MOA signing marks milestone for LEAD and CLEAR Projects in Macrohon

On May 2, 2025, 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.

Dr. Frederick C. Aniga, Campus Director, delivered a welcome message, extending 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 focused 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 emphasizec 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 committed to building resilient and self-sustaining communities," she said.

CLEAR Project Leader Junelin G. Inting echoed this sentiment, noting, "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 implementing capacity-building workshops, data-driven planning sessions, and community-driven initiatives under both LEAD and CLEAR, reinforcing Macrohon's reputation as a participatory and accountable local governance model.

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