DILG, VMLP Launch Sanggunian Derby to Champion Legislative Excellence Across Western Visayas
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI and the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) Region VI formally launched The SANGGUNIAN: Regional Legislative Immersion and Parliamentary Derby on June 22, 2026, at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall of the Kalibo Municipal Hall in Aklan, marking a significant step toward strengthening legislative governance and parliamentary excellence in Western Visayas.
The opening ceremony brought together officers and members of VMLP Region VI and its provincial chapters from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras, alongside officials and personnel from DILG Regional Office VI, the Provincial Government of Aklan, and the Municipal Government of Kalibo. The gathering underscored a shared commitment among local government
leaders to elevate the quality of local legislation and promote innovation in legislative practice.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DILG Region VI and VMLP Region VI, formalizing their partnership in advancing legislative competency, enhancing parliamentary procedures, and fostering responsive and accountable local governance throughout the region.
The launch also featured the presentation of the Derby Mechanics, followed by an open forum that provided participants with an opportunity to clarify guidelines, discuss expectations, and explore avenues for meaningful participation. The session encouraged active engagement among local legislators and reinforced the Derby’s objective of cultivating a culture of excellence and continuous learning within local sanggunians.
Further energizing the event was the Formal Call for Entries led by VMLP Region VI President and Vice Mayor Arvin Losaria, who challenged local legislative bodies to showcase their best practices, innovations, and achievements through the competition. The call was met with strong enthusiasm, as several local government units had already expressed their intent to participate even before the official announcement, reflecting widespread support for the initiative and a growing desire among local legislative councils to benchmark and improve their performance.
Messages of support from representatives of the Provincial Government of Aklan, the Municipal Government of Kalibo, and the various VMLP Provincial Chapters highlighted the strong collaboration among stakeholders and emphasized the importance of empowering local legislative institutions as partners in community development.
As the Sanggunian Derby officially begins, it signals the start of a regional movement aimed at nurturing more effective, innovative, and excellence-driven local legislatures. Through healthy competition, knowledge sharing, and parliamentary immersion, the initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of local sanggunians to enact responsive policies and deliver meaningful results for their constituents, ultimately contributing to stronger and more resilient communities across Western Visayas.
