By Dominic B. dela Cruz
ALFONSO, Cavite—Guided by their common vision, mission and development priorities, officials the city government of Laoag has conducted the “Executive Legislative Agenda (ELA) Formulation and Training Workshop” at the Abagatan Ti Manila Hotel and Events Place in Alfonso Cavite on August 27-29, 2025.
The ELA is a joint three-year planning document developed by both the executive and legislative branches of the local government unit (LGU), which outlines the agreed upon plans, projects and programs that include legislative measures needed to ensure coordination and mutual support between the two branches for sustainable local development and progress.
On the first day, LGOO VI Roma Andrea Bringas described the overview of the ELA process followed by the accomplishment report of the previous ELA by City Planning Officer Ruby Ann Bunalade.
Bunalade likewise presented the proposed vision, mission, goals, objectives and the success indicators for Laoag for the next three years. She also presented and summarized the Sectoral Issues from the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) Workshop.
LGOO VI John Anthony Bareng discussed through a lecture and workshop on the identification and development gaps; a lecture and workshop on the Formulation of Sectoral Goals., Objectives, Targets and Strategies; and LGOO VI Mildred Lea Estavilio also delivered a lecture and workshop on the identification of programs and policy interventions.
On the second day, the continuation on lectures and workshops on the identification of competency gaps, capacity development (CapDev) agenda formulation and the legislative requirements.
On the final day was a benchmarking activity at the Tagaytay City Hall and wherein the said LGI presented their “best practices”.
“This is a very challenging workshop because we need to move faster. We should be aligned. We should maximize,” Alcid said in his welcome remarks to kick off the three-day ELA formulation and workshop.
Alcid likewise announced the full support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Ilocos Norte first district Congressman Sandro Marcos to all the proposed projects and programs of the city government after he met with them prior to attending the ELA.
He emphasized preserving Laoag’s heritage despite the advances of technology; boost tourism to generate income for Laoageuños; and expand public safety, health concern, more infrastructure projects and a productive agriculture output as his major initiatives to be implemented in his first term as mayor.
He added that the ELA was created between the two branches of government for mutual agreements and integrated plans and it also serves as a road map for the LGUs’ plans, programs and activities for a three-year term.
ELA aligns the priorities of both the executive and legislative branches toward achieving a shared vision and development goals for the LGU.
Fariñas, for his part, said it is his first time to attend an ELA formulation and workshop as he expressed his full support to the visions and missions of Alcid, adding that it should become a challenge to everyone to be proactive and always strengthen the values of respect and discipline saying, “Public service is a public trust”.
“I hope and pray kadetoy leadership ni apo Bryan, agtitinnulong tayo tapnu makita tayo dagiti pagsayaatan iti tunggal departamento,” Fariñas said.
The vice mayor also said he is presently crafting an ordinance entitled “Lead the way” to reflect the “good manners and right conduct (GMRC) for everybody to do things properly and respectfully.
Meanwhile, Alfonso Mayor Randy Salamat expressed his “pride and honor” in welcoming all the city of Laoag officials, especially all the ELA participants with the leadership of Alcid.
“Ang amin pong bayan ay pagpasensiyahan niyo na at naka centralized po ang aircon natin dito, huwag po kayo mag-alala pag pumasok kayo dito, kayo ay pagbibigyan ng magandang serbisyo lalo na at ‘Salamat” po ang aking apelyido,” the mayor jokingly said.
Salamat said he was the one who initiated the town Alfonso as the “Wedding and Staycation” hub, and he is very thankful that this has been started to be known.
The three-day ELA formulation and workshop was also attended by Laoag councilors Jaybee Baquiran, Jamie Fariñas, Kiko Ang, Edison Chua, Justine Chua, Jason Perera, Bjorn Lao, ABC President Rbee Ablan and SK Federated President Michael Agustin.
