SEC. 33. Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases Program. - The Autonomous Regional Government through the regional department of health shall formulate integrated preparedness and response plan to combat, avert, and/or minimize the overall impact of Avian Influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Meningococcemia. SEC. 34. Partnership for Community Health Development. - The Autonomous Regional Government through the department of health in partnership with local government units shall educate and empower the people in the community towards self reliance for the betterment of their health and well being. TITLE VI LOCAL GOVERNMENT Chapter 1 General Provisions SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - The Autonomous Regional Government shall ensure the autonomy of local governments units. For this purpose, it shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization. The allocation of powers and resources to local government units shall be promoted, and inter-local government grouping, consolidation and coordination of resources shall be encouraged. The Autonomous Regional Government shall guarantee the local government units their just equitable share in the proceeds from the use of natural resources, and afford them wider latitude for resources generation. SEC. 2. Mandate. - The Department shall assist the Regional Governor in the exercise of general supervision over local governments and in ensuring autonomy, decentralization and community empowerment. SEC. 3. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its mandate, the Department shall: (1) Recommend to the Regional Governor policies, rules, regulations relative to the general supervision over local government units; (2) Establish and prescribe rules, regulations and other issuances and implementing laws on the general supervision of local government units and on the promotion of local autonomy and monitor compliance thereof by said units; (3) Provide technical assistance in the preparation of regional legislation affecting local government units; (4) Establish and formulate policy that will regulate the conduct of Capacity Building Training for the Local Government Units in the Autonomous Regional Government; 108