The Past and Present Leadership
Have you transacted in the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, before 2019 and in 2023?
If you have, you might be able to tell the difference, but if you have not, you will not know how the MLGU has changed.
We are writing this article to let the readers get a glimpse of the transactions in the local government unit after a change in leadership. With this, we hope to enlighten the people about some of their complaints when transacting with local government employees and the LGUs.
Leadership plays a vital role in MLGU's operations. The will to serve and provide efficient public service delivery of the leaders in an organization can influence employees to do the same. The current state at Loreto, Agusan del Sur, is similar. The municipal leaders chose to lead by example. Unfortunately, many senior employees are not willing to change for the better. The new generations are the only hope.
Currently, the distribution of old and new employees in the MLGU is proportionate. The MLGU can cope with the demands of the national government and the people they serve because of its balance.
It was not like that back then. The MLGU was a mess before the change of leadership and administration. The Citizen's Charter was not available. Many processes are unclear. Most public servants seemed unhappy with their work. The way they treated the transacting public reflected their unhappiness. Some locals said that tension in the municipal hall was high. Many are afraid to do transactions. Many employees seemed unfriendly and unwilling to serve.
Today, the image of MLGU Loreto is changing. It shifted from a chaotic MLGU to a warm and hospitable local government. People outside the municipality enjoyed visiting Loreto and are glad to do more transactions in the municipal hall. The vibrant treatment workers give to the visitors, especially at the Office of the Mayor and Administrator, added to the transacting public's enthusiasm to come back.
The leaders of this municipality highly value the feedback of the people. They are concerned with the situation of the residents, the transacting public, businesses, other agencies, and other stakeholders. People in need come to the local offices for food, medications, and education assistance. Sometimes they ask for cash for their emergency, but the government is strict in disbursing funds. The initiative of the compassionate employees at the MLGU offices is to solicit the willing to help and can afford co-employees. They ensure that no client will go home unsatisfied with their transactions except when that client is abusive. The leaders of this municipality are not abusive of their power. Feeling privileged clients are not tolerated.
The MLGU Service Pledge
We, the employees of Municipality of Loreto commit to “IMPROVE SERVICE” :
Improve efficiency in the government service through transparency and public accountability.
Maintain honesty and integrity in public service.
Provide convenience and accessible service.
Respond to any complaint regarding public transactions.
Observe courtesy to provide better services to the people and adopt appropriate working schedules to ensure that all customers who arrive at the office premises before the end of the official working hours are attended to even beyond those hours. To quote the IRR of R.A. 11032 “Adopt appropriate working schedules to ensure that all applicants or requesting parties who are within their premises prior to the end of official working hours are attended to and served even during lunch
break and after regular working hours.”
Vigilant in the pursuit of good governance.
Effectively guide all customers transacting in our office not only today but in all their future transaction.
Serve with the highest standards of professionalism regardless of sect status and party affiliation.
Extra effort must be provided to promote not only the use of citizen’s charter but also for everyone to understand their respective roles in promoting good governance.
Realize that our work is a gift and a blessing so we take positive measure to make things a lot easier in getting what the people need.
Value every customer’s need.
Involve everyone in our campaign against red tape.
Contribute to organizational competency.
Empower the public through access to information on our policy program activities and services.
Everyone involved in MLGU operations works beyond office hours, including weekends, not because they are forced to do so. They willingly serve the people of Loreto because of the municipal leaders who do the same. They have the heart to serve.
The change of leadership has transformed Loreto in three years. The official Facebook page of the MLGU contains comments from netizens that may prove the satisfactory services of the local government.
Research showed that leadership indeed plays a vital role in any organization, including the MLGU, and good leadership can bring about positive changes.
Positive impacts of a change of leadership may include:
- Fresh Perspective. A new leader may bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to governance and service delivery.
- Enhanced Efficiency. With new leadership, there could be efforts to streamline processes and improve the efficiency of public service delivery.
- Transparency and Accountability. A change in leadership may lead to a greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, and reduced corruption.
- Community Engagement. New leaders may prioritize engaging with the community, seeking their input, and addressing their concerns.