The Galing Pook Foundation expresses its deep concern over recent controversies in the implementation of certain flood control projects by the national government. These issues do not only erode the people’s trust in public institutions; they also cast doubt on the proper use of scarce public resources and weaken the very principles of transparency, accountability, and participatory governance that are essential to effective public service.

These controversies, however, should not overshadow a number of positive examples of national agency-local government collaboration in delivering programs and projects that produced positive impacts and genuinely served communities. These successes demonstrate that partnership and coordination are possible and must remain the standard.

Good governance cannot take root without the trust of citizens and without genuine coordination between national agencies and local government units (LGUs). Section 25 of the Local Government Code of 1991 is clear: National agencies must consult and coordinate with LGUs before implementing projects in their jurisdictions. This provision respects the principle of local autonomy and affirms that local governments are in the best position to understand the realities, priorities, and needs of their communities. Bypassing these processes not only leads to inefficiency but also risks waste, corruption, and projects that fail to respond to the people they are meant to serve.

In this light, the Galing Pook Foundation calls for:

1. Stricter compliance with the Local Government Code by all national government agencies, ensuring that LGUs and their constituents are meaningfully involved in project planning and, where appropriate, implementation, as well as in monitoring and evaluation.
2. Wider consultation and participation of communities and civil society in adherence to national policies on citizen participation, and to ensure that public funds are invested in projects that prioritize and effectively address local needs.
3. Stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms that uphold the highest standards of integrity in national and local governance.

True progress and resilience can only be achieved when national and local governments work hand in hand with their citizens. These recent controversies must serve as a turning point—one that strengthens collaboration, upholds integrity management, ethical standards in public service which adheres to the dictum that "public office is a public trust", and ensures that public resources are always used for the common good.

Galing Pook Foundation
Recognizing Innovation. Championing Good Governance for Smarter Communities

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