MARCH 20, 2013

NR # 3049B

National development is a collaborative effort Belmonte

Local governments are indispensable partners to meaningful, inclusive and sustained national development, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. said. The national government cannot, on its own, meet the needs and demands of our people. It needs to partner and collaborate with local governments, the House leader recently emphasized before members of the Philippine Councilors League. Belmonte pointed out that the 1987 Constitution adopted local autonomy as a principle and policy of the State, instituting government decentralization as a means to improve public sector governance. Decentralization leads to a democratic and accountable government by promoting greater people participation and effective representation. It promotes the dispersion of economic development to the regions and countryside, the Speaker said. Local governments, being closer to the people, are in a better position than the national government to know and respond to the unique needs of their peoples and localities, Belmonte added. Noting that, in most cases, at the forefront of local governments are the governors, mayors and other chief executive officers who deserve awards and recognition; Belmonte made special mention of the councilors whom he dubbed as, silent heroes working behind the scenes. Among this tireless breed of heroic individuals are you our dear councilors, the Speaker stressed, adding that the councilors possess significant powers and that you have the opportunity to do much change and much good. As members of the Sanggunian Panglunsod and the Sangguniang Bayan, Belmonte underlined that their power to make laws means three things: (1) political power - the power to enact laws for the establishment, organization and operation of the local government; (2) police power the power to enact laws to promote peace, health, safety, and welfare; and (3) taxing power the duty to collect taxes to raise revenue for government operations. The public service that you provide is bounded only by the reach of your dedication, creativity, imagination, and innovative spirit, the Speaker said. Among other vital ingredients that spell development, the Speaker stressed, are synchronicity of local and national policies as well as putting more effort towards the harmonization of national laws with local ordinances. While we recognize the great value of autonomy, a core principle in the workings of our local government units, nevertheless, we need to move forward in one direction, Belmonte emphasized. This was Belmontes message to the nations councilors, led by National President Alma Moreno and National Chairman Alan Zulueta, among others, during a recent awards program for the Outstanding Sanggunian Bayan/Panlunsod (PCL-LLA) and Ten Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines. Rep. Sonny Angara, on behalf of the Speaker, delivered this message. (30) dpt