DECENTRALIZATION & LOCAL

GOVERNANCE
 True progress lies in the direction of
decentralization, both territorial and functional, in
the development of the spirit of local and personal
initiative, and of free federation from the simple to
the compound, instead of the present hierarchy
from the center to the periphery
Building sustainable cities – and a sustainable future –
will need open dialogue among all branches of
national, regional and local government. And it will
require the engagement of all stakeholders –
including the private sector and civil society and
especially the poor and marginalized
Local Autonomy – It refers to “self governing”. It is also the granting
of more powers, authority , responsibilities and resources by the
national government to local government units in order to be self –
reliant and active partners.

Decentralization – It is transfer of power and authority from central

institution to lower or local levels of a government system.
 FORMS OF DECENTRALIZATION
1. Devolution. It is the transfer of power and authority
from the national government to local government units
(LGUs). It is seen in political and territorial.
2. Deconcentration. It is the transfer of power , authority
or responsibility or the discretion to plan, decide and
manage from central to local levels; administrative and
sectorial.
3. Debureaucratization. It is the transfer of some public
functions and responsibilities, which government may
perform, to private entities or non – government
organizations (NGOs)
 Aims of the Local Government Code 1991
1. To transform LGUs into self- reliant communities
and active partners in nation – building by giving
them more powers , authority, responsibilities and
resources.
2. Hopes to achieve economic development at the
regional and local levels by giving more freedom in
carrying out their programs that are suitable for their
areas.
Devolved functions to LGUs
1. Community- based forestry
2. Field health and hospital services
3. School building program
4. Telecommunications
5. Social welfare services
6. Tourism
7. Public works
8. Housing
9. Agricultural extension
10. Others like investment support
 Devolved Regulatory Powers
1. Reclassification of agricultural lands
2. Enforcement of environmental laws
3. Inspection of food products and quarantine
4. Enforcement of national building code
5. Operation of tricycles
6. Processing and approval of subdivision plans
7. Establishments of cockpits
Composition of the Local Government
1. Province – intermediate unit is
providing supervision to the
municipalities and component cities
and under it and performing services
for the national government.
2. Cities and Municipalities – basic units of
the local government delivering services for
the national government.
3. Barangay – sub – municipal unit, which
provides for face to face interaction among
the people.