The Local Planning Structure

The Local Planning Structure is composed of political and technical components.

The political component comprises mainly the Local Sanggunian and the LDC.  These two bodies lay down policy guidelines and take decisions regarding the direction, character, and objectives of local development.  They do these in their capacity as elected representatives of the people.  In a very real sense, they are the true planners of the city, municipality or province. 

The technical component on the other hand consists of non-elective officials of the LGU, heads of national agencies operating in the area, and non-government sectors.

Figure 1.1   COMPONENTS OF THE LOCAL PLANNING STRUCTURE

POLITICAL	TECHNICAL
·         Local Sanggunian ·         Local Development Council ·         Congressman’s Representative ·         Civil Society Organizations	·         Local Planning and Development Office ·         LGU Department Heads ·         Local Special Bodies ·         LDC Sectoral/Functional Committees ·         NGA Office Chiefs in the locality ·         Private Sector Representatives

Reference: Serote, Ernesto, Rationalized Planning System, p.1-2

LGC, Section 15. Political and Corporate Nature of Local Government Units. - Every local government unit created or recognized under this Code is a body politic and corporate endowed with powers to be exercised by it in conformity with law. As such, it shall exercise powers as a political subdivision of the national government and as a corporate entity representing the inhabitants of its territory.

The planning function of LGUs is embedded in the dual personality of an LGU. As a body politic the LGU is a subdivision of the national government. The LGU is endowed with powers and resources with which to manage its territorial jurisdiction for and on behalf of the national government. As a body corporate the LGU is likewise endowed with powers and resources to promote the general welfare of its inhabitants. The ultimate objective of the current policy of devolution is to strengthen this dual role of LGUs, namely, 1) as a political unit, to become an effective partner in the attainment of national goals, and 2) as a corporate body, to be able to promote the general welfare of its inhabitants thereby enabling them to become self-reliant communities (RA 7160, Sec. 2a, Sec. 15).

Reference: Serote, Ernesto, Rationalized Planning System

 Two Mandated Plans of LGUs according to RA 7160

The two mandated plans are the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (sec. 20, LGC) enacted thru the zoning ordinance  and the Comprehensive Development Plan (sec. 106, LGC). CLUP is territorial in scope while the CDP is sectoral. Usually, CLUP is for 9 or ten years while the CDP is usually for 6 years.