Special Courses for Local Legislators
We also conduct special courses for local legislators which may focus on relevant legislation topics and in partnership with local stakeholders.
In recognition of the three-year term of local officials, we open our doors to newly-elected local legislators by offering introductory courses on local legislation during the first year after the local elections. With policy-making being considered as a skill, we ensure that newly-elected officials will be equipped with the necessary skills in knowing the basic processes, rules and considerations in parliamentary procedures. Moreover, building up the confidence of local policy-makers is considered a priority as it reflects the ability of members of local councils to represent their constituents’ interests. While some legislators may have been in office for many terms, there also emerges the ‘young breed’ of policy-makers interested in contributing new perspectives in local legislation. In partnership with the National Movement for Young Legislators (NMYL), we design and conduct training programs for local council members 35 years old and below, who need confidence to be able to perform at par with their more senior counterparts. Likewise, CLRG also facilitates special courses solely for presiding officers. Realizing the difference of functions from regular council members, the Vice Mayors and Vice Governors also need the skill to have careful judgment, effective facilitation of sanggunian sessions, and support for the Local Chief Executives. Apart from special courses we also carry out a partnership with the Vice-Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP). Through Know and Inform Sessions, Vice Mayors are given the opportunity to be updated and informed on their functions, as well as issues and concerns of fellow presiding officers. Legislation courses based on special topics are also offered by the Center. Since legislation could be within a vast array of topics, focus on certain fields provides the participants an enhanced understanding of their chosen concentration. In 2011, we have offered a 2-day course on local legislation focusing on Social Justice. This is also part of the ‘ladderized approach’ of the Center in providing enhanced skills and expertise to its participants. Currently, the Center is offering the iExceLL Course for Local Legislators. They can also take part in thematic courses for their areas of interest in local governance. |
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