Frequently Asked Questions

  • Request for Foreign Travel Authority

    Who can file a request for authority with the DILG to travel abroad?

    Answer :  All local elective and appointive officials may file their respective request for a Travel Authority through the concerned DILG Regional Director, Provincial Director, City Director, City Local Government Operations Officer and Municipal Local Government Operations, as the case maybe, and to reach the Office of the Secretary, at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the actual departure date.

    What are the requirements in securing a Travel Authority?

    Answer :  A request for a Travel Authority must be filed and submitted in the following manner:


    1. Letter request stating the nature and purpose of the travel, indicating also the inclusive dates and place(s) of destination;

    2. Endorsement from the DILG Regional Director, Provincial Director, City Director, City Local Government Operations Officer or Municipal Local Government Operations, as the case maybe;

    3. Endorsement from the Provincial Governor, City Mayor or Municipal Mayor, as the case maybe;

    4. Endorsement from the TESDA or CHED, and a copy of the acceptance or invitation-letter from the organizer or donor, in case of study trip;

    5. Endorsement from the DTI Central or Regional Office if the travel is for trade and investment purpose;

    6. Invitation from the host country, sponsoring agency or organizer, in the event of a non-study trip;

    7. Statement as to the immediate and direct benefits to the local government, when the travel involves the use of public funds;

    8. Sworn statement attesting that no administrative charge or criminal case has been filed against the applicant;

    9. Clearance from Money and Property Accountabilities; and

    10. Duly accomplished application for a leave of absence, in the case of a Provincial Governor or Mayor of Highly Urbanized City or Independent Component City, when the purpose of the travel is personal in nature.

    How long will it take for a Travel Authority to be approved?

    Answer :  Approval of a travel authority depends on the timeliness of the request, complete with supporting documents, and the availability of the approving authority.

    Who approves the travel authority?

    Answer :  

    1. The Secretary of Interior and Local Government is the approving authority on:

      1. Requests of Provincial Governors, and Mayors of Highly Urbanized Cities and Independent Component Cities for authority to travel abroad, regardless of the nature and duration of such travel.

      2. Requests of other elective local officials for authority to travel abroad, when the foreign trip exceeds more than three (3) calendar months, during a period of emergency crisis, or when it involves the use of public funds.

      3. Requests of local government appointive personnel for authority to travel abroad on a study trip to attend short term technical training, diploma courses and post graduate studies, and involve the use of public funds.

    2. The Undersecretary for Local Government is the approving authority on:a. Requests of Provincial Vice Governors, Mayors of Component Cities and Municipalities, City Vice Mayors, Municipal Vice Mayors and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Panlungsod, and Sangguniang Bayan, for authority to travel abroad on a study or non- study trip, on official time only.b. Requests of local government department heads and division chiefs for authority to travel abroad on a study or non-study trip, on official time only.

    3. The Director, Bureau of Local Government Supervision is the approving authority on requests of other local government appointive personnel for authority to travel abroad on a study or non-study trip, on official time only.

    4. The DILG Regional Director is the approving authority on requests of barangay elective and appointive officials and employees, for authority to travel abroad on a study or non-study trip, on official time only.

    When does a foreign travel entitle to the use of public funds?

    Answer :  

    1. A study trip is a short term technical training or scholarship grant which is either processed or coordinated by the TESDA or CHED, or by other local or international agencies or entities, agencies of the national government, or foreign government, can be authorized to use for public funds, i.e., pre-departure expenses in the amount not exceeding PhP1,500.00. The payment of international airfare (economy) can be allowed, if it is not provided by the sponsoring agency/host country.

    2. The following purposes where the use of public funds, i.e., payment of international airfare (economy) and a travel allowance per UNDP DSA Rates pursuant to OP EO No. 298 s. 2004, may be authorized under the category of a non-study trip:
      1. To attend conferences or seminars sponsored by foreign governments or international government organizations to which the Philippine Government is committed or invited to send representatives or participants;

      2. To attend conferences or seminars sponsored by local or foreign private organizations. Provided, that if the activity is sponsored by an international private organization, invitations thereto should be sent through their respective governments to the Philippine Government;

      3. To attend activities that are clearly intended to promote local government technical exchange and cooperation;

      4. To undertake site or product inspection that are clearly stipulated in duly perfected contracts; or

      5. To undertake any other official mission which cannot be assigned to any other Philippine Government Official or Officials already abroad.

  • Intelligence or Confidential Funds

    What are the requirements in securing a Department Authorization to utilize public funds for intelligence or confidential purposes?

    Answer :  A request for a Department Authorization to utilize public funds for intelligence or confidential purposes must be filed and submitted to the Office of the Secretary, through the concerned DILG Regional Director, Provincial Director, City Director, City Local Government Operations Officer and Municipal Local Government Operations, as the case maybe, not later than third quarter of the current year, with the following attachments:

    1. Local Government Security Plan;

    2. Peace and Order Council Resolution endorsing the Local Government Security Plan and the urgency in requesting for intelligence and confidential funds;

    3. Certification from the PNP Chief of Police, City Director or Provincial Director, as the case maybe, highlighting the peace and order situation in the local government unit;

    4. Current Appropriations Ordinance;

    5. Certification from the Local Treasurer as to the Availability of Funds;

    6. Work Plan with Quarterly Presentation using DBM Local Budget Execution Form No. 250 bearing vPNP Chief of Police, City Director or Provincial Director, as the case maybe ) and Approved (by the Local Chief Executive), on the use of funds for intelligence or confidential purposes; and

    7. Financial Plan and Request for Allotment with Quarterly Presentation using DBM Local Budget Execution Form No. 251 bearing the notations: Prepared by (by the Budget Officer), Reviewed and Recommending Approval (by the PNP Chief of Police, City Director or Provincial Director, as the case maybe) and Approved (by the Local Chief Executive), on the use of funds for intelligence or confidential purposes.

    What is the basic condition to allow LGUs to use funds for intelligence or confidential purposes?

    Answer :  The basic condition that allows an LGU to use funds for intelligence or confidential purposes is for them to consider that peace and order is a priority investment area in the locality, and that funds are allocated for peace and order programs and activities in their annual total appropriations or budget.

    What is the minimum allowable ceiling to use funds for intelligence or confidential purposes?

    Answer :  The minimum allowable ceiling to use funds for intelligence or confidential purposes shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total annual amount allocated for peace and order efforts or, three percent (3%) of the total annual appropriations, whichever is lower.

    What are the activities covered by intelligence or confidential funds?

    Answer :  The use of intelligence funds shall not be limited to the following:

    1. Purchase of information;

    2. Payment of rewards;

    3. Rental and other incidental expenses relative to the maintenance of safe houses; and

    4. Purchase of supplies and ammunition provision of medical and food aid, as well as, payment of incentives or traveling expenses relative to the conduct of intelligence or confidential operations.

  • Sisterhood or Twinning Relationship

    What are the steps in establishing a Sisterhood or Twinning Relationship?

    Answer :  The following are the steps in establishing a sisterhood or twinning relationship:

    1. The LGU shall create a Sisterhood or Twinning Committee (SC) which represents a true cross-section of the community, such as: educational, cultural, technical, business, professional, social, women’s clubs, civic, veteran, religious, youth, media, etc.

    2. The SC will discuss the affiliation idea and will determine the choice of city to affiliate based on mutual interests, such as: economic, cultural, social, political, historical ties, etc.

    3. Before deciding on the choice of city/town, the SC will prepare background information of the LGU: outline the type of business activities carried on; the extent of public and private school system; cultural institutions; occupations and hobbies of community members and the type of projects the community is ready to undertake the beginning. At this point, the LGU may consult the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) Secretariat for advice of specific countries and experiences other cities have had to help guide you choice.

    4. The SC will submit the affiliation proposal to the local government for endorsement by the Governor/Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod/Bayan, as the case may be, to the Governor/Mayor of selected city/town. Copy of the proposal will be sent to the Secretariat, BLGS.

    5. As soon as the LGU decides to proceed with the program, the SC will appoint an Executive Committee (EC) that will have a continuing responsibility for carrying out the program. The Governor/Mayor will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Executive Committee.

    6. Under the EC, sub-committees shall be created which is responsible for year-round planning. It may be suggested that a city/town should work through 4 or 5 committees depending on the scope of their program. The work should be divided and spread out so that a large number of people from many sectors of the community should take part to ensure a dynamic and continuous program.

    7. Once a twinning has been agreed, it is usual to hold a “twinning Ceremony” in both communities to enable as many people as possible to be involved at the beginning of the relationship.

    What are the administrative requirements relative to the request from NGOs, associations of professionals, foundations and other organized groups to conduct conventions, seminars and similar activities?

    Answer :  The following are the administrative requirements:

    1. Letter-request indicating the objective or objectives of the convention, training or seminar, as well as, the venue, date of registration fee, if any, with enclosures, such as: a. Convention, seminar or training design cum topics to be covered; b. Resume of the resource person or persons and such other pertinent information; and c. Justification as to the immediate and direct benefits to the local governmentparticipants.

    2. Certificate of Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other national government agencies empowered by law o public policy to accredit or register organizations;

    3. Company or association’s profile indicating, among other things, its objectives, programs, the list of officers an their bio-data, total membership and financial viability;

    4. Endorsement from the Professional Regulation Commission that the convention, seminar or training is a part of Continuing Education Requirements fro professional license renewal purposes, as in the case of the associations of professionals; and

    5. Accreditation of the Convention or Seminar Design, or Training Module by the Local Government Academy of this Department. Non-compliance with the above administrative requirements shall be a sufficient ground for the nonprocessing or disapproval of a request for a Department Authority.
  • Lupong Tagapamayapa

    What is katarungang pambarangay?

    Answer :  The Katarungang Pambarangay is a system for amicable settlement of disputes at the barangay. It is an out-of-court resolution of conflicts by the community members themselves under the guidance of the unong barangay and without intervention of legal counsels and representatives.

    Who is the Chairman of the lupon?

    Answer :  The Punong Barangay is the Chairman of the lupon.

    How many lupon members are there?

    Answer :  According to the Revised KP Law, the lupon is composed of the punong barangay and ten (10) to twenty (20) members. The lupon shall be constituted every three (3) years.

    What are the qualifications of a lupon member?

    Answer :  The person is a resident or working in the barangay and not disqualified by law for some reason and must possess integrity, impartiality, independence of mind, sense of fairness and reputation of probity may be appointed member of the lupon.

    What are the functions of the lupon?

    Answer :  Functions of Lupon

    1. Exercise administrative supervision over the conciliation panels

    2. Meet regularly once a month to provide forum for exchange of ideas among its members and the public on matters relevant to the amicable settlement of disputes and to enable various conciliation panel members to share with one another their observations and experiences in effecting speedy resolution
      of dispute; and

    3. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

    What is the Term of Office of the lupon members?

    Answer :  Lupon Members shall hold office until a new lupon is constituted on the third year following their appointment, unless the term of any of the lupon members is sooner terminated by resignation, transfer of residence or place of work or withdrawal of appointment by the Punong Barangay with the concurrence of the majority of the members of lupon.

    Are lupon members entitled to compensation?

    Answer :  They serve without compensation except for certain honoraria, allowances and other emoluments as authorized by law or barangay, municipal or city ordinance.

    How much is the filing fee?

    Answer :  Minimum of five pesos (P5.00) nor more than twenty pesos (P20.00)

    What disputes and offenses covered by KP?

    Answer :  Almost all civil disputes and every criminal offense punishable by imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding P5,000.00 are subject to amicable settlement under the KP when parties involved are individuals who are residing in the same city or municipality.

    What disputes and offenses are not covered by the katarungang pambarangay?

    Answer :  Sec 408 of the LGC enumerates the instance that is not subject to amicable settlement:

    1. Where one party is the government or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof

    2. Where one party is a public officer or employee and the dispute relates to the per

    3. Offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year or a fine P5,000.00

    4. Offenses where no private party or individual is offended (like traffic violations, jaywalking, vagrancy, sidewalk vending, mendicancy, and prostitution)

    5. Where the dispute involves real properties located in different cities or municipalities, unless the parties thereto agree to submit their differences to amicable settlement by an appropriate lupon.

    6. Disputes involving parties who actually reside in barangays of different cities or municipalities, except where such barangay units adjoin each other and the parties thereto agree to submit their differences to amicable settlement by the appropriate lupon

    7. Such other classes of disputes which the President of the Philippines may determine in the interest of justice or upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Justice

    Can an individual file a case directly in court?

    Answer :  No, unless personal confrontation of parties has already taken place and resulted to a failure in the settlement of such case.

    Non- conciliable cases brought to the barangay

    Answer :  This is a common occurrence, wherein disputes in the neighborhood, civil or criminal, beyond the jurisdiction of the lupon to settle are accepted by the punong barangay and even conciliated by the pangkat.

    There is no law, issuance or ruling prohibiting or penalizing a punong barangay from accepting complaints and grievances, especially when both contending parties are his constituents.

    What happens when a case outside the jurisdiction of the KP is settled amicably at the barangay level?

    Answer :  Any settlement or arbitration on disputes not covered by the KP does not have the force and effect of a court judgment; they are merely private contracts and cannot be enforced through execution by the lupon or court.

    What is mediation?

    Answer :  Mediation of the first process of settling a dispute under the KP. It is performed by the punong barangay as lupon chairman who is given authority to summon the disputants for a face to face meeting before him for the purpose of expeditiously and amicably settling their differences.

    What is conciliation?

    Answer :  Conciliation is the extension of the amicable settlement in the case the mediatory effort of the punong baranagy did not result to reconciliation within the 15 days from the start of the proceedings.

    What is arbitration?

    Answer :  Arbitration is the alternative way of settling disputes under the KP whereby contesting parties agree in writing on the decision or judgment of the punong barangay or the pangkat.

    Lupong Tagapamayapa Source

    Answer :  These FAQs are sourced from the book titled, “COMPREHENSIVE GUIDEBOOK ON KATARUNGANG PAMBARANGAY,” authored by Juanito S. Ortiz. For other information on Katarungang Pambarangay, contact the author thru telephone no. 3846865 or 09209011634.

  • Millenium Development Goals Fund or MDG Fund

    What is the MDG fund?

    Answer :  It is a locally-funded project jointly implemented by OPDS/DILG and the Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO)/DOF, with DILG responsible for capacity development, particularly on project preparation, implementation and operation and maintenance, and MDFO for Fund administration of the P500 M made available by MDFO from its Second Generation Fund (SGF) for relending to interested and eligible LGUs. The MDG Fund finances projects supportive of the attainment of Millennium Development Goals 1 – 7 such as those on water, sanitation, health, education and other socioeconomic projects.

    What LGUs are eligible for this financing?

    Answer :  These are:

    1. 4th-6th class municipalities

    2. all provinces regardless of income class, borrowing for their 4th-6th class municipalities

    How can an LGU avail of this financing?

    Answer :  The Local Chief Executive writes a Letter of Intent to the Director, Office of Project Development Services, DILG or to the Executive Director, Municipal Development Fund Office, DOF. The Letter of Intent is accompanied by a brief description of the project. If the LGU and the project are both eligible for financing, the LGU is advised to submit documents for the issuance of a Certificate of Borrowing Capacity by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF), and a Sangguniang Bayan resolution authorizing the Local Chief Executive to enter into relevant agreements relative to the project. Proforma of the SB Resolution is provided by MDGF.

    A feasibility study (FS) is submitted to MDFO for evaluation. The FS may be prepared by the LGU, may hire a consultant, or it may request technical assistance from the DILG. If found feasible by MDFO, the project is approved for financing under the MDG Fund.

    What are the projects eligible for financing under the Fund?

    Answer :  Projects that clearly contribute to the attainment of any or all of Millennium Development Goals 1-7 and included in the LGU Local Development Plans, such as those on health, poverty-reduction, water, sanitation, education and other socio-economic projects. Examples include but are not limited to:

    1. Livelihood programs/projects such as cottage industries, handicraft industries, livestock production, etc., including construction of livelihood centers/support facilities, Construction/rehabilitation/improvement of:

      • water supply systems

      • access roads such as farm-to-market roads, footbridges

      • public auction markets

      • health care centers

      • day-care centers/pre-school institutions

      • RHUs/lying-in clinics which may include equipment and supplies

      • municipal/barangay wharves/ports


    2. Construction/provision of women's resource centers and livelihood centers. Procurement of various seedlings and other farm equipment and other farm implements

    3. Procurement of heavy equipment for SWM, road construction/ maintenance Establishment of HIV/AIDS and STD counseling and surveillance center/desk
      Construction/installation of solar driers, multi-purpose pavement, post-harvest facilities, food processing, rice and corn m ills, warehouses.

    What are the loan terms and conditions of MDG Fund?

    Answer :  MDGF has three (3) financing packages:

    Package 1
    Softer support / Light equipment e.g. procurement of light equipment, goods, seed capital for livelihood and similar items
    Interest rate : 7.5% per annum, fixed
    MDGF has three (3) financing packages:
    Repayment Period : 5 years inclusive of 1 year grace period on principal

    Package 2
    Heavy equipment e.g. procurement of heavy equipment such as farm tractors, garbage trucks, dump trucks, pay loaders
    Interest rate : 7.5% per annum, fixed
    Repayment period : 10 years inclusive of 3 years grace period on principal

    Package 3
    Civil Works/Infrastructure such as construction and rehabilitation of educational facilities, health-related facilities, water supply facilities and similar items
    Interest rate : 8.0% per annum, fixed
    Repayment period : 15 years inclusive of 3 years grace period on principal

  • LGSP-LED LGU Participation

    What is LGSP-LED?

    Answer :  The Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) is an 8-year collaborative project of the Governments of Canada and the Philippines that will support the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other relevant national agencies in creating enabling conditions for decentralization and improving policies, laws, programs and operations to enhance local governance and economic development.

    The goal of the project is to foster efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable governance at all levels. Its purpose is to reduce poverty by strengthening local governance and supporting sustainable Local Economic Development (LED). The Program operates both at the national and local levels, providing a better enabling environment for LGUs and improved prospects for local economic development in various communities.

    What are the Legal bases for LGSP-LED implementation?

    Answer :  

    1. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) on March 30, 2007.

    2. A Memorandum of Agreement on the implementation of LGSP-LED was signed between DILG and the Canadian executing Agency (CEA) on April 1, 2009

    How will LGSP-LED operate in the national and local levels?

    Answer :  At the national level, LGSP-LED will improve the enabling environment for decentralization and local governance, with a focus on how this supports local economic development. It will also address ways to improve the coordination and rationalization of LED approaches in the country.

    On the other hand, LGSP-LED's work at the local level will provide support to participating LGUs in developing and implementing their local economic development approaches. The intention is to build the capacity of LGUs to pursue innovative LED methods that can produce important job creation, generate economic results for women and men, and improve the governance environment support for economic development.

    The strong public-private partnership that would emerge under the Project will provide LGUs and their alliances the means to adopt area-wide, long-term integrated LED strategies focused on creative and sustainable solutions in response to local circumstances.

    Who is funding and implementing LGSP-LED?

    Answer :  LGSP-LED is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and implemented by the Canadian Executing Agency (CEA), in partnership with DILG. The CEA is a consortium of the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) (www.canurb.com) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) (www.accc.ca). The implementation of LGSP-LED will cover the period from 2008 until 2016.

    What are the Responsibilities of DILG?

    Answer :  

    1. Serve as co-chair and co-decision maker (alongside CIDA) of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and provide guidance in the Project design and delivery including responsibility to direct the Project's structure, approach and pace;

    2. Review and approve Project’s key documents such as the PIP, AWPs and other Project related documents;

    3. Facilitate and sign Memorandum of Understanding and amendments on behalf of the Philippine government and secure necessary approvals of the national government for the Project;

    4. Organize and establish the Project Management Team (PMT) composed of designated senior staff from the DILG operating units with the Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) as focal unit;

    5. Mobilize appropriate human resources a all levels within the Department to participate in the planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of the Project;

    6. Set up regional mechanisms in cooperation with other government agencies and institutions represented in the PSC to ensure that work plans are mainstreamed into agency's plans, projects and activities.

    7. Build on the established partnerships and coordination arrangement with other NGAs, CSOs, private sector and LGUs including donor organizations and international partners in support of Project planning and implementation activities;

    8. Collaborate with CIDA in undertaking monitoring and evaluation of the progress of Project activities and assessing Project achievements based on the approved performance measurement framework.

    What are the functions of the PSC?

    Answer :  

    1. Ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the approved Project Implementation Plan (PIP), Annual Work Plan (AWP) and related Project documents;

    2. Monitor and review the progress of planned activities and assess overall performance of LGSP-LED in attaining its outcomes and outputs based on the approved Project performance framework;

    3. Review and approve recommendations arising from Project evaluations conducted during the course of Project implementation;

    4. Ensure the implementation of policy directives relevant to the Project and provide guidance in advocating the policy support at national and local levels;

    5. Serve as a forum for discussion of issues and recommendations arising from Project operations.

    What are the Responsibilities of the DILG Management Team?

    Answer :  

    1. Coordinate with the CEA in the Implementation of Project activities at the national and regional level including the provision of assistance in capacity development, strategic planning , knowledge management and partnership;

    2. Coordinate and conduct follow through activities on Project related matters discussed and agreed during PSC meetings between and among the member national agencies, partner CSOs, LGUs, Leagues and private sectors;

    3. Participate in the preparation and review of PIP, AWPs, progress and financial reports and other technical documents as necessary in close collaboration with the CEA;

    4. Conduct needs assessment of DILG national and regional counterparts for capacity development, institutional strengthening and knowledge management on local economic development;

    5. Assist in the maintenance of the LGSP-LED website and database at the DILG offices through provision and updating of documentation reports, policy papers, etc. that will be made available on the website;

    6. Undertake monitoring and evaluation of DILG counterpart contribution of Project activities at national and local levels;

    7. Attend and participate in the regular meetings of DILG and CIDA on project status and work targets and undertake necessary follow up activities;

    8. As secretariat to the PSC, the PMT will be responsible in coordinating the PSC meetings

    What is the focus of the LGSP-LED assistance?

    Answer :  The focus of LGSP-LED assistance is to improve the capacity of the selected LGUs to create and maintain an environment that sustains more value creation for its enterprises and greater prosperity for its people. Sustainable local economic development dictates that the LGU makes efficient use of its natural resources, minimizing adverse effects brought about by undirected growth. The important contribution of the project is ensuring that LGUs have the prerequisite enabling environment in pushing its businesses and residents oriented towards pro-poor, gender responsive and environmentally sound local economic development.

    What are the Project's guiding principles?

    Answer :  

    1. Fostering the revered Filipino tradition of bayanihan, which is the spirit of cohesive effort where shared challenges are addressed through the strength of unity, cooperation and, partnership in the local communities;

    2. Flexibility to allow the work with LGUs to be demand-driven. It is anticipated that this will result in a range of LED models being supported and responsive to the needs and requirements of the LED stakeholders;

    3. Cost-shared and performance based initiatives.

    4. Use of existing resources in the Philippines to support LED activities allowing more sustainable relationships to be built with LGUs. This could include tapping Local Resources partners(e.g. consultants, NGOs, academe, etc) to provide technical assistance, facilitating the identification and accessing of financing channels for LGUS, and mobilizing the local community to play an active role in the LED process;

    5. LED interventions based on sound market principles with a solid assessment of the feasibility of achieving intended results and making them economically and environmentally sustainable;

    6. Inclusion of informal enterprises in the LED process, including the planning and implementation of LED initiatives and in investment programming;

    7. A LED planning process that is harmonized with established LGU planning systems and processes for a coherent enabling environment;

    8. Mainstreaming of gender equality, environmental sustainability and poverty reduction concerns;

    9. An inclusive process that brings in all key stakeholders that have an interest in and ability to contribute to LED;

    10. An approach focused not only on growth, but also on sustainable development and social justice.

    What has been achieved so far?

    Answer :  In 2008, a DILG Project Management Team (PMT) was created. The PMT facilitated the conduct of a series of consultative meetings and workshops with LED practitioners and partners form other NGAs, the private sector, NGOs, the academe and the donor community to conduct an inventory of existing programs, projects and activities and series that supports local economic development and the development of the logical framework and project implementation plan for LGSP-LED. To date, through a competitive process, four LGU alliances were selected for Phase I: The Province of Guimaras Agri-Tourism Alliance, the Dapitan-Dipolog-Polanco-Katipunan-Pres. M. Roxas-Manukan (DDPKaRoMa) Growth Corridor in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, One Pangasinan Alliance of LGUs (OPAL) in the Province of Pangasinan, and the Province of Bohol Integrated Area Development Cluster V (BIAD). A series of capacity development workshops and consultative dialogues with the participating LGU alliances in the planning and implementation of priority LED initiatives have also been completed. In June, LGSP-LED intends to hold national and provincial launches. During the national launching, the MOA between DILG, the CEA and the four participating LGU alliances will be signed.

    How was the selection process for Phase 1 undertaken?

    Answer :  The selection of LGU alliances to be covered during Phase 1 will be undertaken in a competitive
    manner and will be open to all LGUs including provinces and LGU alliances. The call for LGU
    participation will be disseminated through the DILG regional and field offices nationwide. The LGU
    application and review of LGU submissions follows a logical sequence involving procedural steps to ensure objectivity and transparency in the LGU selection process.
    The following procedural steps in the selection process will be undertaken:

    1. Review and Assessment of LGU Submissions

    2. LGU Self Assessment of Competitiveness.

    3. LGU Presentation to the Independent Panel

    4. Scoring and Rating Process

    How will LGSP-LED be implemented?

    Answer :  Over the 8-year period, LGSP-LED assistance will be implemented in three distinct phases. Phase 1 will involve working with competitive LGUs, Phase 2 will involve working with LGUs in a state of reading for LED, and Phase 3 will involve complementation and leveraging donor resources for LGU LED sustainability.

    What is meant by competitive LGUs?

    Answer :  Competitive LGUs are those that have advanced the LED process and would require additional support to further enabling environment for LED. They are targets of Phase 1, which will cover initial 15 months (2008-2010). It will focus on strengthening the LED programming and partnership arrangements of selected four (4) eligible LGU alliances.

    The lessons learned and experience gained during this Phase will serve to guide the succeeding phases of LGSP-LED implementation. It is also intended to inform CIDA and DILG on whether the LGUs should continue into the longer term phase and/or attract more LGUs into the Project.

    What are the LGUs considered to be in a state of readiness for LED?

    Answer :  LGUs that are in the state of readiness for LED are those that have demonstrated commitment to pursue a transparent and accountable process of LED and possess the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to accomplish their development goals. They are the targets of Phase 2, which will run for the following subsequent three (3) years (2010-2013). Under this Phase, 8 LGUs will be selected for assistance. Separate selection guidelines will be established for Category 2 LGUs based on lessons learned in Phase 1.

    How will Phase 3 be carried out?

    Answer :  Phase 3 will run for another three (3) years (2013-2016) and may involve expanding coverage of LGSP-LED programming by DILG to other LGUs through complementation and leveraging with other donors and financial institutions. In this stage, LGUs are able to secure complementary investment support and funding assistance for their LED initiatives The Project will support the capacity of LGUs to develop innovative LED approaches at the local level that would generate jobs and create employment opportunities, improve the governance through local enabling environment supporting local economic development and provide models of emerging best practices that other LGUs would adopt and/or replicate.

    Who can avail of LGSP-LED assistance?

    Answer :  Through the Project phased approach, LGSP-LED will target LGUs under three (3) main categories, as follows:

    1. Category One: LGUs and LGU alliances that have advanced the LED process and initiated LED implementation but require additional support in enabling environment for improving business opportunities and investment climate.

    2. Category Two: LGUs and LGU alliances requiring more entry level support and assistance in strengthening LED planning and decision-making processes.

    3. Category Three: LGUs and LGU alliances where DILG and CIDA will determine that the LGSP-LED could complement programming with other donor organizations and/or funding institutions.

    Are there cross-cutting themes under LGSP-LED?

    Answer :  The themes of gender equality, environmental sustainability and poverty reduction will be treated as cross-cutting themes under LGSP-LED. The priority LED initiatives must demonstrate that consideration has been given to the integration of these essential themes in terms of the planned activities and their implications for future policies.

    What are the expected outputs for 2009?

    Answer :  The year 2009 will involve the launch of LGSP-LED into its implementation phase, Advanced LGUs will be the priority for Phase I.

    In the National-level component, the Department's efforts on creating LED policy framework and strengthen DILG's national and regional machinery necessary for project roll-out. Three major result areas are planned:

    1. DILG policy framework on local economic development for LGUs,

    2. Knowledge management (KM) action plans and ICT needs assessment for LED; and

    3. Retooling DILG's regional machinery for LED promotion and advancement. A National Forum will be launched as a new mechanism for consultation, dialogue and innovation in LED.


    At the Local-level, the Project will focus its efforts on an initials set of four (4) participating LGU Alliances to help bring about improved local conditions for sustainable local economic development.

    The three key results areas are as follows:
    1. Four LGU alliances acting as champions on LED in the Philippines;

    2. LGU corporate powers mobilized for LED; and

    3. Pubic-private-community partnerships for LED unleashed.


    A National Forum will be launched as a new mechanism for consultation, dialogue and innovation in LED.

    At the Local-level, the Project will focus its efforts on an initials set of four (4) participating LGU Alliances to help bring about improved local conditions for sustainable local economic development. The three key results areas are as follows: (1) Four LGU alliances acting as champions on LED in the Philippines; (@) LGU corporate powers mobilized for LED; and (3) Pubic-private-community partnerships for LED unleashed.

    Who can be contacted for more information?

    Answer :  More information about LGSP-LED can be obtained from:

    Director Manuel Gotis, CESO III
    Chair, PMT
    Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
    A Francisco Gold Condominium II
    EDSA, cor. Mapagmahal St.
    Diliman, Quezon City
    Tel. No. (632) 929-9235, 920-3513
    Fax No. (632) 927-7852