“Vox Populi” — The Municipality of La Trinidad held marathon barangay consultations the previous year ending in December 2015 to clarify matters on government procedure and services and to ascertain the “voice of the people.” La Trinidad Mayor Edna Tabanda addressing residents of Barangay Shilan (top photo); a resident of Barangay Poblacion seeking clarification (lower photo) —Dhenz/GTB 

La Trinidad holds second round of Barangay Talks

As part of its policy of participative governance, the Municipal Government of La Trinidad is on the heels anew to hold another round of barangay consultations following positive feedback and public clamor for more talks between the community and local government.

The initiative seeks to foster people participation and to fully apprise and educate the people about the workings of government.

“Some of our people are still in the dark about government affairs and processes,” said La Trinidad Mayor Edna Tabanda. “We intend to address this and to clarify issues by going to the barangays once more and as often.”

Tabanda, along with the heads of offices, has recently done the rounds of one-on-one talks with members of the sixteen barangays, ending with Barangay Alno in December.

In a fifteen-minute presentation, the department heads were tasked to discuss their Office’s respective duties and how the citizens could avail themselves of the services. Municipal personnel also gave updates on various projects, while Tabanda presented the plans and programs of local government.

The open forums became platforms for the people to air several concerns and sentiments. Discussions revolved around the issuance of building permits, business taxes, Solid Waste Management, peace and order concerns and infrastructure projects.

“Their (people’s) input would be looked into in the formulation of policy,” Tabanda said. – GTB 01-22-2016

RESTO CHAIN TO AVAIL OF LOCAL PRODUCE

AGRO-TOURISM INVESTMENT. The largest restaurant chain in the country is considering to put their investment in La Trinidad with the promise to support, promote and utilize farm products in the municipality through the joint efforts of two lady leaders—RD Marie Venus Tan of Department of Tourism (DOT) and Mayor Edna Tabanda. Here, the Max’s Group led by their CEO Carlyn Salud and President Robert Trota meets with Mayor Tabanda (in striped shirt) and DOT RD Tan together with the farmer leaders of the valley after the group’s visit to LT Trading Post and Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center.-OBP 10-02-15