Mayor Richard Garin has been reappointed to lead the Iloilo Southern Development Alliance (ISDA) by members representing the local government units of Iloilo’s First District.

Formerly known as the Southern Iloilo Coastal Resource Management Council Incorporated (SICRMCI), ISDA includes representatives from various offices, such as the Municipal Agriculturist, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Provincial Agriculturist.

The Alliance’s role is to unify and strengthen fisheries regulations across the district.

The meeting was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, which officially launched the cooperative effort of seven municipalities in environmental conservation aimed at achieving sustainable production.

Demonstrating his dedication to improving social services for Miagaowanons, Mayor Richard Garin took an active role in distributing codes to approximately 459 beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and employment (DOLE) Emergency Employment Program at the Regional Evacuation Center on July 9, 2025.

These beneficiaries completed ten days of work and earned P513 per day for their contributions to the community.

EEP is a program by the DOLE that offers emergency employment to disadvantaged and displaced workers. This community-based initiative provides short-term job opportunities, typically as a “cash-for-work” scheme, to help participants earn income and support themselves.

The Municipal Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Rhea Palacios, conducted the regular quarterly meeting of the Local Health Board (LHB), where they tackled several urgent health issues affecting the Municipality. The meeting took place on July 9, 2025, at the Mynicoal Annex Conference Room.

Chaired by Mayor Richard Garin, the Board reviewed updates on topics such as dengue, RG for Life, bloodletting, and Nutrition Month 2025.

They also discussed other important matters, including the Regional Nutrition Evaluation, Gatas Mo, Kabuhi Ko, Lung Month, Usapang Buntis, as well as health updates from the DOH and other agencies.

It is important to note that the LHB acts as the governing body in charge of overseeing and implementing health programs and policies within the municipality.

Barangay Baybay Norte resident Mrs. Corazon Fidelo-Diocera, a centenarian, was awarded a cash incentive of Php 100,000 on July 8, 2025. The National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC), through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, led by Mr Domigo Nim, presented this honor in recognition of her remarkable longevity and valuable contributions to the community.

In addition to Mrs. Diocera’s award, 74 other senior citizens aged 80 to 99 each received Php 10,000 under the same program.

This initiative underscores the government’s sustained dedication to recognizing and supporting elderly citizens by providing meaningful financial assistance.

Through such programs, the welfare and dignity of senior members of society are actively promoted and celebrated.