THE CHANGING ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDER A DECENTRALIZED STATE: The case of the Philippines

Abstract

This paper discusses the evolving role of local government in the Philippines under an environment of local autonomy and decentralized structures. With the passage of the Local Government Code by Congress in 1991 which devolved powers and authority to local governments, they were given wide latitude to make vital decisions in governing their local communities. Thus, they were enabled and expected to assume new and wider roles in local governance through innovation and changes in the local structures, though with limited resources. Within this changing context, this paper presents and discusses some issues and concerns which beset the implementation of their enabling role. It also presents two documented case studies which illustrate the shifting of roles of local governments from that of a traditional bureaucratic enabler to a market-oriented or community-oriented enabler.

Keywords:

• Local Government, Governance, Devolved, Private Sector, Enabling, Ngo'S