Delgosea calls for decentralization, local governance dialogue with Asean

Saturday 18th of August 2012

MANILA, Aug 18 -- The Democratic Local Governance in Southeast Asia (Delgosea) has called for a permanent dialogue on decentralization and local governance to be established between Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member-states and for expanded collaboration with local authorities (LAs) and civil society, in a multi-stakeholder approach.

The importance of regional cooperation on local governance with the aim of securing better living conditions for the people of Southeast Asia has been recognized by Asean and support for a joint approach by the member states is growing.

The final conference took place in Bangkok, Thailand on August 7 and 8. The conference concentrated on the further integration of local governance into the Asean framework signaling the end of the European Union co-financed project activities.

The conference was hosted by the Municipal League of Thailand (MLT) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) on behalf of the Delgosea network, the conference brought together over 150 participants, representing the project partners and Local Government Associations (LGAs), pilot cities, best practice cities, academia, media, national governments and civil society organisations (CSOs).

The conference mainly focused on the sustainability of the project results and future possibilities for the network. The aim is to develop a strategy for a permanent dialogue on democratic local governance on the regional level. The participants were taught how to look and develop an exit strategy to secure sustainability and project results.

Another important aspect they tackled is the organizations and institutions that are able and willing to offer a support system to cities and municipalities: the local government associations (LGAs) and associations on a regional and global level, such as United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and, on the European level, the Committee of the Regions (CoR). The conference explored the role of these institutions and how they can contribute to good local governance in the Southeast Asian region.

“The ‘final conference’ will not be final at all, more like the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one,” Project Manager Susanne Stephan said while finalizing the conference preparations.

She added “The conference will be an opportunity to look at what we have already accomplished and at the same time to discuss the roadmap for further learning and exchange amongst local governments in Southeast Asia as well as their stronger role at the regional level in the future.”

Also, present in the said conference to represent the Philippines were: Local Government Development Foundation (LOGODEF)represented by Prof. Edmund Tayao; The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP); The League of Municipalities (LCM); The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP); The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP); Misamis Oriental pilot area represented by Governor Oscar Moreno; Bacolod City pilot area represented by Mayor Evelio Leonardia; One Pangasinan Alliance of Local Government Units pilot area (OPAL) represented by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza; Marikina Best Practice area represented by Gloria Buenaventura; and Dr. Tony Avila, National Coordinator for the Philippines. (Delgosea/PIA GHQ)