DILG Reaffirms Commitment to LGU Empowerment, Transparency, and Citizen Participation on 34th Local Government Code Anniversary
As the nation marks the 34th anniversary of the Local Government Code, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its full commitment to empowering local government units (LGUs) and strengthening transparency and citizen participation in governance.
In a media interview, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan underscored how the Local Government Code of 1991 transformed governance by devolving powers and resources to LGUs. Before its passage, local governments were heavily dependent on the national government for projects and funding. “Kung sino ang may koneksyon at kakilala sa national government, yung mga nandito sa Metro Manila, sila lang ang kalimitang nakakakuha ng programa at proyekto para sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” he said.
Through the Code, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays gained a 40 percent share from national internal revenue taxes, enabling them to plan and implement programs that respond directly to community needs. With the Mandanas-Garcia ruling now in effect, LGUs receive an even greater share under the National Tax Allocation (NTA), sourced from all national government taxes.
Undersecretary Iringan also highlighted the Department’s continuing drive for good governance and accountability through training programs for newly elected officials and the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which assesses LGU performance in financial administration, disaster preparedness, peace and order, social protection, and business friendliness.
On disaster readiness, he cited the Department’s Operation Listo protocols that guide LGUs and communities in preparing for calamities. He also mentioned the conduct of peace and order audits and anti-illegal drug abuse performance reviews to strengthen public safety nationwide.
Underscoring collaboration between the national government and LGUs, he said, “Nakasaad naman doon sa Local Government Code na may mga proyekto na dapat may proper consultation with the local government at mga mamamayan.”
In his message to local officials, he reminded, “Ang mandato na nakuha natin mula sa ating mga mamamayan ay isang responsibilidad na dapat nating gampanan ng maayos. Makipagtulungan ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan sa national government nang sa ganoon ay lalo pa nating mapabilis na makamit ang ating hangarin para sa ating bansa at para sa ating mga bayan-bayan.”
The DILG’s continuing efforts reflect the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a “Bagong Pilipinas” that builds progress from the grassroots up. The Department remains steadfast in empowering local governments, institutionalizing good governance, and deepening citizen engagement to build a stronger and more responsive nation. ###
ady localities and ensuring a safer infrastructure sector for all Filipinos. ###