Page 40 - Special Topic Session (STS) - Volume 3

STS513 Maria Praxedes R. P.
In the implementation of the SDG by countries, it primarily started at the
national level and limited attention has been given to subnational SDG
implementation. However, recognition of the need to localize the SDGs grew
and witnessed by countries with a number of initiatives and discussions giving
attention to the need to accelerate SDG implementation through increased
efforts at the local level. There is a realization that SDG achievement at the
national level strongly depends on progress made at the local level. This is
done through the effective integration of the SDGs into the mandates of
institutions and promoting cross-sector collaboration at all levels which makes
for a multilevel governance and coherent SDG implementation.
Integrating the SDGs into the mandates of Local Government Units (LGUs)
means SDG localization, which is defined as “the process of defining,
implementing and monitoring strategies at the local level for achieving global,
national, and subnational sustainable development goals.” It is where local
authorities and stakeholders will adapt and implement these targets within
cities and human settlements. Subnational governments or LGUs are more
than just implementers of the Agenda, but also policy makers and catalysts of
change best placed to link the global goals with local communities. SDG
localization is critical for achieving sustainable development by 2030 because
SDG agenda may not fully be achieved without the involvement of urban and
local actors.

2. Methodology: Collaborative Arrangements/Strong partnership for
the Localization of SDG
Recognizing the importance of SDG localization, the Philippine
government through its different agencies, namely the Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG), National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine Statistical Research
and Training Institute (PSRTI), Philippine Statistical System (PSS), all LGUs, and
other institutions (policy and decision-makers), Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs), media, development partners, academe and private
sector/organizations, made collaborative arrangements in promoting the
SDGs at the local level. PSS is composed of national government agencies that
deal with statistics/statistical data, either as a data producer or data user. Its
main task is to deliver quality statistical information to the public.
Roles of these agencies in implementing SDG are described in the
Guidelines on the Localization of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-
2022 Results Matrices and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a Joint
Memorandum Circular No. 01 Series of 2018 dated November 26, 2018 of NEDA
and DILG. These efforts also integrated the SDG to the local plan - Philippine
Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, which is geared towards the AmBisyon

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