The paper documents the role of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD) in Philippine urban planning. Coming in the heels of the Local Autonomy Act and other government planning bodies, the MLGCD was created, transferring and devolving planning powers from the national to the local governments. Its centerpiece was the Urban Development Program, which aimed to extend assistance to local governments in the form of research and feasibility studies, training of the planning personnel and financial support. Drawing up the development program and setting the criteria for priority programs and projects is the City Planning and Development Board (CPDB) to be assisted by the City Planning and Development Staff (CPDS). On an evaluation of the program, the CPDS, when fully implemented and given adequate support, could be an effective planning body in the development process.