DATE | 17 August 2022
 

Local legislators, staff gear up for ’22-’25 term in online iExceLL

Even prior to their oath-taking, more than 190 newly elected local legislators and their staff joined the first and second online offerings of the Introduction to Excellence in Local Legislation (iExceLL), the Center for Local and Regional Governance's (CLRG) most in-demand short course on local legislation, last June 6-10 and July 11-15.

For the first time since its last face-to-face offering in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, iExceLL was conducted online through Zoom.

Atty. Benedict Gonzales (right) while having his lecture about writing an ordinance on the second day of iExceLL Batch 2, July 12. 

 
​Aiming to equip local officials with knowledge and skills in legislation, iExcell Online 1 and 2 covered topics on the legislative and non-legislative powers and functions of the Sanggunian, evidence-based policymaking, internal rules and parliamentary procedure, local budgeting, and effective communication - all of which were delivered by practitioners, lawyers, national government officials, and CLRG’s affiliate experts.

The participants drafted an ordinance as a capstone project, which they shared among their peers and tutors in their small group sessions. Experts commented on each project. 
 
Maricris Delos Santos, one of the facilitators, said that despite the challenging online setup, iExceLL 1 and 2 had a larger number of enrollees compared to 2019. 

“The online iExceLL is a definite success, not just in terms of learning, but also in terms of participants connecting with fellow practitioners and establishing a community of practice,” Delos Santos added.

iExceLL Moderator Raphael Montes (left) and Atty. Genaro Jose Emeterio Jr. Moreno (right) talking about Intergovernmental Relations and the Sanggunian during the third day of iExceLL Batch 2, July 13.

Councilor Joseph David Cruz of Magalang, Pampanga urged his fellow participants to apply their newfound knowledge to their public duties and responsibilities, while Councilor Kate Coseteng of Quezon City's Third District thanked all the people behind iExceLL for providing public officials like her with a comprehensive online program.

“I’m very happy na nag-join po ako sa program, because I learned a lot, as in a lot. Also, yung mga speakers po natin, mga former public servants po kasi sila, that’s why sobrang relatable, very practical po yung mga examples na mga sinasabi nila sa amin. Actually, walang part ng program na na-bore ako,” Coseteng said. 

iExceLL ‘22 online will be followed by a third batch on Sept. 19-23, 2022.

CLRG's newest online course offering, Introducing Local Executives to Administration and Development (iLEAD), is also preparing for its second batch on Sept. 5-9, 2022. Other customized training programs for several LGUs and local leagues are also in the pipeline. 
 
To know more about CLRG’s upcoming online courses, prospective participants may reach CLRG at telephone numbers (2) 928.3914 (2) 925.7422 or email clrgcourses@gmail.com.

Participants during the second day of iExceLL Batch 1.

iExceLL Batch 2 participants in one of the workshops led by Michelle Castillo, one of the course tutors.