Opinion: NORTH EXPRESS By Reginald B. Tamayo (Marikina City)

Monads and LGUs’ interconnectivity

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz is a philosopher I really like when I was in college. Leibniz worked in the fields of mathematics, philosophy, science, and diplomacy. Because of his expertise in a variety of subjects, he has been referred to as the "last universal genius".

One philosophical idea that supports the idea that everything in the cosmos is interrelated is Leibniz's monadology. Leibniz asserted that a monad, a simple, windowless, indivisible substance, is the smallest unit of existence. These monads are spiritual beings with perceptions and tastes rather than actual physical beings. Every monad is distinct and mirrors the interdependence of all things, reflecting the world inside itself.

Leibniz’s monadology or simply interconnectedness can also be applied to local government units (LGUs). LGUs like barangays, towns, cities and provinces are windowless entities, that is, they are autonomous governmental bodies that have their own set of responsibilities and powers within their respective localities. They are interconnected through the framework of a hierarchy, where higher-level LGUs have authority over lower-level ones, forming a system of governance that ensures coordination and cooperation. 

Additionally, LGUs are interconnected through the sharing of resources, information, and best practices. Collaborative efforts between LGUs are essential for sustainable development and efficient management of local resources. Simply put, LGUs especially those which are contiguous have a unique advantage when it comes to addressing shared challenges, common issues and concerns. These neighboring LGUs can collaborate and work together to find collective solutions that benefit their respective localities.

For example, LGUs can collaborate in the provision of common public services, such as waste management systems, effective traffic and transportation systems, infrastructure needs, road networks, health and sanitation programs and educational needs of their young populace. A joint legislative session between councils from contiguous LGUs may be a good start. 

The session would serve as a powerful platform for collaboration, dialogue, and the pursuit of common goals. By bringing together members of the legislative councils from different local government units, this assembly fosters the exchange of ideas, promotes regional development, and enhances coordination to address shared challenges. Through open discussions, extensive deliberations, and the forging of partnerships, these joint sessions play a vital role in strengthening the collective efforts of neighboring LGUs for the overall benefit of their constituents.

In the provinces, interconnectedness of LGUs can also be seen in the context of regional development. LGUs in the same region may share issues and goals, such as economic development, infrastructure development, and disaster management. LGUs can combine their resources, knowledge, and efforts to handle these regional concerns more effectively by encouraging collaboration and coordination among themselves. In this way, interconnectedness becomes a tool for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes and promoting the overall well-being of the region.

LGUs’ interconnectivity can be viewed through a metaphorical lens using Leibniz's monadology. The idea of monads and how intertwined they are emphasizes how important it is for LGUs to work together and depend on one another in order to accomplish the many tasks at hand. The benefit of the communities that local government units serve can be achieved through enhanced governance, better service delivery, and recognition of the interconnectedness of LGUs.