March 29, 2024

The implementation of the Mandanas Ruling in 2022 should be taken by local government units as an opportunity for growth, even with the setbacks currently experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In her message during the 2021 State of the Region Address, National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera Director and Regional Development Council co-chair Susan Sumbeling said the departments of Budget and Management, Interior and Local Government, and the NEDA have started and continue to orient stakeholders in LGUs on what to expect when national government functions will be devolved fully to LGUs.
“The Mandanas Ruling should be an opportunity to strengthen LGUs and enhance their competitiveness and resilience,” Sumbeling said, stressing that its implementation complements the region’s pursuit for autonomy.
“We remain in pursuit of our development goals as guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution,” Sumbeling said.
She added the devolution and auto-nomy is also aligned with Ambisyon Natin 2040 of the NEDA – a long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipinos for themselves and for the country in the next 25 years.
It describes the life people want to live and how the country will be by 2040. It is an anchor for development planning across at least four administrations. – Rimaliza A. Opiña