The Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII held a webinar on parliamentary procedures and completed staff work (CSW) last September 23 as part of this year’s RDC Week Celebration.

Titled “Leading Behind the Scenes: Strengthening Support Mechanisms for Councils and Other Inter-agency Bodies in Region VIII,” the webinar was attended by 103 officials and staff of various government agencies, private sector representatives, and local government units (LGUs) in the region. The participants were keen on the talks as they aim to improve the systems in their respective organizations.

Chief Parliamentarian and Director of the Legislative Parliamentary Counseling Service of the Philippine Senate, Atty. Amado F. Maralit, reviewed the basics of parliamentary procedure and discussed its ins and outs, drawing from his years of experience and study in the field.

Meanwhile, RDC-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Vice-Chairperson and NEDA CAR Regional Director Milagros A. Rimando talked about how essential CSW is in ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of organizations.

The RDC VIII thought one meaningful way of celebrating RDC Week is to sharpen the decision-making competency of the Council and other bodies. Through the webinar, the secretariats, officers and members of such organizations enhanced their skills on the basics of parliamentary procedures and CSW, which are all critical processes in making important decisions and actions.

The activity is just one of the several slated in observance of the RDC Week from 21 to 25 September. The week-long celebration is pursuant to Proclamation No. 1164, proclaiming every fourth week of September as RDC Week.

This year’s theme, “RDC VIII: Building a Better Future in the New Normal,” aims to thrust the RDC VIII into the center of issues and concerns affecting the region in the new normal to help craft a better future for the people of Eastern Visayas.

Article and Photos by:  Knulp Aseo, NEDA VIII