“Training on Community Participation in Procurement”

“If you have the hand to work, the heart to understand, and the head to think – everybody will go to heaven”, Hon. Mayor Atty. Nicanor De Leon reflected as he delivered his inspirational message to the one hundred thirty nine (139) participants which composed of Barangay Officials, CSOs, NGOs, and local constituents of the thirty seven (37) barangays of Amulung, Cagayan to the seminar-workshop entitled “Training on Community Participation in Procurement” with the theme “Improving the Quality and Responsiveness of Public Spending in Poor Communities through Localized Procurement Reform” at St. Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao City last February 24-26, 2014.  This second phase of engagement  was implemented  by St. Paul University Philippines – Knowledge for Development Center (SPUP-KDC) in partnership with Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) and Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) supported by the Japan Social Development Program through the World Bank (WB).  The training joined by the live-in participants aimed to a) promote the adoption of transparent and participatory procurement mechanisms for the delivery of poverty reduction programs in at least disadvantaged municipalities in the Philippines; b) institutionalize public procurements processes in poor communities; c) localize procurement reform at the municipal level; and d) appreciate local project management. “Indeed, a blind man cannot lead another blind man”, Mayor De Leon added as he expressed his gratefulness to the training coordinators and organizers particularly the TAN and its linkages for guiding his compatriots in serving their own municipality better through the application of the knowledge and skills will be acquired from this endeavor.

“With this training, Amulungeños will surely be empowered most specifically in implementing barangay development projects to uplift the constituents’ economic status”, Dr. Antonio Talamayan, Vice-President for Academics, articulated as he welcomed the guests and participants. The participants were acknowledged as the Municipal Budget Officer of Amulung, Ms. Judith Dela Cruz introduced them.  For the audience to have a glimpse on the objectives of the three-day fruitful training, Dr. Rosalinda Tanguilan, the Local Project Coordinator of the said activity increased the level of their expectations by staging a video presentation of the same training held last August 2013.

          Dr. Jesus Pizarro, the first resource speaker, discussed the principles of Social Accountability (SAc).  The importance and value of SAc within the context of good governance, tools and approaches, commitment to SAc, action plans to address current problems, and building partnerships were highlighted by Dr. Pizarro. 

           

Meanwhile, a Department of Budget Management representative, Mr. Rey Villon, discussed the general provisions and revisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA).  The Republic Act No. 9184 is an act providing for the modernization, standardization and regulation of the procurement activities of the government and for other purposes.

            The participants shared their insights and lessons learned from the previous topics as the second day started.  Ms. Jo-Anne Galiza and Mr. Alejo Cambri Jr. shared the topics on Community Participation on Procurement Manual (CPPM).  Ms. Galiza expounded the essence of camaraderie on 53.12 through team building activities while Mr. Cambri elucidated the legal references, key aspects and guiding principles to community participation.

            To provide the participants with understanding on the roles of the different committees such as PPMC, PPC, MIC and CRFC, Mrs. Judith Dela Cruz stressed the steps to be undertaken by the barangay in preparation for the community procurement and the basic requirements needed for the community to participate as a contractor or service provider.  A workshop on it was transpired to experience actual practices in their own community.

            The participants from the thirty seven (37) barangays were grouped into eight. Their talents and skills in acting were forced to display as each group was tasked to portray the actual processes of community participation in procurement based from the actual development priorities of their respective locality.

            A parallel session for Resource Mobilization and CSO Observer’s Guide to Public Procurement were conducted by Mr. Allen  Cambri and Mrs. Dela Cruz respectively.  The former was attended by the Barangay Officials to increase their awareness in possible ways they can mobilize resources for procurement activities while the latter was attended by the CSOs and NGOs to internalize their responsibilities, rights and accountabilities in 53.12.

             Meanwhile, Mr. Ronaldo P. Sumait, the Knowledge for Development Center Librarian/Knowledge Facilitator, served as a Process Documenter of this engaging activity.  The comments and suggestions of the participants will be very vital in the revision and finalization of the Community Participation in Procurement Manual produced by the (GPPB-TSO).

            
            The participants shared their reactions, comments and suggestions on 53.12. They are hopeful that this training will strengthen their community participation in procurement leading to proper implementation of upcoming development projects.   The training ended with the distribution of certificates to the resource speakers and participants.

           

Training on Community Participation in Procurement

“Improving the Quality and Responsiveness of Public Spending in Poor Communities through Localized Procurement Reform”

One hundred eighteen (118) participants which composed of Barangay Officials, CSOs, NGOs, and local constituents from Amulung, Cagayan had  attended a seminar-workshop entitled “Training on Community Participation in Procurement” with the theme “Improving the Quality and Responsiveness of Public Spending in Poor Communities through Localized Procurement Reform” at St. Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao City last August 28-30, 2013.  This engagement  was implemented  by St. Paul University Philippines – Knowledge for Development Center (SPUP-KDC) in partnership with Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN)and Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) supported by the Japan Social Development Program through the World Bank (WB).  The training joined by the live-in participants aimed to a) promote the adoption of transparent and participatory procurement mechanisms for the delivery of poverty reduction programs in at least disadvantaged municipalities in the Philippines b) institutionalize  public procurements processes in poor communities c) localize  procurement reform at the municipal level and d) appreciate local project management.

SPUP President, Sister Remy Angela Junio, SPC, as she welcomed the guests and participants, emphasized the value of cooperation and partnership to engage in social accountability advocacy.  She is hopeful that after this engagement, each participant shall have been capacitated to practice and promote the expected objectives of the training.

Mr. Vincent Lazatin, the TAN Executive Director, elucidated the project rationale to further intensify the participants’ perception in localize procurement. He also pointed out that this endeavor is well-timed with the current issues on the pork barrel of the legislators.  Localize community-driven projects can be an alternative scheme in maximizing the implementation of the frozen funds intended for the PDAF of the law makers.

The Municipal Budget Officer, Ms. Judith Dela Cruz, introduced the participants coming from the 10 different barangays of Amulung, Cagayan.  To set the tone of the three-day fruitful training, Dr. Rosalinda Tanguilan, the Local Project Coordinator of the said activity upsurge the level of expectations of the participants.

            Dr. Jesus Pizarro, the first resource speaker, discussed the principles of Social Accountability (SAc).  The importance and value of SAc within the context of good governance, tools and approaches, commitment to SAc, action plans to address current problems, and building partnerships were highlighted by Dr. Pizarro. 

            Meanwhile, a Department of Budget Management representative, Mr. Rey Villon, discussed the general provisions and revisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA).  The Republic Act No. 9184 is an act providing for the modernization, standardization and regulation of the procurement activities of the government and for other purposes.

            The second day started with a creative recapitulation initiated by the participants.  Ms. Jo-Anne Galiza and Mr. Alejo Cambri Jr. shared the topics on Community Participation on Procurement Manual (CPPM).  The legal references, key aspects and guiding principles to community participation were expounded by the two resources speakers.

            To provide the participants with understanding on the roles of the different committees such as PPMC, PPC, MIC and CRFC, Mrs. Judith Dela Cruz stressed the steps to be undertaken by the barangay in preparation for the community procurement and the basic requirements needed for the community to participate as a contractor or service provider.

            Planning workshop for Barangay 53.12 Procurement highlighted the third day of the training.  Each barangay were tasked to portray the actual processes of community participation in procurement based from the actual development priorities of their respective locality.  Mr. Byron Abadeza, TAN Project Coordinator   and Mr. Dodjie Aumentado, WB Senior Procurement Specialist responded to the queries of the participants  right after the presentation.

            A parallel session for Resource Mobilization and CSO Observer’s Guide to Public Procurement were conducted by Mr. Allen  Cambri and Mrs. Dela Cruz respectively.  The former was attended by the Barangay Officials to increase their awareness in possible ways they can mobilize resources for procurement activities while the latter was attended by the CSOs and NGOs to internalize their responsibilities, rights and accountabilities in 53.12.

            The participants shared their reactions, comments and suggestions on 53.12. They are hopeful that this training will strengthen their community participation in procurement leading to proper implementation of upcoming development projects.   The training ended with the distribution of certificates to the resource speakers and participants.

SPUP-KDC

Regional Innovation Conference on Education (RICE2013)

The National Association of UNESCO Clubs in the Philippines (NAUCP), Inc., in partnership with St. Paul University Philippines-Paulinian Volunteers for Community Development (SPUP-PVCD), St. Paul University Philippines – Knowledge for Development Center (SPUP-KDC) and Go Ahon Pilipinas, Inc. spearheaded the 1^st Regional Innovation Conference on Education (RICE2013) at Mere Madeleine Hall, St. Paul University Philippines. With the theme “My World, My Philippines, My Province: Moving Towards the Post 2015 Regional Education Agenda”, more than one hundred student leaders and faculty of HEIs, teachers from the basic education sectors, academe, and LGU youth employment practitioners fostered new partnerships to develop innovative solutions with the goal of solving education gaps in policy and practice, specifically on education MDGs and EFA goals beyond 2015. This fruitful endeavor aimed to:

• Deepen awareness concerning the progress of the education Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Education for All Goals (EFA) to 2015 and beyond in the regions.
• Develop a clear understanding of UNESCO’s mission and vision in the light of Education for All (EFA) trusts on educational innovation in the region.
• Promote volunteerism as tool in bringing the gaps of educational reforms in theory and practice through existing partner institutions like Go Ahon Pilipinas and EDSA People Power Commission.
• Increase the membership of NAUCP in the region by orienting the participants about UNESCO, UNESCO Clubs accreditation procedures and the benefits of becoming an accredited UNESCO Club.

The SPUP President, Sister Remy Angelia Junio, spc, and the City Administrator of Tuguegarao, Mr. Mike Lim welcomed the participants from the region.  After which, Mr. Gerry Bricenio, NAUCP President elaborated the contributions UNESCO and Go Ahon Pilipinas Inc. to the progress of Education-MDGs. Meanwhile, the President of PVCD-SPUP and Convenor of RICE-Cagayan Valley, Mr. Nelson Gacutan delivered his message to close the first part of the program.

 The plenary sessions started with the assessment of the regional MDG and EFA goals towards 2015 delivered by Dr. Evelyn Pascua, CESO IV, CHED Regional Director; Dir. Charito B. Santos, TESDA Provincial Director; and Atty. Elpidio Atal Jr., MNSA, DOLE Assistant Regional Director.  The three speakers emphasized the specific goals and objectives of their respective agencies in the next five years to address the realization of the Education-MDGs.

To revitalize educational innovations through volunteerism, Ms. Ma. Celeste Castro, Board Member of NAUCP Inc., initiated the second plenary session.  Moreover, Usec. Leon Flores, Chairman and CEO, National Youth Commission elucidated the post-2015 EFA and Education-MDG while Mr. Virgilio Dolina Jr., Secretary General of NAUCP Inc., expounded the role of UNESCO Clubs.

The PVCD-UNESCO Club members Mr. John Vincent Pagaddu and Mr. Robert Fugaban ended the series of fruitful sessions with the sharing of their experiences on advocacy and development as previous leaders.

New KDC Nook Initiated

St. Paul University Philippines – Knowledge for Development Center (SPUP-KDC) extended its services and resources to Saint Tonis College (STC) of Tabuk,  Kalinga.  The Chief Librarian Mrs. Divine Lovelle Balnao and her staff visited SPUP-KDC to select materials for their KDC Nook.  To bind its partnership, Dr. Rosalinda Tanguilan, the KDC Coordinator penned a Memorandum Of Understanding between the two institutions and it was signed by the SPUP President Sister Remy Angela Junio, spc and the STC President Presentacion Bartolo.

The primary objective of the said collaboration is to promote the KDC resources and services to the remote areas of the community.  Furthermore, Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, the SPUP-KDC Librarian/Knowledge Facilitator, oriented the representatives of STC on the use of World Bank’s online resources.

THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY Videoconference

Pastor Loreto Pacay Jr. of the Green Meadow Development Foundation Inc. (GMDFI) and Mr. Ronaldo Sumait,  SPUP-KDC Librarian joined the eleven KDCs in the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) videoconference last February 28, 2013.

The GPSA is a coalition of donors, governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) that aims to improve development results by supporting capacity building for enhanced citizen feedback and participation. The GPSA will contribute to country-level governance reforms and improved service delivery. To achieve this objective, the GPSA provides strategic and sustained support to CSOs’ social accountability initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.

  

The objective of the videoconference is to further orient the CSOs to its First Global Call for Proposals. In The Philippines, the GPSA seeks proposals on Social Accountability from Civil Society Organizations that will a) Monitor whether beneficiaries are receiving cash transfers on time and receiving the correct amount with particular attention devoted to documenting any irregularities (e.g., whether cash cards are in the possession of beneficiaries, whether beneficiaries have to pay kickbacks to local officials/influential people, etc.); b) Help identify supply side bottlenecks in access and quality of schools (e.g., teacher absenteeism)  and health centers (e.g., availability of trained birth attendants, medicines, etc.), while working in partnerships with communities, local government, and service providers; and c) Strengthen institutional capacity of CSOs working on Social Accountability.

           The indicative funding range of the project is US$500,000-US$1,000,000.  Grants can support up to 100% of the project’s total cost with an estimated duration of 3 to 5 years.

LMT Solana - Project Result Information Dissemination

The Local Monitoring Team (LMT) composed by the Academe – St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP), CSO – Green Meadow Development Foundation, Inc. (GMDFI) and the Local Government Unit of Solana disseminated to the consumers and traders the result of the project entitled "Monitoring the Utilization of the Newly-Constructed Solana Public Market" last February 27, 2013 in Solana, Cagayan.  This project with the theme "Institutionalizing Civil Society Monitoring Public Service Delivery to the Poor" was initiated by La Salle Institute of Governance and funded by the World Bank.

Mr. Alejo Cambri Jr., a faculty of SPUP and Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, the Librarian/Knowledge Facilitator of SPUP-KDC presented the affirmative results of the said project.  The Municipal Mayor of Solana, Hon. Meynard Carag, emphasized that the improvement of such public services is one of the importance of conducting joint monitoring.  “We will never know what are we going to enhance if we do not allow this project team to evaluate our public service delivery”, Mayor Carag expressed as he delivered his closing remarks.

L-R: Municipal Engr. Dante Soriano, Ronaldo Sumait (SPUP), Pastor Loreto Pacay Jr., (GMDFI), Hon. Mayor Carag, Alejo Cambri Jr., (SPUP), Nheme (LGU) &; Paulette Aquino (LGU)

PhilHealth SHInES: Videoconference

PhilHealth President & CEO Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon delivered a nation-wide educational campaign called PhilHealth SHInES: Social Health Insurance Educational Series last November 26, 2012 at Asian Institute of Management (AIM). The said campaign was simultaneously broadcasted with the six (6) Knowledge for Development Centers (KDCs) across the country via videoconference.

The participants from SPUP-KDC composed of administrators, faculty members, staff and maintenance personnel were further enlightened regarding the new policies as Mr. Buddy De Jesus, the Press Relation Officer of PhilHealth Regional Office 02, entertained their enquiries.  Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, Knowledge Facilitator of the SPUP-KDC served as local organizer of the videoconference.

Dr. Banzon emphasized the philosophy behind social health insurance – social solidarity and equity.  Through PhilHealth SHInES: all sectors are provided with the knowledge and understanding of social health insurance.  It is hoped that through the SHInES, all Filipinos will now participate in the National Health Insurance Program in a well-informed and responsive manner.

 The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation together with the Department of Health, envisions the country to attain Universal Health Care (UHC) or Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP).  Through the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), PhilHealth seeks to provide financial risk protection to all Filipinos and ensure that no Filipino will be afraid of getting sick.

SPUP-KDC Attends SERP-P Network Members' Meeting

Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, the SPUP-KDC Librarian/Knowledge Facilitator, joined the 33 academic and research institutions from all over the Philippines in the SERP-P`s Third Network Members` Meeting last November 20 in Makati City.

The importance of making the fruits of socioeconomic research easily available to a wide audience to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration was highlighted in the event.

The SocioEconomic Research Portal for Philippines or SERP-P is an online knowledge bank which contains completed, ongoing and pipeline research studies related to socioeconomic development and policymaking in the Philippines. Since its inception in 2000, SERP-P has grown into a network of 48 academic and research institutions from all over the country and now hosts over 5,000 studies in different formats. Studies that may be downloaded from the SERP-P include working papers, journal articles and discussion papers, to name a few. SERP-P was initiated and is being managed by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), a government policy think-tank based in Makati City.

In his opening statement, PIDS President Josef Yap emphasized the important role of research and analysis in policymaking. He explained that one of the core mandates of PIDS enshrined in its charter is the establishment of a repository for economic research information and other related activities. He further stressed that SERP-P is an excellent platform that serves as a portal and one-stop repository for all socioeconomic policy studies in the country. Anyone who is looking for studies related to a particular socioeconomic issue can simply go SERP-P, do a search using keywords and browse through the studies available in the database. SERP-P is a valuable tool not only for policymakers in crafting research and evidence-based policies but also for researchers and students of the social sciences who are writing their theses and dissertations. SERP-P is currently linked to the Economic Resource Base for Legislators (ERBL), a website containing major socioeconomic bills filed at the House of Representatives.

Member institutions of the SERP-P can directly upload their studies into the database, provide keywords, abstract, and even the full text of the papers. In the future, the SERP-P will include an inventory of social science experts in the country. Experts will be classified according to their fields of expertise. This experts` database is intended to promote knowledge exchange and research collaboration among social scientists in the Philippines. For the general public, a moderated forum is available so that users of the SERP-P can raise questions, interact and share information with one another.

ACKGT: SERP-P

KIRN-KDC Attended National Summer Conference

The Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL) hosted a 3-day National Summer Conference with a theme: Planning, Developing and Managing Digitization & Research Projects for Libraries and Information Centers.  This professional activity attended by the KIRN Director, Rosalinda Tanguilan and the KDC Librarian/Information Staff, Ronaldo Sumait  was held last April 18-20, 2012  in Coron, Palawan.  

The theme of the said endeavor specifically evolved on the following objectives: a) to have a better understanding of the emerging trends and practices in planning and implementation of library digitization projects; b) to be able to have good choices, and where appropriate, to initiate successful digital imaging and digitization programs at their home institutions; and c) to be able to define and design a low cost digitization project applicable in libraries and information centers.

Aside from the fruitful lectures delivered by the mentors in the field of librarianship, the participants were also awestruck with the beauty of Mother Nature when they visited and explored the famous tourist destinations of Coron: the Twin Lagoon, Maquinit Hot Spring, and the recognized cleanest lake in Asia – the Kayangan Lake.

On Site Monitoring Tool Try-Out (Peñablanca)

The Local Monitoring Team (LMT) of Peñablanca has conducted an On Site Monitoring Tool Try-Out in the barangay of Cabasan, Peñablanca, Cagayan. The project entitled "Joint Monitoring and Evaluation of the Flood Preparedness of the DRRMP Rescue Team of Peñablanca, Cagayan" is another venture instigated by the La Salle Institute of Governance and funded by the World Bank.

The LMT of Peñablanca

On Site Monitoring Tool Try-Out (Solana)

The Local Monitoring Team (LMT) composed by the Academe - SPUP, CSO - Green Meadow Development Foundation, Inc. (GMDFI) and  the Local Government Unit of Solana has conducted an On Site Monitoring Try-Out in the newly-constructed public market.  The activity aimed to validate and finalize the drafted monitoring tools for actual implementation.

The Local Monitoring Team of Solana in Action

This project entitled "Monitoring the Utilization of the Newly-Constructed Solana Public Market" was initiated by La Salle Institute of Governance and funded by the World Bank with a theme "Institutionalizing Civil Society Monitoring Public Service Delivery to the Poor".

SPUP, WBOM and TAN Videoconference

Videoconference On Improving The Quality And Responsiveness Of Public Spending In Poor Communities Through Localized Procurement Reform

SPUP – Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) has conducted a videoconference with KDC Manila, and Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) via Polycom based at World Bank Office in Manila (WBOM) with a theme Improving The Quality And Responsiveness Of Public Spending In Poor Communities Through Localized Procurement Reform last February 10, 2011. The Vice President for Academics, Dr. Antonio Talamayan, headed the SPUP team while Executive Director, Mr. Vincent Lazatin, presided the TAN group.

The project also known as Localized Procurement Reform aims at improving the delivery of poverty reduction programs in the communities through the adoption of transparent and participatory procurement mechanisms where the community and civil society organizations are involved in key elements of the procurement process.

Its key innovative feature is the development of an enabling partnership between the community members and CSOs and the local government units for procurement reform. It promotes the participation of volunteers from poor communities in barangay and municipal bids and awards and committees, and supports the institutionalization of participatory procurement processes.

Intended beneficiaries would include community members in barangays located in the twelve (12) target municipalities across the country based on a criteria developed by TAN. Amulung, Cagayan, a third class municipality which composed of 47 barangays has been fortunately identified as a lone pilot municipality in the region.

Known for its excellence and active community involvement, SPUP has been tapped as an academic/training institution and expected to perform the following tasks:

1. Training

a. Identify possible resource persons that will attend and be trained on the manuals developed by the project and contract the same for the series of trainings,

b. Organize and conduct the series of municipal and barangay training activities

2. Pilot testing

a. Plan for the actual pilot testing of the manuals specially the community participation in procurement manual at the barangay level

b. Provide coaching to the participants during the pilot testing of the manual

c. Gather insights, lessons, and other information related to the pilot-testing for the manual’s and the pilot testing’s improvement

3. Documentation

a. Submit reports documenting the pilot testing of the manuals including insights and lessons on the processes and suggest ways to improve the manuals

b. Present and share these lessons and experiences during the learning exchanges to be conducted by late 2012 or early 2013.

The following manuals will be developed through this project and pilot tested in the 12 municipalities (half of which will come from Kalahi-CIDSS):

o Community participation in procurement manual

o Procurement Manual for Local Government Units

o Observer’s Guide to Procurement

o Supplemental Modules on Social Accountability and Resource Mobilization

A series of trainings will be conducted to train municipal officers, barangay government officials, CSOs on these manuals. These manuals will be tested, finalized, published, and recommended for adoption by the government by the end of project life (2013).

The Videoconference Participants
SPUP: Dr. Talamayan, Dr. Tanguilan, Mr. Imperio, Mr. Cambri and Mr. Sumait
KDC & TAN: Mr. Grageda, Mr. Abrigo, Mr. Lazatin, Mr. Abadeza and Ms. Flores

World Bank's Access to Information and Open Data Initiative - Highlighted

The Knowledge and Information Resource Network (KIRN) has conducted a 3-day seminar-workshop with the theme:“Library Tourism and Hospitality: The Innovative Way of Endearing Libraries and Harnessing Knowledge for the 21^stCentury Education ” Last September 8-10, 2011 at St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP), Tuguegarao City. The objectives of the seminar-workshop were a) to bring together the librarians and library staff in all the Paulinian schools in the country, Basic Education and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region and create a library network; b) to share SPUP’s library innovation, best practices, and resources being a recipient of the World Bank- Knowledge for Development Center (WB-KDC); c) to promote and enrich the services and resources of libraries and information centers through library tourism and hospitality; and d) to enhance partnership and networking among libraries and information centers. Said activity was attended by the administrators, librarians and library staff of St. Paul Schools across the country, Basic Education and HEIs in the region, Public Libraries, and Library Science students.

The first day was highlighted with the manifestation of SPUP-KIRN’s best practices and services presented by KIRN Director, Dr. Rosalinda Tanguilan. At the end of the day, the participants were spiritually revitalized during the visit to the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat. For more than 400 years the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Piat has been a significant event in the lives of devotees of the people in the Cagayan Valley. More than anything else, the Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Piat is a devotional and spiritual journey from one's home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Piat to venerate Our Blessed Mother, to ask for Her intercession and to thank Her for the favors received from God through Her intercession.

Mr. Henry Grageda of World Bank Philippines started the second day session with the updates on WB’s Access to Information and Open Data Initiative (ODI). Meanwhile, Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, the SPUP-KDC Librarian/Knowledge Facilitator oriented the participants about the resources, services and activities of the KDC. After which Mr. Sumait demonstrated the use of ODI and its importance to research studies. The participants were given a chance to explore and navigate the data during the hands-on at the computer laboratory. Furthermore, the topic on web-based technologies and resources in library tourism was instigated by Mr. Santiago Tagacay III. The web-pages created by each participant will be useful in promoting library tourism and hospitality in their respective institutions. The two topics discussed in the afternoon were entitled “Marketing and Networking of Libraries and Information Centers”; and “The 21st Century Library Practices/Events: Execute with Sense and Style”. The former was presented by Dr. Reyza Alenzuela, Director of Thomas Jefferson Information Center and the latter was delivered by Prof. Rhea Rowena Apolinario of University of the Philippines, School of Library and Information Studies. The group was mesmerized with the beauty of nature when they explored the Callao Caves, boating at Mororan Falls and watched the sunset flight of millions of bats looking for food at dusk. The cave is the best known tourist attraction of Cagayan province. It is located in the town of Peñablanca, a thirty minute drive from Tuguegarao City. It requires little test of patience as you go up the stairs with close to 200 steps before seeing the colossal limestone and rock formations inside. It is made up of seven chambers and various formations: the column, chapel, skeleton, elephant’s head, praying angel, rocket, lion’s head and dog’s head formations.

The “Impact and Challenges of Library Tourism and Hospitality in Library” was the last topic deliberated during the third day by Mr. Roderick Ramos, PAARL President, De La Salle University.Moreover, Dr. Tanguilan facilitated the organization of the library network. After the closing ceremonies, the participants proceeded to Iguig Calvary Hills located about 16 kilometers from Tuguegarao City. In the 11-hectare rolling hills are the larger-than-life-size concrete 14 Stations of the Cross depicting Jesus Christ’s suffering before his death at Mount Calvary. The place also features a three centuries old well, Dominican convent ruins, and the prosaic view of the Cagayan River which resembles that of the River Jordan. Built of concentric bricks, the church has buttresses, one of the very few left in the country.

The endeavor ended with a farewell lunch at the LRC lobby. The participants are now going back to their respective institutions bringing along with them the innovative ways of endearing libraries and harnessing knowledge for the 21^st century education through library tourism and hospitality.

KDC Nooks Updated

The SPUP-KDC Librarian/Knowledge Facilitator Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, and the two Knowledge and Information Resource Network Librarians represented by Mr. Santiago Tagacay III and Ms. Corazon Tumbali visited and updated the resources of the following KDC Nooks:

· Department of Interior and Local Government Unit Regional Office 02;

· Isabela Provincial Library and Museum, Ilagan Isabela;

· Cagayan State University, Lal-lo, Cagayan;

· Cagayan National High School, Tuguegarao City; and

· Tagga Barangay Hall, Tagga, Tuguegarao City

These KDC Nooks serve as a depository of World Bank (WB) publications, books, serials, posters/brochures and audio-visual materials. Most of the donated resources to the mentioned recipients are focused on environmental sustainability, good governance and economic development. Meanwhile, Mr. Sumait took the opportunity to introduce the Open Data Initiative (ODI) of the WB to maximize its usage. The City Library of Cauayan was visited as well and the librarians were oriented on the use of ODI.

The Librarians of the Cauayan City Library pay attention as Mr. Sumait converses the features of the Open Data Initiative and its importance to the research studies of their clients