local government unit (LGU)

A Local Government Unit (LGU) is a division of government responsible for managing and providing services within a specific geographic area, such as a city, municipality, or barangay (village). LGUs handle local issues like infrastructure, health, education, and public safety, ensuring that residents' needs are met effectively. They operate under national laws but have the authority to make policies, allocate budgets, and implement programs tailored to their community’s unique requirements. Essentially, LGUs serve as the government’s local arm, bringing governance closer to the people they serve.