DAVAO CITY – An award-winning Metro Manila mayor advised mayors and governors to adapt a corporate mindset in addressing local concerns.

Valenzuela City Congressman Win Gatchalian told local chief executives to patronize a result-oriented way of governance in developing dynamic and innovative solutions to local challenges.

Gatchalian, a member of House Committee on Local Government, noted dynamic governance can produce innovative solutions that must be fine-tuned to ensure equitable development of their constituents.

“A city should be run like a good business: efficient and ethical,” Gatchalian told delegates of Mindanao-wide Consultation on 1991 Local Government Code last October 1.

“We should use concrete results and public benefits as bottom line in measuring the effectivity of the administration,” he added.

Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas and officials from the Department of Finance (DoF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) organized the local government code review.

Mindanao governors and mayors were gathered to respond to the issues of fiscal administration, inter-local government units (LGUs) alliances and creation of new LGUs. Relevant Supreme Court decisions, and Congress laws and bills were also discussed.

Gatchalian, who served as mayor of Valenzuela City from 2004 to 2013, was invited as guest speaker and talked about local autonomy that allows LGUs to develop as self-reliant communities.

In his speech, the lawmaker highlighted the importance of fiscal autonomy which serves as a backbone in mobilizing much-needed local projects and reforms.

“Local government autonomy is one of the guiding principles of our Republic and it is inseparably linked to revenue,” Gatchalian said.

“Without necessary funds, LGUs will not be able to implement the programs that will enrich the lives of their constituents. As such, fiscal autonomy certainly is a paramount concern for any local executive and deserves the attention of the Congress,” he said.

Gatchalian is the author of House Bill No. 2625 that seeks to amend the last paragraph of Section 285 in Local Government Code of 1991’s provision.

Through his proposed measure, newly created barangays shall receive their internal revenue allocation (IRA) share from the national government, regardless of their date of creation.

HB 2625 is currently pending before the House committee on Local Government. (Tim Alcantara)