The Philippine Councilors League: 35 Years of Legislative Excellence 🇵🇭🏛️ As we celebrate our 35th Founding Anniversary under the theme "35 Taon: Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas," the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) stands as the bedrock of local democracy. Representing over 17,000 city and municipal councilors, the PCL remains the collective voice of local legislative bodies in our national governance. Our Journey: From Vision to Institution 📜 The PCL traces its roots to the late 1980s, born from a national push for decentralization. The idea of a unified federation emerged in 1989 following a landmark assembly in Metro Manila centered on the theme: "Local Autonomy: Key to National Progress and Stability." This collective momentum led to the 1st National Congress on September 7–9, 1990, where our Constitution and By-Laws was ratified. Shortly after, the league gained formal juridical personality through SEC registration on September 17, 1990. The league’s influence was permanently solidified by Republic Act No. 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991), which formally recognized and institutionalized federations of elective local officials. The Pillars of Leadership 🤝 For three and a half decades, the PCL has been steered by distinguished legislators who have championed the integrity and welfare of their colleagues. Our leadership legacy includes: 1990–1996: Led by the pioneering National Chairman Guillermo Altuna (Quezon City), alongside National Presidents Ponciano Subido (Manila) and Luis Bustamante (Las Piñas). 1996–2011: Guided by leaders such as Froilan Melendrez (Cotabato City), Salvador Pangilinan (Makati), Eufemio Lagumbay (Quezon City), Michael Rama (Cebu City), Atty. Elmer Datuin (Baguio City), Carlo Fortuna (Mandaue City), Michael Fernandez (Dagupan City), and Victor "Jun" Ferrer (Quezon City). 2011–2017: A period marked by the leadership of National Chairmen Atty. Alan Zulueta (Tagum City) and Alma Moreno (Parañaque City), and National President Maybeline Fernandez (Dagupan City). 2017–present: Continued by Danilo Dayanghirang (Davao City), Luis "Chavit" Singson (Ilocos Sur), Jose Nelson Sala (Davao del Sur), Atty. Raul Corro (Muntinlupa), Handy Lao (Laoag City) and Benjie Abalos (Mandaluyong). Empowering Progress through Education ✨ The PCL is more than just a league; it is a center for professional growth. In close partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), we empower your local leaders through the Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP). This program ensures that every councilor remains updated on the latest jurisprudence and administrative trends, directly translating to more responsive, ethical, and effective laws for every Filipino. By fostering professional growth and advocating for local autonomy, the PCL ensures that your local government is a vital partner in building a Bagong Pilipinas. #PCL35Years #LocalGovernance #LegislativeExcellence #BagongPilipinas #PublicService