How can NGAs help the LGUs maintain the standards of public goods and service delivery for discontinued PPAs? (Standards-setting, capacity development, and monitoring and evaluation)
Central to the full devolution transition effort is the provision by the NGAs of technical assistance and capacity development programs to all the LGUs to build their competencies and capacities in implementing the devolved functions. Moreover, as part of their DTPs, the NGAs are consolidating, refining and/or developing the standards of service delivery for the devolved activities. These service delivery standards will be shared with the LGUs, as well as with the Development Academy of the Philippines and the DILG-LGA for use in the capacity development programs for LGUs to ensure that they are able to provide the same standards of services to their constituencies as provided for in the LGC. Further, a framework for monitoring and performance assessment of the LGUs in undertaking the devolved functions will be established and/or strengthened to ensure that the NGAs are able to effectively and efficiently monitor and assess the performance of LGUs in the delivery of devolved functions and services, following the minimum service delivery standards set by the NG. For instance, the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) scorecard of the DILG has been institutionalized by RA No. 11292 which will rate different devolved programs and projects of the different LGUs, providing an incentive through the Performance Challenge Fund to the LGUs who successfully hurdle the scoring thresholds. One of the safeguards in place to ensure the proper use of local funds is the ability of LGUs to design and implement its own organizational structure and staffing pattern, subject to the minimum standards and guidelines prescribed by the CSC.5 With this authority, the LGUs can design an organization where several personnel are tasked to ascertain the proper management of funds and other sources. Nonetheless, this must be reflected in the DTP of the LGUs. Refer to Question No. 6 for information on the utilization of NTA.