Municipal Planning and Development Office - Aparri

BARANGAY CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR IMPROVED GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE

CORE GOVERNANCE AREA 1: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

On May 13, 2026, at the Municipal Gymnasium, the Barangay Capability Enhancement Training was successfully conducted, focusing on the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB) under Core Governance Area 1: Financial Administration and Sustainability. The activity brought together barangay officials and functionaries in a shared commitment to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective local governance.

The activity was graced by the presence of Mayor Dominador J. Dayag, who expressed his support for continuous capacity development of barangay officials as a key strategy in improving public service delivery and strengthening grassroots governance.

The SGLG-Barangay session provided participants with an overview of governance standards, particularly in financial management, transparency, planning, and compliance with national guidelines. The workshop aimed to equip barangay officials with the necessary knowledge and tools to meet performance standards and improve local governance systems.

Key Topics Presented:
SGLG-Barangay Overview: Financial Area Indicators (March B. Magat, EnP)
Barangay Full Disclosure Policy (Atty. Mikhaela Aman-Cristobal, EnP, MCDRM)
Barangay Financial Report and Summary of Income and Expenditures (Lyka Yoma)
Budget Approval and Timelines (Ronald M. Villon, CPA)
Revenue, Tax Ordinances, and Procurement (Winston S. Palolan)

Through these sessions, participants gained deeper understanding of financial reporting, budgeting processes, procurement rules, and disclosure requirements. The training emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and compliance as essential pillars of good governance under the SGLG-Barangay framework.

Barangay officials actively engaged in discussions and capacity-building activities, strengthening their ability to enhance financial management and improve service delivery in their respective communities.

Mayor Dominador J. Dayag commended the participants and organizers for their commitment to advancing good governance and encouraged continuous learning and collaboration to achieve more efficient, transparent, and responsive barangay administration.

April 29, 2026, the Local Government Unit of Aparri successfully conducted a Public Hearing on the Proposed Revenue Code at Municipal Gymnasium. The activity was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the business sector, barangay officials, civil society organizations, and concerned residents.

The public hearing aimed to present the salient features of the proposed Revenue Code and to gather comments, suggestions, and concerns from the community. The proposed ordinance seeks to update local tax structures, fees, and charges to better reflect current economic conditions and strengthen the LGU’s capacity to deliver essential services.

During the presentation, the Municipal Planning and Development Office, Technical Working Group and Committee on Ways and Means discussed the rationale behind the revision of the Revenue Code, highlighting the need for a fair, transparent, and responsive revenue system. Key provisions, including adjustments in tax rates, streamlined collection procedures, and provisions for incentives, were explained to the participants.

An open forum followed, where stakeholders actively shared their insights. Common concerns raised included the impact of tax adjustments on small businesses, the need for clear guidelines on implementation, and requests for consideration of sectors that may be adversely affected. Suggestions were also made to ensure proper dissemination of information and to provide assistance to taxpayers in complying with the new policies.

In response, LGU officials assured the participants that all inputs will be carefully reviewed and considered in the finalization of the Revenue Code. The LGU emphasized its commitment to balancing revenue generation with the welfare of its constituents.

The conduct of the public hearing reflects the LGU Aparri’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. Further consultations and revisions will be undertaken as necessary prior to the enactment of the ordinance.

2nd Public Consultation on Aparri’s CLUP Zoning Ordinance

The Office of the Sangguniang Bayan, through its Committee on Land Use chaired by Hon. Joevan Albanio, in partnership with the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) under Atty. Mikhaela L. Aman-Cristobal, convened the 2nd Public Consultation on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Zoning Ordinance of Aparri, Cagayan, on April 29, 2026, at the Aparri Public Gymnasium.

The consultation engaged Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members, local department heads, National Government Agency (NGA) representatives, the municipal planning staff and Technical Working Group (TWG), barangay officials, sectoral groups (e.g., agriculture, fisheries, and tourism), civil society organizations (CSOs), and community stakeholders. Participants reviewed CLUP updates aligned with the Regional and Provincial Physical Framework Plans and HLURB guidelines, validated spatial strategies via GIS-derived zoning maps, and provided inputs on proposed regulations to operationalize land use controls under Section 20 of RA 7160 (Local Government Code).

The Zoning Ordinance—envisioned as the primary regulatory instrument for CLUP implementation—establishes zoning districts with prescriptive standards for built-up density, floor area ratio,setbacks, and hazard-vulnerability overlays to promote disaster-resilient, climate-adaptive development while curbing urban sprawl and ensuring ecological integrity.

The Sangguniang Bayan reaffirmed its commitment to enacting a science-based, stakeholder-validated zoning ordinance. The MPDO presented the salient features of the plan and the draft ordinance followed by an open forum that elicited recommendations on flood-prone area restrictions, sustainable tourism zoning, and public transport corridors.

Organizers extend sincere gratitude to all participants for their substantive contributions toward a resilient and sustainable land use framework for Aparri.

Provincial Government of Cagayan Invites Aparri MPDC to Share Best Practices at Cross‑Provincial Planner‑to‑Planner Engagement

The Provincial Government of Cagayan, through the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), has extended an invitation to Atty. Mikhaela L. Aman‑Cristobal, EnP, MCDRM, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of Aparri, Cagayan, to participate as a key resource planner in the “Cross‑Provincial Insights: A Planner‑to‑Planner Engagement.”

The engagement forms part of the Joint Cagayan and Inter‑Provincial Planners’ Engagement on Contingency and Resilience, which recently brought visiting planning officers from Visayas and Mindanao to the PPDO of the Provincial Government of Cagayan.

In this context, the Province has invited Atty. Aman‑Cristobal to share Aparri’s local innovations and best practices in planning and development, particularly those that demonstrate strong institutionalization, participation, and resilience‑building at the municipal and barangay levels. Aparri has been recognized for strengthening its planning processes through institutionalized mechanisms such as its Geographic Information System (GIS) Team and Planning Technical Working Group, which provide spatial analysis, coordinated technical inputs, and improved data sharing across offices to support evidence‑based land use, infrastructure, and development planning.

The municipality also highlighted its participatory approaches, including robust stakeholder partnerships in planning and the engagement of barangay officials, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders in identifying issues, validating priorities, and fostering shared ownership of local development directions. In‑house writeshops and immediate drafting sessions, which have helped expedite the preparation and updating of key plans such as the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (LDRRMP), and barangay‑level plans, were likewise featured as practical strategies for improving planning efficiency and quality.

Aparri’s strategic projects—such as its ecotourism spatial development direction, proposed industrial zone, coastal protection and river control works, bulk water system, renewable energy initiatives like the Aparri Wind Farm, and critical facilities including a disaster crisis control center and multi‑hazard training and evacuation center—were presented as examples of integrated and risk‑sensitive local development planning. These projects demonstrate how local governments can align infrastructure and economic development with climate resilience, environmental management, and long‑term service delivery for their communities.

By featuring Aparri’s experience in institutionalizing planning mechanisms, empowering barangays through capability‑building, and implementing resilience‑oriented programs and projects, the Cross‑Provincial Insights: Planner‑to‑Planner Engagement aims to deepen peer learning among planners from Cagayan, Visayas, and Mindanao. The initiative reinforces the commitment of the Provincial Government of Cagayan and its partner LGUs to promote data‑driven, participatory, and climate‑resilient local governance.

The Municipal Government Unit pf Aparri invites the public to attend the consultations on April 29, 2026, at the Aparri Public Gymnasium. The schedule will start at 8:00 AM for the Revenue Code and 1:00 PM for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

Aparri advances 10-year tourism development planning through three-day workshop

The Municipal Government of Aparri successfully conducted the Workshop on the Formulation of the 10-Year Tourism Development Plan from April 21 to 23, 2026, bringing together members of the Tourism Planning Committee and key tourism stakeholders in a focused effort to shape the municipality’s long-term tourism direction.

The activity served as an offshoot of the Barangay Tourism Profiling Workshop held on April 13 to 14, 2026. Building on the results of the earlier profiling activity, the workshop aimed to consolidate local tourism data, identify priority development directions, and strengthen the municipality’s framework for sustainable and inclusive tourism planning.

The initiative reflects the political commitment of Local Chief Executive Engr. Dominador J. Dayag to promote economic and social development while ensuring the protection of Aparri’s environmental assets. This direction is aligned with the municipality’s broader aspiration to advance good governance and highlight Aparri’s unique character, heritage, and development potential.

Aparri is widely recognized as a strategic gateway in Northern Philippines, known for its river delta and coastal setting, rich culture, local food products such as aramang, and tourism assets that continue to attract growing interest. These local strengths formed part of the context for the planning discussions during the three-day workshop.

The workshop was supported and attended by Sangguniang Bayan Chairperson on Tourism Dian Jaycerette Dayag, who expressed her desire to see Aparri rise further as a tourism destination by building on its rich natural assets and strong cultural and historical background.

Technical assistance for the activity was provided by experts from the Department of Tourism Regional Office 2, the Provincial Tourism Office, and the Provincial Museum Office. The workshop was likewise assisted by Atty. Mikhaela L. Aman-Cristobal, EnP, MCDRM, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator and designated Focal Person on Tourism Planning, who helped guide the planning process together with participating committee members.

Throughout the workshop, participants discussed key tourism development concerns, opportunities, and strategies that will help define Aparri’s tourism roadmap for the next 10 years. The planning process emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, inter-office collaboration, cultural and historical conservation, environmental protection, and the strengthening of local tourism governance.

With the active participation of the Tourism Planning Committee, the Municipal Government of Aparri continues to take concrete steps toward crafting a development plan that is responsive to local realities and future opportunities. The workshop marks an important milestone in positioning Aparri as a stronger and more competitive tourism destination in Cagayan and the wider Region II area.

Happy Birthday, Atty. Mikhaela L. Aman-Cristobal, EnP, MCDRM! 🎉

Today we celebrate not just another year of your life, but the remarkable impact you continue to make as the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of our Municipality. Your dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service inspire everyone around you.

Your leadership brings progress to the community, your expertise shapes a better future, and your passion uplifts those who have the privilege to work with you. You are truly appreciated, not only for your professional excellence but also for your kindness, integrity, and heart for service.

May this special day be filled with joy, gratitude, and well-deserved recognition. May the year ahead bring you continued success, good health, and even greater achievements as you lead and serve with purpose.

Once again, happy birthday, Atty. Mikhaela! 🎂
With gratitude and appreciation, your MPDC family is proud to be guided by someone like you, wishes you all the best today and always. 🌸

Aparri Launches Barangay-Level Tourism Profiling to Unlock Local Tourism Potential

The Municipal Government of Aparri, in an unprecedented grassroots effort to systematically document and develop its tourism assets, successfully conducted a two-day Tourism Profiling Workshop with Barangay Officials, Barangay Secretaries, and Sangguniang Barangay Chairpersons on Tourism. The activity was held on April 13, 2026 for Aparri's Western Barangays and April 14, 2026 for the Eastern Barangays, gathering representatives from over 41 barangays across the municipality. The initiative forms a cornerstone of the Local Chief Executive's strategic agenda to position Aparri as a premier tourism destination in the Cagayan Valley region, leveraging its rich natural endowments, vibrant cultural heritage, and strong community identity.

The profiling activity was inspired by the political drive of Aparri's Local Chief Executive, Engr. Dominador J. Dayag, to boost tourism as a catalyst for economic and social development, as well as for the environmental protection and stewardship of the municipality's assets. Mayor Dayag's administration recognizes tourism not merely as an industry but as an engine for inclusive growth -- generating livelihood, preserving ecosystems, and empowering communities. The activity received the full and vocal support of SB Chairperson on Tourism, Dian Jaycerette Dayag, who underscored the urgency and purpose of the exercise:

"The identity of Aparri must be protected, preserved, and sustained. Our rivers, our coastline, our culture -- these are the foundations of who we are as Aparrianos. This profiling is our first step in ensuring that development serves our identity, not the other way around." -- Dian Jaycerette Dayag, SB Chairperson on Tourism

The workshop was competently facilitated and administered by Atty. Mikhaela L. Aman-Cristobal, EnP, MCDRM, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) and the designated Focal Person on Tourism Planning. Atty. Aman-Cristobal guided participants through a structured profiling framework covering 26 thematic annexes -- from tourist attractions and accommodation facilities to cultural heritage, local cuisines, environmental concerns, and proposed programs.

The Tourism Profiling Workshop marks a transformative milestone in Aparri's governance agenda. For the first time, tourism data is being systematically collected at the barangay level – capturing the authentic diversity of Aparri's assets as documented by the communities who live with, and live off, these resources. The resulting dataset will directly feed into the Municipal Tourism Development Plan, serving as the evidence base for targeted investments, policy formulation, and program prioritization.

The profiling also surfaced the immense depth of Aparri's heritage -- from the centuries-old Bayanihan practice of Tagnawa, to the unique Cagayan River estuary where freshwater meets the sea, to the culinary tradition of Jumping Salad and the ancient craft of Kattad fish trap making. These findings reinforce the imperative to develop tourism in a manner that protects and promotes what makes Aparri distinctly Aparriano.

CLUP of Aparri Conditionally Approved After Successful Second Review

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the Municipality of Aparri has been CONDITIONALLY APPROVED following the successful conduct of its second review on March 30–31, 2026, held at Tuguegarao City.

The two-day review, led by the Provincial Land Use Committee (PLUC), concluded with the approval and adoption of all recommendations put forward by the PLUC Chairman and members, including key inputs from various National Government Agencies (NGAs). This outcome marks a significant step forward in the plan’s progression toward full approval and implementation.

The review process involved a comprehensive evaluation of the CLUP’s major components, including Volume 1 (Ecological Profile), Volume 2 (Zoning Ordinance), and Volume 3 (Sectoral Studies). Particular emphasis was given to ensuring that the zoning ordinance aligns with existing policies and effectively addresses both current and future development needs. Meanwhile, the ecological and sectoral studies were assessed for data accuracy, integration, and consistency with national and regional planning standards.

All comments, concerns, and recommendations from PLUC members and NGAs were thoroughly discussed and formally adopted. These refinements have significantly enhanced the CLUP, reinforcing its role as a strategic and policy-aligned framework for sustainable land use and development in Aparri.

The conditional approval underscores that while the CLUP has substantially met technical and policy requirements, certain refinements and compliance actions remain necessary to secure full approval. The Municipal Planning Team has committed to addressing these conditions promptly.

The successful review was carried out under the leadership of Atty. Mikhaela Aman-Cristobal, EnP, MCDRM, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, together with the Municipal Department Heads and the Planning Team, whose collective efforts were instrumental in achieving this milestone.

The updated CLUP, now incorporating all approved recommendations, has been duly furnished and is set for final enhancements. Once fully approved, it will serve as the primary guide for Aparri’s land use planning, promoting balanced growth, resilience, and improved quality of life for its residents.