The activity aimed to equip eight (8) LGUs—Leyte, Tabontabon, Balangiga, Quinapondan, Motiong, Mapanas, Silago, and Pintuyan—with the necessary guidance for the preparation of technical documents vital for implementing projects under the program.

In his message and guidance, DILG Region 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe underscored the strategic importance of the SAFPB program in advancing local infrastructure governance. He emphasized that while Eastern Visayas has shown strong performance in governance, real success is measured by tangible benefits felt by the people.

“Region 8 is doing good in local infrastructure governance, but we want to go beyond awards. We need to ensure that these recognitions translate into real improvements—projects and programs that drive economic development,” RD Agabe stressed.

He further reminded the LGUs of their critical role in ensuring full compliance with program requirements, noting that this not only guarantees project implementation but also sustains the region’s access to future national government support programs.

Initially piloted in FY 2024, the LGSF-SAFPB was introduced to promote participatory, transparent, and accountable governance in line with the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PG-OGP). Originally funding only Water Supply System (WSS) projects, the program has expanded its scope in FY 2025 to include Climate-Smart Evacuation Centers, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 13—Clean Water and Sanitation, and Climate Action.

For FY 2025, Region 8’s SAFPB allocation will finance five (5) Water Supply Systems and three (3) Climate-Smart Evacuation Centers, demonstrating the government’s commitment to disaster resilience and sustainable development.

The orientation was spearheaded by Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) Head, Engr. Jesus Jeremy D. Bagares, who provided detailed guidance on the program’s salient features and the required technical documents for WSS and Smart Evacuation Centers.

Participants included Local Chief Executives, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, Municipal Engineers, and PDMU Engineers—underscoring the multi-stakeholder approach in ensuring quality project implementation.

The SAFPB-recipient LGUs are expected to submit their technical documents by August 15, ahead of the national program launch on August 28, 2025, which will be attended by the Secretaries of DILG and DBM, local chief executives, and key stakeholders.

Through this orientation and consultation, DILG Region 8 reinforces its commitment to responsive and inclusive governance, laying the foundation for impactful, community-driven projects that embody transparency, accountability, and sustainability across Eastern Visayas.