Infrastructure, Politics, Governance, and Lifestyle

Governor Ryan Singson led the distribution of financial assistance to the 17 former members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) from different barangays in the province. This program is under the umbrella of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to which former members of the MB, CPP, NPA, and NDF and their immediate families, who desire to abandon armed struggle, are allotted with a package of assistance in order to become productive citizens. Governor Singson said during the program proper, “I sincerely ask for your full cooperation to unite and support the government’s peace and development mission in order for us to achieve a peaceful nation.” Along with Governor Ryan was Major Renante Carsano, executive officer of the 81st Infantry Battalion (IB), 7th Infantry Division (7ID) who thanked the provincial government, representatives from Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, DILG, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Information Agency, and the Philippine National Police. Former rebels received more than Php1-million worth of financial assistance, composed of immediate, livelihood assistance and the firearm remuneration to the returnees in the province, which were first certified by the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC), facilitated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This occasion served as the highlight of the two-day Peace-Building Seminar with the theme, “Embracing Peace Within Ourselves Towards a Better Living,” conducted by the Philippine Army, in partnership with the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Ryan Luis Singson last January 27, 2020. This is the pilot of this meaningful event in maintaining peace and progress in the province, with a total of 124 members of the Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) coming from different barangays in Ilocos Sur have united for this two-day Peace-Building Seminar. Aside from the cash assistance PGIS through Governor Ryan Singson also distributed cash assistance to each of the barangays who participated in the seminar.  

On February 3, 2020, Governor Ryan Singson of the Provincial Governmnet of Ilocos Sur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen its relationship with India represented by Dr. Vallabhbai Kathiria, Chairman of National Cow Commission, Minister of State of India. “I am confident that the establishment of this sisterhood agreement between Ilocos Sur and India will allow us to learn and adopt each others best practice and open linkages that could bring our people closer”, said Governor Ryan Singson during the event. Attached to the MOU is a Document of Cooperation and Understanding for the establishment for an Animal Husbandry and Dairy Project in the Province of Ilocos Sur. Dr. Vallabhbai Kathiria, served as the guest speaker of the signing ceremony, he stressed that cow industry has brought a lot of benefits to their country that is why they are more than willing to share this to Ilocos Sur. Indian students from the University of Northern Philippines, College of Medicine performs an Indian Dance as closing remarks for the occasion. The Sannguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Sur headed by Vice Governor Jerry Singson also represented their approved resolution to invite India for a meaningful Sisterhood relationship witnessed by the Provincial Board Members and the different Municipal Mayors of the Province.

Province of Ilocos Sur and 33 local government units (LGUs) including the cities of Candon and Vigan and the municipalities of Alilem, Banayoyo, Bantay, Burgos, Cabugao, Caoayan, Cervantes, Galimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar, Lidlidda, Magsingal, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino, Salcedo, San Emilio, San Esteban, San Ildefonso, San Juan, San Vicente, Santa, Santa Lucia, Santiago, Sigay, Sinait, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Cruz, Sto. Domingo, Sugpon, Suyo and Tagudin passed the 2019 Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) standards which recognizes financial transparency, as announced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). “Congratulations Ilocos Sur! This proves that our public funds are being spent efficiently, honestly, and only for the benefit of our constituents,” saidGov Ryan Singson. The GFH is one of the minimum requirements for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), particularly for the assessment criteria of financial administration. Criteria to pass the GFH are Unqualified or Qualified Commission on Audit Opinion of the immediately preceding year, as well as Compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy of Local Budget and Finances, Bids, and Public Offerings. The SGLG awards LGUs that have shown excellence in internal housekeeping and rewards them through monetary assistance and priority access to the DILG's programs and capacity development assistance. In Ilocos Region, all four provinces, nine cities and 113 municipalities passed the 2019 GFH standards. Formerly the Seal of Good Housekeeping, it refers to the compliance of the LGUs with accounting and auditing standards, and rules and regulations. SGLG awardees can avail of the Performance Challenge Fund that may finance local development initiatives.

Governor Ryan Singson immediately alerted the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur to packed necessities as relief assistance that will be sent to areas affected of the eruption. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office deployed teams in bringing the goods, such as bottled water, canned goods, instant noodles, blankets, clothes etc. for the people of Batangas. Related to this, Board Member Efren Rafanan proposed a resolution, which was approved by the Provincial Board, requesting the provincial government to lead a donation campaign for the victims of the volcano's eruption. Through this resolution, the people of Ilocos Sur had also donated some items for the victims. The PDRRMO of Ilocos Sur coordinated with its counterparts in the provinces of Batangas and Laguna in order to identify the areas in need of assistance.  

With a balance career as a public servant, a father, husband and a learner Governor Ryan Singson successfully completed the Health Leadership & Governance Course by Zuellig Family Foundation and the Department of Health. His completion was just 4 months after his graduation of Master of Arts in Public Administration at the Open University of the University of Northern Philippines. “At last I had completed this course, and my dream to give the best healthcare to everyone here in Ilocos Sur will follow right after this,” said Gov. Ryan. Thru this, Governor Ryan Singson now has a better knowledge to a systematic health reform, and easier for him to achieve his targets towards greater health related programs for the province. The Health Leadership and Governance Course underscore the importance of health leadership and governance in establishing and sustaining pro-poor healthcare systems and policies.