Relative to Part XVII on Local Government and Community Development and Other Pertinent Provisions of the Integrated Reorganization Plan

November 1, 1972

LETTER OF IMPLEMENTATION NO. 7

RELATIVE TO PART XVII ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE INTEGRATED REORGANIZATION PLAN

 

Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1, dated September 24, 1972, Reorganizing the Executive Branch of the National Government, you are hereby directed to implement Part XVII on Local Government and Community Development and other pertinent provisions of the Integrated Reorganization Plan, hereinafter referred to as the "Plan," prepared by the Commission on Reorganization as follows:

ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

SECTION 1. The organization and functions of the Department of Local Government and Community Development, hereinafter referred to as the "Department," shall be in accordance with the provisions of Part XVII and other pertinent provisions of the Plan and the details contained in this Letter of Implementation.

SECTION 2. The organization of the Department, as graphically depicted in the following organisation charts, shall consist of the Department proper composed of the immediate Office of the Secretary, the Planning Service, the Financial and Management Service, and the Administrative Service; the Bureau of Local Government; the Bureau of Community Development: the Bureau of Cooperatives Development; and eleven Regional Offices.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT PROPER, BUREAUS AND FIELD OFFICES

SECTION 3. The Department proper, through the Office of the Secretary, shall have direct line supervision

[Diagram I — Organization Chart — Department of Local Government and Community Development]

[Diagram II — Organization Chart — Department Proper]

over the bureaus and regional offices. It shall have responsibility for overseeing field operations to insure the judicious and effective implementation of programs initially drawn up by the bureaus along their respective areas of expertise. It shall constantly draw from the bureaus such advice and assistance as may be necessary to successfully achieve the goals and objectives of the Department.

SECTION 4. The bureaus of the Department shall be essentially staff in character and as such shall exercise functional supervision over the regional and other field offices. They shall be primarily involved in the development of plans and programs within their respective functional specialization and shall likewise develop related policies, guidelines, and standards necessary in guiding the regional offices in the proper implementation of such plans and programs. Where necessary and as a means of assisting the Department proper in properly delineating the methods and plans of operation at the field level, they shall maintain dialogue and contact with the regional offices for the purpose of updating established plans and programs and determining problems arising therefrom.

SECTION 5. The regional offices shall constitute the operating arms of the Department with responsibility for directly implementing the plans and programs drawn up by the staff bureaus and assigned by the Department Secretary in accordance with duly adopted policies, standards, and guidelines. They shall be organized as miniature counterparts of the Department in the region and shall be vested with sufficient authority to undertake departmental operations within their respective jurisdictions. In the exercise of such authority they shall be directly responsible to the Secretary and shall receive proper technical guidance from the staff bureaus.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

SECTION 6. In conformity, with the above set of functional relationships, the functions, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the various units of the Depart-shall n be as follows:

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

SECTION 7. The Office of the Secretary shall consist of the Secretary of Local Government and Community Development, the Undersecretary of Local Government and Community Development, and the personnel of their immediate office. It shall be responsible for the adoption and promulgation of rules and regulations necessary to carry out departmental policies and objectives, and for exercising general supervision and control over the bureaus and offices of the Department.

Functions of the Secretary

SECTION 7.1. The functions of the Secretary shall be as follows:

a. Advise the President in the promulgation of executive orders, regulations, and decrees relative to matters under the jurisdiction of the Department;

b. Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department pursuant to the President's program of government;

c. Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out Department objectives, policies, and functions;

d. Exercise supervision and control over all bureaus and offices under the Department;

e. Delegate authority for the performance of any function to officers and employees under his direction; and

f. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Undersecretary

SECTION 7.2. The functions of the Undersecretary shall be as follows:

a. Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of Department objectives and policies;

b. Oversee all the operational activities of the Department for which, he shall be responsible to the Secretary;

c. Coordinate the program and projects of the Department, and be responsible for its economical, efficient, and effective administration;

d. Serve as deputy to the Secretary in all matters relating to the operations of the Department; and

e. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

SECTION 7.3. When the Secretary is unable to perform his duties owing to illness, absence, or other cause, or in case of vacancy in the office, the Undersecretary shall temporarily perform the functions of the said office.

FUNCTIONS OF THE PLACING SERVICE

SECTION 8. The Planning Service shall be responsible for providing the Department with economical, efficient, and effective services relating to planning, programming, and project development. It shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Formulate long-range and annual plans and programs for the Department and for this purpose coordinate and provide support to the planning and programming activities of the bureaus and regional offices under the Department as well as review and integrate their proposals into a consistent set of objectives;

b. Formulate basic policies and guidelines for the preparation of the departmental budget, including those for the detailed allocation of funds for capital outlays, and coordinate with the Financial and Management Service in the preparation of the Department budget;

c. Formulate criteria for determining priorities for proposed projects, and accordingly select capital projects for funding and execution including appropriate financing schemes;

d. Undertake such re-programming as necessary in accordance with actual resources made available, including the determination of cut-backs and/or projects to be included from unprogrammed to programmed category;

e. Initiate and/or provide support for the development of projects by the various bureaus of the Department in accordance with approved priority areas;

f. Evaluate projects proposed by units of the Department according to technical and economic feasibility and prescribed standards;

g. Develop and effect in collaboration with the bureaus a system for the effective coordination, follow-up, review, and evaluation of the progress of the implementation of approved projects and programs against set standards, objectives, and schedules;

h. Conduct researches and studies relative to local government and community development for purposes of policy formulation and standards setting;

i. Compile, analyze, and integrate statistical data, including operational statistics;

j. Prepare the Annual Report and other periodic reports of the Department;

k. Maintain liaison with the central planning agency and other appropriate economic planning bodies; and

l. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

FUNCTIONS OF THE FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SERVICE

SECTION 9. The Financial and Management Service shall be responsible for providing the Department with staff advice and assistance on budgetary, financial, and management improvement matters.

The Service shall have a Budget Division, an Accounting Division, and a Management Division with corresponding duties and responsibilities, as follows:

Functions of the Budget Division

SECTION 9.1. The Budget Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Prepare the departmental budget and assist management in the presentation of the Department's budgetary estimates before administrative and legislative bodies;

b. Provide, subject to budgetary ceilings, fund estimates in support of the Department's operations, plans, and programs;

c. Allocate, in coordination with the Planning Service, available funds to programs on the basis of approved guidelines and priorities;

d. Issue allotment advice to the Regional Offices in support of the fund requirement for the conduct of the operations of the regions under each program;

e. Undertake all operations relative to budget execution and control;

f. Develop and improve budgetary methods, procedures, and justifications;

g. Review performance reports to determine conformance with set standards;

h. Prepare financial reports for management guidance and as required by higher authorities; and

i. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Accounting Division

SECTION 9.2. The Accounting Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Advise management on financial matters;

b. Prepare and submit financial reports to management and other government departments and agencies authorized to receive such reports;

c. Maintain basic and subsidiary accounting records and books of accounts to reflect accurately and currently financial information required by existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations and by management;

d. Certify to the availability of funds, obligate funds, and issue Treasury Warrants to liquidate obligations;

e. Process requisitions, vouchers, and reports of collections and disbursements;

f. Prepare billings to debtors of the Department;

g. Undertake cost accounting work through the classification recording, allocation, summarization, and reporting of current and prospective costs, including the determination of costs of operations by organizational units, by functions, by periods of time, by projects, and similar categories;

h. Provide standards and guidelines to the regional and field units of the Department; and

i. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Management Divisions

SECTION 9.3. The Management Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Develop plan and program objectives relative to management improvement in the Department;

b. Examine the administrative organization of the Department and make recommendations for improvement;

c. Maintain and update the Department's organization and functional manuals;

d. Undertake regular management surveys of organizational structure, manpower, and operations; study special problems as assigned; review existing methods, procedures, and systems; and make recommendations for improvement;

e. Develop new and improved management system; exercise staff supervision over the implementation of such improvements; and provide training in the use of the system;

f. Develop-staffing standards and manpower requirements for the Department;

g. Review internal control system for safeguarding money and property to ascertain weaknesses and deficiencies requiring correction;

h. Assist in the evaluation of proposed projects for operational feasibility and develop operating procedures and schemes for the implementation of approved projects and programs;

i. Provide guidelines and technical assistance to the regional offices; and

j. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE

SECTION 10. The Administrative Service shall be responsible for providing the Department with economical, efficient, and effective services relating to personnel, legal assistance, information, records, supplies, equipment, collection, disbursements, security, and custodial work.

There shall be an Education and Training Center under the Administrative Service to be located in such place as the Secretary may decide which shall serve as the physical facility base of the Department for administering its residential and other appropriate education and training programs. The facilities of the Center may be used with the permission of the Secretary by other agencies of the government.

The Service shall have a Personnel Division, a Legal Division, an Information Division, and a General Services Division with respective duties and responsibilities as follows:

Functions of the Personnel Division

SECTION 10.1. The Personnel Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Advise management on personnel policy and administration;

b. Develop and administer a personnel program for the Department proper and the bureaus under it which shall include selection and placement, promotion, classification and pay, career and employee development performance rating, employee relations, and welfare services;

c. Develop policy standards and guidelines on personnel management for the implementation of the regional offices of the Department;

d. Take charge of the preparation, conduct, and administration of civil service examinations of the Department;

e. Provide medical services pursuant to Republic Act No. 1054;

f. Process and act on all matters concerning appointments, promotions, transfers, leaves of absence, attendance, and other personnel transactions for the personnel of the central office and the regional offices as are applicable;

g. Maintain personnel records and statistics; and

h. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Legal Division

SECTION 10.2. The Legal Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Provide legal advice to the Secretary, Undersecretary, bureaus, and offices of the Department;

b. Interpret laws and rules affecting the operation of the Department;

c. Prepare contracts and instruments to which the Department is a party, and interpret provisions of contracts covering work to be performed for the Department by private entities;

d. Conduct administrative investigation, including the review of administrative charges against employees of the Department;

e. Assist in the promulgation of rules governing the activities of the Department;

f. Prepare comments on proposed legislation concerning the Department;

g. Assist the Solicitor General in court litigation in which the Department is involved; and

h. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Information Division

SECTION 10.3. The Information Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Develop programs to have the policies, plans, and activities of the Department properly understood by the public;

b. Produce and disseminate media materials to implement the information program of the Department;

c. Service the needs of the Department and its bureaus in the production and publication of reports, information materials, and literature;

d. Coordinate with the Department of Public Information; and

e. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the General Services Division

SECTION 10.4. The General Services Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Provide policy guidance on the maintenance and disposition of records and on the procurement and storage of supplies in accordance with government prescribed standards, including standards and guidelines to the regional offices;

b. File and maintain necessary records and establish a records disposition program for the Department;

c. Prepare certified true copies of documents found in the records when officially requested or ordered;

d. Take charge of receiving, sorting, and recording incoming correspondence and recording and mailing outgoing correspondence;

e. Provide transportation, communications, custodial, and general utility services for the Department;

f. Procure, store, and distribute supplies and equipment of the Department and conduct periodic inventories of the same;

g. Provide messengerial and duplicating services;

h. Provide, collect, and deposit cash and pay approved payrolls and vouchers; and

i. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

FUNCTIONS OF THE BUREAU OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECTION 11. The Bureau of Local Government shall responsible for administering technical assistance programs to enhance the administrative capacity of local governments in the formulation and implementation of development plans. It shall render advice and provide assistance to the Secretary in connection with the exercise of the powers of general supervision of the President over local governments. It shall exercise the functions enumerated in Article III, Chapter I, Part XVII of the Plan.

The Bureau, as graphically depicted in the following organization chart, shall have an Administrative Development Division, a Local Government Training Division, and a General Affairs Division with corresponding duties and responsibilities, as follows:

[Diagram III — Organization Chart — Bureau of Local Government]

Functions of the Administrative Development Division

SECTION 11.1. The Administrative Development Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Develop policies, plans, and projects for providing technical assistance in the improvement of the organization, personnel management, financial management, and other major areas of local government administration;

b. Formulate guidelines and procedures to be followed by regional offices in implementing approved plans and projects;

c. Conduct researches and studies on such management tools and techniques as may be useful to local governments;

d. Initiate major or pilot management improvement projects as may be necessary;

e. Conduct continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of the technical assistance program on administrative development; and

f. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Local Government Training Division

SECTION 11.2. The Local Government Training Division shall have the following functions, among others;

a. Formulate policies, plans, and projects for providing assistance in training local government officials and employees;

b. Develop procedures and techniques in determining training needs of local governments;

c. Conduct researches and studies on the development of relevant training curricula for specific clientele and/or specific goals;

d. Develop appropriate training techniques methodologies, materials, and aids;

e. Initiate major or pilot training programs as may be necessary;

f. Conduct a continuing evaluation of the training assistance program; and

g. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the General Affairs Division

SECTION 11.3. The General Affairs Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Formulate procedures and guidelines for, and assist in:

(1) appropriate action on proposals for political subdivisions and other specific political claims as provided by pertinent laws, rules, and regulations;

(2) the supervision of the utilization of local government funds for specific purposes as provided by pertinent laws, rules, and regulations;

(3) the disposal of local government property and the disposition of obligations of private parties to local governments;

(4) appropriate action on specific administrative matters as provided by pertinent laws, rules and regulations in connection with the exercise by the President of his power of general supervision over local governments; and

(5) appropriate action on request of local governments for authority to exercise their power of eminent domain.

b. Conduct continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of formulated procedures and guidelines and recommend necessary charges and modification; and

c. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

FUNCTIONS OF THE BUREAU OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

SECTION 12. The Bureau of Community Development shall be responsible for the development of policies, plans, and programs on community development in regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barrios, including assistance to local governments on environmental planning. It shall exercise the functions enumerated in Articles IV, Chapter I, Part XVII of the Plan.

The Bureau as graphically depicted in the following organization chart, shall have an Urban Development Division, a Rural Development Division, a Community Education and Training Division, and an Environmental Planning Division with corresponding duties and responsibilities, as follows:

Functions of the Urban Development Division

SECTION 12.1. This Urban Development Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Develop workable methods, approaches, and techniques in promoting community organizations, planning activities, and programs in urban areas;

b. Develop policies, plans, and programs of the Bureau on urban development which shall include projects on small-scale industries, increased production and income, communal public improvement, health and sanitation, volunteer programs, slum or depressed areas development, and recreation projects;

c. Prescribe procedures and guidelines on the implementation of grants-in-aid and self-help assistance projects;

d. Develop working arrangement with other national agencies particularly on the technical aspects of urban development projects;

e. Conduct continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of the urban development programs and recommend necessary changes and modifications; and

f. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

[Diagram IV — Organization Chart — Bureau of Community Development]

Functions of the Rural Development Division

SECTION 12.2. The Rural Development Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Develop workable methods, approaches, and techniques in comprehensive planning in rural areas;

b. Develop policies, plans, and programs of the Bureau on rural development which shall include projects on increased production and income, public works improvements, health and sanitation, and recreation projects;

c. Prescribe procedures and guidelines on the implementation of grants-in-aid and self-help assistance projects;

d. Develop working arrangement with other national agencies particularly on the technical aspects of rural development projects;

e. Conduct continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of the rural development program; and

f. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Community Education and Training Division

SECTION 12.3. The Community Education and Training Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Develop a program for community education and training;

b. Develop procedures and techniques for the determination of training needs;

c. Formulate and recommend training curricula for specific clientele and/or specific goals;

d. Develop appropriate education and training techniques, methodologies, materials, and aids;

e. Prepare and develop plans and programs for local government administration training in community development;

f. Develop guidelines in the implementation of training programs;

g. Recommend the allocation of education and training equipment and resources such as audio visual units, films, film slides, and visual aids among the regional offices;

h. Undertake continuing evaluation of the different education and training programs to determine their effectiveness and recommend shift or modifications whenever necessary; and

i. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Environmental Planning Division

SECTION 12.4. The Environmental Planning Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Prepare general environmental development plans for urban and rural communities showing, among others, the major elements of land uses, location and growth characteristics, and growth points, distribution, density, and direction of growth of population as they affect community development programs;

b. Provide technical, consultative, and advisory environmental planning services to local governments and promote or assist in the organization of local environmental planning bodies;

c. Formulate rules and regulations for the guidance of local planning bodies pertaining to environmental development plans and programs including, among others, zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, development regulations, building codes, and official mapping;

d. Develop working arrangement with the Bureau of Local Government in the review and approval of environmental development plans, zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, development regulations, building codes, and official mapping;

e. Develop working arrangement with the Department of Agrarian Reform in the declaration of the suitability of an agricultural landholding for residential, commercial, industrial, or some other purposes in the implementation of the pertinent provisions of the Agricultural Land Reform Code;

f. Conduct continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of developed plans, programs, rules, regulations, procedures, and guidelines and recommend necessary changes and remedial actions; and

g. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

FUNCTIONS OF THE BUREAU OF COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT

SECTION 13. The Bureau of Cooperatives Development shall be responsible for the development of the cooperative movement in the country. It shall likewise be responsible for: (a) establishing an integrated system for the promotion, organization, development, registration, and evaluation of all types of cooperatives; (b) providing assistance to cooperatives to improve their internal organization and management; (c) developing the capabilities of cooperatives to effectively channel credit, utilize modern technology, unify marketing processes, and form capital; (d) coordinating efforts of local governments and the private sector in organization and development of cooperatives throughout the country; (e) developing new areas of cooperative enterprise such as banking, insurance, housing, investments, and other developmental enterprises; (f) evolving a financing program for cooperatives; and (g) conducting studies toward the introduction of innovations in the field of cooperatives.

The Bureau, at all levels of its organization and in all aspects of its operation, shall work closely with and render assistance to the Department of Agrarian Reform on matters related to cooperatives.

The Bureau as graphically depicted in the following organization chart, shall have a Promotion and Supervision Division, a Cooperatives Education and Training Division, a Resources Development and Allocation Division, and a Special Projects Division with corresponding duties and responsibilities, as follows:

Functions of the Promotion and Supervision Division

SECTION 13.1. The Promotion and Supervision Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Develop procedures and guidelines for evaluating and processing applications for registration of cooperatives;

b. Evolve a system of techniques and procedures in assessing the actual and potential capabilities and the viability of a cooperative enterprise;

c. Develop a program of management/technical assistance program to cooperative enterprises in order to energize and improve their productive and managerial capabilities;

d. Develop and recommend systems of checks and audits of financial and other transactions to determine their accuracy, propriety, and validity;

e. Formulate procedures and guidelines in the liquidation of non-viable cooperative entities;

f. Undertake a continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of registration and supervision systems and procedures, and of management/technical assistance programs and recommend shifts or modifications whenever necessary; and

g. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

[Diagram V — Organization Chart — Bureau of Cooperatives Development]

Functions of the Cooperatives Education and Training Division

SECTION 13.2. The Cooperatives Education and Training Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Evolve an education and training program to develop the cooperatives movement;

b. Develop procedures and techniques in determining training needs;

c. Formulate training curricula for specific clientele and/or specific goals;

d. Develop appropriate education and training techniques, methodologies, materials, and aids;

e. Develop guidelines in the implementation of the education and training programs;

f. Recommend the allocation of education and training equipment and resources among the regional offices;

g. Undertake continuing evaluation of the different education and training programs and guidelines to determine their effectiveness and to recommend shifts or modifications whenever necessary; and

h. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Resources Development and Allocation Division

SECTION 13.3. The Resources Development and Allocation Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Evolve a cooperative financing program for the maximum utilization of cooperatives development funds;

b. Develop guidelines, procedures, rules, and, regulations on credit extension and collection of loans;

c. Develop standards in the review, analysis, and evaluation of loan applications in order to arrive at an effective basis for recommending appropriate action;

d. Prescribe a system of field inspection and audit of cooperatives where loaning operations have been unsuccessful with a view to improving credit-policies and procedures;

e. Determine cooperatives development fund requirements on a regional basis and develop a system with regard to the application of funds to various types of cooperatives/projects and recommend proper allocation of funds;

f. Conduct continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of developed plans, programs, rules, regulations, procedures, and guidelines and recommend necessary changes or modifications; and

g. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Special Projects Division

SECTION 13.4. The Special Projects Division shall have the following functions, among others:

a. Formulate plans and programs for, the determination or desirability and feasibility of special cooperative projects;

b. Initiate or facilitate the establishment of special cooperative projects;

c. Establish, criteria for determining priorities in the support of special cooperative projects;

d. Coordinate with field personnel and other relevant entities in the establishment and/or development of special cooperative projects;

e. Provide technical and other possible assistance in the maintenance, development, or rehabilitation of special cooperative projects and other related cooperative enterprises;

f. Conduct continuing evaluation of the operations of special cooperative projects and recommend or institute necessary chances or corrective measures; and

g. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

FUNCTIONS OF THE REGIONAL OFFICE

SECTION 14. The Department shall have eleven regions whose compositions and regional centers shall be in accordance with Paragraph 1, Article I, Chapter III, Part II of the Plan.

The Secretary shall organize in each of the regional centers an integrated Regional Office which shall be responsible for the general supervision, direction, and coordination of the operations of the Department within the region. The Regional Office shall perform the following functions provided for in Paragraph 9, Article I4 n Chapter III, Part II of the Plan:

a. Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, rules, and regulations of the Department in the regional areas;

b. Provide economical, efficient, and effective service to the people;

c. Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, bureaus, and agencies in the area;

d. Coordinate with local governments in the area; and

e. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

The Regional Office, as graphically depicted in the following organization chart, shall have an Administrative Division, an Education and Training Division, a Local Government Division, a Community Development Division, and a Cooperative Development Division with corresponding duties and responsibilities, as follows:

Functions of the Administrative Division

SECTION 14.1. The Administrative Division shall have the following functions, as follows:

a. Provide advice on personnel matters, and develop and manage a personnel program which shall include action on various personnel, transaction and dissemination of laws, rules, and regulations on personnel;

[Diagram VI — Organization Chart — Regional Offices]

b. Prepare, submit, execute, and control the budget for the region;

c. Prepare and maintain books of accounts, and render financial reports;

d. Pay salaries and wages and other approved vouchers;

e. Compile, collate, analyze, and interpret operational and administrative statistics;

f. Procure supplies, keep records, and provide security, janitorial, messengerial, and other general services; and

g. Perform such other administrative functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Education and Training Division

SECTION 14.2. The Education and Training Division shall have the following functions, as follows:

a. Implement the Department policies, plans, and programs relative to education and training in the fields of local government administration, community planning and development, and promotion and organization of cooperatives;

b. Conduct training of field personnel of the Department as may be necessary;

c. Formulate guidelines and standards for effective and economical utilization of field workers in training programs;

d. Conduct surveys and studies on techniques, methodologies, and innovations in the fields of local government, community development, and cooperatives development;

e. Recommend-setting of education and training priorities in coordination with regional inter-agency programs and objectives;

f. Assist field workers in securing services of resource persons or act as one whenever appropriate or when local resources are not available;

g. Study, recommend, and formulate relevant training curricula for specific local clientele and interest groups according to goals and priorities;

h. Conduct continuing evaluation on the effectiveness of education and training activities and recommend or adopt necessary changes and modifications; and

i. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Division of Local Governments

SECTION 14.3. The Division of Local Governments shall have the following functions as follows:

a. Implement in the region departmental policies, plans, and programs for the improvement of local government administration;

b. Undertake local government administrative improvement activities and projects, consonant with the rules, regulations, procedures, and guidelines set by the Department;

c. Act on such local government matters as specifically provided by pertinent laws and rules and regulations promulgated in the exercise by the President of his power of general supervision over local governments; and

d. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Community Development Division

SECTION 14.4. The Community Development Division shall have the following functions, as follows:

a. Implement policies and programs on community development in the region and/or recommend shifts or modifications whenever necessary;

b. Formulate and develop regional plans and programs and set priorities or recommend shift or modifications within the context of the Bureau's national plans and programs or objectives and goals;

c. Supervise and coordinate the implementation of the rural and urban development program including environmental planning in the region;

d. Review and evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of specific projects proposed for funding from grants-in-aid programs, and supervise the proper implementation thereof;

e. Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual, and other periodic or special reports in coordination with other divisions in the region; and

f. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Cooperatives Development Division

SECTION 14.5. The Cooperatives Development Division shall have the following functions, as follows:

a. Implement policies and programs on cooperatives promotion and development in the region and set priorities and targets for the execution of plans and programs;

b. Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of plans and programs and recommend appropriate action if necessary.

c. Supervise the implementation of regional plans on the promotion, organization, registration, and supervision of cooperatives including the processing of loan applications;

d. Direct the conduct of audits along management, financial, and operational aspects, in order to determine the capability and performance efficiency of cooperatives, and evaluate findings and/or reports made and recommended appropriate actions;

e. Coordinate with regional offices of other departments and bureaus and agencies in the area; and

f. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Functions of the Provincial Office

SECTION 14.6. The Provincial Office shall, under direct supervision of the Regional Director, implement or execute policies, plans, programs, rules, and regulations, and projects of the Department. It shall perform the following functions, among others:

a. Implement policies, rules, and regulations, programs, and activities on urban and rural community development, local government affairs and administrative development, and cooperatives development;

b. Provide field extension services to local governments, cooperatives, and communities;

c. Exercise direct supervision over the field workers and officers of the Department at the provincial, city, municipal, and barrio levels;

d. Implement grants-in-aid programs, self-held assistance programs, special programs, and projects of the Department in the province;

e. Conduct education, training, and information programs and activities in the province and provide assistance to training activities initiated by local governments, cooperatives, and interest groups;

f. Coordinate with other agencies in the province on the implementation of programs and activities; and

g. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

ATTACHED AGENCIES

SECTION 15. The Philippine National Cooperatives Bank and the Presidential Cooperative Development Council, which are attached to the Department under Article IX and Article X, respectively, Chapter I, Part XVII of the Plan, will continue to exercise their present functions. The relationship of these two agencies with the Department shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter IV, Part II of the Plan.

TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SECTION 16. In conformity with the foregoing organizational structure and functional statements, you are hereby directed to prepare with the assistance of the Budget Commission, the Civil Service Commission, and the Presidential Commission on Reorganization and submit within ninety days from the promulgation of Presidential Decree No. 1 for the approval of the President supplementary details relative to the Staffing Pattern for the Department. The Staffing Pattern shall, insofar as practicable, be in accordance with the criteria specified in Paragraph 5, Article I, Chapter I of Part XXIII on General Provisions of the Plan.

SECTION 17. Upon the approval of the Staffing Pattern referred above, appointments will be made of the personnel to fill the positions authorized la n said Staffing Pattern.

SECTION 18. All appointments to the positions that shall be authorized under the Staffing Pattern referred to above shall, in general, be in accordance with the merit requirements of the Civil Service law and rules and duly approved qualification standards for each positions: Provided,That in the case of new position titles, qualification standards therefor shall be developed by the Department, subject to approval by the President upon recommendation of the Civil Service Commission: Provided,further,That, consideration for employment of persons other than those of the agencies and offices affected by this implementation shall be made only after the personnel of such entities shall have been considered: Provided,finally, That personnel actions which need to be taken as a result of the establishment of the said Staffing Pattern shall be in accordance with applicable Civil Service law and rules, and the pertinent provisions of Part XXIII on General Provisions of the Plan.

SECTION 19. No original appointments to positions, except confidential positions, in the Staffing Pattern shall be made until all qualified employees in the agencies affected shall have been absorbed to appropriate positions available. You shall furnish the Civil Service Commission a certified list of all employees separated as a result of the implementation of the Organization of the Department together with a justification for their separation.

SECTION 20. The position titles that shall be used in the Staffing Pattern shall be tentative for purposes of initial appointments to positions provided therein. The position titles shall be subject to final determination and allocation to appropriate classes and salary ranges by WAPCO upon conduct of the usual audit of the duties and responsibilities assigned to the positions.

SECTION 21. All initial appointments to positions in the Staffing Pattern shall be at the authorized or actual salaries of the incumbent appointed to the positions, whichever is higher. In the reallocation of appropriations, authorized to be made under SECTION 24 of this Letter of Implementation, an adequate lump-sum amount shall be provided to take care of all cases where the actual salary of the appointee is more than the rate authorized.

SECTION 22. Salary increases as may result from appointments to positions in the Staffing Pattern shall be effective only after final determination and, allocation of said positions by the WAPCO pursuant to SECTION 20 of this Letter of Implementation.

SECTION 23. The selection and initial appointment of personnel for positions in the Staffing pattern shall be made with the assistance of a Committee to be composed of a representative each of the Department of Local Government and Community Development, Civil Service Commission, and Budget Commission: Provided,That in the consideration of personnel to fill positions authorized for the bureaus or comparable units in the Department, a representative of the bureau or comparable unit involved shall sit and participate in the deliberation of the Committee.

REALLOCATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SECTION 24. You are likewise directed to cause the preparation, in collaboration with the Budget Commission of the details of the de-allocation of Appropriations necessary to put into effect the implementation as prescribed by this Letter of Implementation in accordance with Paragraph 4, Article I, Chapter I of Part XXIII of the Plan.

TIMING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS

SECTION 25. You are hereby directed to effect the orderly scheduling of transfers, changes, and other transitional actions required by the Plan and this Letter of Implementation: Provided, That all such actions shall be completed within the period prescribed in Paragraph 14, Article I, Chapter I, Part XXIII of the Plan reckoned from date of issuance of Presidential Decree No. 1. In the interim, each entity affected shall continue to perform its functions until such time as you shall order change or cessation and each officer and employee shall continue to perform his duties and to exercise his authority until such time as you order otherwise but not beyond the termination of the transition period prescribed above.

SECTION 26. In the process of the final selection of personnel to fill the positions in the Staffing Pattern mentioned above, you are authorized to made the necessary changes in the personnel structure of the Department subject to the approval of the Office of the President, to correct inequities that in your opinion may have resulted from the preparation thereof: Provided, That any adjustment or adjustments that shall be made pursuant hereto shall not result in an increase in, the total appropriations for personal services authorized for the Department.

SECTION 27. You are hereby finally directed to note and call the attention of the President to such provisions of Part XVII of the Plan or portions thereof which are inoperable, under present conditions in view of Proclamation Order No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972 and which should be suspended until such time as their activation shall be possible.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 1st day of November in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Two.

 

n Note from the Publisher: Copied verbatim from the official document.

n Note from the Publisher: Copied verbatim from the official document.

n Note from the Publisher: Copied verbatim from the official document.