Governor Dax Cua during UN DESA's Virtual Workshop on Subsidiarity and Decentralization for Sustainable Development
Governor Dax Cua, President of ULAP highlighted the vital role of local governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for their empowerment through greater autonomy and resource allocation during UN DESA's Virtual Workshop on Subsidiarity and Decentralization for Sustainable Development today, 13 December 2023.
Gov. Cua believes that subsidiarity and decentralization are essential for unlocking the full potential of local communities and achieving a sustainable future, emphasizing that LGUs should not be viewed as subordinate entities, but rather as partners of the national government in achieving shared national development goals.
Empowering LGUs with real authority allows them to craft solutions tailored to their communities' needs and aspirations. Gov. Cua also shared ULAP's work in improving service delivery at the local level through the identification of essential services for each level of local government and the development of data-driven service delivery models.
First Filipino to Lead United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific
We are thrilled to share that Governor Dax Cua, President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), has been elected as the new President of the United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC)!
The UCLG-ASPAC, the largest regional section of UCLG with connections to over 7,000 local governments, made this historic decision during the Council Meeting in the 9th UCLG-ASPAC Congress held in Yiwu, China, from November 13 to 15, 2023.
“Mayors, governors, my fellow local government leaders, we have each been given the power to make the world a better place. Not everyone is given that opportunity– not everyone has the power to positively change the lives of other people. And by working together, we can amplify this power to improve not only our cities and provinces, but our region and the world.” said Governor Dax Cua.
ULAP Calls for Peaceful and Orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections
Mandaluyong, Philippines– The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) is calling on all stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections on 30 October 2023 are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“The BSKE is a crucial part of our democratic process, and it is important that all eligible voters are able to cast their votes freely and without fear of intimidation or violence,” said ULAP National President Gov. Dax Cua. “We urge all candidates, their supporters, and the general public to conduct themselves and cooperate with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the elections are held in a safe and secure environment.”
Barangays and SKs play a vital role in grassroots governance in the Philippines. They are the first responders to the needs of the community, and they are responsible for delivering basic services and promoting peace and order. They also play an important role in developing the youth and promoting civic engagement.
Likewise, ULAP is urging all registered voters to come out on election day to cast their votes. “Your vote is your chance to make a difference in your community,” Cua said.
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.
