Absence of or Breakdown in Coordination?

Decentralization is supposed to be the empowerment of local government units. It is supposed to result in faster and more effective solutions to problems at the provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels.

The national government is supposed to withdraw its direct involvement in the implementation of projects and the crafting of regulatory measures to give way to local government units doing these tasks.

There has, however, been a need to address issues pertaining to coordination of various levels of LGUs and even among LGUs of the same level, such as among provinces.

What are important points in such coordination?

There are projects which by their very nature require inputs from other LGUs. For instance, a coconut oil mill in Province A will use coconuts produced in Province B. The vegetables produced in Town A could be sold in the public market of Town B.

A medical center in City A could be servicing residents of City B.

There are virtually countless examples, but the point is: to what extent do LGUs think about coordinating their actions and complementing each other?

In such linkages, the need for coordination at a higher level is essential. Thus, theoretically, the provincial government ensures that such complementarity is achieved among the cities and towns in its jurisdiction. The cities and towns are to oversee the activities of their barangays so that coordination is achieved.

In like manner, the provinces are supposed to be complementing each other through the Regional Development Council.

Achieving a high degree of complementarity seems unreachable at this time in the evolution of decentralization. Many LGUs do not even consult each other. In fact, many openly oppose each other.

If we had a state government that controls policies, funds and personnel, then such coordination among provinces will be achieved. In other words, autonomy in the use of funds gives rise to coordination problems.

All these years my thesis has always been: unless the coordinator of development controls resources, effective coordination will not be achieved. In such a situation, there will always be an absence or breakdown of coordination.