Decentralization Policy
of Local Government Units: A Research Study on the Implementation of Republic
Act No. 7160
Introduction
The
implementation of Republic Act No.7160 otherwise known as Local Government Code of 1991 had evolved to
new structural process through the application of decentralization system in
local governance. In this mandate, the Local Government Units have given more
powers, authority, responsibilities and resources to become responsive and
self-reliant to needs of the community. This is also implemented and formulated
based on the operative principle of decentralization as provided in the policy
and application of Republic Act No.7160. The operative principle of
decentralization is provided in section 3, Chapter I, title one form paragraph
(a) to (m) as mandated in the Local Government Code of 1991.
The structural set up of the LGU reflects the primary
mechanism to determine the implementation of effective policy for the delivery
of basic services in the community. Te initiative of local officials to
articulate the vision, mission, philosophy and goal would also reflect their
capability to produce quality services to the community. The capability of LGU
also begins the process of governance with respect to the mandated power and
authority as vested b the local government officials. This is within the
provision on General Welfare ( Section 17) that “ Every
Local Government Unit shall
exercise the powers expressly granted , those necessarily implied there from,
as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and
effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the
general welfare. Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, Local
Government Units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation
and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of
people to balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of
appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve
public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social social
justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and
order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants”
Specifically,
this study evaluated the effectiveness and responsiveness of decentralization
policy within the context of basic services and facilities (Republic Act No.
7160, Section 17-2) .Those devolved programs that are transferred to LGUs: Agricultural Extension and On-Site Research (DA);
infrastructure projects (DPWH); Field Health and Hospital Services (DOH);
Social Welfare Services (DSWD); Community-Based Forestry Program ( DENR) and other investment support services. It should be
noted that the critical analysis in the devolved programs relies so much on the
priority development programs implemented by the LGU Executive Officials
including the support of the head or chief of municipal offices. Thus, it
utilized the LGU Executive Officials, Department Heads and Personnel to assess
their current experiences as to the implementation of the decentralization
policy in their respective municipality.
