Region XII hosted a Regional Decentralization Conference to discuss reforms to the Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC). This landmark event gathered the academe, civil society organizations (CSOs), DILG XII officials, local leaders, and policy makers to propose amendments aimed at improving governance, fiscal autonomy, and service deliver at the local level.
Keynote Speaker Atty. Francis Sarji U. Aldana, Head of the DILG Decentralization and Local Governance Reform (DLGR) - Project Management Office (PMO), said that the Local Government Code has been instrumental in empowering localities, but thee volving needs of our communities call for bold and responsive reforms. Through the amendments, he added that we aim to address gaps and ensure that local government units (LGUs) are better equipped to meet the demands of the times.
The Roadmap in Amending the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC) was presented by LGOO VI Arce P. Fajardo, OIC-Chief of the Local Development Planning Division DILG “BLGD, through a video presentation. The presentation focused on Building knowledge and evidence and establishing alliances with other stakeholders, Setting the policy reform priorities for the LGC, and Mobilizing policy entrepreneurs and reform champions for the passage of proposed legislative bills amending the LGC.
Partners from the Academe namely: Prof. Yvonne Saliling, University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Faculty Member of the Department of Social Science and Philosophy; Prof. Ivan Ray B. Amadio, Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) AB Political Science Professor; Prof. Julie E. Albano, Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) Director for External Linkages and International Affairs; Marinel Dable, Green Valley College Accreditation Officer; and Atty. Jane S. Torreon, DILG XII Regional Legal Officer presented their proposed amendments. The event was moderated by Atty. Romeo A. Sustiguer, Jr., President of Green Valley College and President of the City of Koronadal People’s Council.
The proposed amendments are set to significantly transform the way the local governments operate, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and participation of the community.
In her message, Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, DILG XII Regional Director, represented by LGOO VI Mary Ann Ridao-Traspe, Local Government Capability and Development Division (LGCDD) Assistant Division Chief, said that the Regional Decentralization Conference was an extraordinary opportunity for everyone to contribute shaping the governance landscape for future generations. The reforms proposed will directly impact the lives of millions of Filipinos in provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays across our nation.
The participation of everybody reflects the dedication and passion to improve our local governance framework. All stakeholders are given the chance to create a lasting impact on our governance structures, and ensuring that LGUs have the capacity to address local needs effectively.
