EDITORIAL – Full disclosure
The Philippine Star
January 14, 2012

 Good governance must be felt at the grassroots, so the role of local governments is crucial. When the country is going to the dogs, part of the blame goes to local governments. Through effective governance, local executives can create pockets of prosperity even when other parts of the country are suffering from mismanagement. Local governments play a key role in promoting tourism, business and industrial growth. The competent ones provide decent education and health care to their constituents, and see to it that communities at all income levels are kept clean and relatively safe.

Competent local executives are aware that they are accountable to the people, and have no problem with efforts to promote transparency particularly in their utilization of public funds. The Department of the Interior and Local Government, in an effort to promote transparency, created a so-called Performance Challenge Fund, which is awarded to local government units that perform well. LGUs are also required by law to fully disclose all financial activities to their constituents, with the information posted on websites, displayed on posters in conspicuous spots within the locality, and published in newspapers of general circulation.

Read full article @ www.philstar.com