Kalinga PLGU awaits approval of Devolution Transition Plan

Tabuk City, Kalinga – After completion of the Devolution Transition Plan, the Provincial Government of Kalinga awaits approval.

The approval of the Devolution Transition Plan is expected to bring more positive changes in the services of the provincial government, especially in the expansion of offices.

In an interview with a PLGU official on December 4, 2021, she said the plan will still undergo thorough review and approval, but she is confident the leveling sessions and judicious planning and workshops conducted by the provincial government prior to the submission assure the quality of the work.

Provincial Information Officer III Dionica Mercado said that the PLGU was able to give priorities on the more needed programs and structures for the devolved functions to bridge the gap of better delivery of basic services, being the core principle of the decentralization.

In a statement, Governor Ferdinand Tubban, meantime, said that the DTP will serve as the ‘LGU's roadmap to ensure systematic and coherent actions with a strategic perspective towards the full assumption of devolved functions and services starting next year.’

He added that this shall foster the alignment of priorities and complementation of resources to influence the design and structure of the devolution transition activities of the National Government Agencies (NGA) concerned, including the needed operational support along with the capacity requirements among LGUs.

“Even with the expected increase of our National Tax Allocation (NTA) due to the implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, we have yet to fully assume forthwith and straightforward all the devolved functions and services as provided in the DTP Implementing Rules and Regulations,” Tubban said adding that through collective efforts and consistent drive, the realization of the program’s pursuit is expected by the end of 2024.

“In preparation for these fundamental changes in local governance, the implementation of administrative and fiscal decentralization requires an appropriate mechanism to ensure efficient utilization of government resources and facilities,” Tubban stated.

PPAs to be undertaken from 2022 to 2024 through the DTP

As reported by the provincial information officer, several programs and projects will be undertaken from 2022 to 2024 through the devolution plan in the social services sector and economic sector.

Health Services

For health services, developments which will be expected are the upgrading of the Kalinga Provincial Hospital from Level I to a Higher Level, including creations of required manpower, provision of required equipment for Level II Hospital; required trainings for personnel and staff; procurement and distribution of Logistics/Health Commodities including the construction of Warehousing and Storage and upgrading of health facilities and equipment of all the district hospitals, creation of positions, provision of trainings and staff.

Social welfare services

As for social welfare services, to be done are the establishment of facilities with personnel complement particularly the Child-Minding Center, Special Drug Education Center, Youth Building Center and Completion of Women's Crisis Center, provision of livelihood assistance, creation of required personnel, capability building and social welfare program for vulnerable groups.

Population development services

Likewise, the provincial government will give attention to population and development services by establishing a population and development office, division or unit, capacity building of local population officers, the establishment of local RPFP database and information system and local AHD database and information system and promotion of population and development services program.

Economic support and programs

For economic sectors in the province, the PLGU will provide programs and projects in terms of agricultural services on crops and agricultural-infrastructural support through funding agricultural extension training for agricultural extension and farmers, funding on-site research services, appropriate technology transfer, creation of required plantilla position, provision of Agri-Fishery machinery and equipment and post-harvest facilities and construction of agri-infra support like irrigation, farm-to-market road, and flood control.

As for animal and livestock production, the PLGU shall fund agricultural extension training for agricultural extension and animal raisers, on-site research services, appropriate technology transfer, creation of required plantilla position, and construction of agri-infra support like dairy farm and quarantine post.

Environmental support and programs

For environmental and natural resources management, projects and programs such as the establishment of a small watershed, community-based forestry and agroforestry projects, implementation of the solid waste management plan, intensified enforcement of pollution control law, small scale mining and environmental protection law, the establishment of quarry monitoring post, creation of additional manpower, capability building, and waste disposal program shall be implemented.

Tourism services

As for tourism services, updating of the provincial tourism development plan, formulation of the provincial culture development plan, additional manpower creation of plantilla positions, capacity building to tourism guides, tourism stakeholders, and research and documentation of traditional celebrations, historical battles shall be done.

Other devolved services

For devolved services as per other related laws, the province shall prioritize the improvement of the provincial jail, departmentalization of the provincial government, disaster risk reduction office with personnel complement, a housing project for employees, sites for relocation for families affected by calamities, and construction of government projects and refinement of policies for linkage between roles of PLGU and C/MLGUs.

Previously, Section 10 of Executive Order No. 138 directed all LGUs to formulate and prepare their DTP to pave the way for the streamlined and smooth transition towards the full assumption of the devolved roles and responsibilities.

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