The government is adopting measures to speed up approvals of World Bank-funded projects, procurement and relocation in assisted local government units (LGUs).

National Economic and Development Authority director for project monitoring Roderick Planta said the government has decided to frontload 60 percent to 80 percent of its 2009 budget during the first half of the year, as agreed upon under the government's Economic Resiliency Plan (ERP).

Planta presented the results of its review of all active programs and projects from January-December 2008 funded by overseas development assistance (ODA) involving desk reviews as well as individual agency consultations with 15 national government agencies, five government- owned or controlled corporations, two government financial institutions, and one LGU.

The World Bank has earlier recommended that the government should adopt an integrated development strategy at the provincial level.

Results of the World Bank's portfolio review showed that of its 27 active projects as of 2008, 10 support local government units (LGUs) and communities either through financing, capacity building, and technical assistance. These projects represent US$458 million, or a third of its total commitments.

Many LGUs have been able to provide much-needed infrastructure like good roads, better classrooms and electricity as well as livelihood to their constituents despite limited resources. However, the lack of coordination at different levels tend to fragment development planning among neighboring LGUs and in most cases result to each LGU pursuing strategies that needlessly compete with its neighbors.