CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Strengthening local governance in the Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 organized the Regional Decentralization Conference on November 12.
“Today’s event is more than just a conference. It will be a step toward a renewed partnership between the department, the academy, and local government. So this will be a partnership that honors our diversity, especially in Region 10. There are a lot of diverse individuals, values, and evidence-based policies,” DILG-10 Officer-in-Charge Yvette Tolentino-Sunga said.
The event brought together scholars, local government practitioners, department officials, and representatives from higher education institutions. The purpose of the gathering was to address pressing governance issues and further the decentralization process, which has long been a central objective in the country’s governance landscape.
The event highlighted five studies, which included an analysis of the capacity development agenda on the devolution transition plans of local government units in the provinces of Camiguin and Bukidnon, an inquiry into a knowledge product for barangay officials in Bukidnon, an impact assessment of fiscal decentralization on government efficiency and public service delivery in the country, and reforming institutions to align with the mandates of the barangay development council.
“We are striving to provide a community with the best possible service, the one that they truly deserve. Let us keep in mind that our work here will have a tangible impact on the lives of many. Every proposal, every recommendation, and every insight shared today will be valued, and it will bring us closer to a more responsive, efficient, and equitable system of local governance,” Sunga added.
Decentralization hurdles and ways forward
Studies revealed that LGUs in Bukidnon and Camiguin face significant challenges due to increased autonomy. They have limited capacity across various sectors, including environmental management, social welfare, healthcare, tourism, and disaster risk reduction.
The provincial government shows moderate capability, while cities and municipalities lagged behind. The study also highlights deficiencies in disaster risk reduction and management capacity in LGUs like Impasugong, Kadingilan, Libona, and Talakag.
To address these challenges, the presenters said the LGUs need substantial support in policy development, capacity building, and collaboration with national agencies.
“It is recommended to equip and mobilize policy-making bodies of the LGUs through a series of capacity-building activities in order to internalize the set of standards imposed by the devolution phase,” said Dr. Yammie Daud, instructor of Bukidnon State University.
Showing support to DILG-10’s initiative, Cagayan de Oro City Councilor George Goking said under his chairmanship for trade and commerce, he sees the need in conducting such a conference, particularly in addressing issues in revenue generation.
“Daghan mga dapat i-address, especially on the revenues. A lot of changes are coming kay (because) right after the COVID daghan kaayo mga ordinances mga balaod (there are a lot of ordinances and laws) that need to be amended,” Goking said.
DILG holds the regional decentralization conferences nationwide to explore areas for policy enhancement, including potential amendments to the 1991 Local Government Code. (RTP/PIA-10)
