Some 19 local officials from Compostela Valley Province, Cebu Province, Tuguegarao City, and Delfin Albano, Isabela learned more about their important role in formulating responsive laws and policies during the “Course on Effective Local Legislation (ELL)” conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines last October 18-20 at the DAP Conference Center in Pasig City.

The course is one of the regular offerings of the Local Governance and Development Office (LGDO) under the Academy’s Center for Governance (CfG).  It aims to provide newly-elected and reelected local legislators as well as their legislative staff the context of local development especially under the new administration.

Translating vision into action

In order to relate and situate local development within the national development thrusts and goals, Director Reynaldo Cancio of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) emphasized the need to translate the country’s vision into action.  This can be done, he said, through strong ownership and buy-in of local government leaders and stakeholders over the next 25 years.

However, given that unexpected developments may arise amidst new policy directions and possible political changes, most sessions in the course tried to help the participants assert their function as local legislators and conduits of good governance, where their prime contribution to national development can be most felt.

Public value

To inject depth into the dynamics of the local political milieu, Councilor Ronald Barcena of Antipolo City  introduced the concept of public value in law making and policy formulation.  He also shared with the participants the principles and characteristics of effective local legislation, as well as the art of parliamentary procedure with emphasis on procedural and substantive legislation.

The ELL course likewise delved into the role of local legislators in relation to the functions of the local government unit’s executive department, particularly the offices of the Planning and Development Coordinator and the Local Chief Executive.

Interested parties who may want to attend future runs of the ELL may contact for more details Ms. Ashley May Alison M. Monsanto at 631-2135 or email cfg-lgdo@dap.edu.ph.