The Philippines has a lot of organizations that you can name. Often times, people don’t even mind about these groups because they think that these organizations do nothing good on the country’s state or economy. Here’s the fact, the associations or groups that the national government establishes are all helpful and wouldn’t be created if not for certain purposes that can be beneficial for the country. If national government units have groups, much for local government units like the barangays and municipalities. Speaking of the latter, there’s an official organization for municipalities – the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
The organization was mandatory created through the Section 496 of the Republic Act 7160. The R.A. was also known as the Local Government Code of 1991. Currently, the league has 68 municipalities that serve as part of the organization. The League of Municipalities of the Philippines was created for the same purpose as other local leagues like League of Barangays of the Philippines.
Every municipality is being represented by the municipal mayor. Should the representative be unavailable, the vice mayor of Sanggunian member will be considered as the temporary representative in the LMP. One of the league’s goals is to make every active and participating member an asset in reaching development, success and improvement in the country. Some of the core focuses in development are: capability development, processes and networks, effective innovative organizational structures and systems.
LMP is like a large class that lets every member to share their past experiences, strategies and various ideas that they have conceptualized in terms of local governance. Imagine seeing a large group of municipal mayors from around the country, talking and delving about local issues and possible solutions, it’s one step for a better Philippines, right?
Last October of the year 2009, the league had its General Assembly that was held in the Manila Hotel. The theme which was “Sustaining Exemplary Practices for Effective Local Governance” tackled about what the organization accomplished over the past years. The three-day assembly had several sessions that highlighted new strategies, practices and innovations in local governance. Some issues regarding Island Clusters was also discussed.
Provided below is the organization’s mission and vision that can be sourced from LMP’s main website:
Mission
To let enable members to reinvent their advocacy and mobilization strategies and delivery of social, economic and environmental services to benefit their constituents and the future generation.
Vision
League of Municipalities of the Philippines – The heart and soul of all municipalities collectively achieving effective governance, timely delivery of services and strengthen institutional capacity.
As for the funding, the LMP is being funded by the contributions given by the local government unit members or by some of the fund-raising activities organized by the league. The funds (which are called ‘trust funds’) are being carried over to the treasurer and are subject to detailed accounting and auditing policies. Also, national funds are separated and different from chapter funds.
