MANILA— Acknowledging its exceptional role as a vital partner in addressing the needs of local government units (LGUs), the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) received commendation from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, CDC President and CEO, accepted the plaque for the NextGen Regional CapDev Accelerator in Local Governance Award Region III during the Gabi ng Pasasalamat (Gratitude Night) held at the Manila Hotel’s Centennial Hall on December 12.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. led government and private executives at the recognition ceremony hosted by the DILG’s Local Government Academy (LGA).
“The recognition from the DILG signifies our commitment to being a vital partner in uplifting local governance and addressing the dynamic needs of our communities,” said Atty. Devanadera, who served as DILG undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs from 2003 to 2004.
“These are the LGUs that are immediately outside Clark Freeport Zone, and so our focus when the local officials come is to have some knowledge sharing on how to have entrepreneurial governance, how to uplift the economic status of our people, and how to be an investor or business friendly as an LGU,” she added during a separate interview with the DILG.
In September 2023, CDC partnered with DILG Region III to host the first local governance tour of Clark Freeport Zone.
“Natutuwa kami, at nagpapasalamat nang napakalaki dahil sa DILG, nagkatulungan kami. Isang malaking karangalan at sabi nga ito ay araw ng pasasalamat, hindi lang pasasalamat mula sa DILG kundi pasasalamat mula sa ibang mga partners katulad ng Clark Development Corporation,” she added.
(We’re immensely thankful to DILG for their collaboration. This recognition is not just a celebration of our partnership with DILG but a testament to the combined efforts of various partners like Clark Development Corporation)
NextGen Regional CapDev Accelerator in Local Governance Award is given to DILG partners running programs or projects (lasting at least 2 years) that enhance LGU capabilities under full devolution. It aims to acknowledge their potential to empower LGUs and promote excellence in local governance, while also recognizing emerging entities capable of driving innovation and excellence in this field.
The CapDev Accelerator Awards has four (4) categories: CapDev Accelerator Award in Local Governance; NextGen CapDev Accelerator Award in Local Governance; NextGen Regional Accelerator in Local Governance Award; and CapDev Game Changer Award.
Also present during the awarding were Marlo Iringan, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government, alongside Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda; Assistant Regional Director Jay Timbreza both from the DILG Regional Office III; and Esmeralda Daphne Purnell, Assistant Director of LGA.
