Some think that local government officials need not to be managed because they themselves stand as leaders. That’s a common misconception. Although LGOs have various associations, there’s one organization that brings these associations and members together – the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.
ULAP is a group that was officially established on the month of September in the year 1998. The Union Local Authorities of the Philippines seeks to be an avenue for various local government officials to talk about different cases like national and local issues. If you are familiar with Charter Change, this is one of ULAP’s advocacy back then. Most of the officials involved here are governors, mayors, councilors, etc. Some of the association members are: League of Municipalities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines and Liga ng mga Barangay. Other federations and associations of local elective and officials are also members of this organization.
With approximately 1.7 million for the group, one can undoubtedly say that ULAP will be able to represent the needs of the members and local government units. That’s something that LGOs should be proud of. Even better, in the year 2004, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines was recognized as an umbrella organization under the Executive Order No. 351. This covers the leagues of local government units. The recognition gave way for ULAP to build a stronger campaign and promotion of a more effective and efficient networking and consensus among the members. To be particular, ULAP was given an opportunity to address different issues on local autonomy and governance.
In the year 2006, ULAP held its Fourth General Assembly at the Manila Hotel. The assembly transpired for two days, mobilizing the development of the organization towards the birth of mega-regions. The latter is a development strategy considered by the national government. During the first day of the event, the Key Cabinet members of the group tackled about the aims and goals that the ULAP has to achieve for a more equitable improvement across the country. The second day was completed by drafting and deciding some of the resolutions that were immediately presented to the country’s President.
The ULAP is a good channel for local government officials to work with the national government in making the country more developed and successful. For the betterment of the Philippines, more groups like the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines should be established. To know more about ULAP, you may visit the organization’s main website.
