The City Government of San Fernando, La Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Agency International Development (USAID) for the USAID Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) Project at the People’s Hall last February 28, 2024.

CHANGE Project is a five-year activity of USAID aimed to support strengthened democratic governance in the Philippines by making local governance more responsive.

City of San Fernando was chosen as one of the six cities in the Philippines for the Phase 2 of the CHANGE Project where USAID intend to support initiatives on networking, sharing information, action research, dialogues, forums and consultations and coordination among CSOs; advocacy for governance reforms; capacity development of CSOs and LGUs for effective implementation of participatory governance to further its development objectives.

With the City Resolution No. 24-135, the MOU was formally signed by City Mayor Hon. Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development and Governance USAID Philippines Mr. Eric Florimon-Reed.

Moreover, present to witness the signing were the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by City Vice Mayor Hon. Alfredo Pablo R. Ortega, City Department Managers headed by City Administrator Col. Ramon F. Laudencia, City of San Fernando, La Union Local People’s Council (LPC) led by Chairperson Mr. Anacleto Mario M. Zamoranos, and Civil Society Organization Desk Officer Ms. Imelda B. Quindara.

In behalf of the USAID, present to witness were Chief of Party Mr. Sergio M. Andal Jr., Component Lead Ms. Maria Paz Christi Moneva, Component Lead Mr. Redempto S. Parafina, City Governance Coordinator Mr. Jedel Ervin Tabamo, City Coordinator/Program Officer Ms. Julie Ann Deus, City Coordinator/Program Officer Mr. Adonis Corales, and Communications Officer Ms. Mariae Acosta.

Together with our external partners like the USAID, we will create a responsive, resilient, and empowered community here in the #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo!