Manila: Decentralization will allow local government units (LGUs) to become "service providers" to their constituents, said Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento. Sarmiento, a former three-term mayor in Samar, made these remarks at the 1st Regional Local Governance Reform Convention.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sarmiento emphasized that decentralization is a guiding principle of governance, operationalized through Republic Act (RA) 7160. He encouraged LGUs to make necessary changes through local autonomy and decentralization, transforming them from administrative extensions of the national government into primary service providers.

Sarmiento highlighted the shift in governance towards a more people-centric approach, adopted by countries such as the United States and Australia, focusing on human capital enhancement. He urged local executives to adopt this mindset, focusing on the development of citizens from birth to becoming productive members of society.

He also stressed the importance of learning from history, particularly how internal conflicts since the 1970s have affected the Philippine government's service delivery. Sarmiento emphasized the need for planning and adaptive leadership, encouraging local leaders to step back and observe the governance system critically.

The convention, conducted in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), serves as the first Review and Amendment Program for the Local Government Code. It aims to gather insights, integrate recommendations, and create a unified approach to push for full decentralization in local governance.

The two-day event brought together local chief executives from 49 municipalities in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.