In addition to operating as effective partners of the national government in local communities, Local Government Units (LGUs) are also the representatives of their constituents. Through the enactment of the Philippine Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, local governments are equipped with the power and resources to fulfill the role of working towards the development of their respective communities and the achievement of self-reliance. To facilitate this, the LGC mandates the LGUs to create a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). Developed by the Local Development Council, the CDP is a multi-year plan that directs the government’s efforts, as well as serve as their basis for the local Executive-Legislative Agenda—paving the way for LGUs to serve their communities better.
The recognition of the five (5) development areas ensures multi-sectoral coverage, as well as the participation of elected and non-elected government officials, and the non-government sector, in the making and implementation of a common vision for the community.
The Continuing Legacies: Legislating Good Governance in Local Communities online policy compendium acknowledges the crucial role of participatory planning in the protection of the common good and promotion of general welfare. Much like then Mayor Jesse’s vision, safeguarding and strengthening people’s participation and citizen engagement is both a facet and an objective of good local governance.
NOTE: The online policy compendium defines local development as multidimensional and interwoven. This connotes that certain policies/ordinances in the compendium may encompass more than one (1) development theme.
References:
Serote, E. (2008). Rationalizing the Local Planning System (1st ed.). Quezon City: Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bureau of Local Government Development. Retrieved from DILG-Reports-2011712-ea7ba5859e.pdf