Non-Governmental

Organizations and Local Development in the Philippines

This discussion is about various articles in the Local Government code of 1991, and

some from the 1987 constitution. Before anything else let us first briefly discussed what

does the Non-Governmental Organization means, we always hear that phrase in the

news and even in the academe. When I was looking for an institution wherein I will

apply for my internship during my junior year, I had multiple Non-Governmental

Organizations in mind. According to Lewis (2010), Non-Governmental Organization is

the third key player in the society they almost serve the same purpose as to the

legitimate Government sectors; they are necessary in shaping the landscape of

development, issues on human rights, environmental issues, and other important areas

in the society. Knowing this it can be said that the presence of Non-Governmental

Organizations in the country is very crucial in the growth of the citizens.

When I was doing my internship in Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, I was

made aware on how important their role is in the both Legislative and Executive Branch

of the government. ULAP is basically an extension of all Elected Local Officials, it is

composed of ten member leagues (ULAP, 2016). ULAP was formed in order to help

convene and represent its member leagues and local governments to national and sub-

national policy and program committees in continuous pursuit of strengthening and

capacitating LGUs for local autonomy and good governance (ULAP,2016). During that

internship I was able to experience how important it is for a Non-Governmental

Organization to the Government.

The NGO’s are also important in to areas wherein government can no longer provide the

necessary services that the citizens need (Orbitsta, 2012). Most of the times these NGO’s
work closely with the urban poor communities, they have a closer relationship to those

groups at the grassroots level. Majority of NGO’s have a better relationship with the

poor communities compared to the level of relationship of these poor communities with

the Government. I have just come to the realization that poor communities and the

compromised really do rely more on the help and advocacies of the our NGO’s.

My high school really had a good relationship with the poor communities around. Our

campus, we would often go to them and partake in the advocacy of our school in helping

the less fortunate. We had an opportunity to visit various NGOs which helped the weak

and the needy, those were one of the best out of school visitations that I experienced.

Let us go back to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article II, Section 23 it is written

that “State shall encourage non-government, community-based, or sectoral

organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.” With what I have discussed

earlier, it can clearly be seen that NGO’s really are recognized by the government, their

contribution is highly encouraged to actively participate in governmental affairs. In

addition to that as I’ve discussed above, various NGO’s such as ULAP can help in the

legislation process, this is because they have a vast knowledge on the needs of the less

fortunate groups.

Another, is Article 13, Section 15 which states that the “State should also respect the

role of independent people’s organizations to pursue legitimate and collective interests

and aspirations through peaceful and lawful means”. This encourages people to actively

participate in various governance. In order for them to be better represented, the NGOs

play a big role in this area. NGOs have their specific advocacies which makes it easier for

them to focus on a smaller and more precise bills to lobby.

Lastly, Article 13, Section 16 which states that the “Constitution has also vested the right

to the people and their organizations to effectively and reasonably participate at all

levels of social, political and economic decision-making and establish consultation

mechanisms thereof.” This just solidifies the previous statements, that people can lobby

their concerns and suggestions through various Organizations that will help strengthen

their voice. These articles gives a better view that the constitution was really made in

order for the people to practice democracy and the freedom to participate in politics.

We can now move on to the Local Government Code of 1991. The first one discussed is

Section 34, which says in order for the Local authorities to promote the cooperation of

their constituents, they should promote the creation of various NGOs in their locality. It

is in the capacity of the LGUs to facilitate the creation of NGOs, since it has been already

established that they play a huge role in serving and giving a voice to the less fortunate

people. They also can help when the LGU can no longer properly give the necessary

needs of the communities.

Section 35 of the Local Government Code of 1991 suggests that, both LGU and NGO

should both cooperate with each other in order for them to serve the community better.

They are to work together for them to both strengthen their individual weaknesses. The

LGU can promote the advocacies of the NGO, such as their livelihood projects that is

targeted to help the less fortunate to have another means of income generating activity.

In addition to that LGUs are mandate to provide financial assistance to NGOs, if they

would like to, in Section 36.

In conclusion, the relationship of LGUs and NGOs in terms of serving the people should

always be sailing smoothly. They are key actors in development and should always be
empowered. The government is not perfect, they should acknowledge that, they should

also remember that the right people are wiling to help in the aspects that they lack.

References:

Capuno, J. (2005). The quality of local governance and development under

decentralization in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.econ.upd.edu.ph/dp/

index.php/dp/article/download/124/122

Lewis, David. (2010). Nongovernmental Organizations, Definition and History.

10.1007/978-0-387-93996-4_3.

Lopa, C. K. (2003). The Rise of Philippine NGOs in Managing Development Assistance.

Retrieved from https://www.alnap.org/system/files/content/resource/files/main/
asiafinancingphilippines.pdf

Orbista, C. (2012). NGOs Participation in Local Governance in the Philippines. Retrieved

from https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/xmlui/handle/10092/8104