National and chapter presidents of the different leagues of local governments will convene today (October 10) to celebrate the gains of local autonomy during a local governance policy forum on the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Code (LGC), where Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo will also present his executive agenda for local governance.
The policy forum, dubbed as “Pagtanaw sa Maunlad na Bukas”, is one of the key culmination activities of the “Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad”, the yearlong celebration of 20 years of local autonomy in the country and the 20th anniversary of the Code, to be held at the PICC in Pasay City.
The Local Government Code is the landmark piece of legislation on local autonomy and decentralization enacted in 1991.
Robredo, whose Department oversees and supervises local governments, is expected to discuss to league officials and other stakeholders the Department’s strategic policy and program directions and thrusts in the continuing journey towards good local governance.
Joining the DILG Secretary during the activity are Senator Aquilino Pimentel, the main author of the Code, who shall discuss the gains and next steps to achieve more meaningful local autonomy; and Senate Committee on Local Governments chair, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Committee on Local Governments chair, Rep. George Arnaiz, who shall present their continuing legislative agenda for local governance.
Also expected to attend the forum are Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president Alfonso Umali Jr., Liga ng mga Barangay National President Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri, and League of Cities of the Philippines president Oscar Rodriguez.
On the other hand, Catanauan Mayor Ramon Orfanel, Galing Pook Foundation executive director Dr. Eddie Dorotan, and World Bank-Philippine Development Forum-Decentralization and Local Government co-convenor Mark Woodward, a representative for the private sector and the media shall present their insights and experiences on the benefits and impact of local autonomy.
Representatives from different sectors will also participate in the different fora on Human Development and Poverty Reduction; Good Governance and Anti-Corruption; Environment: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; and Economic Development: Local Competitiveness.
Hosting the activity are Dagupan City Councilor Maybelline dela Cruz Fernandez and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.
The Code anniversary celebration under the theme, “Local Government Code: 20 Years of Gains Towards A Meaningful Autonomy”, aims to reflect on the two decades of accomplishments made possible by the Code, as well as the next steps to be undertaken to improve local governance.
Yesterday, the three day culmination activity was kicked off with the “Filipinos in Motion: Bicycle Revolution” led by Secretary Robredo at the Quezon City Memorial Park to symbolically showcase unity and participation among Filipinos from different sectors in advocating good governance.
On October 11, President Benigno S. Aquino III is also expected to deliver his “Tugon ng Pangulo sa Pamahalaang Lokal” which shall embody his response to the local governments’ key issues and actions in support of the social contract. Julian Meneses, PAO-DILG
