Consultation and coordination in national and local governance

For many years, in various fora and seminars on local legislation, I have consistently emphasized a crucial principle for effective governance: the importance of robust consultation and coordination between the national government and local government units. This principle is particularly pertinent when national government programs, projects, activities, and services are implemented within an LGU’s jurisdiction, especially when these initiatives require substantial funding that local governments cannot afford on their own.

Such nationally funded projects, though well-intentioned, often fall short when local perspectives are not genuinely integrated into their design and execution. Their scale demands collaboration, recognizing that the beneficiaries and implementers are at the local level.

Beyond mere resource allocation, the goal must always be effective and equitable development that truly resonates with the needs and priorities of the communities it seeks to serve. This is where consultation and coordination transform from optional niceties into foundational pillars of good governance.

Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, our nation’s blueprint for local autonomy, explicitly underpins this necessity. Section 2(c) of the Code unequivocally outlines the state’s policy of requiring regular consultations with LGUs, nongovernment organizations, and people’s organizations before the initiation of any national project within their respective jurisdictions.

This provision is not, as some might perceive, a mere bureaucratic formality or an inconvenient procedural step. Instead, it stands as a cornerstone of effective and equitable development, ensuring that projects are not imposed from above but are instead informed by the realities and aspirations of the communities they are meant to uplift.

Further reinforcing this collaborative ethos, Section 25(b) of the Code also emphasizes the crucial need for coordination in project implementation. This subsequent stage ensures that once a project is approved, its execution aligns seamlessly with local needs and priorities, preventing disjointed efforts and maximizing impact.

Consultation and coordination are distinct yet complementary principles. Coordination refers to the systematic synchronization of efforts, activities, and resources among different individuals, departments, or organizations to achieve a common objective efficiently and effectively. It involves aligning timelines, responsibilities, and actions to ensure smooth operation, prevent duplication of efforts, resolve potential conflicts, and ensure that all parts of a complex project work together cohesively towards a shared goal.

When consultation and coordination are diligently applied, they create a powerful synergy. Consultation sets the foundation by ensuring projects are thoughtfully designed and locally relevant from inception. Coordination then ensures these well-designed projects are implemented harmoniously, efficiently, and adaptively on the ground.

When genuine consultation and robust coordination are institutionalized, they create an invaluable sense of ownership for both the national government and the local government unit. This shared ownership fosters greater commitment, accountability, and sustained support, leading to better project outcomes, enhanced sustainability, and a more responsive governance framework that truly empowers local communities.

It is imperative that we move beyond mere lip service and genuinely embrace these principles. By prioritizing consultation and coordination, we can ensure that national development initiatives are not only well funded but also deeply rooted in local realities, leading to more responsive, effective, and sustainable progress across our nation.

Reginald Tamayo,
reginaldtamayo@yahoo.com