kaban galing - front cover - galing pook

Within a year of operation, in 2004, collection of public economic
enterprises increased by 325% over 2000 and 196% over 2003.
The success made by the local government in the operation of public
economic enterprises has earned the recognition of the KAAGAPAY
Seal of Excellence in Local Governance by the Philippine-Canada Local
Government Support Program and the Department of the Interior and
Local Government in 2004.
For the first time in three years, the local government gained positive
income compared to deficit spending of the previous years. The increase
in collection was a result of an additional connection to 420 new
household Level III water system users compared to 260 households
connected in 2003. There was also a remarkable increase in the
collection from the public market, slaughterhouse and goat dispersal
operations. In December 2004, Naawan established a Goat Breeding
Station that now earns an average income of P1,000 per day from its
goat’s milk production component.
More importantly, for the local government, the capacity to mobilize
local resources without external support is a major accomplishment.
Naawan has shown that improvements are possible even with meager
resources.
The Winning Ingredient: Community Participation
Naawan’s pursuit of improving local income generation, while providing
better services through the development and expansion of economic
enterprises, has been done with community participation and
empowerment, as can be seen in the composition of the MEEDO Board:
the municipal mayor, as chairman; sangguniang bayan chairmen of the
committees on laws and rules, market, and agriculture; and
representatives from the market vendors association, water users and
farmers association, as members.
Among the important functions of the board are the following:
a. Formulates plans and policies, recommends project proposals,
studies, activities, and budget to the sangguniang bayan, and monitors
and evaluates MEEDO operations;
b. Receives and resolves complaints on MEEDO manager’s
decisions in the operation of the enterprises; and
c. Determines, approves, and implements fees, charges and rentals
for the use of facilities and services.
44 Kaban Galing