Local Legislators' Toolkit - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng ...

and supporting plans and programs, consistent with the LGUs’ mandate to enhance the rightof the people to a balanced ecology.Peace and unity<strong>The</strong> presence of violent conflict interferes with the way local government is able to “function”and deliver basic services to its citizens. It is imperative for local governments to be able tobuild and support the ability of people and organizations to pursue and enjoy peace.Legislation plays a critical role in the pursuit of peace and unity. It creates the necessaryrules to guide government agencies in delivering basic services and in promoting communityparticipation to ensure that all citizens have access to these services. Viewed this way, locallegislation promotes peace when people in the LGU feel safe and secure in theircommunities, without fear of having their access to and rights to adequate water, food,shelter and housing threatened, and when there is respect for difference and diversity ofcultures promoted.<strong>Local</strong> legislation also promotes unity when people in the LGU coming from diversebackgrounds see that their active participation in decision-making processes results inimprovements and creates harmony in their lives. For instance, there is unity when people inthe LGU cooperate and form linkages and productive relationships in implementingprograms like delivery of health services, clean water and waste management.To further assist LGUs promote peace and unity, the LGSP has published the Resource Kiton the Culture of Peace, and Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment, which is availablefrom their website: http://www.lgsp.org.ph.Accountability and transparencyLegislators hold public office, and as public officers must at all times be accountable to thepeople, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act withpatriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.16