20 years of local autonomy celebrated

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7 launched its new program, the "Biyaheng Pinoy Tapat Na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad" in celebration of 20 years of local government autonomy in the Philippines.

The "Biyaheng Pinoy" is a series of local governance-related activities participated in by other national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private sector and nongovernment organizations (NGOs).

DILG 7 Director Pedro Noval Jr. said the program is also aimed at increasing awareness of the general public on local governance issues.

Noval is encouraging the different departments to join the series of activities.

He said their proposed activity, schedule and source of funds must be submitted six weeks before the scheduled activity.

Those interested to join can enroll in any type of activity that would fall under any category.

Categories include "policy path," wherein a forum will be conducted so people could suggest policy reforms. Others are the "knowledge management path, advocacy path, and awards and incentives path."

Noval said 28 agencies have already enrolled in the program. Transparency and clarity of purpose are being highlighted.

To achieve transparency, he said everybody involved in the implementation of the program related to local governance must be transparent and accountable.

A circular was issued directing all LGUs to post their budget at their website so everybody could check or scrutinize it.

Noval said the DILG will render assistance to agencies that do not have any website yet, although bulletins could also be used. (FREEMAN)