MOA Signing Marks Milestone for LEAD and CLEAR Projects in Macrohon 

May 2, 2025 | CD Conference Room, Macrohon, Southern Leyte — A landmark collaboration between two grassroots initiatives—LEAD (Local Empowerment and Development) of the SK-BLGU Macrohon and CLEAR (Comprehensive Local Economic & Accountability Reporting) of BLGU Canturing—was officially launched through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held today.

The event commenced promptly at 9:00 AM, hosted by Ms. Trisha Llagas, setting a warm and engaging tone for the program. A welcome message was delivered by Dr. Frederick C. Aniga, Campus Director who extended his greetings to both the SK Federation of Macrohon and BLGU Canturing, emphasizing the importance of collaborative youth and barangay leadership in community development.

The ceremony featured project overviews by the two dynamic leaders behind the initiatives: Ms. Karina G. Gutierrez, Project Leader of LEAD, and Ms. Junelin G. Inting, Project Leader of CLEAR. Their presentations offered insight into each project’s goals—LEAD focusing on youth leadership, civic participation, and empowerment, while CLEAR emphasized fiscal transparency, inclusive local economic planning, and community accountability.

The ceremonial signing took place at the CD Conference Room, witnessed by several key officials and community leaders. Present to bear witness to the event were:

• Jude Duarte, University President

• Frederick C. Aniga, Campus Director

• Jonathan J. Palco, HEAD, RIES

• Hon. Junley M. Gallardo, SK Federation President and LGU Macrohon official

• Dr. Vicente Maraon, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) - DILG Macrohon

• Hon. Abigail A. Cerro, Punong Barangay of BLGU Canturing

• Charlene Mae Lolo, Barangay Secretary

• Hon. Erick R. Cuthay, SK President

• Pelagia N. Misoles, Barangay Treasurer

This partnership emphasizes the shared vision of both projects to uplift local communities through targeted interventions that enhance leadership, improve economic accountability, and strengthen governance frameworks.

In her remarks, Karina G. Gutierrez, MPA highlighted the value of empowering local leaders. "Through LEAD, we are nurturing a new generation of changemakers who are committed to building resilient and self-sustaining communities," she said.

CLEAR Project Leader Junelin G. Inting echoed this sentiment, noting that "CLEAR aims to ensure that economic progress is not only achieved but transparently accounted for, ensuring that no community is left behind."

The event concluded with a message of unity and cooperation from University President Jude Duarte, who emphasized the critical role of academic institutions in driving community development and research-based policy innovation.

The MOA signing is expected to pave the way for the implementation of capacity-building workshops, data-driven planning sessions, and community-driven initiatives under both LEAD and CLEAR, reinforcing Macrohon’s reputation as a model for participatory and accountable local governance.