MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is actively seeking amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991, citing inherent flaws in the legislation that hinder local government units (LGUs) from efficiently implementing projects and delivering services. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. highlighted these issues during a pre-State of the Nation Address broadcast on People's Television Network.
According to Philippines News Agency, the current stipulations of the Local Government Code, such as funding responsibilities for barangay roads and school construction falling on barangays and cities respectively, are impractical for financially weaker municipalities, particularly those classified as 5th and 6th class. The proposed amendments would shift some of these financial responsibilities to the national government, particularly concerning educational facilities and solid waste management. This shift aims to alleviate the financial burden on less affluent LGUs and ensure more equitable service delivery across regions.
The amendments also seek to address the devolution of functions from the national government to the LGUs, a process that Abalos believes has been improperly handled. He emphasized the challenges of managing health care facilities under the current code, which mandates that each province have a tertiary hospital, a requirement that is financially untenable for poorer provinces. The DILG, in collaboration with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), is pushing for national government support in these areas as well.
In addition to structural reforms, Abalos discussed the DILG's directive for LGUs to prioritize nutrition programs for infants during their first 1,000 days as part of their annual investment plans. This initiative is intended to combat malnutrition and stunting, particularly in vulnerable populations in disaster-prone and isolated areas. The DILG, along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH), is focusing on comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and child health programs to support this priority.
Abalos expressed optimism that the proposed legislative changes would garner the necessary support from lawmakers to become law, enhancing the capability of LGUs to serve their communities effectively. He also reiterated his commitment to improving local governance based on his experiences and achievements as the former mayor of Mandaluyong City, where he implemented successful health and nutrition initiatives.