The Service Delivery of Local Government Officials in a Philippine Rural Community

Abstract

This study assessed the service delivery of local government officials in the municipality of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Specifically, it aimed to determine the demographic profile of the respondents, the extent of basic services provided by the local government to the community, the service delivery skills training program, and the problems encountered by the local officials in the implementation of basic service delivery. A quantitative and qualitative research design was used in the 12 barangays of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, utilizing a questionnaire and personal interviews to gather data from 73 local government officials and 319 residents as respondents to the study. Based on the findings of the study, the majority of the agricultural support services were implemented; the health and social services were fully implemented; the services and facilities related to environmental sanitation were implemented; the infrastructure facilities were fully implemented; and the information and reading center was partially implemented. As to the service delivery skills training programs, they are implemented by the local government unit. The topmost problem encountered by the local officials in the implementation of basic service delivery is the lack of community participation. A proposal for barangay empowerment, good governance, and development projects in the Municipality of Marihatag is hereby recommended as part of a community extension service.