Introduction 15 and routine and periodic maintenance of existing local roads as this will help the LGUs ensure that the local road network is sustained in fair-to-good condition, which will facilitate more efficient service to the public. The Manual sets out the conceptual approaches to better local road management, which shall be defined, discussed and presented throughout all chapters. Guidance is given on the planning, design, prioritization, programming, implementation and maintenance of local road projects in consideration of the whole local road network. Guidance is particularly given on the reference standards for the rehabilitation and routine and periodic maintenance of local gravel roads. The LRM Manual adopts established practices, standards and approaches on planning, design, construction and maintenance that are relevant and appropriate for local roads, given the institutional capacity of local governments. The LRM Manual seeks to provide the following benefits to LGUs: • Clarity on responsibilities of LGUs on the administration and management of local roads; • Objective prioritization of local roads; • Linking road planning to work programming and management; • Appropriate engineering interventions to local road conditions; • Reliable estimation of costs for local roads; • Local gravel roads designed and built to standards; • Improve supervision of local road construction; • Longer life span of local roads through proper maintenance; and • Minimize effects of local roads to environment.