Delegates from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Academy of Political Management – Batch 13 gained valuable insights into people-centered governance as they engaged with Iloilo provincial leaders during a learning visit at Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
Welcoming the delegation, Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias underscored the importance of knowledge exchange in strengthening democratic leadership and good governance.
The FES, recognized as the oldest political foundation in Germany, continues to advance social democracy through initiatives on governance, leadership, and sustainable development worldwide.
Building on this shared commitment to effective governance, Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque highlighted the synergy between the legislative and executive branches, explaining how the Sangguniang Panlalawigan supports the administration’s development goals under the MoRProGRes and Social Justice agenda.
The activity highlighted Iloilo’s flagship programs, demonstrating how strategic governance translates into tangible benefits for communities.
Dr. Rodney Labis of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office presented the province’s Movement for Zero Open Defecation (ZOD), a milestone initiative that made Iloilo the first province in the country to achieve province-wide ZOD status in 2022. The program has significantly improved public health, reduced environmental risks, and boosted local economic conditions. Its impact earned national recognition, including the Galing Pook Award in 2023 and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s SDG Champion Award for advancing water and sanitation.
Participants from the FES cohort noted the initiative as a model of how sustained community engagement and policy support can deliver long-term health and sanitation gains.
On population development, Atty. Ruel Von D. Superio, chief of the Iloilo Provincial Population Office, detailed programs aligned with the province’s MoRProGRes Iloilo Agenda. He emphasized that interventions are designed to be strategic, inclusive, and impactful, contributing to the broader Social Justice Cluster. Delegates observed how integrating population management with social services can enhance equitable access to resources and opportunities.
In the field of education, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Jason Gonzales presented the BES Basa Program, which aims to develop grade-ready learners with strong reading proficiency. The initiative drew interest from participants for its structured approach to addressing foundational learning gaps, a key concern in many developing regions.
Meanwhile, Board Member Rolando Distura discussed landmark ordinances promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, and conservation, including the I-PORE (Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy) and I-SHARE (Iloilo Schools Having Access to Renewable Energy) ordinances. These initiatives position Iloilo as a forward-looking province committed to clean energy, sustainable development and climate-responsive governance.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. later joined the delegates, answering questions on governance and politics, while sharing the province’s experiences in implementing reforms and aligning policies with grassroots needs.
Gonzales described the engagement as a meaningful platform for sharing best practices in governance.
“It was an opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen our collective commitment to responsive and people-centered leadership,” he said.
For the FES cohort composed of students and young professionals in various disciplines and fields across the country, the visit provided concrete examples of how local governments can drive inclusive growth through innovative, well-coordinated programs.
The exchange not only enriched their understanding of governance in practice but also reinforced the value of collaboration in addressing shared development challenges.
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