The members of the 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Cagayan, led by Vice Governor Hon. Manuel Mamba, participated in the training course titled “Foundational Course on Local Government Finance for the Newly Elected Officials (NEOs) of Local Government Units (LGUs),” held from August 5 to 7, 2025, at the Diamond Hotel Manila, Roxas Boulevard.

The course aims to strengthen the capacity of local officials in financial governance and fiscal decentralization, which are key to effective and transparent public service. It brings together newly elected leaders and finance officers from across the country to align local development initiatives with sound financial management practices.

Joining VG Mamba were Board Members from all three districts of Cagayan:

• From the First District — Hon. Romeo Garcia, Hon. Rowena Retoma, and Hon. Kamille Ponce-Perez;
• From the Second District — Hon. Vilmer Viloria, Hon. Randy Ursulum, and Hon. Kevin Timbas;
• From the Third District — Hon. Engelbert Caronan, Hon. AJ Ponce, and Hon. Romar De Asis.

They were also accompanied by ex officio members Hon. Rey Jirowell Alameda of the Sangguniang Kabataan and Hon. Bryan Paul Vargas of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

The training features eight intensive sessions designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and strategies for effective local government finance:

1. Overview of Local Government Finance and the Pillars of Financial Decentralization
2. Local Government Budgeting and Expenditure Management
3. Local Revenue Generation Through Local Taxation
4. Non-Traditional Modes of Resource Mobilization in the Local Government: Overview on Planning and Managing Local Economic Enterprises and Best Practices
5. Best Practices on Planning and Managing Local Economic Enterprises
6. Mandated LGU Services and the State of Service Delivery
7. Financing for Local Economic Development
8. Sustainability Opportunities for LGUs Beyond Economic Development

These sessions cover both foundational concepts and innovative approaches to managing local funds, enhancing fiscal autonomy, and boosting local economic development. Participants are also expected to explore real-world best practices and models from various LGUs, fostering knowledge exchange and peer learning throughout the course.

The Cagayan delegation’s participation reflects the commitment of the 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan to strengthening fiscal responsibility and responsive governance. As public servants, their proactive involvement in continuous learning ensures that the people of Cagayan benefit from progressive, inclusive, and sustainable development initiatives.

-AH