In 1992, a Local Government Code was implemented in the Philippines. It was by far one of the most radical pieces of legislation passed in the nation's history considering that it transferred to the thousands of local governments in the country significant functions and responsibilities towards the general objective of bringing about good local governance. The Local Government Code becomes even more significant if appreciated within the context of the country's highly centralized politico-administrative history, a tradition inherited from the period the country was colonized and ruled from so-called "imperial Manila." This paper discusses some of the more significant results of the devolution process. It discusses some of the trends in the implementation of devolution in the Philippines. Policy issues and concerns affecting the future of devolution are also presented. Because of the transfer of powers and authority to local governments, local authorities and communities have become more creative and innovative in the use of local resources and therefore have brought about good governance at the local level. It cites specific examples of good, and best practices, and innovations, at the local level, and discusses some of the possible reasons and factors behind the innovations.
