A Study On The Use Of Development Funds In Two Barangays Of Las Pinas City

Abstract

Development has played a big role recently in the grassroots level. The development of a barangay is now on the shoulders of the local government, more specifically, the barangay administration. Development entails factors such factors such as people participation, dynamic barangay leaders, responsive projects and programs and adequate funds. The objective of this paper is to study how selected barangays get their development funds and whether their use redounds to the welfare of the barangay constituents, especially the poor and marginalized. The barangay development funds were given form and essence through the Local Government Code of 1991. It was explicitly stated that 20% of the IRA share should be allocated as development funds. Specific provisions required that these funds should be solely spent for development purposes only. Two barangays were selected on which to conduct the study. The selection was based on location and on the amount of IRA share that they are receiving. One barangay received the smallest IRA share and the other one received one of the highest among all the other barangays in the city. There are several factors that contribute to the way the barangay development funds are being used. The political commitment of the barangay officials and their willingness to genuinely work toward development affects the direction development will take in their barangay. The acceleration of development would take off depending on the efforts of the barangay administration. Responsive development projects and programs to the actual conditions in the barangay level is one gauge to check if the funds are being used well and responsibly. People participation is still the biggest determinant if the project has been successful. If without the participation of the people, one might as well consider the project a flop and a waste of funds. Barangay officials should be conscious of the big task that is upon them. The grassroots level is the best stage to start development and to not make the most out of this opportunity is to do injustice to the concept of barangay autonomy and devolution.