Philippine Mayors’ Forum on Innovation, Digital Governance, and Resiliency Building towards Accelerated Implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Philippines
ULAP President Gov. Dax Cua highlights local governments as key drivers of services and main movers in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals during the Philippine Mayors’ Forum on Innovation, Digital Governance, and Resiliency Building towards Accelerated Implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Philippines on 27 October 2023.
DILG STATEMENT ON PBBM’S APPROVAL OF LAW ON AUTOMATIC INCOME CLASSIFICATION OF LGUS
The Department of the Interior and Local Government lauds President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s approval of Republic Act No. 11964, which provides for the automatic income classification of local government units.
“RA 11964 is clear proof that the President—himself a former local chief executive—and his administration understands and values the role of LGUs in national development,” DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. said.
Under the new law, a general income reclassification of LGUs shall be made within six months and then automatically every three years thereafter.
“This is very, very important to our LGUs as income classification impacts their ability to undertake development projects, access financial grants from various sources, and determine the salary of LGU personnel,” Secretary Abalos explained.
“With this new law, we now have a better, more flexible system of determining income classification, which responds to current economic contexts and considers the impact of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling,” he continued.
RA 11964 also adjusts the income ranges that serve as basis for classification, determined through the average annual regular income of the LGU for the past three fiscal years. Further adjustment to these income ranges may be made administratively and shall be in consultation with local government leagues.
“The enactment of this law is also an apt development as we close the celebration of the Local Government Month this October. Truly, we stand closer than ever to the genuine local autonomy that was envisioned through the Local Government Code thirty-two years ago,” Secretary Abalos said.
ULAP President Governor Dax Cua expresses his support to the USAID Urban Connect Project Launch on 26 October 2023
ULAP President Governor Dax Cua expresses his support to the USAID Urban Connect Project Launch on 26 October 2023, which aims to promote inclusive and resilient economic growth by enhancing local economic development and improving public service delivery. In his message of support, he recognized that to realize local autonomy, prevent resource concentration, and align functional responsibilities with fiscal capabilities, LGUs must be empowered to boost local revenue and support economic growth including broadening their tax base and fostering a conducive environment for local investment.
Improving public service delivery is another key focus. Gov Cua calls for stronger intergovernmental cooperation in service delivery in a way that is responsive to the needs of their respective constituents. This requires clear roles and responsibilities, along with collaborative efforts, private sector engagement, and decentralized cooperation to enhance public services.
ULAP President Governor Dax Cua presents the Renewal of Local Governance Towards the Sustainable Development Goals during the 2023 EROPA Conference and General Assembly at the National Convention Center, Hanoi, Vietnam, today, 19 October 2023.
Gov. Cua highlighted the role of local chief executives, particularly provincial governors, as middle managers in the implementation of localized SDG goals and the need for a collective effort involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.
2023 Philippine Digital Convention
In his keynote message at the 2023 Philippine Digital Convention on October 13, 2023, organized by PLDT Smart, ULAP President Gov. Dax Cua, emphasized the importance of innovation in government service and the role of LGUs in shaping local communities towards becoming smart cities and smart provinces.
He shared the Province of Quirino's initiatives towards digital governance, including its ambitious digital infrastructure project. The project aims to improve internet connectivity in the province by building a fiber backbone with a wireless backhaul and distribution network solution. The initial phase of the project will provide Wi-Fi connectivity in 92 identified public areas, including schools, government hospitals, and rural health units.
Gov. Cua also highlighted the importance of sustainability in the development of digital technology. He stressed that LGUs should invest in reskilling and upskilling programs for their human resources to make them future-ready and the importance of public and private dialogue and collaboration in promoting digitalization and sustainability.
ULAP VP for Mindanao and VMLP Chairman Vice Mayor Bernard dela Cruz and ULAP Chairman for Advocacy and PCL Chairman Councilor Raul Corro also attended the event at the Grand Marriott Ballroom in Pasay City.
PLDT launches "Lipad, LGU" initiative to help LGUs become smart cities
PLDT launched its “Lipad, LGU” initiative in partnership with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) during the 2023 Tech Leadership Forum. The initiative aims to help LGUs become smart cities through programs such as smart cities assessment, education, planning, and benchmarking.
