Local Government Units Research Articles

Financial involvement of local government units in achieving environmental objectives of sustainable development in Poland

Poland’s achievement of sustainable development goals, including environmental goals, requires substantial financial outlays and the necessity of incurring high expenditures by, among others, local government units (LGU). The article focuses on green investment expenditures incurred by LGU budgets. The aim is to identify and diagnose the spatial variation of these expenditures in the context of sustainable development goals and the new taxonomy for classifying economic activities as environmentally sustainable. The added value of the article is: first, to identify the structure of green investment expenditures of LGU, which enables to show their changes in the context of sustainable development goals, and second, to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of these expenditures, including all cities with county rights and municipalities, divided into urban, rural and urban-rural types in Poland into three periods: 2004-2006, 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. The study, carried out using the TOPSIS method, showed a wide variation in the level of green investment expenditures made from the budgets of local government units.

Identifying and Assessing the Functionality of IT Systems for the Maintenance and Development of the Road Network

The article presents the results of research aimed at identifying and assessing the functionality of IT systems in activities related to the maintenance and development of the road network managed by local government units. Starting the research, the authors were operating under the assumption that, nowadays, IT systems should play an important role in solving problems related to the management of road infrastructure. The applied research method took a form of a survey, and the research sample consisted of 100 local government units acting as administrators of the road network, i.e., administrators of municipal roads (AMR), county roads (ACR) and operating within cities with independent county rights (ACCR). The results of the research indicate that few administrators utilise integrated information systems in practice. Their users turned out to be mainly representatives of the ACCR group, who use several different support systems on a daily basis, with different functionality and usability. The operation of IT systems is mainly used at the level of operational work related to the implementation of ongoing maintenance activities, excluding the possibility of using them in strategic management.

Strategic Action for the Seaweed Industry in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

The Philippines is one of the top producers of seaweed in the world and 91% of its farm area is situated in the province of Tawi-Tawi. However, the country’s seaweed production has been declining over the years due to various factors. This study focused on identifying a strategic action that will highly influence the sustainability of the seaweed industry in the province through capitalizing on the public and private collaborations. This study has taken the perspective of focusing on the integrative authority of a Local Government Unit (LGU) as a supreme governing body of a locality and utilized an organizational approach in addressing the core issue. In the province of Tawi-Tawi, almost all the marine products or around 8,000 tons are being transshipped through the ports of Bongao annually. Bongao is the de-facto capital municipality of the province and acts as a conduit of development in the provincial, regional, and national seaweed productions. On the other hand, the LGU of Bongao has been heavily dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and needs diversified income streams. One area it can provide potential service deliveries is facility support to the major industry in the province through local enterprises. This service modality will provide an encompassing benefit towards addressing the overarching issues in the seaweed industry and improve the financial health of the LGU. The analytical tools that were applied are the Problem Tree Analysis (PTA) and Objective Tree Analysis (OTA). The PTA was used to identify the major constraint and the corresponding causes and effects within the scope of the situational analysis. The OTA was employed to determine the strategic action needed through targeting the core issue in the PTA.

The Role of Local Government Units in Building Civil Society – the Constructing Civil Society Educational Project (Some Remarks)

Civil society is an indispensable component of a functional democratic state. The development of civil society is dependent on a number of factors, including the work of the education system. Education is the crucial space for shaping civic attitudes and acquiring competences necessary for a society that is aware of its rights and active in the public sphere. A significant majority of educational institutions is administratively supervised by local government units. The purpose of this paper is to indicate how local authorities can play a role in the shaping of civil society by performing tasks (both obligatory and additional, non-compulsory ones) related to education.

Analysis of Capacity Development Agenda on the Devolution Transition Plans of Local Government Units in Southern Philippines

This research investigated the imminent full devolution of services in the Philippines following the “Mandanas-Garcia Ruling” in 2018 and concretized by the E.O 138 in 2021, which augments local governments’ share in national tax revenue, bolstering their capacity and accountability. This study focused on the Southern part of the Philippines, specifically examining Local Government Units’ (LGUs) preparedness for expanded responsibilities. Employing a document analysis approach, the research evaluated the LGUs’ capacity status and delineated common and unique Capacity Development (CapDev) agendas in infrastructure, tourism, health, social welfare, and agriculture. Findings indicated that LGUs currently exhibit “low capacity,” signifying a basic capability of 20–39%, necessitating substantial interventions from national government agencies. The matrix of CapDev agendas underscored shared needs among LGUs. The study concluded by proposing indicative CapDev priorities to assist LGUs in prioritizing interventions effectively. This research contributed valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the devolution process in the Philippines, with implications for policy and practice in local governance.

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Seagrasses species in the selected sites of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, Philippines

The study determined the carbon sequestered by seagrasses from the three (3) coastal sites of Don Marcelino, namely Talagutong, Kinanga, and Lawa. The study employed one-shot sampling as part of a preliminary survey visit at the study sites. The survey was conducted during the lowest tide of the day, and the observation of seagrass species was limited to a depth of 0–3 meters. A total of four species of seagrasses were identified using taxonomic field guides. The species Halodule pinifolia, Thalassia hemprichii, and Cymodocea rotundata were present in Talagutong, while Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Halophila ovalis, and Halodule pinifolia were recorded in Kinanga and Lawa. Thalassia hemprichii is the most dominant seagrass species and has the highest percent cover, followed by Cymodocea rotundata. Moreover, Thalassia hemprichii is more dominant in the study area, which also obtained the highest shoot density, followed by Cymodocea rotundata. Cymodocea rotundata obtained the highest sequestered total carbon from Lawa compared to the other two (2) sites. The carbon sequestered by Thalassia hemprichii in Talagutong and Lawa is significantly higher compared to Kinanga. Furthermore, the carbon sequestered by Halophila sp. in Lawa and Kinanga is significantly higher (21.56 and 18.56 (g/m²) than in Talagutong. It is highly recommended to the local government units to include seagrass areas of Don Marcelino into marine protected areas as a part of the implementation of proactive climate change mitigation.

NPM and public financial management - directions of rationalization (selected economic aspects)

Abstract From the subjective point of view, public finances can be divided into central and local government. Local government finances are local and regional finances. However, a question arises whether, when considering the areas of public funds management and wanting to indicate their specificity, this branch is sufficient. It seems that it is not, because it is important to take into account institutional and content-related criteria. From the point of view of these criteria, it should be pointed out that the most important institution of public finances is the budget of both the state and local government units. On the other hand, in the substantive area, the most important phenomena from the point of view of their effects, such as the budget deficit and the State Treasury debt, should be mentioned. Keywords: new public management, public administration, efficiency, rationality, process economisation

Governmental Local Investment Fund as a Financial Instrument to Support Urban Investment by the Example of Cities with District Status in the Lodz Voivodeship

The purpose of the article/hypothesis is to present the Government's Local Investment Fund as a financial tool to support municipalities and districts during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and to provide an assessment of the support received in the context of investment expenditure incurred by cities with district rights in the Lodz Voivodeship.
 Methodology: On the basis of data from the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the financial reports of the Cities with a District Status, the amount of funding granted from the Government Local Investment Fund was reviewed. Based on data from the Local Data Bank, the basic financial data for three Cities with a District Status from the Lodz Voivodeship in the years 2019–2021 was analysed, i.e. in the context of the use of funds from the Government Local Investment Fund.
 Results of the research: Local government units during the COVID-19 pandemic had an opportunity to obtain financial support from the state budget for the implementation of investment tasks from the Government Local Investment Fund. A total amount of PLN 13 billion was allocated to local governments. The funds were distributed in three rounds using two different qualification methods: algorithm and competition mode. Cities with a District Status under the competition procedure received less support than other local governments, and there were even situations in which they were deprived of this support. The distribution and the amount of support awarded caused a lot of controversy at the same time highlighting a need for changes in the system of local finances.

Preference and Utilization of Media Channels as Communication Instruments of Local Public Administrators in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

This descriptive study sought to determine the level of preference and extent of utilization of local public administrators (LPAs) of Bacolod City of media channels as communication instruments. Needed data were collected from all 85 middle-level managers holding positions as department head, assistant department head, division chief, and assistant division chiefs in the local government unit (LGU) using a survey questionnaire that has passed both validity and reliability test. Subsequent analyses reveal respondents' level preference and extent of utilization of social media, specifically Facebook and mainstream media (television/radio and newspapers) as information soures and feedback instruments concerning their functions as public administrators. Respondents exhibited a "high level" of preference and a "great extent" of utilization in the above-mentioned areas. Meanwhile, a significant difference was present in demographic variables like age and length of service. There was a significant relationship between the LPA’s level of preference and extent of utilization. It has been established that respondents' preference led to their utilization of a specific medium. These findings call for a review and possible modification of departments’ and divisions' communication strategies for relevance, transparency, and responsiveness.

The Role of Digital Transformation in Reducing Financial and Administrative Corruption: By Application to One of The Local Government Units

The study aimed to Identify the role of digital transformation in reducing corruption in local administrative bodies and identify the level of development of local administrative bodies, Identify the challenges facing the role of digital transformation in developing local administrative bodies. Identify the causes of corruption in local administrative bodies., Develop proposals to activate the role of digital transformation in developing local administrative bodies, reach a proposed work plan to activate the role of digital transformation in developing local administrative bodies to reduce corruption. Moreover, the study relied on the following methods: A descriptive and analytical approach, using a questionnaire to collect data from employees of the local administration center in Mokattam, Cairo Governorate. A field study approach, using interviews with employees and the public benefiting from those services to reduce the appearance of corruption. The study reached several recommendations and proposals, the most important of which are: Linking the role of digital transformation to the local strategic plan. Developing more effective methods of management and organization to reduce direct interaction with citizens. Strengthening the competitive position of localities by creating an integrated system for collecting and storing data and the ability to update it continuously. Paying attention to creative ideas and working to achieve them. Building a new role for digital transformation that is directly related to reducing the appearance of any type of corruption. Benefiting from experts specialized in the field of digital transformation. Increasing cooperation and coordination between local authorities and other administrations. In addition, the study found that the level of development of local administrative bodies in Egypt is still relatively low. This is due to several factors, including: Lack of funding and resources. Lack of qualified staff. Lack of a clear vision and strategy for digital transformation. Keywords: Digital transformation – Financial corruption – Administrative corruption – Local government units

Assessing the Compliance of a Coastal Municipality to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003)

To bring about a significant change in the SWM situation in the Philippines, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) was enacted to provide local government units with frameworks that would help them solve the looming garbage problem in the country. Despite the presence of the decree, managing wastes remains a problem in the country particularly in the CALABARZON. This study was conducted to assess the extent of compliance of a coastal municipality to RA 9003 in terms of institutional mechanism, comprehensive solid waste management, incentives, and financial solid waste management and compare the assessments of 72 public officials, 396 residents, and 126 business establishments regarding the local government units’ compliance. The research utilized a descriptive design and gathered data using the questionnaire complemented with interview and focus group discussion. Frequency, weighted mean, standard deviation, ANOVA and Scheffe’s Test were used in treating the gathered data. Results revealed that Calaca has not fully complied with RA 9003. The solid waste management (SWM) implementation in the component barangays and waste segregation are not strictly monitored. There is weak enforcement of waste segregation, provision of appropriate bins, technical capacity of waste handlers, and utilization of the materials recovery facilities. Waste collection remains the primary issue in the city. The assessments of the officials, residents, and establishments regarding Calaca’s compliance with institutional mechanisms, financial SWM, and incentives significantly differed despite their agreement regarding comprehensive SWM, indicating a low level of awareness among stakeholders and a weak SWM system.

Synergistic roles of articulation, intellectual passion, conviviality and commitment in determining the citizens’ awareness and initiatives for sustainable watershed resources management

To attain high quality watershed, citizens or stakeholders should work harmoniously with the researchers and the local government units. There should be a pleasant relationship among the three which can only be attained if there is intellectual passion among the three concerned characters. This watershed management research has employed a combined socio-scientific and philosophical research design. The researchers as scientists are determined to be actively involved in sharing his intellectual passion to attain greater objectivity and rationality in sustaining watershed resources. This study found that people's jobs and social status significantly influenced their awareness and actions regarding watershed conservation. Students, local government officials, and local residents have only a moderate understanding of how industrialization impacts watershed resources. Surprisingly, local government officials are unaware of how siltation affects the quality and biodiversity of these resources. Additionally, students show little initiative in attending watershed conservation seminars, likely due to the high cost of scientific conferences, which they may find financially challenging. Through the inculcation of Polanyi’s philosophical concepts, the researchers highly recommend the conduct of more hands-on community outreach activities regarding watershed conservation.

Solvency and Debt of Rural Communes vs. Their Residents’ Standards of Living: A Polish Case Study

The purpose of this paper is to present the multidimensional dependencies between the budgetary solvency and debt of Polish rural communes on one side, and the residents’ standards of living on the other. Local government units’ budgetary solvency and debt (one of the key components of their financial condition) are important determinants of their efficient functioning oriented at addressing the needs of local communities as much as possible. The literature on the subject reveals a cognitive gap in the research into the standards of living and ways of driving social well-being, which is manifested in the dearth of empirical studies on how the components of local governments’ financial standing impact residents’ standards of living. Due to the multifaceted nature of the categories under consideration, a canonical analysis procedure was carried out to identify the linkages between them, and three statistically significant canonical roots were identified. This study demonstrates that if the values of variables relating to budgetary solvency and the debt levels of Polish rural municipalities (communes) are known, they have the potential to explain over 29% of the variance in the set related to the residents’ living standards. Hence, the components of local governments’ financial conditions are important, yet not the sole determinants of the population’s standards of living. The findings from such analyses could be used indirectly, e.g., by local authorities in the context of creating their development strategies and selecting measures designed to transform the socioeconomic structure of territorial units in accordance with what their residents need.

Disaster Resilience and Capability in the Maintenance of Public Order During Disaster of Calamity-Prone Municipalities in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

This study examined the level of disaster resilience and extent of the capability of calamity-prone areas to maintain public order during disaster, among the respondents, the barangay officials and the residents in the disaster-prone municipalities in Oriental Mindoro. This study employed a descriptive-quantitative research design in which the level of disaster resilience and extent of the capability of calamity-prone areas in the maintenance of public order during disaster, among the respondents, the barangay officials (n=180) and the residents (n=379) in the disaster-prone municipalities in Oriental Mindoro. A structure questionnaire was crafted based on study questions. In this study, stratified proportional random sampling was carried out for the selection of resident respondents. In contrast, total enumeration was used for barangay officials, including the chief of the barangay tanods in each barangay of the calamity-prone areas of the province under study. The weighted mean was used to evaluate the respondents’ level of disaster resilience and the extent of capability of calamity-prone areas in the maintenance of public order during disaster. Results showed the high extent of capability in the maintenance of public order during disaster in disaster-prone municipalities is indicative of the effective implementation of policies on disaster preparedness and the management of disaster risk reduction. The local government units may adopt the comprehensive resilience program based on the findings of this study to further enhance disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction management.

Are Most Polluted Regions Most Active in Energy Transition Processes? A Case Study of Polish Regions Acquiring EU Funds for Local Investments in Renewable Energy Sources

The primary aim of this study was to assess the investment activity of basic local government units in the development of renewable energy sources co-financed by EU funds depending on CO2 emissions and other socio-economic conditions in terms of regions of Poland in the years 2007–2020. Empirical studies aimed at the verification of the research hypothesis that “the greatest investment activity in local projects co-financed from EU funds related to the development of renewable energy sources is observed for local government units in regions with highest CO2 emissions”. Empirical studies were conducted based on data from the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development in Poland, the Local Data Bank, and the National Centre for Emissions Management. Thus, the conducted analyses provide both cognitive and applicatory values for the establishment of an appropriate energy transition policy in individual regions of Poland, which may be implemented by local government authorities within the current financial framework. Data concerning CO2 emissions at the regional level were estimated by applying the original disaggregation method as modified by the authors, which made it possible to fill the research gap resulting from the lack of data on emissions at the regional level. In order to show the regional diversification in investment activity of local government units in terms of renewable energy sources, its multi-faceted analysis was conducted by applying the Ward method. Clusters of regions with similar investment activity of local government units were described based on characteristics included in the typological classification (so-called active characteristics) and selected indexes showing CO2 emission levels, as well as selected socio-economic indexes (so-called passive characteristics). Based on the empirical studies, the research hypothesis presented in this paper was negatively verified. Considering both multiannual financial frameworks, the EU financial support for the development of renewable energy sources was used primarily by local government units of a predominantly agricultural character, and less advanced in terms of their development but exhibiting conditions conducive to renewable energy development.

COVID-19 Constructs of College Students and New Normal Learning Delivery Modalities in Higher Education

The coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, forced the shift from normal to the new normal in the Philippines, the ASEAN region, and the rest of the world. This descriptive-qualitative inquiry sought to uncover the COVID-19 constructs of college students and to determine new normal learning delivery modalities in the context of a state-owned higher education institution. Anchored on the constructivist lens and the grounded theory, Ricoeur’s hermeneutic analysis served as a method of exploring the narratives. The perceived effects of the community quarantines were modes of schooling changed, mental health was tested, internet connectivity problems, economic impacts, and boredom. To better respond to the pandemic, the participants believed that the higher education institution may listen to all stakeholders, learn from other universities, and formulate research-based actions. Modular and online modes wherein blended learning synchronously and asynchronously served as the operational learning delivery modalities of the higher education institution. The learning delivery modalities of the higher education institution complied with the policies and guidelines of the national government, local government units, and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. The new normal learning delivery modalities in a higher education institution based on the constructs of the COVID-19 pandemic of college students were formulated. The results of this study may serve as bases for developing participatory and proactive educational policies and guidelines in transitioning from normal to the new normal.

Transformation of the Polish Heating Sector Based on an Example of Select Heat Energy Companies Supplying Energy to Local Government Units

The aim of this study was to identify changes in the Polish heating sector and assess modernization investments in the field of energy transformation. This research covered 30 municipalities in Poland that applied for the II National Competition for Local Government Units for the Most Energy Innovative Local Government. In terms of changes, the analysis covered the years 2002–2021 and in the investment assessment, data from 2021 were used, as well as plans and strategies of enterprises and local governments. To assess planned investments in district heating companies, an original method of assessing social needs and the ability and readiness of enterprises to modernize the infrastructure in the field of heating was developed. It considers the emissivity factor of a heating plant and the assessment of investments by experts according to nine criteria. The method was used to assess changes in the district heating system in 30 municipalities in Poland. The shaping of the energy strategy in Poland is influenced by the climate and energy policy of the European Union (EU), which assumes that by 2040, households and industries will be heated with system heat or low-emission energy sources. Poland is the second-largest district heating market in the European Union, but heat production in the country is dependent on coal, which is why this sector requires transformation in the coming years. Research shows that thermal energy companies modernizing their installations more often use low-emission technologies than zero-emission ones. The main objectives of investments in energy production are the decarbonization of the heating system and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as social needs in the field of connecting houses and flats to the system networks.

Management Skills of Department Heads in Relation to Employees Work Performance

The management skills of department heads play a vital role in determining employees' work performance. Department heads are expected to possess good qualities of manager and to deal effectively and efficiently require special skills which make the manager successful in their task. The department heads with high levels of management skills are also likely to have high levels of self-worth and self-esteem, which can impact every area of their lives, from relationships to employment and work performance. The study investigated the management skills of department heads in relations to employees' work performance of permanent regular casual employees of Local Government Unit of Negros Occidental during the fiscal years 2020. The design of this research is a descriptive study using a questionnaire as the research instrument. A total of 225 permanent and casual employee were involved as respondents in this study. The variables considered were age, sex, and highest educational attainment. The findings showed that the department heads' level of management skills is all at a very high level. The employees' work performance level during the fiscal year 2020 was interpreted as very satisfactory based on their OPCRF. The findings also showed that there was no significant difference in the department heads' level of management when grouped and compared according to sex and highest educational attainment. However, results showed a significant difference in variables age. A significant difference in the employees’ level of work performance when grouped and compared according to age and highest educational attainment, while sex showed no significant difference.Department Heads seem to be the most operational tool in influencing people, so they strive willingly and enthusiastically towards the accomplishment of goals in the department. Department heads design motivation systems to encourage employees to perform most effectively and draw potential candidates for promotion.

Challenges faced by the municipal water works management in improving water supply adequacy and distribution in Bontoc, Philippines

Domestic water is indispensable for daily use, yet its effective management encounters numerous challenges that impact household consumers. This study aims to identify the challenges leading to supply inadequacy and uneven distribution, while proposing interventions to enhance water supply for households. The study employed surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to gather comprehensive data on domestic water supply issues in rural communities in Bontoc, Philippines. The findings reveal two primary issues in these rural communities: supply inadequacy and unequal distribution. Supply inadequacy is attributed to factors such as wasteful water use, water scarcity during prolonged dry seasons, limited water sources, and population growth. Uneven distribution results from factors like landslides, illegal tapping, irregular water quality, insufficient monitoring of quantity and pressure, and inadequacies in the water distribution network layout. The study suggests several crucial actions for the local government unit (LGU) of Bontoc. These include augmenting water sources, implementing regular water supply monitoring, ensuring timely repairs, replacing old pipes, optimizing distribution pipeline layouts, enhancing water pressure, and rigorously enforcing municipal water ordinances. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of household water management practices, such as responsible consumption, supply conservation, and recycling. The effective implementation of these interventions, through collaboration between the LGU and households, has the potential to ameliorate the constraints in domestic water supply and distribution. This collaborative approach is essential for improving supply management and addressing the current challenges faced by domestic water consumers.

Assessment of the Disaster Response of the Barangays (Villages) in the River Basin Communities in Southern Philippines

Threat to safety and security is the new norm faced by the Local Government Units. Climate-related hazards, especially in the barangays within the Tagoloan River Basin (TRB) area, are now part of the realities of the residents. The importance of governance as a catalyst of change in managing the community is to become responsive to the new order of the environment and the demands of public service. Results revealed that the tasks of the Barangay (Village) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) in the river basin communities on disaster response were partially accomplished. As a whole, the performance of the BDRRMCs is generally satisfactory (3.19). This is broken down into ‘upon alert’ (satisfactory = 3.36) and ‘during alert’ (satisfactory = 3.02). The findings further revealed that the performance of the BDRRMC in disaster response is significant when the Punong Barangay’s (Village’s Head) educational attainment, BDRRMC budget and community’s experience in flood are higher. The FGD responses indicated that the TRB barangays have issues and concerns considering the appropriate disaster response during imminent danger (upon alert) and disaster. There is a cogent need for all government offices handling the DRRM functions to provide appropriate attention at the Barangay level to properly implement the DRRM Plan.