03/06/2026
๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐ฏ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ
In a proactive move to contribute to the RevAmp of local governance in the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao del Norte convened a strategic leveling-off and coordination meeting on June 3, 2026 at Heroben Hometel, Tagum City with research experts from Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) as part of preparations for a comprehensive policy research initiative on the proposed amendments to the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991.
The meeting, presided over by Provincial Director Jonathan J. Leybag, MPA, gathered key DILG officials and members of the DNSC research team led by Dr. Florie Ann Fermil, Dean of the Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Good Governance. The activity served as an essential preparatory undertaking to harmonize research objectives, methodologies, timelines, and stakeholder engagement strategies in anticipation of the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) scheduled on June 10, 2026.
The collaboration marks the initial phase of โRevamp Davao del Norte: A Strategic Policy Review, Harmonization, and Amendment Initiative for the Local Government Code of 1991,โ a research-driven undertaking designed to generate evidence-based recommendations that will support ongoing national efforts to revisit and strengthen the country's primary framework for local governance.
More than three decades after the enactment of the Local Government Code, local governance continues to evolve amid changing socio-economic realities, increasing demands for public service delivery, and the expanding role of local government units in nation-building. Recognizing these developments, the initiative seeks to assess the continuing relevance and effectiveness of existing provisions of the Code and identify policy gaps that may warrant legislative action. Particular emphasis will be placed on examining the implications of the landmark Mandanas-Garcia Ruling and Executive Order No. 138, both of which significantly reshaped the fiscal landscape and devolved functions of local government units. These reforms have broadened the responsibilities of LGUs while providing them with greater fiscal resources, underscoring the need to ensure that the Local Government Code remains aligned with present governance realities and future development imperatives.
Provincial Director Leybag emphasized the value of evidence-based policymaking and the crucial role of government-academe partnerships in crafting responsive and forward-looking governance reforms.
โMeaningful reforms must be grounded on evidence, informed by the experiences of our local governments, and enriched by rigorous academic inquiry. Through this partnership with DNSC, we aim to generate policy recommendations that genuinely reflect the realities, challenges, and aspirations of our local government units and communities,โ Leybag said.
The forthcoming FGDs will bring together local chief executives, elected officials, department heads, sectoral representatives, development partners, and governance practitioners from across Davao del Norte. Their collective insights and field experiences are expected to provide valuable inputs in identifying areas of the Code that may require harmonization, enhancement, or amendment. Beyond contributing to legislative discourse, the initiative reflects DILG Davao del Norte's continuing commitment to fostering innovation, institutional learning, and participatory governance. By engaging stakeholders and leveraging academic expertise, the Province seeks to help shape policy reforms that will further strengthen local autonomy, improve accountability mechanisms, and enhance the capacity of local governments to deliver responsive and inclusive public services.
As preparations move forward for the June 10 consultations, the partnership between DILG Davao del Norte and DNSC stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing governance reforms that are evidence-based, future-oriented, and responsive to the evolving needs of local communities.
