MAKATI CITY — The City Government of Makati recently hosted representatives from Barangay Binanuaanan Pequeño in Calabanga, Camarines Sur, during a courtesy visit focused on strengthening inter-local government relations and exchanging practices in governance and community development. Led by Barangay Captain Marilou B. Dagawin, the delegation visited Makati to learn from the city’s programs on livelihood development, cooperative management, and inclusive governance. For the rural barangay, the visit provided an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and identify approaches that could be adapted to address the needs of their own community.
Why Makati? A Model of Inclusive Governance and Livelihood Programs
Makati was chosen as the delegation’s benchmarking destination because of its experience in local governance, particularly in promoting sustainable livelihood and cooperative development. During the visit, Ms. Vivian D. Gabriel, Officer-in-Charge of the Makati Cooperative Development Office, presented the city’s practices in empowering communities through cooperatives and livelihood programs. She highlighted approaches that promote inclusion and sustainability while creating opportunities for both women and men, strengthening communities, and encouraging cooperative development. For the visiting barangay officials, these practices provided practical ideas that could potentially be applied within their own locality.
What Barangay Binanuaanan Pequeño Gains from the Visit
The knowledge shared during the visit can help the delegation explore ways to apply Makati’s successful practices in their barangay. Ms. Josephine Angela D. Yu, City International Relations Officer, emphasized the value of inclusive governance and providing women with greater access to livelihood opportunities. She noted that when women receive access to training and market linkages, the benefits can extend beyond individuals to their families and communities. For Barangay Binanuaanan Pequeño, strengthening women’s participation in livelihood programs and developing sustainable sources of income could contribute to improving residents’ quality of life. The delegation also gained insights into cooperative development that could guide them in establishing local cooperatives and creating additional economic opportunities.
How Makati Benefits from the Exchange
The benchmarking activity also provides value to Makati by allowing the city to share its experiences and further strengthen its role as a model for effective and inclusive local governance. At the same time, exchanges with other local government units give Makati opportunities to learn from different community experiences and perspectives, supporting continuous improvement in its own programs. These inter-LGU engagements also help build stronger partnerships among local governments pursuing shared objectives, including poverty reduction, inclusive development, and sustainable growth. By continuing to welcome delegations from different parts of the country, Makati reinforces its commitment to knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and nation-building.
