Decentralization

and Local
Governance
 In unitary systems like the
Philippines, the national or the
central government is given
substantial control and power over
the affairs or directions of the
country.
 In this system, all laws or policies
are expected to come from the
central government and are trickled
down to the local level.
Just like the national government,
the local governments are likewise
divided into three branches—the
executive, legislative, and judicial.
Local governments are the political
subdivisions of a state. They are at
the lowest level of
an elected territorial organization
within a state.
 In a unitary system like the
Philippines, local governments
are created by the national
government through legislation.
 Local governments are given the
task to provide local public services
and implement national
welfare policies.
 01
Decentralization,
Democratization,
and Governance
The process that involves the transfer of
planning, decision-making, or
administrative authority from the
central government to its field
organizations, local government, or
nongovernmental organizations is
known as decentralization.
There are four major forms of decentralization:
✓ Deconcentration
✓ Delegation to semi-autonomous or
parastatal organizations
✓ Devolution
✓ Transfer of functions from government to
nongovernment institutions
Deconcentration

It involves the redistribution of

administrative responsibilities within
the central government.
Delegation to semi-autonomous or
parastatal organizations

It involves the delegation

of decision-making and management
authority for specific functions to bodies
that are not under the direct control of the
central government.
Devolution

It involves the process by which the central

government relinquishes certain functions
to local government units. It thus seeks to
strengthen or to create independent levels
or units of government.
Transfer of functions from government
to nongovernment institutions

It involves the transfer of planning and

administrative powers or functions to
voluntary, private, or nongovernmental
institutions.
Decentralization enhances local participation
and therefore strengthens democracy.
Decentralization can only take place within
democratic processes and it requires for local
government systems to have good
management and democratic accountability.
 02
The Structure of
Local Government
The Local Government Code of 1991 brought
about significant changes, among which are
the devolution of basic services, facilities,
and regulatory powers; and the
enhancement of governmental and
corporate powers.
 The provinces, cities, municipalities, and,
barangays enjoy autonomy—specifically on
local affairs—but the president of the
country exercises general supervision over
these local government units (Article X,
Section 4).
The structure of local government is
illustrated below.
The 1991 Local Government Code
decentralized functions and responsibilities
to local government units. The four major
roles are:
1. Efficient service delivery
2. Management of the environment
3. Economic development
4. Poverty alleviation
Criteria for the Creation of LGU

Article X, Section 10 of the present constitution

specifically provides that “no province, city, municipality,
or barangay may be created, divided, merged, abolished,
or its boundary substantially altered, except in accordance
with the criteria established in the local government code
and subject to approval by a majority of the votes cast in a
plebiscite in the political units directly affected.”
Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the following
are the criteria for LGU creation.
Issues and Challenges

Several years after the Local Government Code of 1991

devolved powers and services from the national to the
local governments, it is observed that several LGUs still fail
to address the most basic needs of their constituents, still
lack mechanisms for transparency and accountability, and
have yet to exercise autonomy from the national
government.
Issues and Challenges

Many parts of the country are still governed

by traditional politicians who use coercion
and patronage rather than platforms-based
stance to encourage local participation.
Task

Take a selfie with a government-funded project in your barangay or

in the barangay where you are staying (if you are staying in a
boarding house). Submit the picture (soft copy) via email
(snhsppg2024@gmail.com) not later than Wednesday (April 24).
Describe the said project such as, but not limited to, year of
completion, source of fund (barangay, municipality, province,
national), and explain the benefits of the said project for the
residents in your barangay. Here are sample projects: Covered
Court, Canal, River Control, CCTV, Street Lights, Road Concreting,
Feeding Program.
Task (Summary)
1. Take a selfie with a government-funded project in your
barangay or in the barangay where you are staying (if you are
staying in a boarding house).
2. Edit the picture, placing your name and section.
3. Submit it via email together with the description of the project.
a. year of completion;
b. source of fund (barangay, municipality, province, national);
and
c. explain the benefits of the said project for the residents in
your barangay
4. Email address is: snhsppg2024@gmail.com
5. Subject of the email: Section – Family Name (Ex. Bacon – Carpio)