Senator Chiz Escudero champions a unified DPWH-DepEd-DA framework to empower LGUs
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has renewed calls for the national government to advance a proposed tripartite agreement among the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Agriculture (DA). The aim of the framework is to empower local government units (LGUs) by aligning nationwide infrastructure, education, and agricultural programs with local needs, ensuring faster project delivery, better resource coordination, and more responsive governance across municipalities and provinces.
Escudero emphasized that LGUs are often the first touchpoints for communities, yet their capacity to implement and sustain development projects is frequently constrained by fragmented policy direction and interagency bottlenecks. A formal tripartite deal would establish clear roles, shared objectives, and streamlined processes for funding, planning, and execution at the local level.
What the tripartite deal would cover
The proposed framework envisions joint planning sessions that align DPWH infrastructure priorities with DepEd education facilities and DA-supported agricultural initiatives. Core elements may include:
- Coordinated project pipelines that match local needs with national budget cycles.
- Unified standards for school facilities, rural roads, irrigation projects, and agrarian support services.
- Integrated funding mechanisms to minimize delays caused by interagency handoffs.
- Capacity-building programs for LGU staff in project management, monitoring, and transparency.
- Enhanced accountability and performance metrics to measure impact on local communities.
Why this matters for local governance
Proponents argue that a formal DPWH-DepEd-DA collaboration would translate into tangible benefits for residents. Improved roads and bridges can reduce transport costs, enabling farmers to reach markets more efficiently. Upgraded school facilities and learning resources, supported by robust agricultural extension programs, could bolster student outcomes and rural livelihoods. By synchronizing the three departments’ agendas at the local level, LGUs would be better positioned to implement projects on time, leverage funding opportunities, and deliver long-term value to their constituents.
Challenges and considerations
While the proposal draws broad support, several challenges need careful navigation. Coordinating three major departments requires a clear governance structure, transparent spending rules, and robust data-sharing protocols. Critics warn against bureaucratic complexity potentially slowing down urgent projects. To mitigate this, proponents suggest a phased rollout with pilot sites, strong performance dashboards, and regular oversight from civil society and local business communities.
What supporters say
Advocates argue that the tripartite deal aligns with national development priorities while recognizing the autonomy and expertise of LGUs. By prioritizing local context—such as geography, population density, and economic activity—the framework could help tailor investments to maximize impact. In a time of post-pandemic recovery, streamlining interagency cooperation is viewed as essential to rebuilding infrastructure, improving education, and stabilizing agricultural livelihoods across the archipelago.
Next steps
Escudero called for formal discussions among DPWH, DepEd, and DA leadership, with inputs from local government leagues and civil society groups. The senator urged a transparent process, pilot testing in select regions, and a clear roadmap showing how the tripartite framework would be financed, monitored, and scaled nationwide. If the proposal moves forward, LGUs could see a more agile, responsive, and unified approach to development programs that directly affect everyday life for Filipino communities.
Conclusion
The push for a DPWH-DepEd-DA tripartite framework represents a strategic attempt to empower LGUs by reconciling infrastructure, education, and agricultural policies at the local level. As discussions progress, the focus remains on delivering faster project implementation, accountable governance, and measurable improvements in the welfare of local residents across the Philippines.
