The Challenge DILG is faced with the major huge task of moving forward its Local Government Sector

agenda for the fiscal year 2012. Not only that Secretary Jesse Robredo is serious in pushing for it but the whole Departments commitment to the Presidents call for matuwid na daan by pressing on to build the foundation of responsible government without let-up. The bar of performance has been raised year-after-year. For this year, the Department, as reflected in its annual Key Projects/Programs and Activities (PPAs), explicitly calls for LGUs to adopt measures and programs towards good governance and more importantly implement anti-corruption measures. The department is not only bent on demanding full compliance by the LGUs but has in effect commits the departments total resources make sure that the targets are met. It demanded wide-ranging mobilization of its personnel to attain full-compliance by LGUs thru policies that strengthen fundamentals in governance. Clearly, this is easier said than done. First, the department has to make sure that it has the capacity to deliver. Meaning, it must have the ability to assist the capability building needs of the LGUs and helpful program supports to strengthen local autonomy and an empowered communities. Second, it must create an effective and working partnership mechanism with the LGUs without sacrificing the value of oversight functions of the Department, and most essentially, ensure the sustainability of what has been laid. The orders from the higher-ups are instantly recognizable. DILG is tasked to lead in revolutionizing LGUs to become more responsive to the current needs of the nation. It also demanded effective coordination with most agencies of the national government to make things happen. The tasks ahead necessitate acute sense of the departments personnel and officers to determine and pursue strategies to deliver what are expected of them. But in its totality, it is not simply because it is DILGs mandate. It is because this is what our country needs. The dream of a just and lasting peace and rule of law indubitably could remain an aspiration unless the government is able lay the keystones of what it seek to achieve. Local Governments are in the forefront on all of these, so as DILG. Performance, Accountability, Transparency, Inclusivity and Equity in governance are not simple words that spell grandeur to the departments mission. These are serious responsibilities that the people of DILG dared to face. The whole department has decided to position itself at the center of these efforts. It chooses a profound path to help the nation and its people. But, Is DILG-XI up to the challenge? Sure is!