The Province of Tarlac is prominent for its excellent foods and extensive sugar cane and rice plantations. Its vibrant culture is due to its position as the crossroads of four considerable groups – the Ilocanos, the Pampangos, the Pangasinenses, and the Tagalogs. Its multitude of picturesque attractions and other renowned historical sites make the Province of Tarlac one of the finest places to visit and to live in the whole of Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, public officials and servants of Tarlac are considered as modern heroes for giving their best in providing better solutions in the community. They are responsible for creating a significant impact and substantial change to protect and maintain the richness of the province. But as rising individuals with so much room for innovation and advancement, how, when, and where do we start?

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Tarlac, through the leadership of Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, CESO V, conceptualized a track to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness and righteous good governance not just in the internal organizational structure of DILG but that of the Local Government Units, further providing the Tarlaqueños an excellent public service. The need to continuously innovate and develop competencies, internally and externally, is a necessity. Thus, the birth of “SIKAD Tarlac”

"Sikad" is a Filipino word which means to stride forward and to take a leap. This is a program which will serve as a guide to lead the way of all the modern heroes and government officials of the Province of Tarlac. It shall also be a reminder for the public servants to take a leap up on their journey towards good local governance.

With the DILG Tarlac’s official brand “SIKAD Tarlac”, distinguishing that someone who aspires change will garner the experiential knowledge to bring it about and accomplish what is best.

Tarlac Province is a landlocked province situated in the heartland of Luzon comprises three congressional districts and is subdivided into 17 municipalities and lone city, Tarlac City, which is the provincial capital.

In the 2020 census, with a density of 490 inhabitants per square kilometers, the population of Tarlac was 1,503,456 people. The widely used languages throughout the province are Kapampangan and Ilocano, as well as Tagalog and Pangasinense. Further, as shown by religious adherence, Spanish influence is very visible in the province 

DILG Tarlac intends to continuously devise ways to develop the skills, abilities, and competencies of its internal organization. Through an effective skills enhancement program, all personnel will have the opportunity to become more capable, competent and confident in the performance of the duties and responsibilities.

A skills enhancement program will be essential for consciously improving their ability and capacity in dealing with the deliverables of the Department. Linking skills enhancement to the key performance indicators and deliverables of the department will boost the motivation and drive to build the competence of the organization.

The program includes various capacity development activities designed to improve personal growth and performance. The intention of the program is to turn information and insight into skills that are vital to the personal and professional growth of all personnel.

Under the SIKAD Banner, innovation means delivering regular PPAs better than the current standard. This will require a sound and competent understanding of what is currently being done, not just what others are good at. This will include further engagement and motivation particularly in the implementation, monitoring, assessment and evaluation. The DILG Tarlac Team shall conduct bi-monthly planning sessions and monthly Provincial Management Team Meeting along with the monthly Provincial Team Conference to identify patterns for good governance that sponsors and promotes engagement and motivation to all stakeholders.

Institutionalizing DILG PPAs

The intention of this component is to ensure that the improvement of service delivery and implementation of DILG PPAs are continuously enhanced and at par to the quality policy standards of the Department. The DILG Tarlac Team aims to boost the accountability and compliance of the Local Government Units without compromising the quality of outputs. Additional measures to safeguard the improvement of efficiency of public service and compliance are supported with the enhancement of absorptive capacity and better access to information of all stakeholders.

This component also includes strengthening the linkages and coordination between the DILG and the Local Government Units down to the barangay level. The Team will intensify the result-based performance management by refining performance measurements and strengthening the monitoring and evaluation systems of performance targets particularly in the Locally-Funded Projects and the Functionality and Compliance Assessment Programs of the Department.

Promoting shared responsibility and accountability with civil society and multi-stakeholders in achieving development goals. This will mean transforming the role of civil society from third party observer and other stakeholders from attendees to partner in development. Programs that allow our clientele to participate in the promotion of peace and order, community development, and empowerment will be pursued to reach the remotest barangays.

In cascading these efforts, local capacity-building programs on service delivery mechanisms will also be geared towards strengthening LGU capacities for integrated planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. As part of this initiative, SIKAD will further categorize its capacity building arms into sub-components such as:

I. INTRODUCTION

Having the same zeal as what was exemplified in the past, the DILG Tarlac Personnel remain persistent as they pursue quality service delivery to the Tarlaqueños. Notwithstanding the adversities brought about by the pandemic, the Office has remained steadfast in improving its timely approaches. Now, more than ever, is the most opportune time to distinguish their dedication in this uphill battle.

In this light, DILG Tarlac introduces the TAtag at LAkas ng Tarlac (referred to as TALA ng Tarlac) - an integration of the Department’s Awards System. It recognizes  top-performing DILG Tarlac Personnel, local government units (LGUs), and the external partners of the Department that exude perseverance and dedication for public service. This pre-eminent awards program aspires to scale up their performance toward good governance by continuously being Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahan.

II. OBJECTIVE

The TALA ng Tarlac is a noteworthy program where DILG Tarlac Personnel work hand-in-hand alongside LGUs in upholding the Department’s main thrust of initiating relevant projects, programs, and activities on local governance.  

Predominantly, TALA ng Tarlac encompasses the following intent and purpose:

● Improve the current scoring system of the Department;

● Grant awards and incentives for DILG Personnel;

● Institute the quarterly performance assessment and review in the Department; and

● Recognize the best performing Local Government Units.

III. SCOPE/COVERAGE

This is the first top-tier awards platform of DILG Tarlac which includes sets of general components relative to the personnel’s respective duties and functions in the Department. DILG Field Officers, Technical Staff, Administrative Staff, Locally-Funded Projects Staff, Detailed Provincial Government of Tarlac Personnel, and Local Government Units will be duly recognized for their remarkable contributions that are pivotal to the attainment of good governance. 

IV. CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

A. Awards and Incentives for DILG Personnel

DILG Field Officers shall be assessed in seven categories which are in connection with the tenets of good governance, particularly with the sub-sector and organizational goals stated in the DILG Outcome Framework. These categories and its corresponding components are exhibited in the table below:

Each category has several DILG programs where different reports shall be consolidated and submitted. The quality, efficiency, and timeliness of these reports shall be evaluated and computed with the corresponding weighted score presented in the table below. 

B. Recognition of Best Performing LGUs

Local Government Units shall be evaluated in six categories which are in reference to the precept of good local governance specifically with the sub-sector and organizational goals stated in the DILG Outcome Framework. These categories and components are exhibited in the table below.

V. CATEGORIES OF AWARD

A. Awards and Incentives for DILG Personnel

1. Field Officer Category:

a). Top Performer – ALPHA AQUILAE

b). 2nd Best Performer – BETA AQUILAE

c). 3rd Best Performer – GAMMA AQUILAE

Aquilae is one of the brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere derived from the Arabic word meaning “flying eagle.” This recognition is awarded to the outstanding staff of DILG Tarlac who, like an eagle, has shown tenacity, determination, and lofty flight in reaching his/her goals, and like a star continues to shine and sparkle in space. This award is conferred to the outstanding City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer for his/her unprecedented performance and innovations as a field officer in assisting his/her respective LGU.

2. Top Performing Technical Personnel

This recognition is awarded to the best performing DILG Technical Staff for his/her extraordinary creativity which bring about various changes, and unsurpassed innovations which provide service delivery more organized and accessible to the public. The awardee has executed unparalleled deeds in service to the public, has persistently exemplified exceptional practices, and has instituted contribution to the Department and/or community of the highest quality or degree.

3. Top Performing Administrative Personnel

This award is conferred to the administrative personnel who provides innovations and well-organized systems in all aspects of his/her job. The awardee constantly exhibits remarkable performances, notably greater than what is anticipated, and has presented significant efforts to the achievement of the goals of the Department.

4. Top Performing Locally-Funded Projects Personnel

The recognition is awarded to the best performing Locally-Funded Projects (LFP) who has markedly contributed to the upgrade and enhancement of the services of the Department and outstretched down to the Local Governments. The awardee has displayed distinguished performances to LGUs by contributing initiatives and innovations in connection to the locally-funded projects.

5. Top Performing Detailed Provincial Government of Tarlac Personnel

The recognition is conferred to the best performing detailed personnel of the Provincial Government of Tarlac who has considerably assisted and accommodated the Department in realizing its mission and aspiration with regard to good local governance. The recipient of this recognition has strongly performed exceptional accomplishment in public service.

6. Arete Award

The award conferred to the notable dignitary with the outstanding talent, ability, and remarkable dedication in all fields who continues to cultivate his/her full potential and personality. The awardee of this recognition has successfully embodied the ideals of good local governance and has substantially personified the DILG’s principles “Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahan.”

7. Victorian Award

This recognition is awarded to the Field Officers who have demonstrated exceptional consistency in excellence in various assessments such as, but not limited to, Peace and Order Council (POC), Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC), Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), Local Anti-Trafficking – Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC), and Barangay Environmental Compliance Audit (BECA). 

B. Quarterly Performance Assessment and Review

1. Field Officer Category:

a). Top Performing Field Officer (Cluster One)

b). Top Performing Field Officer (Cluster Two)

2. Top Performing Technical Personnel

3. Top Performing Administrative Personnel

C. Recognition of Best Performing LGUs

1. Top Performing Local Government Units

This award is conferred to the best performing Local Government Units for their remarkable contributions essential to the realization of progress and success of practicing good local governance in their respective areas of responsibility. 

VI. REWARDS

The winners will obtain:

Ensure public access to information. Comprehensive, timely, and relevant government information enables citizens to make informed decisions and then collaborate, and engage with public officials in enhancing public policies. Making information accessible offline and reader-friendly to all clientele. DILG programs and plans will be disseminated in a form that is easily understandable by the public.

The Local Governance Regional Resource Center and its sub-LGRCs have been established to become a dynamic, interactive, and virtual one-stop-shop for knowledge on local governance. Its primary role is to source, organize, and manage available local governance knowledge and promote its sharing and use by various stakeholders.

Institutionalize response and feedback mechanisms. The existing response and feedback mechanisms such as the Citizen’s Hotline (8888) will be strengthened. The necessary follow through protocols will be developed to ensure that response and feedback are systematically processed and tracked. Raising awareness on the existing mechanisms will be done, and as a supplement, incentivizing feedback loops will also be considered to increase engagement. The Deparment will also ensure the security of citizens who reported complaints or incidents of corruption.