Assessing participation in local governance: What are the potentials and constraints of participation?
Participation is provided for in the local government code. The success and constraints of participation as well as the potential are reflected more in community dynamics than in specifications in codes. In this essay I would like to examine two areas I see great potential, budget and youth. Following I will look at the constraints involving the role civil society has as participants in local governance.
Participation of non government is a fundamental part of governance (at all levels) in the Philippines[1]. This comprehensive participation developed after the Marcos era as a guarantee of democracy as well as a guard against the return of dictatorship[2]. The 1991 local government code states that peoples participation in local government should be in all forms[3]. In this context the greatest potential for participation exists. It would be possible implement participatory budgeting at local government levels. Participatory budgets have been used to successfully to fully engage community members in all stages of budget process. They can be used to safeguard against dictatorship as well as corruption from unchecked government control. Another possibility is the vast potential to utilized youth councils with greater effectiveness. Youth councils can be effective tools to access needs and resources among the younger population. Youth councils can serve as a training ground for the next generation of business and political leaders. Using these councils to foster the traits desired in leadership as well as a mechanism to access and serve an often neglected portion of the population has an immeasurable potential.
The constraints surrounding NGO’s involvement in government are numerous. Studies have suggested that the relationship between LGU’s and NGO’s are poor and that the participation is only just for show[4]. It is easier for government agencies to use the most prominent and well funded NGO for collaboration and consultation, resulting in skewed participation. Well funded NGO’s like the government are at risk for seeking collaboration as an opportunity to show that they are being effective regardless of the results.
The other side of the government NGO relationship is the non existence of it. Often governments are not approached by an NGO asking if they can participate and NGO’s are not approached by the government causing the two of them to miss potential collaboration. Many NGO’s are not accredited and therefore ignored by the government. Finally, some NGO’s are not interested in working with the government; they are designed to work against it creating another constraint.
Participation is a multifaceted concept when paired with local government. It requires examination and effort to be successful. Identifying areas that can be enhanced utilizing participation should be developed. Examining areas that are struggling with participation can also be insightful. The Philippines has created the dynamics for successful and powerful participation, what is necessary now is to fine tune the process, local government unit by local government unit.
References
Department of the Interior and Local Government, Urban Resources and the Evelio Javier Foundation. A study on Peoples Participation in Local Development Councils. 2001
Tapales, P.D. History and Evolution of Philippine Local Government and Administration. In P.Padilla (ed.). Strengthening Local Government Administration and Accelerating Local Development. Quezon City: Up Local Government Venter 1992
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