Assessing the Effectiveness of Local Government Decentralization in Enhancing Public Service Delivery in the Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37899/mjds.v1i4.165Keywords:
Decentralization, Public Service Delivery , Local Governance PhilippinesAbstract
This study critically assesses the effectiveness of local government decentralization in enhancing public service delivery in the Philippines. While decentralization has been implemented with the intent to improve governance responsiveness and local development, its outcomes have been markedly uneven. Drawing on policy documents, audit reports, and case comparisons, the research reveals that many local government units (LGUs) lack the institutional, fiscal, and human resource capacities necessary to deliver quality services. Although some LGUs have achieved notable success, these cases often reflect localized leadership strengths rather than systemic efficacy. The analysis underscores the disconnect between formal decentralization policies and their practical execution, highlighting how weak intergovernmental coordination, limited accountability mechanisms, and inadequate policy coherence undermine broader effectiveness. The paper concludes that meaningful improvement in public service delivery requires a shift toward capacity-driven, performance-oriented decentralization frameworks that address structural asymmetries and promote institutional learning across LGUs.
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