Lessons Learned Success Factors

SIMPLE Lessons Learned and Success Factors

Political Commitment As in every undertaking involving political actors, the commitment of those in charge is crucial. Two main lessons can be learned from SIMPLE. First, the integration of the Sangguniang members, both at the provincial and municipal level, lays the ground for commitment across political terms. Land always has an economic dimension where interests can collide. Even more, it is crucial to get the buy in of decision-makers from both the executive and legislative to ensure that land use plans are enforced continuously. Second, participation of communities in the planning process helps policy makers to connect with voters. Local Chief Executives can clearly increase their voter acceptance if priority projects are based on planning documents rather than on individual preferences by the leader. Important in this context is, however, to include all communities and not only those perceived to be politically supportive.

Amortization of Investments Although the initial costs are quite high for some 4th or 5th class municipalities, the prospects for growth and long-term sustainability will quickly amortize the investment. In places where SIMPLE was adopted, there has been a higher potential for these communities to attract external funds. Important in this regard is realistic planning to signal readiness to outside funders. If this is combined with the introduction of revenue-generating measures, such as computerization of real property tax or business permit collections using iTax or other available systems in the market, local governments will tremendously increase their revenue within three years.

Existence of Provincial Technical Support Sustainability can only be achieved when all government levels work together. Only the provincial government disposes of sufficient resources to provide technical support and maintain the trainer pool. The provincial GIS Unit is crucial in collecting data and sharing them using the Provincial Map Viewer. The provincial government has likewise the mandate and resources to bring regional agencies on board to provide services to the municipalities.

Implementation and Compliance Plans are living documents. If they are not implemented they will not make any impact. The benefits local governments can enjoy when they implement a ridge-to-reef land use plan should be the guiding posts for decision-makers. If all stakeholders, from the community to the political leaders, are involved, the quest for implementing what was planned for will be high. Regardless of political color or orientation, the improvement of lives and the protection of precious resources will provide sufficient incentives to the concerned actors to align behind plans and implement what was agreed. Only those local governments committed to undergo all phases of SIMPLE will reap the benefits of this approach. Many local governments assisted by GIZ are still working on their planning documents (Phase 3). If local governments will not link their plans to budgets and monitor the expenditures as well as compliance with allowed land, uses they will put the success of SIMPLE at risk.