FIRST EDITION

Local Development Agenda

Formulated based on the outputs of the

“Consultative Workshop for Drawing a Basic Sector Agenda
with the Local Government Units,” a project of the
National Anti-Poverty Commission, in cooperation with the
National Economic Development Authority and the
United Nations Development Programme
Local Development Agenda
Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
First Edition, 07 August 2009

Prepared and printed by the National Anti-Poverty Commission in Quezon City, Philippines.
FIRST EDITION
The entire pamphlet of part/s of it may be quoted or reproduced freely provided that source
document and publisher are acknowledged.

This document was prepared by the Basic Sector Unit and Localization Unit Staff led by Sem
H. Cordial, concurrent OIC-Director. They are: from BSU, Buena Alivia, Donny Bajada, Tess
Baldonadi, Jessie Elacan, Mayette Eledia, Jaycle Ilagan, Kim Medrana, Desiree Mercado,
Catalina Ocampo, Ma. Lourdes Peñalosa, Hannah Quinsay, Jessie Rebueno, Nelson Salas
and Rene Vidallo; from LU, Jojo Adelan, Cha-cha Siawingco, Suzette Simondac, Ana Solis
and Glennie Tolentino. Administrative support was provided by the UNDP Project Office
composed of Teresita Lalap, Fe Turingan and Bert Villa (in OIC capacity) and the NAPC
Administrative and Finance Unit headed by Mr. Elmer Gutierrez.
INTRODUCTION
Under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan or KALAHI, the government’s poverty
alleviation framework whose operationalization is spearheaded by the National
Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), the Basic Sectors (BS) and Local Government
Units (LGUs) have important roles to play.

On the one hand, the BS, composed of the following as identified under RA 8425,
or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997: farmers and rural landless
workers, artisanal fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, workers
in the formal sector and migrant workers, workers in the informal sector, women,
youth and students, persons with disabilities, victims of disaster and calamities,
senior citizens, non-government organizations, children and cooperatives, are
expected to form grassroots alliances geared toward policy and program
interventions at the local and national levels.

On the other, the LGUs are tasked, primarily under RA 7160, or the Local
Government Code (LGC) of 1991, to assume frontline role in any development
effort. They should facilitate and/or implement poverty reduction programs, projects
and activities (PPAs) in their localities. They also are mandated take an active role
in the planning, monitoring, evaluating and funding and providing other resources
to the same PPAs. In these tasks, the LGUs are mandated under RA 8425 to ensure
the meaningful participation of the BS.

With these responsibilities, it is apparent that the BS and LGUs have to form an
alliance and work together. Such an engagement is one of the most important,
having the biggest potential to make the most significant impact on alleviating the
conditions of the poor. The poor, after all, are on the ground; they are closer to the
LGUs than the NAPC or the national government agencies (NGAs). Moreover, RA
7160 mandates the LGUs to provide certain services that are required by the basic
sectors.

However, nearly a decade since the Basic Sectoral Councils (BS Councils) of the
NAPC were established, the link between these important participatory mechanism
and the LGUs has never been given the focus that it deserves.

Current developments make it imperative for the basic sectors, specially the BS
Councils, to “seize” the moment and take determined steps to alleviate the plight
of the poor. One such development is the global financial crisis and its consequent
effect of focusing government’s and the community’s attention on the poorest and
most vulnerable. There is also the fact that while the country’s gross national
product (GNP), gross domestic product (GDP), balance of payments (BOP), and
debt situation, among other macro-economic indicators, have improved, the ranks
of the poor have also increased. This is borne out by the most recent poverty
statistics (2006) released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Realizing this, the NAPC Secretariat envisioned the conduct of an advocacy

encounter between the BS Councils, on the one hand, and the LGUs, on the other.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 1
But first there was a need to define the critical needs of the BS vis-a-vis the
envisioned working partnership with the LGUs; in other words, there was a need for
the BS Councils to define their agenda with the LGUs.

Because these activities entail resources not included in the NAPC’s regular
budgets, the activity was proposed for funding by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) under its “Achieving the Millennium Development Goals and
Reducing Human Poverty Program,” which is principally implemented by the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The proposal was entitled “Twin Forums to Ensure Effective Collaboration Between
the Local Governments and the BS.” The project intended to bring together the
National Government Agencies (main BS partner agencies),the LGUs and the
Sectoral Councils/Basic Sector Representatives in a dialogue over sectoral
advocacies that may be addressed individually or jointly with the LGUs; and give
further impetus to the frontline role and responsibilities of the LGUs in the fight
against poverty. Specifically, the project aimed to:

1. Review the updated NAPC sectoral agendas and generate basic sector
program and policy advocacy agenda targeted specifically for the LGUs on
the following concerns: asset reform, livelihood and employment, human
development services, and governance;
2. Foster dialogue between basic sectors, on the one hand, and LGUs, on the
other, on basic sector advocacies for LGUs; and
3. Generate commitments and support from the LGUs for these advocacies.

The twin forums consisted first of a “Consultative Workshop to Draw a Basic Sector
Agenda with the LGUs” and was held on July 22, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria
Manila in Ortigas Center, Quezon City. As the title suggests, the forum provided a
venue to the BS Councils to formulate their LGU agenda, in cooperation with their
lead partner government agencies, technical staff of the local government
leagues, and the NAPC Secretariat.

The second forum is entitled “Advocacy Forum for LGU Policy and Program Support
for the Basic Sectors” where the outputs of the first workshop will be marketed
among the heads of the LGU leagues as well as the governors of the NAPC’s priority
provinces.

This document entitled “Local Development Agenda. Proposed LGU Policy and
Program Support for the Basic Sectors” is the NAPC Secretariat’s initial attempt at
repackaging the workshop outputs during the first forum into a knowledge product.
It contains proposed courses of actions that reflect critical needs of the BS. This
local agenda is geared toward sharpening the LGUs’ focus on the KALAHI
development goals, namely: poverty reduction, good governance and
empowered communities.

2 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
PROPOSED LGU POLICY
AND PROGRAM SUPPORT
FOR THE BASIC SECTORS
The following are the Basic Sectors’ agenda with the LGUs, presented according to
the KALAHI’s thematic clusters, namely: Social Protection and Human Development
Services, Asset Reform, Participation in Governance and Livelihood and
Employment.

A. Social Protection and Human Development Services

The following proposed actions are aimed at improving access to basic services
such as education, health and sanitation, electrification and water which are
necessary to enable the basic sectors to meet basic human needs and enable
them to live decent lives. It also includes actions that will increase community
protection from severe impacts of natural and man-made calamities.

1. Ensure the implementation of Child-Friendly School System (CFSS)

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 184, Establishing the Presidential Award for
Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities, LGUs are mandated to fulfill its role in
promoting and protecting children’s rights to survival, development, protection
and participation. Under the “Child-Friendly Movement (CFM)”, and its
subcomponent, the Child-Friendly School System, LGUs are expected to ensure
the provision of the minimum 1% allocation of the LGU’s Internal Revenue
Allotment (Sec 15 - RA 9344) for the Barangay/Local Council for the Protection
of Children (LCPC). The allocation may be used to enhance school, learning,
and water and sanitation facilities. LGUs are also tasked to ensure that all
children in the community are in schools; schools are implementing policies that
promote healthy practices and provide safe environment for the children; and
that gender stereotyping, child exploitation and abuse are eliminated.

The agendum is also consistent with DILG MC 2008-126, Monitoring the

Functionality of the Local/ Barangay Council for the Protection of Children; RA
9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act; and the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child. Sec. 15 of RA 9344 specifically provides that 1% of the IRA of
barangays, municipalities and cities shall be allocated for the strengthening and
implementation of the programs of the LCPC.

2. Provide education programs for Out-of-School Children and Youth

The increasing number of the out-of-school youth (OSY) needs to be

immediately addressed as it usually leads to unhealthy outcomes such as
engagement in fraternities/sororities, illegal gambling and other vices, premarital
sex and early marriages. As these perturbing consequences usually occur at the

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 3
 ground level, LGUs are the best institutions to arrest the increasing trend. The
children sector advocates that LGUs partner with government agencies in
crafting and implementing programs and projects that would provide livelihood
to OSYs and/or enroll them in alternative learning systems (ALS). LGUs could also
facilitate the provision of scholarship to deserving OSYs.

3. Issue local ordinances for schools to build ramps instead of stairs

Item 4 under Rule I of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Batas
Pambansa (BP) 344 (An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by
Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install
Facilities and Other Devices) states that no permit for the construction, repair or
renovation of public and private buildings and other related structures for public
use shall be issued, unless the owner or developer has provided in the plans and
specifications submitted for approval barrier-free facilities and accessibility
features. The administration and enforcement of the provisions of BP 344 is
through the City/Municipal Engineer, who acts as Local Building Office,
pursuant to Section 477 of RA 7160 (Local Government Code).

The Children and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) sectors propose that LGUs issue
local ordinance encouraging schools to install ramps instead of stairs in their
school buildings.

4. Allocate at least 1% of total annual appropriations for the implementation of

plans, programs and projects intended to address the concerns of senior citizens
and PWDs

Consistent with the provisions stated in Section 29 of the General Provisions of

the General Appropriations Act (GAA), LGUs shall issue separate guidelines
similar to the Department of Budget and Management – Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DBM-DSWD) Joint Circular 2003-1, which provides
the implementing guidelines for “setting aside 1% of government agency
budget for programs/projects related to senior citizens and persons with
disabilities.”

The PWD and Senior Citizens Councils propose that, among others, funding for
programs, plans and projects be focused on the following:

• Support to Special Education Programs for PWDs and Special Education

(SPED) Centers of Department of Education, consistent with Section 14
(Special Education) of Chapter 2 - Education of RA 7277, or An Act Providing
for the Rehabilitation, Self Development and Self Reliance of Disabled
Persons and Their Integration into the Mainstream of Society and for Other
Purposes, which states, “The state shall establish, maintain and support a
complete, adequate and integrated system of special education for the
visually impaired, hearing impaired, mentally retarded persons and other
types of exceptional children in all regions of the country ... Local
Government units may likewise appropriate counterpart funds to
supplement national funds.”

4 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
 • Consistent with RA 9442, “An Act Amending Republic Act 7277, otherwise
known as Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, and for Other Purposes,”’
issuance of identification cards and booklets to PWDs that shall be used as
proof of their status and enable them to avail themselves of the 20 %
discount on medicines, medical and dental services, and other products
and services identified in RA 9442;
• Provision of technical and financial support to strengthen PWD and Senior
Citizens organizations;
• Conduct of capability building training for Office of Senior Citizens Affairs
(OSCA) heads, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers
(MSWDO), Federation of Seniors Citizens Associations of the Philippines
(FSCAP) regarding various laws and issuances for Senior Citizens such as RA
7432, “An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation
Building, Grant Benefits and Special Privileges and for Other Purposes;” RA
7876, “An Act Establishing a Senior Citizens Center in all Cities and
Municipalities of the Philippines, and Appropriating Funds Therefor;” and the
Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens 2006 – 2010.
• Establishment of Senior Citizens Centers pursuant to RA 7876

5. Conduct quarterly Gender Sensitivity Trainings to increase awareness and

understanding of Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Law (RA
9262).

Pursuant to RA 9262, protection orders, issued for the purpose of preventing

further acts of violence against a woman or her child and granting other
necessary relief, may be issued by the Punong Barangay or a Barangay
Kagawad in case the former is unavailable at the time of the issuance.
Barangay officials are also mandated to assist applicants in the preparation of
the application. Law enforcement agents shall also extend assistance in the
application for protection orders in cases brought to their attention.

LGU social workers ,police officers, preferably those in charge of women and
children’s desks, Punong Barangays, and Barangay Kagawads are also
provided the authority to file for petition for protection orders on behalf of a
victim.

To fully implement RA 9262, the women’s sector also proposes the establishment
of women’s desk in every barangay.

All these entail providing officers for women’s desks with the sufficient gender
sensitivity training to effectively equip him/her for the job.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 5
6. Provide support to organic farming

Farmers are shifting from the traditional commercial pesticides and fertilizer–
dependent farming to organic farming. The shift is due to the cheaper cost of
inputs provided by the latter, the higher demand in the market for organically
grown products, and the benefits organic farming practices bring to the
environment. However, shifting from the traditional to organic is not easy. It
entails re-conditioning of farmlands, which in turn results in initial lowering of
productivity as the farm environment adjusts to the change in agricultural
practices employed in it. Also, traditionally grown products are still more
preferred by most consumers due to its lower price in the market.

The farmers sector is advocating that LGUs provide technical support to farmers’
initiatives to shift to organic farming. Also, the sector is encouraging LGUs to
engage in the promotion of organic agricultural products grown by their
constituents.

7. Implement measures that promote culture of safety and resiliency among

constituents

The Victims of Disasters and Calamities sector advocates the integration of

disaster management in the planning processes of local governments as
prescribed in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2004 – 2010.
Among the concrete actions proposed by the sector for LGUs to adopt are the
following:

• Conduct risk assessment and planning within respective areas of

responsibility;
• Integrate disaster management in the formulation of comprehensive land
use plans;
• Enforce “no-settlement policy” in identified disaster risk – prone areas;
• Create a disaster management office and build up capacities of its staff;
• Provide support to the implementation of barangay disaster risk
management plans; and
• Conduct local studies on climate change adaptation strategy.

8. Establish local Schools of Living Traditions and/or Madrasas

Schools of living traditions (SLT) is a program of the National Commission for

Culture and the Arts (NCCA) implemented for the purpose of preserving cultural
heritage in living form through its transmission to the next generations. It focuses
on the teaching of indigenous skills and techniques to the younger generations.
Rule V, Section 8 of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) mandates DepEd
and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched)to establish SLTs. Madrasas on
the other hand, are buildings or groups of buildings, typically including a
mosque, used for teaching Islamic theology and religious law.

The Indigenous Peoples (IP) sector advocates that LGUs with IP constituents
identify areas where SLTs or Madrasas could be possibly built and consequently

6 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
 provide budget allocation for its establishment. They could coordinate with
NCCA, DepEd, Ched and relevant agencies in the process. An important
component of SLTs shall be libraries where documents and other materials that
record indigenous cultures and traditions could be stored.

9. Provide allocation to information campaigns on reproductive health

The youth and students sector advocates for LGUs to incorporate in their
Gender and Development (GAD) plans and budget items for an information
campaign on reproductive health and population among the youth. This is to
prevent teen-age pregnancies and similar unpleasant incidents.

10. Establish and operate mechanisms to promote peace and respect for human
rights

The sectors advocate for LGUs to promote peace and respect for human rights
among its constituents. They propose that LGUs integrate human rights
advocacy in their respective development plans. This includes the establishment
of Barangay Human Rights Action Councils, whose members shall include basic
sector organizations in the locality.

Consistent with the promotion of peace, LGUs are encouraged to implement

similar mechanisms that would support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and
other victims of armed conflicts. Among the specific actions desired are the
immediate repatriation and rehabilitation of their respective IDP constituents,
and declaration of some uninfluenced municipalities as “zones of peace.”

The children sector also stresses the need for LGUs to provide adequate facilities
for the rehabilitation of children in armed conflicts (CIACs). Executive Order No.
56, “Adopting the Comprehensive Program Framework for Children In Armed
Conflict and Directing National Government Agencies and Local Government
Units to Implement the Same” mandates that all agencies involved shall ensure
that actual funds, services and/or activities equivalent to at least one percent
(1%) of their annual MOOE budget shall be appropriated for the implementation
of this program (Sec 4). One pressing issue of the CIAC today is the lack of
facilities (rehabilitation) for the CIACs, for which the LGUs are asked to give the
appropriate allocation.

The children sector advocates that LGUs take CIACs as a vital agenda of its
local peace and security councils, committees or similar bodies. This is consistent
with DILG MC 2008-126, particularly item III.3.6. (Assistance to the Children in
Need of Special Protection).

11. Establish and operate mechanisms that would improve social security among
basic sectors and their access to affordable and sustainable health insurance

The sectors advocate that LGUs, through provincial, municipal and barangay
health boards and with the participation of basic sector organizations, come up
with mechanisms that would assist their constituents graduate from being
indigent beneficiaries to regular paying members of the Philhealth and the

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 7
 Social Security System (SSS). They also advocate for LGUs to link up with
Philhealth and the SSS on developing indigenous schemes that would allow
affordable and customized premium and payment schedules.

Among the other specific actions LGUs are encouraged to undertake are the
following:

• Adopt the DSWD Proxy Means Test in identifying indigents ;

• Involve Barangay Health Workers in campaigning among its constituents
regarding enrolment, sustained premium collection and continuing
education;
• Allocate budget for the provision of Philhealth cards to indigent families;
• Encourage constituents to enrol in SSS rather than private insurance
companies;
• Implement regular continuing education program on how to minimize work-
related diseases in the informal economy under its Local Health
Development Plan;
• Through local legislation, include enrolment in SSS and Philhealth as a
requirement in the issuance and renewal of business permits.

12. Participate in the initiative to review RA 9344, or the Juvenile Justice Law

The basic sectors ask the MSWDOs, Sangguniang Kabataan’s (SK) and the four
Local Government Leagues, namely the League of Provinces of the
Philippines(LPP), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), League of
Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB), to
initiate discussions within LGUs regarding the implementation of the Juvenile
Justice Law geared towards a review of its implementation.

13. Implement programs on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation

and sustainable development

LGUs are encouraged to establish and strengthen local environment offices and
other similar bodies that would work on coming up with and implementing
programs to protect the environment, conserve local biodiversity and promote
sustainable use of natural resources within their locality. Consistent with this
advocacy is the issuance of local environment codes and implementation of
solid waste management programs.

The sector is also pushing for strict compliance of LGUs with RA 9003 or the
“Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” which requires the
establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) in every barangay or cluster
of barangays. MRFs shall be established in a barangay-owned or -leased land or
any suitable open space to be determined by the barangay through its
Sanggunian. The MRF shall receive mixed waste for final sorting, segregation,
composting, and recycling. The resulting residual wastes shall be transferred to a
long term storage or disposal facility or sanitary landfill.

8 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
14. Institute local initiatives to promote and protect migrant workers rights

To combat the negative effects of migration, such as disintegration of families

and difficulty of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to adapt to foreign culture, the
sectors advocate that LGUs, through SWDOs, serve as initial source of
information regarding the government programs to protect migrant workers.
LGUs are encouraged to conduct local Pre-Employment Orientation Seminars
(PEOs) through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO). PEOS are
conducted to protect prospective OFWs against illegal recruitment.

The Formal Labor and Migrant Workers Sector (FLMW) is also asking municipal
and city governments to establish Migrant Workers’ Desk (MWD) where families
of their OFW constituents could be assisted in verifying for the status of their
family member(s) abroad. With the MWD, the OFW families need not go to
Manila or other major urban centers for such purpose.

15. Establish programs for providing information, training and seminars for
investments and entrepreneurship to OFW returnees

The FLMW sector proposes that LGUs provide OFW returnees with information,
training and seminars on investment and entrepreneurship. This is to facilitate
their re-integration as workers in the local economy.

16. Establish fishery projects for the upliftment of municipal fisherfolk and source out
funds thereof from the Municipal Fisheries Grant Fund pursuant to Republic Act
No. 8550

Section 109 of RA 8550 otherwise known as the “The Philippine Fisheries Code of
1998” provides for the creation of a Fishery Grant Fund to finance fishery projects
of the LGUs primarily for the upliftment of the municipal fisherfolk. The Fund is
supported with One hundred million (P100,000,000.00) appropriation from the
Department of Agriculture’s GAA allocation.

17. Support the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill.

B. Asset Reform
The following proposed actions are aimed at widening the basic sectors’ share of
available natural and man-made resources, from which they can build their
livelihood and increase their incomes. These actions shall help minimize, if not
totally eliminate, iniquities in the ownership, distribution, management and control
over assets such as rural and urban lands, including ancestral domains, and
aquatic and marine resources.

1. Integrate the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and the Ancestral Domain
Sustainable Development and Protection Plans (ADSDPP)

Executive Order No. 72, which took effect on 25 March 1993 and RA 6170, the

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 9
 Local Government Code of 1991, provides for the preparation and
implementation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) by the LGUs.
Section 20 (c) of RA 7160 provides for the preparation by the LGUs of their
respective CLUPs and their authorization through zoning ordinances. CLUPs
shall be the primary and dominant bases for the future use of land resources,
including requirements for food production, human settlements, and industrial
expansion.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Administrative Order No.

1, series of 2004, pursuant to sub-paragraph (o), Sec. 44 of IPRA provides
guidelines for the formulation of ADSDPPs. The ADSDPP guarantees the exercise,
enforcement and realization of the rights of the Indigenous Cultural
Communities (ICCs)/Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to self-governance and self-
determination.

The integration of the CLUP and the ADSDPP will harmonize efforts in the
management, protection, and sustainability of natural resources and enable the
LGUs to address the needs of the IPs in their areas.

The Local Chief Executives and leagues are expected to work on the integration
of the CLUP and the ADSDPP, with the ADSDPP prevailing over the CLUP in IP
areas and the CLUP prevailing over the ADSDDP in non-IP areas.

2. Facilitate the turnover of all government lands (timber, pasture, concessions)

within ancestral domains to the NCIP.

Section 7(g) Chapter III of the IPRA provides for the right of ICCs/IPs to claim
parts of reservations or the right to claim parts of the ancestral domains which
have been reserved for various purposes, except those reserved and intended
for common and public welfare and service.

Section 52 (i) Chapter VIII of IPRA provides for the Turnover of Areas within
Ancestral Domains Managed by Other Government Agencies. The Chairperson
of the NCIP shall certify that the area covered is an ancestral domain. The
secretaries of the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and
Department of Justice, the Commissioner of the National Development
Corporation, and any other government agency claiming jurisdiction over the
area shall be notified thereof. Such notification shall terminate any legal basis for
the jurisdiction previously claimed.

The turnover will enable the NCIP to formulate and implement policies, plans
and programs to recognize, protect and promote the rights of ICCs/IPs.

The LGUs are expected to facilitate the turnover of the aforementioned

government lands.

3. Establish Farmers’ Centers in all LGUs.

10 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
4. Establish Common Production and Merchandising Areas

Section 17 of the Local Government Code, mandates the LGUs in the

municipality, province and city to provide agriculture extension and on-site
research services and facilities related to agriculture and fishery activities.

5. Implement RA 8435, the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997

(AFMA).

AFMA was signed into law in December 1997 and is geared towards
“industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development
and agrarian reform.” It promotes the “utilization of nation’s resources in the
most efficient and sustainable way possible by establishing a more equitable
access to assets, income, basic and support services and infrastructure. It
focuses resources on five (5) major concerns: poverty alleviation and social
equity, food security, global competitiveness, sustainable development, and
income profitability especially for farmers and fisher folks.

Under AFMA “the LGUs shall be responsible for delivering direct agriculture and
fisheries extension services (RA 8435, Sec 90).” The law further specifies the
activities that would rightfully fall under extension such as training services, farm
or business advisory services, demonstration services and information and
communication support services through tri media (RA 8435, Sec 87).

6. Prohibit conversion of arable lands for residential and commercial purposes.

Section 20 of the Local Government Code gives LGUs the power to reclassify
lands in their respective jurisdiction. As such “a city or municipality may through
an ordinance passed by the Sanggunian after conducting public hearings for
the purpose, authorize the reclassification of agricultural lands and provide for
the manner of their utilization or disposition”

7. Support Senate Bill 2323 (amending Magna Carta for Disabled Persons)

Senate Bill 2323, authored by Senator Loren Legarda, seeks to amend Sec. 40 of
Republic Act 7277 (the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons) to pave the way for
the establishment of a Persons with Disabilities Office (PDAO) in each province,
city, and town. The creation of the PDAO will greatly strengthen the existing law
for the maximum benefits of disabled persons.

The LGUs are asked to pass resolutions to support this bill.

8. Establish Barangay Livelihood Centers

Section 4 of RA 9509, the Barangay Livelihood and Skills Act of 2008, provides
that “a livelihood and skills training center shall be established in every fourth,
fifth and sixth class municipality: provided, that other municipalities shall be
covered by this Act upon determination of the National Anti-Poverty
Commission (NAPC), taking into account the municipality's population density

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 11
 and demographic status, poverty incidence, income class, level of economic
development, employment and productivity levels, abundance of raw materials
which have potential for commercial production, and the availability and
accessibility of existing livelihood skills training programs and services.”

Section 6 of RA 9509 mandates the municipal government to take charge of

instituting and maintaining the center, with the assistance of the Municipal
Advisory Board through the leadership of the municipal mayor. In addition, the
Board “shall provide policy advice and direction to guide the development of
plans, programs and activities of the Center.”

The LGUs are expected to provide NAPC the data needed in determining
whether or not there is a need to establish a center in a certain municipality.

9. Support the passage of the Land Administration Reform Act (LARA)

LARA is a legislative proposal that will lay the foundation for a responsive and
efficient land administration and management (LAM) system in the country. It
seeks to integrate the key land administration agencies, namely the Department
of Justice’s (DOJ) Land Registration Authority (LRA) and its Registry of Deeds
(RoD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Land
Management Bureau and Land Management Services (LMB/LMS), and the
attachment of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority
(NAMRIA), into a single agency to be called the Land Administration Authority
(LAA). The expertise of each agency will produce a synergistic effect towards
addressing issues on policies, tenure security, land valuation, and land taxation.

LARA also provides for the establishment of a Land Adjudication Board (LAB)
that will serve as a quasi-judicial arm of the LAA to relieve the court of its
borderland-related cases. Moreover, the key stakeholder’s participation in
policy formulation is also encouraged through the creation of a Stakeholders
Advisory Committee (SAC).

The LGU leagues, LGUs and the basic sectors are expected to pass resolutions in
support of the bill and create a broad coalition to facilitate the bill’s
implementation after its passage into law.

10. Create Local Housing Boards

Executive Order No. 708 series of 2008, amending Executive Order No. 152 series
of 2002, devolves the function of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor
(PCUP) as the clearing house for the conduct of demolition and eviction
activities involving the homeless and underprivileged citizens to the respective
LGUs that have jurisdiction over the proposed demolition and eviction activities
of government agencies. Section 2 of this EO mandates the LGUs to create
local housing boards or any similar body through an appropriate ordinance
before conducting the clearinghouse functions granted to them.

12 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
11. Prohibit conversion of mangroves into fishponds

Section 2 (g) of RA 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code, ensures the

“conservation, protection and sustained management of the country’s fishery
and aquatic resources.” Section 94, Chapter VI Prohibitions and Penalties of the
said RA states that it is “unlawful for any person to convert mangroves into
fishponds or for any other purposes.” The section also provides the penalties for
the violation of the provision of this section.

Section 16 of RA 8550 states that “the municipal/city government shall have

jurisdiction over municipal waters” and “shall be responsible for the
management, conservation, development, protection, utilization and disposition
of all fish and fishery/aquatic resources within their respective municipal waters.
Specifically, the code provides authority to the municipal/city government in
consultation with the Fisheries Aquatic Resources Management Council
(FARMC) “to enact appropriate ordinances for this purpose and in accordance
with the National Fisheries Policy” which shall be reviewed by the respective
Sanggunian of the province.

The LGUs, likewise, shall also enforce all fishery laws, rules and regulation as well
as valid fishery ordinances enacted by the municipal/city council.

12. Prohibit the destruction of coral and sea grass

Section 91 (Ban on Coral Exploitation and Exportation) of the RA 8550 states that
“it shall be unlawful for any person or corporation to gather, possess, sell or
export ordinary precious and semi-precious corals, whether raw or processed
form, except for scientific or research purposes”. The said section also provides
the penalties for the violation of the provision of this section.

Section 92 (Ban on Muro-Ami, Other Methods and Gear Destructive to Coral

Reefs and Other Marine) states that “ it shall be unlawful for any person, natural
or judicial, to fish with gear method that destroy coral reefs, seagrass beds, and
other fishery marine life habitat.”

Section 19 Registry of Municipal Fisherfolk states that LGUs shall be responsible for
“maintaining a registry of municipal fisherfolk, who are fishing or may desire to
fish in municipal waters for the purpose of determining priorities among them, of
limiting entry into the municipal waters, and of monitoring fishing activities and
/or other related purposes: Provided, That the FARMC shall submit to the LGU the
list of priorities for its consideration. Furthermore, the “LGUs shall also maintain a
registry of municipal fishing vessels by type of gear and other boat particulars
with the assistance of the FARMC.”

13. Provide at least 10% counterpart in all land acquisition projects of urban poor
communities

The idea is for the government, through the LGUs, to subsidize at least 10% of the
cost of all land acquisition projects of urban poor communities.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 13
 There are no existing legislations to support this, except for an ordinance passed
in Cagayan de Oro City. The LGUs are expected to replicate the CDO
ordinance.

14. Support the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The purpose of the Convention on CRPD is to promote, protect, and ensure the
full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all
persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

The Convention on CRPD was signed by the Philippines on September 25, 2007
and ratified on April 4, 2008. The more than 100 countries that signed the
convention declared to the world that they recognize that PWDs have certain
rights, including the right to full inclusion, equality of opportunity, and
accessibility. These countries have also declared that it is their responsibility to
ensure that PWDs within their borders are able to enjoy these rights.

The LGUs are expected to come up with comprehensive programs for PWDs
and source or allocate funds for their implementation. The LGUs will ensure the
participation of the PWDs in the formulation (especially the identification of
needs), development, and implementation of said programs.

15. Allocate funds for agricultural support services in newly installed ARCs

Section 17 of RA 7160, the Local Government Code, mandates the LGUs in the
municipality, province and city to provide agriculture extension and on-site
research services and facilities related to agriculture and fishery activities.

The Bicameral Conference Committee on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform

Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) Law, agreed to allocate P150 Billion
pesos to finance the implementation of CARP over the next five years, to fund
the land acquisition and distribution and farmer support services and delivery of
agrarian justice until 2013.

The DAR has created a Policy Task Force specifically constituted "to formulate
the necessary revisions or amendments to existing administrative issuances and
implementing rules and regulations (IRRs), and to craft the new issuances that
are requisite to the procedures and guidelines for land tenure improvement and
agrarian justice delivery."

16. Establish an Urban Poor Affairs Office

The office may be established through an ordinance. It is aimed at providing

focused support to capacity building for the urban poor sectors, most specially
in the management of the Community Mortgage Program. The advocacy
supports that of the Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor.

17. Prohibit dredging and quarrying activities

Chapter 2 Section 17 (b) (3) (iii), Chapter 3 Article 1 Section 26, and Article III

14 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
 section 458 (a) (1) (vi) of RA 7160, the Local Government Code indicate the
roles of the LGUs and the National Government in environmental concerns.

Section 8 of DENR-Public Estates Authority Department Administrative Order-2005

(The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 153) indicates
the areas covered by dredging and quarrying activities.

18. Facilitate titling of ancestral domains

Chapter III (Rights to Ancestral Domains) Sec. 11. Recognition of Ancestral

Domain Rights of the IPRA states that “The rights of ICCs/IPs to their ancestral
domains by virtue of Native Title shall be recognized and respected. Formal
recognition, when solicited by ICCs/IPs concerned, shall be embodied in a
Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), which shall recognize the title of
the concerned ICCs/IPs over the territories identified and delineated. Where IPs
are present, The LGUs are expected to facilitate titling of such lands.

C. Participation in Governance
The following proposed actions aim to promote political equity and ensure citizen
and basic sector participation in development processes that affects people’s
rights, interests and welfare as a way toward full empowerment:

1. Ensure representation and meaningful participation of basic sector

representatives in the Local Development Council and other special bodies

The Local Development Councils and the Sangguniang are the two premier
local government organs for plan and policy making at the Local Government
Units. Thus, according to participatory development principles and approach,
on which the formation of the Basic Sector Councils in the NAPC is based, the
basic sectors, through its organized groups at the local levels should be given
voice and representation in these organs. Their participation are mandated in
various laws, chief among them is RA 7160, the Local Government Code.

Similar representation is asked for other special bodies, like the Local School
Board, Local Health Board, Local Housing Board and the Local Peace and
Order Council.

There are other bodies that were created in support of certain programs. These
are Local/Barangay Human Rights Action Center (DILG MC 94-194),
Local/Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (DILG MC 2008-126),
Urban Poor Affairs Office, Local/Barangay Micro-Business Entrepreneurship Unit,
and the Local Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Coordinating
Councils (Sec 8, RA 8980).

Sec. 8 of RA 8980, “An Act Promulgating a Comprehensive Policy and a

National System for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Providing
Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes,” provides two slots for representatives
from NGOs in these bodies. The sector proposes that one of the slots be
provided to children associations.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 15
2. Conduct poverty mapping using Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS)
tool.

Pursuant to the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, there is a need for
support mechanisms for the implementation of the decentralization policy. Using
universal household survey, the CBMS tool provides disaggregated data for
planning, program formulation, policy impact and poverty monitoring at the
local level. It has been adopted by the national government agencies,
particularly the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Department
of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the local poverty monitoring system
and a tool for localizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Its use has
been given further official cover by resolutions of support from the NEDA’s Social
Development Committee and the National Statistical Coordination Board.
Efforts are made with the help of NGAs, non-government organizations (NGOs)
and donor agencies to scale up the implementation of CBMS among the LGUs.

3. Involve the basic sectors in drafting international treaties and laws with
implications to them,

4. Implement provisions of international law and treaties relevant to the LGUs, and
activate, strengthen, organize related councils for the implementation of these
treaties.

5. Activate the Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) and barangay
council for the protection of children.

The BHRAC is a nationwide program that aims to mobilize constituencies at the

barangay level for human rights protection and advocacy. This is consistent
with DILG MC 94-194, dated Oct. 27, 1994. The program aims to give ordinary
citizens the central role in the implementation of human rights promotion and
protection services at the grassroots and at the same time bring services closer
to the people specially those not strategically within the reach of the
Commission on Human Rights. A BHRAC shall be headed by a Barangay Human
Rights Action Officer who shall oversee the center’s operation, and who is
chosen through viva voce voting by the majority of those present in the
barangay assembly called for the purpose of nominating and electing
candidates. The BHRAC shall include the following units: complaints
processing, coordination and referral, mobilization and information and
education.

The action point on children is pursuant to Memorandum Circular 2008-126, with

the subject “Monitoring the Functionality of the Local / Barangay Council for the
Protection of Children issued by DILG”

6. Issue local ordinances/resolutions that support the advocacy of the basic

sectors

Some of the advocacies of the basic sectors are not yet covered by existing
legislations and/or issuances that could support its implementation by local

16 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
 governments. In fact, a number are still legislative agenda (House and Senate
Bills) yet to be passed in Congress.

In the absence of supporting laws and administrative issuances that would

direct a particular agendum’s implementation by the local governments, basic
sectors are advocating that LGUs instead pass local ordinances that could
provide framework for their adoption of the basic sector agenda. Among the
proposed actions for the LGUs which may be covered by ordinances or
resolutions are as follows:

• Formulation of municipal and city comprehensive shelter plans. To address

housing concerns especially in urban areas, the urban poor sector proposes
that LGUs come up with a shelter plan that could pave the way for
implementing socialized housing schemes. This involves identifying areas that
could be developed for such purpose.

• Support the passage of the Magna Carta of Students Rights Bill – The Magna
Carta for Students Rights Bill (HB 17) seeks to “guarantee the rights of
students to organize and run an autonomous student council or
government; to publish and circulate an independent school paper; to be
admitted in schools without undue discrimination; to take periodic
examinations despite deficiency in tuition fee payments; to due process in
disciplinary proceedings; and to adequate academic and welfare services
consistent with the school’s economic capacity.” The YS sector asks local
governments to issue resolutions signifying the LGU’s support to the passage
of the bill.

7. Clarify areas of LGU intervention in the governance of cooperatives especially

on electric and other utilities with respect to the autonomy of cooperatives

8. Issue ordinances or policy statements, giving cooperatives the right of first

refusal to operate government facilities such as water and other utilities,
garbage collection and processing, market and warehouse.

9. Ensure cooperatives’ pro-active participation in the Cooperative Development

Councils

The Cooperatives Sector adopts the foregoing based on the following legal
issuances: Republic Act No. 9520 otherwise known as the "Philippine
Cooperative Code of 2008" specifically Article 9 thereof enumerates the
cooperatives’ powers and capacities. One of which states that cooperatives
shall have the right to avail themselves of preferential rights granted to
cooperatives under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local
Government Code, and other laws, particularly those in the grant of franchises
to establish, construct, operate and maintain ferries, wharves, markets or
slaughterhouses and to lease public utilities, including access to extension and
on-site research services and facilities related to agriculture and fishery activities.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 17
10. Implement strictly or issue corresponding local ordinances in relation to Articles
60 and 61 of RA 9520 otherwise known as the "Philippine Cooperative Code of
2008".

Article 60 of RA 9520 provides for the tax treatment of cooperative and states
that duly registered cooperatives under the Code which do not transact any
business with non-members or the general public shall not be subject to any
taxes and fees imposed under the internal revenue laws and other tax laws.
Article 61, for its part, provides that cooperatives transacting business with both
members and non-members shall not be subjected to tax on their transactions
with members. It likewise enumerates other exemptions to be enjoyed by
cooperatives.

11. Issue ordinance/guidelines relaxing the tedious and expensive tricycle

franchising process pursuant to EO 712

Executive Order No. 712 dated March 11, 2008, directs “… the Immediate
Review of Existing Orders, Rules and Regulations Issued by Local Government
Units Concerning Public Transportation, Including the Grant of Franchises to
Tricycles, Establishment and Operation of Transport Terminals, Authority to Issue
Traffic Citation Tickets, And Unilateral Rerouting Schemes of Public Utility
Vehicles, And for Other Purposes”.

Similarly, Memorandum Circular No. 2006-70 issued by the DILG states that
pursuant to Section 133 (e) of the Local Government Code, all local chief
executives are enjoined to refrain from enforcing any existing ordinance
authorizing the levy of fees and taxes on inter-province transport of goods,
regulatory fees from passengers in local ports, and other additional taxes, fees or
charges in any form upon transporting goods and passengers.

Thus, the Workers in the Informal Sector, particularly the Small Transport
Subsector, proposes the implementation of EO 712 consistent with the
President’s general supervision over all government units.

12. Issue policy and guidelines pertaining to the implementation of the Barangay
Micro-Business Enterprise (BMBE) Law particularly on the relaxation of business
permits requirements and taxes for community based livelihood/group
enterprises for the first two or three years in operation, with preference to start
ups and business below P500,000 capital

Republic Act No. 9178, the BMBE Law of 2002, particularly Section 4 thereof
provides that LGUs are encouraged to establish a One-Stop-Business Registration
Center to handle the efficient registration and processing of permits/licenses of
BMBEs. Likewise, LGUs shall make a periodic evaluation of the BMBE's financial
status for monitoring and reporting purposes.

The law likewise provides that as much as possible, BMBEs shall be subject to
minimal bureaucratic requirements and reasonable fees and charges.

18 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
 According to the Workers in the Informal Sector, the long list of clearances
needed to secure a Mayor’s Business Permit discourages many existing and
prospective micro-entrepreneurs. Other fees and charges required are HOA
clearance, barangay clearance, Fire, DOLE, DTI, and garbage

13. Incorporate Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Sectoral Agenda in local development
plans.

The PWD Council proposes the inclusion of the PWD agenda in local development
plans, and ensure PWD representation and participation in the LDCs.

These actions are covered by the Philippine commitment to observe the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) . Section
5 of the Article on States Obligations explicitly identified the jurisdictional extent
of the CRPD, which include LGUs.

Also, there is RA 7277, “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons”, that recognizes the
rights and agendas of the disabled persons.

14. Enhance services for PWDs

The LGU services are covered by Section 29 of the GAA, which , allocates 1% of
agency and LGU funds for PWDs and Senior Citizens, specifically for providing
the following services to them: social welfare, livelihood, health and education,
and ensuring PWD access to justice through the Katarungan Pambarangay.
Funds too may be utilized to strengthen the organization of PWDs so as they
could fully participate in governance.

Special attention should be given further to improving services to women,

mothers, girls including women with disabilities; Indigenous Peoples with
disabilities.

Ensure that grants, loans and other types of assistances provided by

international funders and multilaterals like the World Bank, Asian Development
Bank, USAID etc, are incorporated with "Disability Components." Since LGUs are
provided authority to acquire loans and grants from these international sources,
they too by the effect of Section 5 of States Obligations are mandated to ensure
"disability components" in their negotiations. Participation of persons with
disabilities right from the planning, negotiation, formulation, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation is mandated too

15. Issue local resolutions and ordinances in support of PWD laws and policies

LGUs may initiate ordinances and resolutions in support of all laws with local application
mandates including that of UNCRPD and other international treaties. Such may be
incorporated in the committee structures of both the executive and legislative bodies
of the LGUs. It is in fact a mandate as stated by UNCRPD.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 19
 The DILG having issued a Certificate of Concurrence to the UNCRPD which became
among the bases for the Philippine ratification of CRPD may be tapped to ensure
application of CRPD provisions down to the local government.

16. Ensure Indigenous Peoples (IP) sectoral representation in all offices/departments in the
Local Government Units

Section 16 of IPRA provides that “ICCs/IPs have the right to participate fully, if they so
choose, at all levels of decision making in matters which may affect their rights, lives
and destinies through procedures determined by them as well as to maintain and
develop their own indigenous political structures. Consequently, the State shall ensure
that the ICCs/IPs shall be given mandatory representation in policymaking bodies and
other local legislative councils.”

17. Eliminate gender bias in policies and procedures

18. Allocate 5% of gross budget for Gender and Development activities

This proposed action is based on Article II, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,
“the State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the
fundamental equality before the law of women and men” as well as Republic Act 7192,
an act promoting the integration of women as full and equal partners of men in
development and nation building and for other purposes.

Section 3 of the Republic Act 7192 (Women in Development and Nation Building Act)
mandates “all government departments and agencies to review and revise their
regulation, circulars, issuances and procedures to remove gender bias” It’s Section 5
(Equality in Capacity to Act) states, “Women of legal age, regardless of civil status, shall
have the capacity to act and enter into contracts which shall in every respect to be
equal to that of men under similar circumstances.” Furthermore the said section also
provides that “in all contractual situations where married men have the capacity to
act, married women shall have equal rights.

19. Strengthen the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) in LGUs

With the LPRATs, the local level will be able to synchronize moves in harmony with the
programs of the national government focused on alleviating poverty in the country
especially in regions identified as poorest of the poor. The LPRAT is mandated to monitor
and evaluate the implementations and impacts of anti-poverty initiatives, particularly
KALAHI, the flagship program of the Arroyo administration.

20. Institutionalize the Community Driven Development (CDD) Approach in LGU planning
and

This action seeks to involve the Basic Sectors in the formulation and the design of the
KALAHI type programs, specially under the DSWD-spearheaded proposed KALAHI-
CIDDS II program Basic sector involvement is desired in all aspects of project
development from project identification to mobilization and monitoring and evaluation.

20 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
21. Create local mechanisms for LGU-Basic Sector

This asks the LGUs to create local mechanisms such as the Local Poverty Action
Team/Similar Bodies to come up with a Local Poverty Action Plan that will specifically
address their marginalized/vulnerable sectors among the local constituents. These may
be based on Section 12 of RA 8425 (AFMA) and MC 33 (2002) which institionalizes the
KALAHI as the government’s program for poverty reduction.

D. Livelihood and Employment

The following proposed actions aim to increase employment and livelihood
opportunities for the basic sectors and strengthen their capacities to engage in
profitable enterprises:

1. Promote the organization of PWDs and engage them in productive undertakings

Section 40 of Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for
Disabled Persons,” explicitly provides that “local government units shall promote
the establishment of organizations of disabled persons in their respective
territorial jurisdictions. National agencies and local government units may enter
into joint ventures with organizations or associations of disabled persons to
explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that shall enhance the
health, physical fitness and the economic and social well-being of disabled
persons.”

2. Employ PWDs in the LGU

Section 5 of the same law also provides that no disabled persons shall be denied
access to opportunities for suitable employment. A qualified disabled employee
shall be subject to the same terms and conditions of employment and the same
compensation, privileges, benefits, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances as a
qualified able-bodied person. Five percent (5%) of all casual, emergency and
contractual positions in the Department of Social Welfare and Development;
Health; Education, Culture and Sports; and other government agencies, offices
or corporations engaged in social development shall be reserved for disabled
persons.

Executive Order No. 417, which directs the Implementation of the Economic
Independence Program for Persons with Disabilities, provides that local
government units are also enjoined to employ PWDs whenever applicable
(Section 3). It is likewise stated therein that all government offices, national and
local, are also enjoined to reserve a display space for PWDs products and
services in their respective offices upon request and where appropriate.

3. Implement gender-responsive and results-oriented livelihood programs and

projects for women

This involves capacity-building on eco-enterprise, provision of funds for start-up

livelihood projects, and ensuring access to credit, technology and market for
women entrepreneurs.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 21
 Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7192, otherwise known as the “Women in
Development and Nation Building Act, directs LGUs to mainstream Gender and
Development (GAD) in their respective programs, activities and projects.

Executive Order No. 273 issued on September 8, 1995, entitled “Approving and
Adopting the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development, 1995 to
2025”, specifies the services that must be implemented for women in relation to
those stipulated in RA No. 7160.

Programs, activities and projects proposed by the Women Sector for

implementation by the LGUs are as follows:

4. Hire Indigenous Peoples as teachers for Indigenous Cultural Communities

Republic Act No. 8190 or the “Localization Law” requires that a teacher-
applicant must be a bona fide resident of the Barangay, Municipal/City, and
Province where the school is located and where the vacant item is available.
Thus, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8371, the IPRA, and with due recognition of
the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples’ (ICCs/IPs) distinct
characteristics and identity in consideration of the foregoing, LGUs may endorse
to the Department of Education or Commission on Higher Education, qualified
indigenous peoples teachers for indigenous cultural communities.

5. Hire Indigenous Peoples for the Bantay-Gubat or Task Force Kalikasan Program;
Allocate funds for upland animals and vegetables production/ marketing, and
Implement the “Katutubong Bigasan ni Gloria” or KABIG.

Sec. 25 (Basic Services) of Republic At 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous

Peoples Rights Act of 1997, states that the ICC/IP have the right to special
measures for the immediate, effective and continuing improvement of their
economic and social conditions, including in the areas of employment,
vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social security.
Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous
women, elderly, youth, children and differently-abled persons. Accordingly, the
State shall guarantee the right of ICCs/IPs to government's basic services which
shall include, but not limited to water and electrical facilities, education, health
and infrastructure.

Section 17 of Republic Act 7160 (the Local Government Code of the

Philippines), mandates the LGUs in the municipality, province and city to provide
agriculture extension and on-site research services and facilities related to
agriculture and fishery activities.

6. Implement the Contractor Requirement provision of Republic Act 6685

Section 1 of Republic Act No. 6685, otherwise known as “An Act Requiring
Private Contractors to Whom National, Provincial, City and Municipal Public
Works Projects Have Been Awarded under Contract to Hire at Least Fifty Percent
(50%) of the Unskilled and at Least Thirty Percent (30%) of the Skilled Labor
Requirements to be Taken from the Available Bona Fide Residents in the
Province, City or Municipality in which the Projects are to be Undertaken, and
Penalizing Those Who Have Failed to Do So,” states that all private contractors,
including subcontractors, to whom awards are made for the undertaking of

22 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
 national and local public works projects funded by either the National
Government or any local government unit including foreign-assisted projects
must hire at least fifty percent (50%) of the unskilled and thirty percent (30%) of
the skilled labor requirements from the unemployed bona fide and actual
residents in the province, city and municipality who are ready, willing and able
as determined by the governor, city mayor or municipal mayor concerned
where the projects are to be undertaken.

7. Establish Business Development Centers for the informal workers

Section 17 of Republic Act 7160 (the Local Government Code of the Philippines)
mandates the LGUs in the municipality, province and city to provide basic
services and facilities that include agricultural support services, infrastructure
facilities, and information services.

8. Allocate funds for loans to cooperatives

Section 17 (b.3.ix) of Republic Act 7160 (the Local Government Code of the
Philippines) mandates the LGUs to provide basic services and facilities on
Investment support services, including access to credit financing.

9. Provide access of urban poor or indigenous peoples organizations to credit

facilities through NGO conduits

Section 17 (b.3.ix) of Republic Act 7160 (the Local Government Code of the
Philippines) mandates the LGUs to provide basic services and facilities on
Investment support services, including access to credit financing.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 23
CONCLUSION: THE WAY
FORWARD
The documentation of this agenda is an important step toward strengthening BS-
LGU engagement. At the very least, it informs the basic sector organizations in and
out of BS Councils, as well as the LGUs, about the development issues and
concerns where both parties can work together, and deliver effective
development results.

But what would really matter is that all or some elements of this agenda are
recognized and adopted by the LGUs as their own agenda. This means that the
contents of this agenda should find their way in their development planning
processes and into the main outputs of these processes, their Comprehensive Land
Use Plans and their Comprehensive Development Plans.

Further on, and most importantly, the LGUs should be able to allocate funds and
other resources to carry out the actions plans that reflect, or emanate from their
ownership of, the contents of this agenda.

This is a challenge that would involve multi-stakeholdership, and not just from the BS
and the LGUs. It would also involve the government and non-government
agencies, including local and foreign funding entities.

There are two main distinct, but related action areas where the stakeholders can
converge: continuing information, education and communication (IEC) support ,
and advocacy, programs for this agenda and capacity building.

The IEC and advocacy program should be able to sustain a stream of information
toward the target audience --- mainly the whole array of LGU officials from the
career officers and staff of the planning and development offices to the elective
officials of the sanggunians and the chief executives themselves. Also to be
targeted are the members of the BS and the general public, so that they, too,
become aware and understand the agenda, and themselves become part of an
ever increasing cadre of advocates. Such a program should be able to span
space and time, that is, all political-administrative jurisdictions and over a
considerable period. There can be no illusion that successful advocacy of this
agenda will happen overnight; it involves a continuing process. Needless to say,
the message bearers should primarily be the BS, supported by their partner-
agencies in the NAPC and in its regional counterpart, the Regional Kalahi
Convergence Groups.

The capacity-building program should be targeted primarily both at the BS and the
LGUs. The former should be trained in IEC and advocacy, so that they are able to
perform actions as indicated above. Apart from this , they should be trained in
related skills, like networking and alliance building, negotiations, and all other skills

24 Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors
that relate to successfully engaging the LGUs primarily, and other social sectors,
secondarily. The latter should be capacitated to be able to appreciate, and then
carry out, the action plans, as suggested by the BS in this agenda.

All these of courses of action would require resources. Underpinning them therefore
should be an advocacy with donor organizations. This agenda should then be
disseminated among members of the donor community, with the plea for support.
The documentation of the BS agenda is timely. At this time, most bilateral and
multi-lateral foreign funding institutions are updating their assistance frameworks.
Let this document then be offered as inputs to the process, toward ensuring
inclusivity of their frameworks.

Finally, it is hoped that this planning tool and advocacy product, and the process
that yielded it, becomes a living tradition in the NAPC. This means that both the
formulation or updating and the publication of this material become a periodic
activity, generating a constantly evolving process and product, in the years
ahead.

Proposed LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors 25
 YOUR LEAD PARTNERS IN THE NAPC
In the Secretariat

DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN
Secretary/Lead Convenor

CONSUELO A. DY
Undersecretary

Catherine Mae C. Santos Dolores DQ Castillo

Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary

Agnes Catherine T. Miranda Sem H. Cordial

OIC-Director OIC-Director
Macropolicy Unit Localization Unit/Basic
Sector Unit

Florante Rosal Elmer P. Gutierrez

OIC- Director OIC-Supervisor
Microfinance Unit Admin and Finance
Unit

In the Basic Sector Councils

SR Josephine Parilla SR Esteban Masagca

Workers in the Informal Sector Victims of Disasters and
Calamities

SR Rogelio Amatorio, Jr. SR Cresente Paez

Fisherfolk Sector Cooperative Sector

SR Alexander Macatual OIC Karen Tañada

Children Sector Non-Government

Organizations

SR Deanna Gregorio SR Alejandro Villaviza

Person with Disabilities Sector Formal Labor and Migrant

Workers

SR Juanito de la Cruz OIC Florencia Dorotan

Senior Citizens Sector Women Sector

SR Artiso Mandawa OIC Ric Domingo

Indigenous Peoples Sector Urban Poor Sector

OIC Deborah Cabanag OIC Vicente Fabe

Youth and Student Sector Farmers Sector

NATIONAL ANTI-POVERTY COMMISSION

3/F DA-ATI Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. Nos.: (02) 4265028, 4265019, 4264965 Fax No.: (02) 9279838
Website: www.napc.gov.ph