MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato—The Iranun Development Council (IDC) reinforced its commitment to institutional strengthening through an exposure visit held on July 15 to the PALMA+PB Alliance, one of Mindanao’s most established inter-local government unit (LGU) cooperation models.
The learning visit brought together the IDC Secretariat, led by Executive Director Saipona Zaman and Deputy Executive Director May Quesada, along with Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, municipal agriculturists, engineers, accountants or treasurers, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) officers from the member municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Matanog, and Parang.
The activity aimed to provide IDC stakeholders with firsthand exposure to functional inter-LGU collaboration, particularly in governance systems, shared service delivery, and joint development programming.
During the visit, participants engaged with PALMA+PB Program Manager Orly Maraingan, who discussed the alliance’s governance structure, operational mechanisms, and best practices in sustaining multi-municipal cooperation. Insights on project implementation, resource sharing, and financial management were further shared by former PALMA+PB Program Manager Arnold Ferenal, who is currently serving as Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Officer of Libungan.
In the afternoon, the IDC delegation visited a PALMA project site in Barangay Nalin, Midsayap, where bamboo plantations under the Treevolution Program were showcased. The initiative was presented as a nature-based solution that helps mitigate flooding and landslide risks while also supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities through bamboo-based products.
Among PALMA+PB’s flagship initiatives is the Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Program, which enables member LGUs to pool equipment, machinery, personnel, and technical expertise for the joint implementation of infrastructure projects, particularly road construction across partner municipalities.
During the reflection session, IDC participants emphasized the importance of community participation, transparent governance, non-politicized collaboration, and resource sharing as key elements in sustaining inter-LGU alliances. They noted that PALMA+PB’s strong local ownership and functional systems provide a valuable model for strengthening the IDC.
Participants also recommended further institutionalization of the IDC through clearer vision-setting, strategic planning, focused program implementation, and sustained operational mechanisms beyond external support. The activity was supported by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), with funding assistance from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
