MAKATI CITY -- Naga’s award-winning i-Governance Program has been selected as one of the thirteen good governance practices that will soon be featured in a serialized docu-talk show to be hosted by TV anchorman Bam Aquino on the ISLA Channel, NBN 4, and other local cable stations throughout the country.

Photo Caption: Bicol Mail Editor Joe Perez (right) and BM Reporter Jason Neola pose before the formal launching of best governance practices at Manila Polo Club, Forbes Park, Makati.

        A project of CCI Asia and funded by the Philippine Center of Young Leaders in Governance, Inc (PCYLG), with the support of the Office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan, DSWD, and the Foundation for Governance and Convergence, the documentary series, entitled “CTZN” will bring the “good news” of how Filipinos are empowering themselves by being pro-active, creative, and innovative in handling their communities and the challenges that beset them.

        The featured provinces/cities with their respective innovative programs on various areas of public administration include Marikina City, Angono (Rizal), Bohol, Agoo (La Union), Bulacan, Oriental Mindoro, Zambales, Negros Oriental, Calbayog City (Samar), Butuan City (Agusan del Norte), Maitum (Sarangani), Cebu City, and Naga City.

        Naga’s i-Governance, 2004 UN Public Service and 2004 Galing Pook awardee, is the latest city mechanism meant to enhance citizen involvement in governance. Through information openness which is its main feature, the program seeks to improve transparency and accountability to open up wider avenues for dialogue and citizen participation. It also aims to sustain the city’s various award-winning programs and innovations in local governance.

        During the formal launching of the program last August 3 at the Turf Room of the posh Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park here, guest of honor Senator Kiko Pangilinan said that the future of national governance, and thus the nation, rests on the packets of innovative programs being implemented and sustained by various local government units in their respective territories.

        Australian Member of the Parliament Bernard Ripoll was on hand to deliver a message from the Australian Political Exchange Council (Auspol) stressing its support to the Filipinos’ common aspiration towards good governance.

        Joe Perez of the Naga City Visitors Center and a member of Naga’s i-Governance team witnessed the launching rites. He was accompanied by Jason Neola of the Naga City Information Office.