 Operators Association
58 12. Mr. Gerald B. Diaz Association of Market Vendors,
59 Suppliers & Producers in El Nido
60 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING
61 The meeting was called to order at 10:00 in the morning by the Presiding Officer (PO), Hon.
62 Edna Gacot-Lim. It was opened with a prayer and singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
63 MPDC Daria F. Ebora then led the roll call of the members. With 26 of the 38 members in
64 attendance, a quorum was formally called in, signaling the beginning of the meeting.
65
66 The Presiding Officer, Hon. Edna Gacot-Lim in her opening message acknowledged and thanked
67 everyone who are present on the council meeting. She highlighted the importance of this
68 meeting for budgeting and its approval. She stressed out that thru this the local government are
69 enabled to plan and manage the financial resources to support variety of programs and projects
70 that promotes overall development of the municipality.
71
72 Afterwards, Vice-Mayor Luningning L. Batoy also gave a short message accentuating the efforts
73 and contributions of CSOs as partners of the government on the development of the
74 municipality. She mentioned that this council meeting is a platform to prioritize the projects on
75 the barangay and to hear the suggestions and problems of the CSOs.
76
77 APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AGENDA
78 Mr. Conrado N. David of ENCCI requested to discuss the status of loan payment on the agenda.
79 The request was accepted by the Presiding Officer. As there are no more agenda to be
80 discussed, Hon. Luningning L. Batoy moved for the approval of the minutes of the previous
81 meeting which was seconded by the Mr. Jason J. Alvarez of Ayala Foundation, Inc which was
82 approved by the council.
83
84 MATTERS FOR MDC ACTION
85 Review and Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting
86 After meticulously reviewing and assessing the minutes of the previous meeting dated
87 December 20, 2022. Hon. Ruel G. Igam, Punong Barangay of Mabini moved for the approval of
88 the previous minues of the meeting which was seconded by Municipal Vice Mayor, Hon
89 Luningning L. Batoy.
90 The motion was approved by the council.
91
92 Matters arising from the previous minutes
93 The council does not have any concerns and follow ups on the previous meeting.
94
95 Presentation and approval of the 20% Development Fund for C.Y 2024
96 The MPDC, Engr. Daria F. Ebora presented the list of priority development projects included in
97 the 20% Development Fund which consists of the loan payment for Water System and
98 Wastewater Treatment Plant, Loan Payment for the procurement of heavy equipment,
99 Motorpool Building, Warehouse Building, Solar Street Lights with CCTV, Agricultural Machinery,
100 and Tourism Infrastructure, Construction of Special Education Building, Improvement of Calle
101 Real Street, Opening of road to New Government Site with culvert, LGU counterpart to KALAHI-
102 CIDDS Projects (2nd Tranche), Concreting of access road going to Bulalacao Water Treatment
103 Plant, Opening of access road going to new sanitary landfill, Installation of distribution lines at
104 Sitios Cabugao, Caalan, and Nasigdan, Brgy. Masagana, Barangay Development Assistance Fund
105 (BDAF). She also presented the estimated National Tax Allotment of the Municipality which
106 amounts to 371,459,862.00 thus the amount allotted for the Development Fund is
107 74,291,972.00.
108
109 As per the discussion of the development fund, Mr. Conrado N. David as approved by the
110 council asks for the status of the loan allotted for procurement of heavy equipment, motorpool
111 building warehouse building, solar street lights, agricultural machineries, and tourism
112 infrastructures. The presiding officer explained that though the municipality already allotted
113 payment for the loan, due to pandemic the fulfilling of requirements for loan approval was
114 backed to the start. As of the moment, the municipality is still waiting for the certificate of
115 approval to be issued by the Department of Finance.
116
117 Mr. David asked if the previously allotted loan payment is realigned to other proposed project
118 where MPDC Daria said that it is on the municipality’s savings account and was not realigned to
119 any projects. MPDC also added that the loan payment was allotted fund for when the time the
120 loan was approved and released, the municipality has continuous payment for it. Mr. David
121 counters that almost half of the 20% development fund is allotted to loan payments only. He
122 suggests that until the loan is approved, last year’s allotment can be realigned to other
123 development projects. The presiding officer suggests to invite the municipal accountant for this
124 matter and will be discussed on other matters.
125 Hon. Johny Fabregas, PB of Barangay Villa Libertad asks if the projects included in the 20% DF
126 can be replaced for he said that why they would attend the council meeting if they already know
127 that all barangay are allotted only Php600, 000.00 each for BDAF. The presiding officer
128 explained that the projects listed on the 20% DF is based on the AIP, CDP, and sectoral planning
129 which was conducted before the council meeting and was also attended by the punong
130 barangays. Hon. Ryann Abela, PB of Corong-corong exclaims that the council should be
131 concerned to the barangay, the 600,000 BDAF allotment for each barangay is not sufficient. He
132 suggest to increase it to 1,000,000 each. The presiding officer notes the suggestion and will see
133 if this can be worked out for next year.
134
135 Gaining permission from the presiding officer, the municipal engineer, Engr. Alcantara requests
136 the other barangays to prioritize the repair/rehabilitation of streets/roads on urban barangays.
137 He updates that new drainages are already constructed and installed on various places and the
138 problem is on the construction of STP is still on-going. The presiding officer exclaimed that we
139 should let the STP finish first before we rehab the towns streets.
140
141 Ms. Judith Distal of Buena Suerte Business Club also raised her concern on the traffic and lack of
142 parking spaces in the municipality. She suggests to have wider sidewalks to ensure the safety of
143 people specially the students. She also suggested to repaint the pedestrian lanes around the
144 town. The presiding officer assures her that the government is already looking into that
145 problems and will act right away.
146
147 Without other concerns arised, Vice Mayor Luningning L. Batoy moved for the approval of the
148 20% Development Fund for Fiscal Year 2024 which was seconded by the Hon. Isidro F. Bacaltos,
149 PB of San Fernando. The motion was approved by the body.
150
151 Presentation and Approval of the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for C.Y 2024
152 The AIP was presented by Ms. Baby Rhona D. Jaboli, Planning Officer from MPDO. She explained
153 that the plan was composed of plans and programs prioritized under the Comprehensive
154 Development Plan and Sectoral Planning. The MPDC asked the Punong Barangays if they already
155 have their specific projects under BDAF and that their projects should be inside the CDP. Ms.
156 Jaboli further explained that the PPA’s under BDAF should be on based on what they passed
157 during the Sectoral Planning and CDP. The PBs all agreed and said that their PPAs are inclined
158 with the CDP.
159
160 Hon. Johny Fabregas raised his concern to include the strengthening of environmental
161 enforcement to penalize environmental criminals and to protect our environment. He
162 highlighted that it is time to weaponized enforcers. He also raised his concerns on the
163 segregation of our garbage. He emphasize that it is the time to implement the no segregation,
164 no collection policy and to implement the house-to-house collection to see which households
165 and commercial establishments does not adhere to the segregation policy. Ms. Judith Distal of
166 Buena Suerte Business Club also added that we should also prioritize enforcements on our seas.
167 Mr. Conrado David of ENCCI added that they are discussing big insights and asked on how it can
168 be achieved and where to get the fund when NTA only encompasses 40% of the AIP. Mr. Joseph
169 Llanera, Municipal Budget Officer who was also present on the council meeting explained that
170 the plan consists of specific PPAs that may be available for funding on our general fund and the
171 other can be requested for funding on the provincial or any other available resources.
172
173 Without further clarifications from the body, Hon. Isidro Bacaltos of San Fernando moved to
174 adopt the Annual Investment Plan for CY 2024. It was then seconded by Mr. Conrado N. David
175 of ENCCI, which was approved by the body.
176
177
178 Reprogramming/Realignment of DBP Loan Interest Subsidy
179 Based on the Municipal Accountant, Mr. Glen Baluarte, the council can reprogram or realign the
180 DBP Loan Interest Subsidy amounting to Php8, 233,683.00 to other PPAs but assure that these
181 programs met the requirements for the development fund. A resolution should be passed.
182 There is a suggestion to realign this fund on the ongoing rehabilitation program of the
183 municipality. Hon. Cabiguen of Sibaltan exclaimed that it is unfair if all these funds are allocated
184 on the urban barangays only which was countered by Hon. Tanaleon of Teneguiban saying that
185 the 8M interest subsidy is too small if divided into all barangay, thus recommending it to be
186 realigned fully to the rehabilitation program. It was then supported by Hon. Delos Santos of
187 Bagong Bayan saying this is to see the impact and accomplishment of the Rehabilitation
188 Program. Vice Mayor Luningning explained that the rehabilitation program is conducted due to
189 the threat of closure issued by the DENR and DOH on the municipality. Mayor Edna added that
190 if we examine the rehabilitation plan submitted to the Department of Tourism and other
191 agencies, it can be seen that the projects under it is not focused on the town only. Tourism and
192 rehabilitation projects on possible sites are also included in the plan.
193
194 With the other members understanding the urgency of the Rehabilitation Program, Hon. Isidro
195 Bacaltos of San Fernando moved for the realignment of DBP Loan Interest Subsidy amounting to
196 Php8, 233,683.00 which was seconded by Hon. Arvin Gabayan of Sibaltan. The motion was
197 approved by the body.
198
199 Status of Infrastructure Projects
200 Engr. Dreo, the representative of the Municipal Engineering Office, presented the current status
201 of infrastructure projects in the municipality for the second quarter of the year. According to
202 the report, 35 projects were completed as of the moment. After her brief report, Mr. Conrado
203 N. David of ENCCI, asks for the main reason why contractors abandon projects. Municipal
204 Engineer, Engr. Alcantara explained that some of the contractors have borrowed license. MPDC
205 Daria also added that they are currently requesting for the list of DPWH Projects that are on-
206 going and also following up on the status of these projects.
207
208 The presiding officer told the municipal engineer that contractors that abandons projects should
209 immediately be terminated and forbid to participate on future biddings. She wanted the BAC
210 members to examine contractors if they have the capacity to finish the projects and to see the
211 quality and standards of the infrastructure projects.
212
213 OTHER MATTERS
214 Mr. Arnel P. Abrina of BELTTOA give insights on the possible effect of the recommendation on
215 the exclusion of food preparation on island hopping. Based on the last meeting of the BELTTOA,
216 some suggested to shorten and adjust the island hopping time to 7am-12nn for the first trip and
217 1pm-5pm for the second trip. This is to give time to tourist to eat after or before their trip.
218 Another option is a whole day tour without food but association is concern on the satisfaction
219 impact. He also said that most of the association members voted for the whole day tour without
220 food preparation. The Municipal Mayor explained to Mr. Abrina that the recommendation came
221 from the Department of Health after seeing how food was prepared on the boats which was
222 deemed unsanitary. She also clarified that food is not forbidden on the island hopping. The
223 tourist and tour operators can bring food which was prepared by a restaurant with food
224 handling certificate. She also said that the prohibition of food preparation on boats will start on
225 June 30, 2023 and the local government will closely monitor its effects on the tourism industry.
226
227 With no other matters to discuss, Hon. Luningning L. Batoy, Municipal Vice Mayor, moved for
228 the meeting to adjourn which was seconded by Mr. Conrado N. David of ENCCI and approved
229 unanimously by the body. The MDC was adjourned at 3:45 in the afternoon.
230
231 *** *** *** *** ***
232
233
234
235 I HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the foregoing minutes of the Municipal Development
236 Council Second Annual Planning Conference.
237
238
239
240 DARIA F. EBORA
241 MPDC /MDC Secretary
242 APPROVED:
243
244
245
246 EDNA GACOT-LIM
247 Municipal Mayor
248 MDC Chairperson