Executive Order 444: review of devolution process
On the national government’s continuing efforts to make devolution work, the Department of Interior and Local Governments, under Executive Order No. 444 is tasked to lead national agencies in reviewing the devolution process. All national agencies are required to submit their Rationalization Plan, with inputs from local governments. DILG Assistant Secretary Austere Panadero is chairperson of the committee.
Local governments complain that while they are expected to deliver basic services, the national goverment continues to control foreign funds and national funds for, among others, health programs. This is a major issue which should be resolved if we expect local governments to do their job well. The anti-Tuberculosis campaign, for example, cannot succeed without local governments in the lead. How the DOH will manage its partnership with the LGUs in terms of resource mobilzation, financing and technical assistance, will determine the outcome of this program.
