Time to review the LGC of 1991

The Local Government Code (LGC) (Republic Act 7160) of 1991, passed during the Cory Aquino administration, decentralized government operations by transferring national government agencies’ personnel involved in the delivery of basic services to the local government units (LGUs). The argument was that since LGUs are more familiar with the local problems and are accessible to their constituents, they will be more responsive to the needs and complaints of their community.

As a result of its passage, the LGC devolved the field staff of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and agencies involved in the delivery of basic services to the municipal, city and provincial local governments. Thus, under the law, should there be pressing issues involving agriculture, health, social welfare, among others, affecting the local community, the LGUs are mainly responsible in leading the efforts to address them.