Civil Service Exam Reviewer · Reading Comprehension · hard

Bringing Power to the Local Level

Before 1991, most public services in the Philippines were run directly by national agencies based in Manila. Local officials often had to wait for decisions and funds from the capital. The Local Government Code of 1991, or Republic Act No. 7160, changed this arrangement by devolving many functions to provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays. Health services, agricultural extension, social welfare and the maintenance of local roads became local responsibilities. To finance these functions, local governments received a share of national taxes, along with greater power to raise their own revenues. The code also encouraged citizen participation through local development councils and the recognition of non-governmental organizations. Decentralization was meant to bring government closer to the people, on the assumption that local leaders understand local needs best. Its results have been mixed: some local governments have become models of innovation, while others have struggled due to limited capacity, weak revenue bases or entrenched local political families.

As used in the passage, the word "devolving" most nearly means .

  1. transferring power to a lower level
  2. abolishing completely
  3. returning to the capital
  4. dividing among political parties

Answer

A. transferring power to a lower level

Solution

The code devolved functions to local governments, i.e., transferred them downward.

More Reading Comprehension questions

  1. Which of the following became a local responsibility under the code, according to the passage?
  2. What is the passage mainly about?
  3. How does the law address the concerns of business owners?
  4. According to the passage, can a senior citizen use the discount to buy medicine for a neighbor?
  5. As used in the passage, the phrase "avail of" most nearly means .
  6. How much discount does the law grant on covered purchases?
  7. Which title best fits the passage?
  8. What does the passage imply about ordinary social media users?
  9. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as something a media-literate reader does?
  10. As used in the passage, the word "thrives" most nearly means .

All Reading Comprehension Reviewer questions