Collaboration for Local Development. (L-R) CRC-ILD’s Local Governance Lead Caloi Enriquez and Project Director Mir Tillah discussing with DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian de Leon and other DILG staff.
As part of its engagement with key governance stakeholders, the Center for Research and Communication’s Institute for Local Development (CRC-ILD) met with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Lilian de Leon on October 3, 2025 to discuss opportunities for collaboration in supporting local governments nationwide. The meeting was also attended by officials and staff from the Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) and other DILG offices.
The discussion highlighted a shared commitment to empowering local government units (LGUs) as frontliners in governance. Assistant Secretary de Leon acknowledged the growing and increasingly complex challenges faced by LGUs, emphasizing the need to continuously strengthen their capacities as the country develops.
CRC-ILD’s Project Director Mir Tillah shared the background and history of CRC. CRC is a leading non-profit think tank founded in 1967 by renowned economists Dr. Bernardo Villegas and Dr. Jesus Estanislao. Over the years, CRC has evolved beyond its role in private sector research and consultancy to engage more deeply in governance and development sector concerns. CRC’s Institute for Local Development was established in response to the growing imperative of unlocking the full potential of local governments as drivers of meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable development. CRC-ILD aims to support LGUs through action-oriented research, technical assistance, capacity development, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships. ILD brings together a pool of technical experts with decades of experience in local governance, economic development, and institutional strengthening, many of whom have previously worked on development initiatives in close collaboration with DILG and local governments.
The meeting also opened discussions on possible collaboration in areas such as local governance reform, technical training, and institutional capacity-building. Assistant Secretary de Leon welcomed the establishment of CRC-ILD as a positive development and shared DILG’s plans to undertake a broad and consultative review of the Local Government Code, where CRC-ILD may contribute as part of an academic and technical expert panel.
During the meeting, Asec. de Leon also underscored the important role of LGUs in advancing Universal Health Care, noting that local governments are critical in ensuring that health programs and services effectively reach communities. She likewise highlighted the opportunities that will come with the full implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which is expected to significantly increase the financial resources available to LGUs for local development initiatives. With larger fiscal space and expanded responsibilities, she noted that local governments will need stronger technical guidance and strategic support from development partners and think tanks like CRC to ensure that investments translate into impactful and sustainable programs for communities. Supporting and equipping local governments becomes even more important in achieving meaningful and inclusive development outcomes.
“The Mandanas-Garcia ruling presents a significant opportunity for local governments. But beyond increased resources, LGUs will need strong institutions, capable leaders, and reliable technical partners to ensure these investments truly benefit communities,” said DILG Asec. de Leon.
CRC-ILD is committed to collaborating with national government agencies, local governments, private sector partners, academic institutions, and development organizations to help strengthen local governance, build institutional capacity, and advance meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable local development across the Philippines.
To find out more about CRC-ILD, send an email to [email protected], or message +639054280727, or follow us on LinkedIn. You can also find us on Facebook.
