The time has come to roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the realm of governance once again. After that much-needed interval that comes around every three years, we're back in action. Just as the leaders of legislative bodies proclaim, "session is resumed," for those at the helm of executive power, it's simply time for the resumption of work.
As we settle back into our roles, the recently elected winners are likely immersing themselves in preparations to take up their new responsibilities. The weight of the tasks ahead looms large, and the public anticipates their readiness to confront these challenges.
Local Leadership and Ongoing Duties
For local chief executives, the responsibilities of day-to-day administration press on. Addressing critical matters like maintaining peace and order, resolving zoning and land use conflicts, tackling traffic congestion in bustling urban centers, managing waste disposal, and ensuring the smooth delivery of social services remain at the forefront. Moreover, handling unexpected situations like disaster preparedness demands their attention. Amidst these routine tasks, there's also the need to push forward individual developmental agendas. This might involve initiatives such as infrastructure development and stimulating investments in various industries, both of which serve as pivotal drivers for local economic growth. Strengthening project management capabilities becomes essential in such cases. The successful execution of projects requires seamless coordination between different levels of government and stakeholders, including community members, national-level technocrats, and representatives from local government units.
Challenges on the National Stage
On the national level, elected legislators find themselves faced with an array of issues to address. From the initial jitters of newcomers to the intricacies of organizational dynamics influenced by partisan rivalries, their agenda spans a wide spectrum. Matters as diverse as human rights, the battle against drug-related issues, national sovereignty, and the state of the economy all demand their attention. In navigating these challenges, the emphasis lies on interpreting their mandate in a way that promotes conformity and consensus rather than pursuing strict oversight. This approach is bolstered by the overwhelming support the Duterte government has garnered from voters.
Elevated Expectations for New Faces
Fresh faces like Isko Moreno of Manila and Vico Sotto of Pasig are now in the spotlight, tasked with surpassing the achievements of their predecessors. Elevated expectations accompany their sudden rise to power. Prioritizing peace and order remains paramount, especially in the face of persistent street crimes that continue to impact many lives. While law enforcement might have made strides, questions surrounding police operation protocols still persist.
Urbanization's Impact and Resource Management
Urbanization's rapid pace exerts strain on densely populated regions. Managing the allocation of resources becomes increasingly challenging. Governmental capabilities are put to the test as demand for resources grows. Soaring land values push these valuable assets out of reach for the majority, fostering intense competition for every inch of available space. Ineffective zoning policies, often hindered by non-implementation, contribute to land use conflicts that undermine economic efficiency. Cityscapes are cluttered with utility posts, vendors, barangay halls, and even police precincts jostling for space along roadways. Open green spaces dwindle as malls and infrastructure projects take their place. In rural areas, fertile farmlands make way for industrial zones. Even protected natural areas fall victim to illegal activities, exemplified by the plight of giant clams in the West Philippine Sea.
Accelerating the "Build Build Build Program"
Yet, the crux of the challenge lies in propelling the government's ambitious "Build Build Build Program" forward at an accelerated pace. However, speed alone isn't sufficient; ensuring the program's successful execution is equally imperative. Economic stewards attribute the slowdown in economic growth to delays in passing the national budget. The GDP growth rate dipped from 6.3% in the last quarter of 2018 to 5.6% in the first quarter of 2019.
Navigating Procurement Challenges
Procurement remains a perennial bottleneck for government projects, particularly those encompassed by the expansive infrastructure projects under the "Build Build Build Program." In an effort to circumvent delays caused by budget approval timelines, the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) issued guidelines enabling government agencies to initiate procurement procedures up to the point of contract award, even with a pending budget approval. Theoretically, this allowed government bodies to proceed with procurement activities under a re-enacted budget, enabling swift contract awards once the budget was ratified.
However, actual government spending fell short of targets. A GPPB study conducted a few years ago revealed that a majority of projects missed completion targets due to sluggish procurement processes. In 2012, for instance, an average of 76% of the allocated budget for projects identified by key government agencies remained undistributed due to unawarded contracts.
Tackling Corruption and Upholding Integrity
Corruption has long been associated with government procurement, adding further complexity to the equation. As the government endeavors to expedite project completion, it's imperative to avoid shortcuts that might render it vulnerable to fraudulent practices. Upholding transparency and integrity in government transactions is of paramount importance.
In conclusion, the wheels of governance are in motion once more, as leaders across various levels of government gear up to tackle a multitude of challenges. From local leadership grappling with everyday concerns to national legislators navigating complex issues, the path ahead is both challenging and promising. The journey involves addressing urbanization pressures, enhancing project execution, and ensuring transparency throughout procurement processes. As we move forward, the task at hand is not merely to work fast, but to work effectively and ethically in the pursuit of a prosperous future for all.
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This is a rewritten article first published on 13 July 2019 with the title "Work is resumed".
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