CHAPTER
I
INTRODUCTION
The
passage of the Local Government Code of 1991 has provided for a distinct
statement of the crucial role of local governments in the attainment of
national development objectives. More specifically, it has paved way for the
development of self-reliant local government units that are more responsive to
the urgent demands of their respective communities.
The
Local Government Code of 1991, thus, states that:
“It is hereby declared the policy of the
State that the territorial and political subdivisions of the State shall enjoy
genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest
development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners
in the attainment of national goals. Toward this end, the State shall provide
for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted
through a system of decentralization whereby local government units shall be
given more powers, authority, responsibilities, and resources. The process of
decentralization shall proceed from the national government to the local
government units.”
Moreover,
the Local Government Code has devolved powers and authorities to the local
level as guided by the following operative principles:
1. Effective
allocation among the different local government of their
respective
powers, functions, responsibilities, and resources
2. Establishment
of an accountable, efficient , and dynamic organizational structure and
operating mechanism in every local government that will meet the priority needs
and service requirements of its communities
3. Appointment
and removal of local officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from local
funds by the appointing authority according to principles of merit and fitness
4. The
power to create and broaden the local governments’ own sources of revenue and
the right to a just share in national taxes and an equitable share in the
proceeds of the utilization and development of the national wealth within their
respective areas
5. Extension
of adequate technical and material assistance to less developed and deserving
local governments
6. Assurance
of participation of the private sector in local governance, particularly in the
delivery of basic services to ensure the viability of local autonomy as
alternative strategy fie sustainable development
The
operative principles of decentralization a stated in the Code are
operationalized though the devolution of basic services or functions and
personnel; the appointment of personnel and regulatory powers; increased shares
from the proceeds of national taxes; the devolution of taxing powers; and the
participation of the people in local governance.
Indeed,
the role of local government units is indispensable to nation-building.
This
research presents a comprehensive review of the overall performance of the
municipal government of Tanauan, Leyte in the aspect of local governance.
Moreover,
the paper seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What
is the organizational structure of the Municipal Government of Tanauan?
2. What
are the functions of the Local Chief Executive?
3. What
are the functions of the Sanggunian?
4. What
are the development plans of the Municipal Government of Tanauan for Calendar
Year 2013?
Definition
of Terms
Decentralization.
This is an empowerment process designed to give people the opportunity to
develop alternatives for solving their problems. It aims to redistribute power,
allocate resources and facilities and deploy services to the different
communities.
Devolution.
This is the political decentralization which entails the transfer of power and
authority and resources from central to local level. As defined by the Local
Government Code of 1991, devolution is the conferment of power and authority
upon local units to perform specific functions and responsibilities. This
includes transfer of records, equipment, personnel and other assets of national
agencies and officers corresponding to the devolved powers, functions, and
responsibilities. It also empowers local units through ordinances to sell,
lease, encumber, or dispose of its public enterprises to ensure active private
sector participation in local governance.
Local Government Unit.
This refers to the territorial and political subdivisions of the State. The
political subdivisions of the nation state are provinces, cities, municipalities,
barangays, metropolitan areas, and autonomous regions.
Local Autonomy. This
refers to the exercise of certain basic powers, i.e. police power, power of
eminent domain, and taxing power, by local government units so as to best serve
the interest and promote the general well being of their inhabitants.
Municipality. This
refers to an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually
powers of self-government or jurisdiction. The is term is also used to mean the
governing body of a municipality. A
municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a
special-purpose district. The term is derived from French "municipalité"
and Latin "municipalis”. In the Philippines, municipality is a town with a
popularly elected administration including a mayor and is part of a province
(lalawigan or probinsya) (except for the independent municipality of Pateros,
Metro Manila in the National Capital Region).
CHAPTER
II
PROFILE
OF TANAUAN
Tanauan is
one of the oldest towns in the Province of Leyte, Philippines dating back to
the year 170. It is situated on the Eastern part of Leyte. It is approximately
18 kilometers south of Tacloban City which is the capital of the Eastern
Visayas region. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Palo, on the
south by the Municipality of Tolosa, on the west by the Municipalities of
Dagami and Tabon-Tabon, and on the east by San Pedro Bay.
The town
of Tanauan has been baptized the
title of “Cradle of the Intellectuals” or
“Bungto Han Kamag-araman” since the Spanish colonial period.
Tanauan is
politically subdivided into 54 barangays:
1. Ada
2. Amanluran
3. Arado
4. Atipolo
5. Balud
6. Bangon
7. Bantagan
8. Baras
9. Binolo
10. Binongto-an
11. Bislig
12. Cabalagnan
13. Cabarasan Guti
14. Cabonga-an
15. Cabuynan
16. Cahumayhumayan
17. Calogcog
18. Calsadahay
19. Camire
20. Canbalisara
21. Catigbian
22. Catmon
23. Cogon
24. Guindag-an
25. Guingauan
26. Hilagpad
27. Lapay
28. Limbuhan Daku
29. Limbuhan Guti
30. Linao
31. Magay
32. Maghulod
33. Malaguicay
34. Maribi
35. Mohon
36. Pago
37. Pasil
38. Picas
39. Buntay (Poblacion)
40. Canramos (Poblacion)
41. Licod (Poblacion)
42. San Miguel (Poblacion)
43. Salvador
44. San Isidro
45. San Roque (Poblacion)
46. San Victor
47. Santa Cruz
48. Santa Elena
49. Santo Niño [Haclagan]
(Poblacion)
50. Solano
51. Talolora
52. Tugop
53. Kiling
54. Sacme
The
town got its name from a towering Molave tree which served as a look-out tower.
“Tan-awan” or "Taran-awan" means to look-out in
the Waray-Waray dialect. A person who
serves as a look-out would watch for the feared Moro Pirates who would every
now and then plunder and loot the settlements along the coast.
The
first known settlers of Tanauan were
the family of Calanao with his wife and daughter. In 1661, Juanillo Siengco’s
family joined the Calanao family in the settlement along the bank of Bukid River at the foot of Adil Hill. By the time their settlements
were more developed, the plundering of the Moros along the coast became
intensified, and for their refuge, they built a stone-walled enclosure called
"cuta” in the area of Buaya. In the course of time, Juanillo’s
son Josef, married Calanao’s daughter, Sangod, and from the families of
Juanillo Siengco and Calanao a tribe was formed which gave Tanauan its first tribal leaders.
In
1710, the first town officials were appointed by the Spanish authorities during
the Spanish reign in the Philippines. From 1710 up to the end of the Spanish
Colonial period in 1900 and the start of American occupation, forty-seven (47)
persons became chief executives of the municipality.
Tolosa,
an adjacent town to the south of Tanauan,
was once part of the municipality. Through the efforts of certain Magdalino
Vivero and Domingo Camacho, they petitioned the Spanish government to grant
Tolosa autonomy from the municipality. The petition was granted in 1852. During
the American Regime from 1901-1943, another set of municipal executives
followed. When World War II broke out, Pedro A. Villegas was the incumbent
Mayor.
When
the Japanese occupied the town, the incumbent Mayor Pedro Villegas and his
secretary Janario Perez refused to serve the Japanese authorities. Thus, Rufo
Cobacha was appointed Mayor by the Japanese and followed by Pedro Bulik who was
eventually killed by the local guerillas.
During
the Japanese occupation, the town was burned by the guerillas in 1943. This
unfortunate event destroyed the Municipal Building, including its records, and
a lot of the big ancestral houses of Spanish Architecture along Calle Real.
When the US Allied Forces stormed the town during the liberation of Leyte, it
resulted in further destruction of the Municipal Hall (Lian Chong Building) and
the few remaining houses along Calle Real. However, few lives were lost during
the assault as the town’s people were warned beforehand and took refuge at the
fortified Parish Church. Eugenio Avila, Sr. was the incumbent mayor when the
Filipino
and American Liberation Forces occupied the town. The US Sixth Army initially
established its headquarters in Tanauan
before the construction of the Airfield began in November 1944.
The
X and XXIV Corps from the United States Sixth Army took part in the liberation
of Tanauan from the Japanese
Occupation Forces immediately after the US and Allied Forces landed at Leyte
Beach on October 1944. Shortly thereafter, the United States Sixth Army, under
the command of Lieutenant General Walter Krueger, established its headquarters
in Tanauan. On November 15, 1944, a
meeting was held at the site of the Sixth Army headquarters by the commanders
and staff members of the major units who participated in the Luzon Campaign.
While
the US and Allied Forces were able to capture the Tacloban airstrip, the work
to further develop it for US warplanes had been handicapped due to the heavy
concentration of troops, supplies, and equipment in the area during the early
stages of the operation. It was further hampered by insufficient supply of
corals for surfacing the runway. Works were also simultaneously being done on
the other two airstrips of Buri and San Pablo in the vicinity of Burauen, but
it was halted in the latter part of November 1944. A considerable amount of time
and effort have been expended in futile attempts to make these airfields
usable. The inability of the Sixth Army to meet its construction dates on the
airstrips prevented the US forces from stopping the flow of Japanese
reinforcements and made it impossible for the Allied Forces to give sufficient
land-based air support to the ground troops.
In a
desperate move to have an operational airfield, Lieutenant General Walter
Krueger received permission from General Douglas MacArthur to construct an
airfield in Tanauan. On November 28,
1944 the headquarters of the US Sixth Army was moved to Tolosa to start the
construction of the airfield. The airfield site covers an area bounded on the
north, south and west by Embarcadero River and on the east by San Pedro Bay. The
site was favorably chosen due to its generally flat terrain, good sandy
surface, and satisfactory drainage - which proved to be an excellent location
for an airfield. On December 1944, the field became operational. By December
25, 1944 there have been completed one runway with mat surfacing, one overrun,
90,000 square feet of warm-up area, 120,000 square feet of alert apron, one
parallel taxiway, and 26 large dispersal areas. The control tower was code
named “Velvet Tower.”
The
airfield was abandoned following the withdrawal of the Allied Forces after the
war and was later on referred to as "landing" by the locals. Today, a
small remnant of this airfield can still be found in the area called
"Pawa" located in Barangay Sto. Niño. Most of the remaining areas are
now occupied by large business establishments such as the Pepsi Cola Tanauan Plant and New Leyte Edible Oil
Manufacturing Corporation. The Tanauan Public Market, various commercial
buildings and residential neighborhoods can also be found in the area. The
airfield covers the area of what is now known as Barangay San Roque and
Barangay Sto. Niño. Maharlika Highway (formerly known as Highway 1), which
connects Eastern Visayas Region with Luzon to the north and Mindanao to the
south, traverses through the former airfield site.
During
the Liberation, Benito Saavedra was appointed Mayor by the newly restored
Philippine government, and then succeeded by the following in the order of
incumbencies:
* Rufo Cumpio -1945
* Dioniso Boco - 1946
* Pelagio O. Tecson – 1946-1947
After
the Liberation period, Dionisio Boco became the first Mayor, then succeeded
again by Pelagio O. Tecson, Sr. In 1950, Barrio Haclagan, the site of the
former US Airfield site, was renamed Sto. Niño. Pelagio Tecson, Sr. was the
Mayor during the Martial Law Period up to February 25, 1986 EDSA Revolution
when Felix Cortes was appointed OIC Mayor by the new government. The local
elections held on February 1, 1988 resulted in the election of Charles R.
Avila. It was during his tenure that he was appointed as Administrator of the
Philippine Coconut Authority in January 1991, and Vice-Mayor Rodolfo Cinco
succeeded him as Mayor.
In
the May 1992 synchronized elections for national and local officials, Atty.
Roque Tiu won over five (5) candidates for the mayoralty position. Tiu was the
Chief Executive of the town until his second term ended in 1998. Mark Gimenez
was elected Mayor from 1998 to 2001. During the 2001 elections, Atty. Roque Tiu
ran again and won over Mark Gimenez. Roque Tiu became the mayor for three
consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010. After Tiu completed his term, his vice-mayor
Agapito Pagayanan Jr. ran for the mayoralty position during the 2010 national
elections and got elected. He served from 2010 to 2013. During the 2013
mid-term elections, Pelagio Tecson, Jr. won over the incumbent mayor with just
a small margin of votes.
Tanauan is
a second class municipality. According to the 2010 census, it has a population
of 50, 119 people. Waray-waray is the
main dialect spoken by the people of Tanauan.
However, Tagalog is still the lingua
franca that is widely spoken by the locals when speaking to non-Waray speaking Filipinos. English
remains the official language used by the local government and schools in its
official correspondence. English and Tagalog languages are officially taught in
schools as part of the primary and secondary education curriculum requirements.
Roman
Catholic is the dominant religion which comprises almost 97% of the municipality’s
population. Each barangay has its own Roman Catholic chapel aside from the
parish church in the town proper. Other religions like Iglesia Ni Kristo, The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Adventists, Evangelicals and other
Christian groups are also present in the municipality and maintain their own
churches.
In
2005, the municipality registered a total income of P47.6 million and went up
to 56.4 million in 2007, representing an average annual income of over 9%
mostly coming from considerable increase in local taxes, permits and licenses,
and the Internal Revenue Allotment. This palpable increase in revenue was
attributed largely to the tax reforms and initiatives that were introduced by
the late Mayor Roque A.Tiu. These reforms streamlined the processes of
obtaining business and license permits.
In
2006, the Municipality of Tanauan
earned the “2006 Most Business-Friendly Municipality” in the country during the
Closing Rites of the 32nd Philippine Business Conference held at the
Manila Hotel on October 20, 2006. Tanauan
was also adjudged as the “Most Business-Friendly Municipality” in the Visayas
area.
The
businesses and industries that support the local economy are from agriculture,
livestock, fishing, forestry and mining, trade and industry, and tourism.
Tanauan’s
major inverstors are Pepsi Cola (Tanauan Plant), Wella Metal Corporation, and
New Leyte Edible Oil Manufacturing Corporation.
Tanauan
is known for various locally produced handicrafts like mat- weaving (made of bariw leaves), bamboo crafts, bolos,
brooms, hats, bricks, pottery, nipa shingles (used for nipa hut roofs), and
virgin coconut oil. These trades have been the source of local pride, like the
talented bricks and pottery makes of Barangay Canramos. Tanauan is also one of the best sources of clays in the region. The
Federation of Tanauan Women’S Club,
with the support of the Local Government of Tanauan,
mainly promotes these trades.
Tanauan
currently has one large municipal plaza which is located right at the heart of
the town across the back of the old municipal hall. It has a mini-amphitheater
and a large outdoor ground often used as a venue for large open air activities
such as the annual Pasaka Festival
Competition and other various outdoor gatherings of the town. It also has two
outdoor basketball courts and an outdoor tennis court. Surrounding the plaza
are various centuries-old acacia trees that are among the well-preserved in the
Region.
Tanauan is
accessible mainly by land using Public Utility Jeepney (PUJs) as the primary
means of public transportation. Taxis are also available from Tacloban City and
the Regional Airport but generally costs higher. On the other hand, pedicabs
and motor cabs are available when travelling within the local vicinity.
In Tanauan, most locals take off their
slippers, shoes, or flip flops before entering a house. During weddings, it is
customary for the bride and groom to do the traditional folk dance called Kuracha and members of the families and
guests alike are encouraged to pin money on the bride’s and groom’s attire as a
symbol of good luck and prosperity. Tanauananons
also observe fiesta celebrations annually in different barangays to honor their
respective local Catholic Saints. During the fiesta, it is a tradition to
prepare food in every house and invite guests and visitors to share their meal
as a sign of thanksgiving.
The
Church is one of the six Architectural Heritage sites in Leyte. It was
originally built by the Jesuit Missionaries in 1704 and was turned over to the
Augustinians in 1768. Father Francisco de Paula Marquez spearheaded the repair
and enlargement of the church from 1850 to 1860. He added a transept and
constructed thick rock walls at the perimeter of the Church with towers on each
four corners for defense against pirates. The Church survived from a hurricane
and tidal wave in 1897. The Church takes pride of its Stations of the Cross
made of Spanish terracotta originally made in Mexico.
One
of the highlights of the town’s annual fiesta celebration is the Pasaka Festival. The word “pasaka” means “assumption” which refers
to the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. The Pasaka Festival, which stated in 1991, showcases the rich cultural
heritage of Tanauan. It commences with a nightly cultural
presentation held at the Tanauan
Amphitheater from August 1 and concludes with a street-dancing competition in
the afternoon of August 14. The competition is participated by the local
primary and secondary schools in the municipality. The traditional Pasaka Festival competition features a
colorful presentation of dance drama and street-dancing that depicts a
community paying homage to the Blessed Virgin as she is assumed into heaven. The
festival culminates on August 15; the Feast of the town’s Patroness, “Our Lady
of the Assumption”, and a Holy Mass is celebrated at the Our Lady of the
Assumption Parish Church. It is also observed as Tanauan Day which is a local holiday.
On
the other hand, the construction of the birthing facility of Tanauan in 2009 was made possible thru
the efforts of Mayor Roque Tiu and the assistance of the Japanese Government.
The project was funded through the Embassy of Japan's Grant Assistance for
Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) with a grant of US$62,135
(approximately 3 million pesos). The facility was turned over to the local
government of Tanauan on April 27,
2010. The Embassy of Japan's Minister for Economic Affairs Tomochika Uyama was
present during the ceremony. The facility became operational since May 2010,
and provides appropriate and accessible medical services for pregnant women in Tanauan.
The
following are the telephone, mobile phone, and electric companies serving the
area of Tanauan: Bayan
Telecommunications, Inc.; Eastern Visayas Telephone Company; Globe Telecom;
Smart Communications; LEYECO I; DORELCO; and Leyte Metropolitan Water District
(LMWD).
The Eastern
Visayas State University - Tanauan Campus
is the only college institution in the municipality. There five secondary
schools, namely: Asssumption Academy (Private); Tanauan School of Craftsmanship and Home Industry (Public); Tanauan National High School, Canramos, Tanauan, Leyte (Public) Tanauan
National High School - Cabuynan Annex, Cabuynan, Tanauan, Leyte (Public); and Kiling National High School, Kiling, Tanauan, Leyte (Public).
Tanauan is also
recognized as the “Skim Boarding Capital” of the Philippines.
Chapter
III
LOCAL
ADMINISTRATION OF THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF TANAUAN
As stated in Section 17 of the Local
Government Code of 1991, the municipality is granted the powers and functions
necessary, appropriate and incidental to efficient provisions of the basic
services and facilities. Such basic services and facilities include, but are
not limited to the following:
1. Agriculture
and fishery-related extension and on-site research services and facilities
2. Health
services such as implementation of programs and projects on primary health
care, maternal and child care, and communicable and non-communicable disease
control services, access to secondary and tertiary health services, and
purchase of medicines and supplies
3. Social
welfare and development services such as programs and projects on child and
youth welfare, nutrition and family planning services
4. Public
works such as infrastructure facilities intended primarily to service the needs
of the residents and which are funded out of municipal funds
5. Environment
and natural resources such as implementation of community-based forestry projects
6. Information
service which include investments and job placements information systems, tax
and marketing information systems, and maintenance of a pubic library
7. Public
market slaughterhouses and other municipal enterprises
8. Tourism
facilities and other tourist attractions
9. Sites
for police and fire stations and sub-stations and a municipal jail.
Municipalities
are likewise empowered to exercise corporate powers as provided for in Section
22. This specific section provides that municipalities shall have the following
powers:
a. To
have a continuous succession of its corporate name
b. To
sue and be sued
c. To
have and use a corporate seal
d. To
acquire and convey real or personal property
e. To
enter into contracts
f. To
exercise such other powers as are granted to corporations, subject to
limitations provided in the Local Government Code and other laws.
Moreover,
municipalities shall;
1. Approve
ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for the efficient and effective local
government administration
2. Generate
and optimize the use of resources and revenues for development plans, programs
objectives and priorities of the specific level of local government provided
under Section 18.
3. Subject
to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code, grant franchise,
approve the issuances of permits and licenses or enact ordinances and levy
taxes, fees and charges upon such conditions and for such purpose intended to
promote the general welfare of the inhabitants.
4. Approve
ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic
services and facilities
5. Exercise
such other powers and functions as may be prescribed by law and ordinances
The
Municipal Mayor, as chief of the municipal government, shall exercise such
powers and perform such duties and functions as provided by the Code and other
applicable laws. For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose
of which is the general welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants
pursuant to Section 16 of the Code, the Mayor shall:
1. Exercise
general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services and
activities of the municipal government
2. Enforce
all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the municipality and in
the exercise of its corporate powers
3. Initiate
and maximize the generation of resources and revenues and apply the same to the
implementation of development plans, programs, objectives and priorities as
provided for under Section 18 of the Local Government Code particularly those
resources and revenues programmed doe agro-industrial development and
countrywide growth and progress.
4. Ensure
the delivery services and the provision of adequate facilities as provided in
Rule V of these Rules, in addition thereto, and repair of roads and highways
funded by the National Government shall, as far as practicable, be carried out
in a spatially contiguous manner and in coordination with the construction and
repair of the roads and bridges of the municipality, and in the case of
component cities, of the municipality and of the province.
5. Exercise
such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.
The
Office of the Mayor shall coordinate the various agencies and units or
departments in the Municipality namely:
a. Office
of the Sangguniang Bayan
b. Philippine
National Police
c. The
Local Agrarian Reform Office
d. The
different public schools
e. The
local Post Office
f. The
local Telecommunications Office
g. The
local PCA Office
h. The
Judiciary
The
Mayor’s Office is composed of forty-two (42) personnel, one (1) elective,
staffed by eighteen (18) personnel who have permanent appointments and twenty-three
casual employees.
The Vice-Mayor
shall be the presiding officer of the Sangguniang
Bayan and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as provided
for in the Local Government Code and other laws and ordinances. He shall assume
the office of the Municipal Mayor in case a permanent vacancy arises as
provided for in Section 44, Book I of the Local Government Code and shall
exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the Municipal Mayor
in cases of temporary vacancy such as when the Mayor refuses to assume office,
fails to qualify, dies or is removed from office or voluntarily resigns as
provided for in Section 46 of the Code.
The
Office of the Sangguniang Bayan is
composed of nineteen (19) personnel. It is headed by the Vice-Mayor and ten
(10) Sangguniang Bayan Members, one (1)
Sangguniang Bayan Secretary, and one
(1) Board Secretary, four (4) Legislative Staff Employees, and three (3) casual
employees.
The Sanggunian Bayan as the legislative body
of the municipality, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and
appropriate funds for the general welfare of the municipality and its
inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government Code and in the
proper exercise of the corporate powers of the municipality as provided for
under Section 22 of the Local Government Code, and shall:
1. Approve
ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective
municipal government
2. Generate
and maximize the use of resources and revenues for development plans, program objectives
and priorities of the Municipality as provided for under Section 18 of the
Local Government Code with particular attention to agro-industrial development
and countryside growth and progress
3. Subject
to the provisions of the Book II of the Local Government Code, grant
franchises, enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges upon such
conditions and for such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the
inhabitants of the municipality
4. Regulate
activities relative to the use of land, buildings and structures within the
municipality in order to promote the general welfare
5. Approve
ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic
services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of the Local
Government Code
6. Exercise
such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinances
The
Office of the Municipal Budget Officer is presently composed of four (4)
personnel headed by the Municipal Budget Officer, one (1) Budgeting Assistant,
and a Clerk III, with permanent appointments and one casual employee.
The Municipal
Budget Officer is charged with the following duties and functions:
1. Prepare
forms, orders and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary and
appropriation matters for the signature of mayor
2. Review
and consolidate the budget proposals of different departments and offices of
the municipal government
3. Assist
the mayor in the preparation of the budget and during the budget hearings
4. Study
and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and submit comments
and recommendations thereon
5. Submit
periodic budgetary reports to the Department of Budget and Management
6. Coordinate
with the treasurer, accountant and the planning and development coordinator for
the purpose of budgeting
7. Assist
the Sangguniang Bayan in reviewing
the approved budget
8. Coordinate
with the planning and development coordinator in the formulation of the
municipality’s development plans
9. Exercise
such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinances
The Office
of the Municipal Treasurer is composed of seven (7) personnel headed by the
Municipal Treasurer, one (1) Cashier, four (4) revenue collection clerks, and
one (1) Bookbinder with permanent appointments.
The Treasurer shall take charge of
the Treasurer’s Office, perform the duties provided for under Book II of the
Local Government Code and shall:
1. Advice
the mayor, the sanggunian and the
municipal government and national officials concerned regarding disposition of the
municipal government’s funds, and on such other matters relative to public
finance
2. Take
custody and exercise proper management of the municipal government’s funds
3. Take
charge of the disbursement of these funds and such other funds the custody of
which may be entrusted to him/her by law or other competent authority
4. Inspect
private commercial and industrial establishments within the jurisdiction of the
municipal government in relation to the implementation of tax ordinances
pursuant to the provisions under Book II of the Local Government Code
5. Maintain
and update the tax information system of the municipal government
6. Exercise
such other powers and performs other functions as may be prescribed by law or
ordinances
The
Office of the Municipal Assessor is composed of eight (8) personnel, headed by
the Municipal Assessor, five (5) personnel with permanent appointments namely:
(1)Assessment Clerk II, three (3) Tax Mapping Aides and one (1) Bookbinder and
two (2) casual employee. The Municipal Assessor shall take charge of this
office, perform the duties provided for under Book II of the Local Government
Code and shall:
1. Ensure
that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and assessment of real
properties for taxation purposes are properly executed
2. Initiate,
review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and programs,
techniques, procedures and practices in the valuation and assessment of real
properties for taxation purpose
3. Establish
a systematic method of real property assessment
4. Install
and maintain a real property identification and accounting system
5. Prepare,
install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing graphically all
properties subject to assessment and gather all data concerning the same
6. Conduct
frequent physical surveys to verify and determine as to whether or not at all
real properties within the municipality are properly listed in the assessment
rolls
7. Exercise
the functions of appraisal and assessment primarily for taxation purposes of
all properties in the municipality
8. Prepare
a schedule of the fair market value of the different classes of real properties
in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code
9. Issue,
upon request of any interested party, certified copies of assessment records of
real property and all other records relative to its assessment, upon payment of
a service charge or fee to the Municipal Treasurer
10. Submit
every semester a report of all assessment, as well as cancellations of
assessments, to the Municipal Mayor and the Sangguniang
Bayan
11. Exercise
such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance
The
Office of the Municipal Accountant is composed of eight (8) personnel, namely: the
Municipal Accountant, one (1) Management Audit Analyst II, and two (2)
Bookkeepers, three (3) Accounting Clerks I, one (1) Clerk I all with permanent
appointments. The Municipal Accountant shall take charge of both the accounting
and internal audit services of the municipal government and perform the duties
provided for under Book II of the Local Government Code and shall:
1. Install
and maintain an internal audit system in the municipal government
2. Prepare
and submit financial statements to the mayor and to the sanggunian
3. Appraise
the sanggunian and other officials on
the financial condition and operations of the municipal government
4. Certify
to the availability of budgetary allotment to which expenditures and
obligations may be properly charged
5. Review
supporting documents before preparation of vouchers to determine completeness
of requirements
6. Prepare
statements of cash advances, liquidation, salaries, allowances, reimbursements
and remittances pertaining to the municipal government
7. Prepare
statements of journal vouchers and liquidate of the same and other adjustments
8. Post
individual disbursements to the subsidiary ledger and index cards
9. Maintain
individual ledgers for officials and employees pertaining to payrolls and
deductions
10. Record
and post in index cards details of
purchased furniture fixtures, and equipment, including disposal thereof
11. Account
for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and keep all records and
reports related thereto
12. Prepare
journals and the analysis of obligations and maintain and keep all records
related thereto
13. Exercise
such other powers and performs such other duties and functions as may be
provided by law and ordinance
The
Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator is manned by three
(3) personnel headed by the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator and
two (2) permanent employees composed of one (1) Project Development Assistant
and one (1) Draftsman.
The
Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator is responsible for
carrying out the basic functions such as research, collation and evaluation of
all statistical data essential to the formulation of integrated economic,
social, physical and other development plans and policies for consideration of
the local government council, preparation of comprehensive plans and other
development planning documents, and exercise such other powers and perform such
other duties and functions as may be provided by law or ordinances.
The
Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar is composed of four (4) personnel
headed by the Municipal Civil Registrar, and two (2) regular employees, namely,
one (1) Clerk II and one Bookbinder and one (1) casual employee. The civil
registrar is responsible for the civil registration program in the local
government unit pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code and other
pertinent laws, rules and regulations issued to implement them.
The
Office of the Municipal Engineer is composed of six (6) personnel. Currently,
the Engineer I performs the functions of the Municipal Engineer as the Officer
In Charge, and staffed by one (1) Engineering Aide, one (1) Clerk I, with
permanent appointments and three (3) casual employees. The Municipal Engineer
is tasked with the following functions and duties:
1. Initiate,
review and recommend changes in the policies and objectives, plans and
programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the infrastructure
development and public works in general
2. Administer,
coordinate, supervise and control the construction, maintenance, improvement
and repair of roads, bridges and other engineering and public works projects of
the municipality
3. Provide
engineering services to the municipal government, including investigation and
survey, engineering designs, feasibility studies and project management
4. Exercise
such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinances
The
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office is composed of four (4)
personnel. It is headed by the Social Welfare and Development Officer, one (1)
Daycare Worker II, one (1) Social Welfare Aide whose appointments are permanent
in nature, and one (1) casual employee.
The
Social Welfare and Development Officer shall take charge of the office on
social welfare and development services and shall:
1. Formulate
measures for the approval of the sanggunian
and provide technical assistance and support to the mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provisions of adequate
facilities relative to social welfare and development services as provided for
under Section 17 of the Local Government Code
2. Develop
plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the mayor, implement the same
particularly those which have to do with social welfare and programs and
projects which the mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for
under the Code
3. In
addition to the foregoing duties, the social welfare and development officer
shall:
a. Identify
the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and impoverished and develop
and implement measures to alleviate their problems and improve their living
conditions
b. Provide
relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of abuse and
exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to deter further abuse and
exploitation
c. Assist
the mayor in implementing the barangay level program for the total development
and protection of children up to six (6) years of age
d. Facilitate
the implementation of welfare programs for the disabled, elderly and victims of
drug addiction, the rehabilitation of prisoners and parolees, the intervention
of juvenile delinquency and such other activities which would eliminate or
minimize the ill-effects of poverty
e. Initiate
and support youth welfare programs that will enhance the role of the youth in
nation building
f. Coordinate
with government agencies and non-government organizations which have for their
purpose the promotion and the protection of all needy, disadvantaged, under
privileged or impoverished groups or individuals, particularly those identified
to be vulnerable and high-risk to exploitation, abuse and neglect
4. Be
in the frontline of service delivery, particularly those which have to do with
immediate relief and assistance in the aftermath of man-made and natural
calamities
5. Recommend
to the sanggunian and advice the
mayor, on all matters related to social welfare and development services which
will improve the livelihood and living condition of the inhabitants
6. Exercise such other powers and perform such
other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance
The
Municipal Health Office is composed of thirteen (13) personnel, namely: one (1)
Municipal Health Officer, one (1) Dentist, two (2) nurses, one (1) Medical
Technologist, four (4) midwives, two (2) sanitation inspectors, one (1) dental
aide, who are permanent employees and one (1) casual employee. It is headed by
the Municipal Health Officer who is charged with the following duties and
functions:
1. Take
charge of the office on health services, supervise the personnel and staff of
said office, formulate programs implantation guidelines and rules and
regulations for the operation of the said office for the approval of the mayor,
in order to assist him in the efficient, effective and economical
implementation of a health services program geared to the implementation of
health-related projects and activities
2. Formulate
measures for the consideration of the sanggunian
and provide technical assistance and support to the mayor in carrying out
activities to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate
facilities relative to health services provided under Section 17 of Local
Government Code
3. Develop
and implement plans and strategies
4. Formulate
and implement policies, plans, programs and projects to promote the health of
the people of the municipality
5. Advise
the mayor and the sanggunian on
matters pertaining to health
6. Execute
and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations relative public health
7. Recommend
to the sanggunian, through the local
health board, the passage of such ordinances as he may deem necessary for the
preservation of public health
8. Recommend
the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws, ordinances or regulations
9. Direct
the sanitary inspection of all business establishments selling food items or
providing accommodation such as hotels, lodging houses, pension houses, and the
like in accordance with the Sanitation Code
10. Conduct
health information campaign and render health intelligence services
11. Coordinate
with other government agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in
the promotion and delivery of health services
12. Be
in the frontline of health services delivery
13. Exercise
such other powers and performs such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinances
The
Office of the Municipal Agriculturist is composed of seven (7) personnel with
the Municipal Agriculturist as head and five (5) agricultural technologists as
its staff with permanent appointments and one (1) casual employee. The
Municipal Agriculture Officer has the following duties and functions:
1. Formulate
measures for the approval of the sanggunian
and provide technical assistance and support to the mayor in carrying out sai
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate
facilities relative to agriculture services as provided for under Section 17 of
the Local Government Code
2. Develop
plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the mayor
3. Ensure
the maximum assistance and access to resources in the production, processing
and marketing of agricultural and aqua-cultural and marine products are
extended to farmers, fishermen and local entrepreneurs
4. Conduct
or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural researches and assist
in making available the appropriate technology arising out of and disseminating
information on basic research on crops, prevention and control of plant
diseases and pests and other agricultural matters which will maximize
productivity
5. Assist
the mayor in the establishment and extension services of demonstration
forms or aqua-culture and marine
products
6. Enforce
laws and regulations relating to agriculture and aqua-culture
7. Coordinate
with government agencies and non-governmental organizations which promote
agricultural productivity through appropriate technology compatible with
environment integrity
8. Be
in the frontline of delivery of basic agricultural services
9. Recommend
to the sanggunian and advise the
mayor on all matters related to agricultural and aqua-culture which will
improve the livelihood and living condition of the inhabitants
10. Exercise
such other powers and performs such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinances.
CHAPTER IV
LOCAL FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
The
enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991 has given local government units
the power to generate their own sources of revenues and levy fees and taxes to
fund their programs, projects, and development plans for their respective
communities.
As
provided under Book II, Section 285 of the Local Government Code of 1991, the Municipality
of Tanauan also receives 34% share in
the proceeds of national taxes.
The
municipal government of Tanauan
registered a total income of P47.6 million in 2005 and went up to P56.4 million
in 2007. This considerable increase resulted
from increases in local taxes, permits and licenses, and the Internal Revenue
Allotment.
Tanauan’s
best practices on revenue generation clearly justifies how effective the municipal
government is in promoting and utilizing mechanisms for increasing revenue.
The
Municipal Treasurer’s Office of Tanauan,
Leyte headed by Mrs. Restituta C. Cavite, the Municipal Treasurer, serves
as the municipality’s cash manager, maintaining custody of all municipal funds
and entrusted with the responsibility for the deposit, and disbursement of
these funds and maintains and updates the tax information system. This office also
collects all taxes, including auto excise, boat excise, personal property, and
real properties, and water or sewer usage.
The
Office of the Municipal Treasurer conducts regular tax campaigns, conducts
inspections, assessment of real properties, documentation of animals, issue
permits to various establishments that have not acquired permits and collect
corresponding fees and other applicable penalties. Information dissemination is
also conducted on a regular basis and using different communication channels in
the municipality like radio, local newspapers, etc. These resulted in community
response manifested by increase of tax and other collections bi-monthly or
quarterly. The treasury department also adopted a systematic and computerized
collection system that ensures secured and accurate collections and reporting
process called e-TREASURY System. Later on, i-TAX, which was introduced by the
German International Cooperation (GIZ) was implemented in Tanauan. This is one of the computer based process proven to be
effective in the system of collection of LGUs in various tax collections.
The
municipal government has been practicing the most expedient and efficient process
in securing business permits and licenses. Clients do not have to go through a
tedious and time-consuming process of getting business permits and licenses. It
only takes 2.5 hours for new applicants and 15 to 25 minutes for renewal of
business permits and licenses. This system has earned the municipality the “Most
Business Friendly Municipality” in recognition of its efforts in instituting
good governance and promoting trade and investment such as innovative and sound
business licensing procedures, and efficient conduct of daily operations.
Aside
from tax collection, the Municipal Treasurer’s Office also offers other
services such as accepting payments from various power and water consumers and
Philhealth members. In this way, the people had seen these of services to be
convenient for them without incurring additional expenses of going to Tacloban
City just to facilitate the obligations.
As
shown in the COA Audit Report, the Municipality of Tanauan, Leyte collected a total income of P86,462532.67 which
significantly increased by P7,921,148.87 or 10.08% with that of calendar year
2010.
|
Income / Revenue
|
2011
|
2010
|
Increase (Decrease) AMOUNT
|
Percent Increase (Decrease)
|
|
Local Taxes
|
10,972, 728.10
|
10,102,370.99
|
870,357.11
|
8.62
|
|
Permits and Licenses
|
1,285, 115.67
|
1,310,667.97
|
-25,552.30
|
-1.95
|
|
Service Income
|
2,709,705.64
|
2,833,761.18
|
-124,005.54
|
-4.38
|
|
Business Income
|
5,087,240.57
|
3,221,294.80
|
1,865,945.77
|
57.92
|
|
Internal Revenue
Allotment
|
65,425,294.00
|
60,529,700
|
4,895,594.00
|
8.09
|
|
Other Income
|
982,448.69
|
543,588.86
|
438,859.83
|
80.73
|
|
Total Income
|
P 86,462,532.67
|
P 78,541,383.80
|
P 7,921,148.87
|
10.08
|
It
can be noted, however, that he Municipality of Tanauan got a bigger share of IRA in 2011 which amounted to P65,425,294.00
registering an 8.09% increase from the IRA share in 2010.
In 2010, Tanauan’s share in IRA amounted to P60,529,700.00.
On
the other hand, the budget of the municipal government of Tanauan for the calendar 2012 amounted to P84,429,235.20 and went
up to P815,708,212.14 in 2013. The table below shows the breakdown of the
budget for calendar years 2012 and 2013 respectively:
Municipal
Government Budget
Calendar
Year 2012
|
Expenditures
|
Amount
|
|
Personal Services
|
41,030,552.67
|
|
Maintenance and Other
Operating Expenses
|
29,384,297.90
|
|
Capital Outlay
|
14,014,384.63
|
|
Total
|
84,429,235.20
|
In 2012, personal
services expenditure comprised the biggest chunk of the budget pie.
Municipal
Government Budget
Calendar
Year 2012
The
figure below shows the breakdown of the municipal government’s budget for
calendar year 2013:
Municipal
Government Budget
Calendar
Year 2013
|
Expenditures
|
Amount
|
|
Personal Services
|
44,317,009.91
|
|
Maintenance and Other
Operating Expenses
|
573,957,345.09
|
|
Capital Outlay
|
197,433,857.14
|
|
Total
|
815,708,212.14
|
In
2013, the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) comprised the largest
budget as shown in the figure below:
Municipal
Government Budget
Calendar
Year 2013
In
2012, the budget allotted for debt serving was P9,500,000.00. It went down to
P8,000,000.00 in 2013. While the budget allotted for development programs,
projects and activities amounted to P14,198,326.00 in 2013.
In
2013, the municipal government of Tanauan
allotted an amount of P14,197,826.00 for development projects, programs and
activities. The table below shows how this amount was allotted to the different
development projects of the municipality:
|
Development Projects, Programs and Activities
|
Amount
|
|
Debt Servicing
|
8,000,000.00
|
|
Barangay Development
Fund
|
2,700,000.00
|
|
Maintenance of
Perimeter Tombs
|
886,181.50
|
|
Expansion and
Improvement of Day Care Center
|
225,000.00
|
|
Farm Mechanization
Project
|
230,000.00
|
|
Health Information
System
|
192,000.00
|
|
Establishment of
Municipal Database
|
612,144.50
|
|
Establishment of Fish
Examination Laboratory
|
152,500.00
|
|
Procurement of
Semi-Automated Hematology Analyzer
|
1,200,000.00
|
|
Total
|
14,197,826.00
|
Development
Projects, Programs and Activities
Calendar
Year 2013
Debt-servicing
still comprised the biggest amount of the budget allocated for development
projects, programs and activities of Tanauan.
CHAPTER V
ISSUES, PROBLEMS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
As a
political subdivision of the state, local government units shall endeavor to
find ways to become self-reliant and eventually become effective partners in
the achievement of national development goals.
Evidently,
the Municipality of Tanauan never
ceases to push forward in order to achieve progress and development. The
introduction of innovative mechanisms for increased revenue collection, for
example, is one proof that the municipal government is actively taking bold
strides toward a progressive community.
Nevertheless,
issues and problems are still commonplace as in any other local communities in
the country. The problem of proper garbage disposal for instance, has been
among the major issues that require immediate attention and speedy action.
Local residents in Sitio Abang, Barangay Lapay have been complaining about the
mounting garbage dumpsite that the municipal government has failed to address.
Residents
in the rural barangays are also complaining about the uncemented roads which
turn into mud during rainy season. The
municipal government should look into this problem. For the local farmers, the
availability of farm-to-market roads is essential for the fast and convenient
delivery of agricultural produce to the market.
Tanauan
still lacks an efficient infrastructure for its storm drainage system. Although
storm drainage projects were constructed in the past, it was poorly planned and
maintained that resulted in a failure to prevent occasional flooding in various
places within the town proper due to sedimentation and clogging of existing
drainage canals.
Tanauan is
an agro-industrial town. Major agriculture products of the municipality include
coconut, palm oil, livestock and poultry, and high-value tropical fruits and
vegetables. Palay is basically the
town’s staple crop. Thus, the municipal government should provide support to
the local farmers to improve and increase their crop’s yield. Agricultural
innovations should be encouraged and supported by the municipal government.
Training farmers on how to improve their farm produce like vegetable crops
should be initiated. Agriculture can be
a major booster of the local economy if appropriate assistance is given to this
sector.
With
the new administration, the Municipality of Tanauan,
is embarking on a socialized housing program that will be beneficial to the
town’s informal settlers, underprivileged and poor members of the citizenry,
especially those living along the coastal, erosion and flood-prone areas of
Barangay San Roque and Barangay Bislig.
Vice-President
Jejomar Binay pledged to give P12 million for the housing program of the town. Mayor
Pelagio Tecson Jr said that the housing program is expected to benefit close to
2,000 informal settlers coming from seven barangays in the municipality.
The
realization of this socialized housing program would fulfill Tanauan’s vision to transform the area
as a residential hub of Eastern Visayas.
Nevertheless,
the issues and problems cited in this research are just some of those that
require the immediate attention of the local officials. But of course, part of
this also requires the active participation of each and every Tanauanon. Local residents have a share
of that responsibility to make Tanauan
a clean and green and progressive town in Eastern Visayas.
