MANILA – Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Quirino Governor Dax Cua said service-oriented local government units (LGUs) will lead the future of local governance.
Cua made this remark during the UGNAYAN Lecture Series organized by the Center for Local and Regional Governance (CLRG) in collaboration with ULAP last June 30.
In his speech, Cua acknowledged the significant role played by the Local Government Code (LGC) in empowering LGUs over the past 32 years.
The LGC has granted them autonomy and authority to address unique challenges and foster democratic participation, decentralization and equitable resource distribution.
He, however, highlighted that the current decentralization framework has not fully enabled LGUs to realize their fullest potential.
The governor delved into the intricate complexities and emerging trends shaping the future trajectory of local governance in the Philippines.
He highlighted the impact of digitalization, climate action and the need for enhanced disaster response and resilience.
Cua also emphasized the importance of internalization, globalization and public-private partnerships for LGUs to become able partners in nation-building.
He shared ULAP's proposal for a paradigm shift in decentralization, empowering local authorities as agents of change, amplifying citizen participation, and paving the way for inclusive governance that serves the needs of communities.
He advocated for a needs-based, data-driven and scientific approach to identify essential services and improve service delivery at the local level.
“ULAP's proposal for decentralization transcends mere power transfer; it's a paradigm shift that empowers local authorities as agents of change, amplifies citizen participation, and paves the way for inclusive governance that truly serves the needs of our communities,” Cua said.
The UGNAYAN Lecture Series was held to address the challenges of decentralization and promote a people-centered approach to local governance.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marlo Iringan; Dr. Aekapol Chongvilaivan, a Senior Economist specializing in Public Finance at the Asian Development Bank (ADB); and Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, the Director of the UP Center for Local and Regional Governance, joined the webinar as panelists. (PNA)
