Social Action and Development Center Monitoring Team Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe

Social Action and Development Center Monitoring Team Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe is a church-based organization in the Ifugao and Mountain Province areas. Established in July 25, 2001, it was instrumental in reducing illegal gambling activities in Ifugao by working closely with the local government unit, police, and other religious groups. Moreover, it has taken an active stance in monitoring the procurement process and delivery of government services and projects in its areas through its role as a member of the Provincial Development Council. The group exposed and publicized the substandard work on the Bontoc-Banaue section of the Halsema Highway, which eventually led to the government’s adoption of better quality control standards and management as well as the creation of an engineering monitoring team to oversee the building of infrastructure. The group’s exposure of more defective buildings, roads and highways have raised national consciousness on the importance of its citizens’ role in pushing the state to be truly transparent and accountable to the people. 

Apart from monitoring government projects, the Social Action and Development Center Monitoring Team Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe provides voter’s education to the people and election monitoring. In 2004, it was actively involved in the meetings of the Peace Executive Council (PEC), which was comprised of clergy from the Catholic and Anglican Church, and the mayors of Besao, Bontoc, Sadanga and Sagada. The council helped establish the peace zone between the rebel group New People’s Army and government troops.

To harness the leadership qualities of organizations and individuals, it forms Basic Ecclesiastical Communities (BECs) and BEC leaders that can help in monitoring projects and civic activities. They also help spread the advocacies and programs of the organization to their communities. 

The Social Action and Development Center Monitoring Team Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe also helps build and enhance the lives of the Ifugao through programs in sustainable agriculture, environment protection and Alay Kapwa. 

Support and funding for various projects of the organization are given by MISEREOR, Heifer Philippines and SNAP.