Module 2 ~ Introduction to Local Government and Regional Administration ph Module Notes: Decentralization in the Philippines was realized through the passage of the Local Government Code of 1991. Sixteen years since the inception of the Code, where are we now? How far have we accomplished? Can we really say that the essence of devolution is fully realized? Are there any milestones in local government? What have been the local governments doing? If efficient resource generation is essential to improved governance, how do local governments measure under a decentralized system? Role of LGUs® The role of local governments in the Philippines is determined largely by the State. The Philippines has a centralized form of government and a long history of colonial rule. This historical experience is reflected in the division of responsibilities between the national and local governments. For a long time since the creation of local governments, political expediency has been the deciding factor in the division of responsibilities between the central and local governments (Premchand 1983). It was only recently that economic efficiency was taken into consideration in the redefinition of the role to be performed by local governments. It is recognized, however, that certain services have to be centralized as they are best rendered on a large scale (e.g. defense). As Premchand (1983) noted, where economies of scale are concerned and where there are major investments for providing commodities and services, it is desirable that the latter be organized on a scale so that costs per unit decline as output increases. The production of power, water, transportation and communication facilities are provided more efficaciously when they are organized on a national or regional basis instead of on the basis of smaller jurisdictions. The decentralization of functions and therefore expenditures implies that each level of government would have to be given its own distinctive revenue sources corresponding to its expenditure responsibilities. The government aims for uniformity of services and reduced inequality among regions, and therefore revenue resources would have to be allocated to each government level in terms of its requirements. Given the marked imbalance in the endowment of resources, both natural and financial, there would also have to be a central pool of resources to redress the remaining imbalances (Premchand 1983:469) The role of local governments in a centralized form of goverment may not be as significant as in federal set-up, but they certainly are assigned vital tasks. The Role of Local Government Units in Decentralized Development Local governments play a significant role in the development of the country. If only each local government will do their thing and work on realizing their revenue generating powers and not solely rely on the national government, it will really create a huge impact to the government as a whole. 5 Culled from UP Open University, Module on Public Fiscal Administration 29 Scanned with CamScannerModule 2~ Introduction to Local Government ‘and Reglonal Administration Local governments perform different roles in national development and in making sonics delivery work. LGUs are the level of ‘government closest to the people: thus, they are at vantage point in assessing tho changing demands of the communities and respond to them in such a way that ‘heir needs and priorities are taken into account. is autonomy is used clothed with fiscal autono! and thi . Once local governments are clothed with fi my is auto realize effectively and responsibly, development from below would not be ‘What is left to be done are ‘the following: © The installation of organizational mechanism and policy that ae address the people's interests in an adequate and accountable manner, g individuals who Wo ate and rk in the «The vigilance of the people themselves in choosiny LGUs; and «Their support and manifestation of local ‘empowerment. ‘The Enabling Role of Local Government , 5 an enabling role. “A local ‘According to Legaspi local government perform apes goverment is an enabler if its role goes beyond the traditional role of direct Provider, if it contracts out of services: if it decides to privatize certain services and rakes use of market mechanisms in service delivery: OF {fit decides to privatize certain see g and makes use of market mechanisms in service delivery; oF if its develops ways of doing things in order to meet the varied ‘demands of the community. “ (Legaspl 2001: 3) ‘To understand better the concept of “enabling,” Holis, Ham, and Hambler (1992) give the following set of guidelines on the meaning of enabling as follows: 4. Strategic orlentation- local government should have a grasp of issues and Strateo' affecting the community to be able to develop certain strategies to respond fo such issues and problems. These strategies should be integrated to respond to such issues and problems. These strategies should be integrated such that they ike to consideration al he tational furetional and geographical boundaries. It d mean that the local government would develop an ich wo! TSaure'an Interocel government collaboration, a colaboratve stor wih the private sector, non-government organizatic it national government agencies. Faanieiions (NGOs) or colanter, groups, .end Wl Focus on Det ermining an Effective Response- After clearly defining strategies of action, local government should i det i strategies. These would include the following. oa * Collaborating with other agencies in the implementation of new progra - igencies in the implement. 30 Scanned with CamScanner yModule 2 — Introduction to Local Government and Reglonal Administration Providing financial assistance or grants; Creating new structures or bodies for service delivery; Providing public information about services and programs; and Providing a forum for discussion of community issues and concerns. 3. Setting Standards and Performance- The setting of standards and performance would ensure the achievement of goals and objectives. Openness about standards and the attainment of performance targets would help improve public accountability. Local government should involve the public in directly defining standards of service and the criteria of performance by which local government could be evaluated. 4. Developing Partnerships- challenging, local governme! work collaboratively with oth agencies. Such collaborativ. As community problems become more complex and nt has increasingly recognized the fact that is has to er existing public, private, and voluntary organizations or /e Mechanisms take various forms depending on the kind Of service or on the resource capacity of the local government. But what is important is the development of more enduring kind of work relationships between the local government and the organizations. In other words, this requires a definition of Specific roles of each body or organization which would lead to the building up of long term relationships with and among agencies. 5. Influencing, Interpreting and Implementing the Regulatory Framework- Although local goverment works within a wide legislative framework, it can ensure that the framework is oriented towards local or community interests, Local government can influence the structure of regulation at the policy formulation stage. It can lobby with the national government and act in collaboration with other agencies in the shaping up of policy structures. Once the policy is decided and the regulatory framework is determined, it can exercise a key role in disseminating the policy and iy explaining the effects of the regulatory requirements to the community. 8. Encouraging access and Involvement- Recognizing the nature of the population it serves, local government has to provide access mechanisms to those individuals and groups who are underprivileged and are at the disadvantaged due to poverty, unemployment, and other factors. There is also the value of involving users ot services in decisions which directly affect them. (Legaspi 2001 : 3-5) The guidelines above emphasizes the need for an examination of the of the local government's resources to determine the existing strengths and weaknesses, “The strategic choice that local government makes would necessarily take into consideration available resources at its command. In other words, the exercise of ite enabling role would depend on its capacity to respond to the challenges, demands and interests of the community.” (Legaspi 2001: 5) definite meaning of th rk and Steward (1994) also gave a more definite co of Sang “They define enabling in terms of “strengthening the capacity for coht governance within local community, using whatever resources ‘and ‘chaneess {internal or external) seem most appropriate. 31 Scanned with CamScannerHon admiritstratl Module 2 - Introduction to Local Government and Reglonal Models of Enabling Authority izes the role of local 4. Traditional Bureaucratle Authority: strongly emphasizes eT chanicm than a government as a direct service provider. Itis more of @ vehicle for citizen participation. a al authority as a 2. Residual Enabling Authority: the term “residual” refers 10 sonsible for proving a “provider of last resort,” meaning, the local authority : peri the private market limited set of services which cannot be delivered directly HES’ Oe Bi Nene or through some other appropriate mechanisms such as Pu! : or government agencies. 3. Market-Oriented Enabling Authority places primacy on the oes market in the provision of goods and services, however, this - tite connie active and stronger role in relation to the economic development of the community. It provides the lead role in planning and coordinating local economic development by Providing the necessary mechanisms and incentives through which the local economy can thrive and flourish. The local authority emphasized long-term planning approach to infrastructure and transportation development which provides the necessary framework for the effective operation of the local economy. Community-Orlented enabling authority- takes the view that local government should exist to meet the various needs, problems and concems of the community. It can do so through various meahs such as direct provision of services, through NGOs, voluntary sector, private sector or civil society. There is a strong emphasis on the community as both as a collective and as individuals. In essence, it puts emphasis on participatory democracy. (Leach, Stewart and Walsh 1994 as cited in Legaspi 2001: 6-8) The Role of Philippine Local Government “The passage of the local government code ha: local goverment. Service and functions which are tra government are now the responsibilties of local go Personnel involved in the delivery of services is given powers are devolved and a significant share {ror nationally imposed taxes is also given to the local s provided for a stronger role of ditionally delivered by the central vernment. The power to appoint to local government. Some taxing m the proceeds of the collection of Sovernment.” (Legaspi 2001: 9) Synthesis: 1. Discuss the role of LGUs in a decentralized devel lopment, Scanned with CamScanner