OVPER, OSEJPAR partake in Lucena City gov't public hearing on achievers' recognition ordinance

The Committee on Public Affairs of the Lucena City Government held a public hearing at the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Lucena, May 14. Councilor Ryan Caezar E. Alcala chaired the session alongside councilors Nick Pedro, and Benito Brizuela, Jr.

MSEUF Vice President for External Relations Celso D. Jaballa, with Director of Scholarship, Endowment, Job Placement and Alumni Relations Ma. Isabel Granada attended the hearing together with heads, administrators, and representatives from various public and private academic institutions from basic education to tertiary levels, key officials from the government including the city administrator, budget, and legal officers, DILG, youth development, and heads of sports development program.

The discussion of the hearing focused on ordinance aimed at institutionalizing the granting of recognition and incentives to bonafide residents of Lucena City who excel in National Board/BAR examinations and winners or recognized achievers in national and international competitions and other fields of human endeavor.

This initiative aligns with Section 16 of the Local Government Code, which mandates local government units to promote the general welfare through various supportive measures.
Councilor Ayala highlighted the importance of the ordinance known as the Lucena City Achievers Recognition and Incentive Award. He said that the proposed legislation seeks to acknowledge and reward the achievements of residents, thereby promoting a culture of excellence and providing motivation for future accomplishments.

Discussions during the hearing also covered the specifics of the cash incentives for top notchers and medalists, and the creation of a working committee responsible for formulating a procedural manual to guide the granting of recognition and incentives including the evaluation and validation of submitted documents and certificates to ensure eligibility.
The ordinance will take effect following its official posting and publication, as required by law.

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• SDG 4: Quality Education. The ordinance aims to recognize and reward academic excellence, encouraging a culture of high educational standards and achievements.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By providing incentives to top achievers, the city promotes full employment and economic prosperity among its residents.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The recognition and incentives for achievers from various fields help ensure that all residents, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to be acknowledged and rewarded for their accomplishments
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The ordinance aims to enhance public morals, maintain peace, and order, and promote social justice within the community.
• SDG 17: The involvement of various stakeholders, including educational institutions and city officials, exemplifies a collaborative effort to achieve these goals.