MEXICO, BONTOC LGUs STRENGTHEN LOCAL GOVERNANCE THROUGH BENCHMARKING ACTIVITY

The Municipality of Mexico, Pampanga hosted a benchmarking activity with the Municipality of Bontoc, Mountain Province on Thursday, September 24, 2026, highlighting the importance of inter-local government cooperation and the exchange of best practices in local governance and public service delivery.

The benchmarking activity focused on the Solid Waste Management Operations, Implementation of Environmental Fees, and Business Permit Application of the Municipality of Mexico. It provided the visiting delegation from Bontoc with an opportunity to gain insights into the policies, systems, and practices being implemented by the Municipality of Mexico in these areas.

Under the steadfast leadership and support of Mayor Ruding Santos Gonzales, the Municipality of Mexico welcomed the Bontoc delegation through the participation of its elected officials, department and section heads, and municipal personnel. The engagement served as a venue for the two LGUs to share institutional experiences, operational practices, and approaches that may contribute to more efficient, responsive, and sustainable local government services.

A significant component of the activity was the visit of both LGUs to the Central Material Recovery Facility (MRF) of the Municipality of Mexico in Barangay Suclaban. The site visit provided the Bontoc delegation with an opportunity to observe the municipality’s solid waste management operations firsthand, including its practices in waste segregation, material recovery, and the proper management of recyclable and residual materials.

The visit also facilitated a practical exchange of experiences between the two municipalities, particularly on strategies and mechanisms that support effective environmental management and sustainable solid waste management at the local level.

Adding to the warm reception was the Diosdado Macapagal High School Rondalla, under the direction of Conductor Stephen John Sandico, which presented Kapampangan folk songs and contemporary musical pieces and led the playing of the Philippine National Anthem.

Representing the Municipality of Mexico were Sangguniang Bayan Members Hon. Ariel Benedict Bonus, Hon. Allaine Ramos, and Hon. Vince Marion Balajadia, together with Engr. Nestor Pineda, Municipal Administrator; Consesa Novio, MLGOO; Engr. Arvin Siron, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer; Joanne Capulong, Municipal General Services Officer; Engr. Marlon Macabali, MPDC; Nerissa Trinidad, Municipal Budget Officer; Christopher Torres, HRMO/BAC Chairperson; Leilani Canlas, Municipal Treasurer; Kathleen Loreen Diaz, Municipal Information Officer; Jaypee Evangelista, Representative of the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office; Adrian Enriquez, Municipal Business Permit and Licensing Officer; Angel Ace Esguerra, Municipal Focal Person of the Municipal Arts, Culture and Tourism Office; Rosana Aguas, Municipal Civil Registrar; Sharmaine Ann Pabustan-Sigua, MSWDO; Jayson Catajan, Sangguniang Bayan Secretary; and Warren Santos, Administrative Officer I.

The Municipality of Bontoc, Mountain Province was represented by Hon. Glenn Bacala, Sangguniang Bayan Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and Environmental Management; Hon. Brayn Byrd Bellang, Sangguniang Bayan Member and Co-Chairperson of the Committee on Environment; Hon. Seichi Ofo-Ob, Sangguniang Bayan Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Laws; Christy Mae Pangesfan, Administrative Officer II, MENRO; Jovanni Fang-Asan and Mary Juvy Tudlong, Municipal Treasurer’s Office Staff; Elizabeth Farnican, Municipal Tourism Operations Officer; and Jay Anne Taud, Municipal Tourism Operations Officer Staff.

The Municipality of Mexico likewise extends its sincere appreciation and thanks to the personnel of the Municipal Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (MACTO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Information Office (MIO), and the Office of the Municipal Mayor for their valuable support, coordination, and assistance in ensuring the successful conduct of the benchmarking activity.

The Municipality of Mexico expressed its appreciation to the Municipality of Bontoc for the opportunity to strengthen institutional ties and promote the sharing of knowledge and practices in local governance.

The benchmarking activity underscores the value of inter-LGU collaboration, continuous learning, and knowledge-sharing in developing more effective systems and responsive public services. Through initiatives such as this, local governments are able to learn from one another and identify practices that may further enhance governance and community development.

The Municipality of Mexico remains committed to fostering partnerships with fellow local government units and supporting collaborative efforts toward efficient, sustainable, and people-centered local governance.