DILG celebrates local autonomy

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and the Local Government (DILG) 7 is spearheading the celebration of the two decades of local autonomy in the Philippines through the program, "Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad".

As the countdown to the two decades of local autonomy in the country begins, the DILG 7 drummed up the take-off of the development journey by conducting a media hopping and issuing press releases since last month.

Last October 24, DILG 7 had a management Committee (MANCOM) meeting to discuss the Biyaheng Pinoy Program and the approaches on how to implement it in the Central Visayas region, which will cover a series of activities until October 2011.

On November 16, the DILG 7 will meet the various stakeholders of local autonomy including the national and local governments, civil society, academe, media, and others. The program aims to commemorate the 20 years of local autonomy through a year-long series of activities at the local and national level.

According to DILG 7 Director Pedro Noval, the Biyaheng Pinoy Program aims to heighten the awareness and commitment of the different stakeholders for a "genuine and more meaningful local autonomy."

The program is meant to heighten the awareness and encourage the participation of the general public on local governance issues.

The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) in Region 7 has also adopted the program after Noval made a presentation before them in a meeting last October 26.

The program was also presented to the Visayas Executive Council of Leaders (VECL) last October 29.

VECL is the umbrella organization of the three executive associations across the Visayas regions namely the RANGE in Region 6, ARENA in Region 7 and REAL in Region 8. The Hagit! Syagit! Anti-Corruption Concert this November 11, which involves the regional executives from three regions, is already included in the Biyaheng Pinoy Program.

The Local Government Code, which is enacted into law in 1991, has made possible the decentralization of powers and authority to local governments. (FREEMAN)