ah Local Government Academy 4NG P oO2'°G On oo EN, a) 10th Year Anniversary ff | of the 199] Local Government Code Ford Foundation unin United Nations Development Program (Pa) Yi v WY a e unicefMALACANAN PALACE MESSAGES On the 10" year of our local autonomy, I would like to congratulate all local governments as well as other stakeholders for their gains in local governance, ‘The past ten years of decentralization have aceclerated local development and instituted participatory governance. Lessons and innovations abound to guide us as we move forward to another decade of local autonomy. This publication which doubles as case bank of exemplary local government practices and a replication guide for our local leaders exemplifies how we can achieve a balanced economic development and ensure the quality of life of the masses. Lurge all local stakcholders (o unceasingly strive fora meaningful, equitable and sustained local development as we continue providing better opportunities forthe Filipinos and intensify our efforts in reducing poverty. Congratulations to the Local Government Academy, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Galing Pook Foundation for initiating this relev and useful publication asa tool for our local governments in adopting and implementing the kind of governance we are visualizing for the 2!" century. GLORIA YAACAPAGAL- ARROYO MANILA s 7 January 2002