DILG introduces LGPMS

The Department of Interior and Local Government has implemented the Internet-based Local Government Performance Management System in 68 provinces, 998 cities and 1,252 municipalities.

LGPMS is a self-assessment management development system that aims to help local government units improve governance and enhance the delivery of basic services in their respective localities through information that would help them optimize the use of available resources and develop results-oriented policies and programs.

Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Ronaldo Puno said that the LPGMS is already being implemented in some municipalities and cities in Cebu.

Among all regions in the country, Region 7 was chosen as the pioneer site to adopt this project and will serve as a model for all the rest.

Through LGPMS, local governments can conduct a self-evaluation of their performance in the following service areas: governance, administration, social services, economic development and environmental management.

The results of this evaluation will then be used to enhance weak services and will be used to help improve financial and human resources, gauge local government performance against established standards, and inform national policy makers on the state of development at local level.

Furthermore, the LPGMS will be a helpful tool for the civil society to determine opportunities for effective LGU-private sector partnerships.

Secretary Puno expects the Bureau of Local Government Supervision and the DILG regional offices to improve on their 86-percent accomplishment rate this coming year so that all targeted provinces, municipalities and cities will be implementing the LPGMS before the end of 2007.

He added that the results for the evaluation will then be turned over to the newly elected officials for assessment and guide for planning. - Jasmin R. Uy