1. ALEX B. BRILLANTES, JR., PhD & LIZAN E. PERANTE-CALINA, DPA
THE STATE OF DECENTRALIZATION, DEMOCRATIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES: A RAPID FIELD APPRAISAL Draft Emerging Findings and Recommendations - Consolidated Report by the PSPA National Team
ALEX B. BRILLANTES, JR., PhD & LIZAN E. PERANTE-CALINA, DPA
PHILIPPINE SOCIETY FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
PCL 4th QUARTER
CONTINUING LOCAL LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
December 6, 2016, World Trade Center
Grateful to Dr. Helario Caminero for the invitation

2. IMPERATIVES OF CHANGE IN PARADIGMS IN ANALYZING DECENTRALIZATION
FLOW OF PRESENTATION
IMPERATIVES OF CHANGE IN PARADIGMS IN ANALYZING DECENTRALIZATION
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CONTEXT OF RFA ON DECENTRALIZATION, DEMOCRATIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT (3Ds)
CONSOLIDATED FINDINGS FROM THE REGIONS: PATTERNS AND TRENDS

3. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE THE GOVERNMENT, THEY BEING IN THE FRONTLINE.
THEORETICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS: IMPERATIVES OF CHANGE IN PARADIGMS IN ANALYZING DECENTRALIZATION
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE THE GOVERNMENT, THEY BEING IN THE FRONTLINE.
IT CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASIZED THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN BRINGING ABOUT GOOD GOVERNANCE.
BRILLANTES, 2010
Photo source:

4. THEORETICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS: IMPERATIVES OF CHANGE IN PARADIGMS IN ANALYZING DECENTRALIZATION
ENACTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991 BROUGHT SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE CONTOURS OF THE POLITICO-ADMINSITRATIVE SYSTEM
DEMOCRACY WAS ENHANCED BECAUSE OF DECENTRALIZATION AND AUTONOMY GRANTED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

5. 3Ds ARE RELATED
DECENTRALIZATION MAY BE SEEN AS ONE FUNDAMENTAL PROCESS THAT WOULD DEMOCRATIZE PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES IN THE POLITICO-ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM
Photos

6. 3Ds ARE RELATED
DECENTRALIZATION HAS BEEN SEEN AS A PROCESS THAT WOULD STRENGTHEN SUB-NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO ENHANCE DEMOCRATIZATION AND LEAD TO DEVELOPMENT.
Photos

7. THEORETICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS IMPERATIVES OF CHANGE IN PARADIGMS IN ANALYZING DECENTRALIZATION
ESSENTIALLY, IT IS ASSUMED THAT DECENTRALIZATION PROVIDES AN ENABLING AND POWERFUL FRAMEWORK FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE, WHICH IS A KEY FEATURE OF DEMOCRATIZATION.

8. THEORETICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS IMPERATIVES OF CHANGE IN PARADIGMS IN ANALYZING DECENTRALIZATION
DECENTRALIZATION DISCOURSE HAS BEEN IN TANDEM WITH GOVERNANCE (BEING NO. 17 IN THE SDGs) OVER THE PAST QUARTER OF A CENTURY
CHEEMA AND RONDINELLI

10. THEORETICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS IMPERATIVES OF CHANGE IN PARADIGMS IN ANALYZING DECENTRALIZATION
IN THE 80s: DECENTRALIZATION DEFINED AS
“TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY, RESPONSIBILITY AND RESOURCES – THROUGH DECONCENTRATION, DELEGATION OR DEVOLUTION – FROM THE CENTER TO LOWER LEVELS OF ADMINISTRATION”
CHEEMA AND RONDINELLI

11. METHODOLOGY
IN 16 REGIONS,
AMONG OTHERS, TO:
- FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSIONS
- MEETINGS
SECTORAL CONSULTATIONS
- SERIES OF GEOGRAPHICAL &
TO ASSESS AND EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF LOCAL AUTONOMY AND DEVOLUTION AS WELL AS THE CHALLENGES THAT STILL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.
BUILT UPON ON EARLIER RFAs SUPPORTED BY THE ASIA FOUNDATION
11 RFAs
- 2015

12. METHODOLOGY
3D RFA FOCUS: LOCAL CONTEXT EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENTAL TRENDS AND PATTERNS IN EACH REGION

13. METHODOLOGY POVERTY (Economics) POLITICAL ECONOMY
(Political, Social, Gender)
VULNERABLE SECTORS
(Indigenous Peoples, Fisherfolk, Farmers, Migrant Workers, Urban Poor, Women & Youth)
INEQUALITY
VULNERABILITIES
(Disasters, Climate Change, and Destruction of Natural Resources)
Photo Sources: ww.aljazeera.com ,

14. 70 years of the United Nations in 2015
CONTEXT : 3D MILESTONES
70 years of the United Nations in 2015
Launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015
Development
- BUENDIA, UNDP 2015

15. 30 years of EDSA People Power in 2016 Democratization
CONTEXT : 3D MILESTONES
30 years of EDSA People Power in 2016 Democratization
25 years of the Local Government Code in 2016 Decentralization
- BUENDIA, UNDP 2015

16. 16th Presidential Elections in 2016
CONTEXT : MILESTONES
16th Presidential Elections in 2016
New Leadership in with the
16th President
17th Congress
- BUENDIA, UNDP 2015

17. AGENDA FOR REFORM METHODOLOGY WHY RFA? ITS STRENGTHS
GET A SNAPSHOT OF THE STATE OF 3Ds IN THE REGION
PERSPECTIVE: BOTTOM UP
OBSERVATIONS ARE ROOTED IN REALITY
WRITTEN BY LOCAL EXPERT-CONSULTANTS (FROM THE ACADEME)
WHY RFA? ITS STRENGTHS
AGENDA FOR REFORM

18. RAPID FIELD APPRAISAL FOR DECENTRALIZATION SINCE 1992
SO FAR, 11 RFAs HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED, THE LAST ONE BEING IN 2011.
RFAs HAVE LARGELY BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE DONORS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
REGIONS 1-12, CAR, CARAGA, ARMM, NCR

19. RAPID FIELD APPRAISAL FOR DECENTRALIZATION SINCE 1992
THE FOLLOWING WERE THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE VARIOUS RFAs:
1ST: JULY NEWLY ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAD “WAIT AND SEE” ATTITUDE TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LGC.
2ND: JANUARY LOCAL OFFICIALS BEGAN LGC IMPLEMENTATION, WITH NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES RESPONDING TO ADMINISTRATIVE DEMANDS OF TRANSFERRING PERSONNEL AND ASSETS.

20. 3RD: SEPTEMBER ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS IN PERSONNEL DEVOLUTION WERE BEING SOLVED, AND THE INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT (IRA) SYSTEM BEGAN TO FUNCTION.
4TH: JUNE INCREASED MOMENTUM ON THE PART OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AS THEY REAPED FRUITS OF EXPERIMENTATION.
5TH: JUNE GREATER LOCAL RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY, WHILE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAD NOT PRO-ACTIVELY PURSUED NEW ROLES AFTER DEVOLUTION.

21. 6TH: MAY DIVERSITY OF EXPERIMENTATION AS THE DECENTRALIZATION PROCESS DIFFUSED ACROSS ALL CLASSES AND TYPES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND DEEPENED INTO MORE MATURE MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE DELIVERY. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WERE MORE PRO-ACTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL, AND MANY SECTORS ADVOCATED EVEN GREATER LOCAL AUTONOMY. .
7TH: AUGUST OVER-ALL SUCCESS IN DECENTRALIZATION UNDER THE 1991 LGC INTRODUCED A NEW PARTICIPATORY STYLE OF LOCAL LEADERSHIP IS EMERGING.
A MAJOR CONSTRAINT TO FURTHER DECENTRALIZE DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT WAS RELUCTANCE AT THE CENTER TO CHANGE.

22. 8TH: SEPTEMBER DECENTRALIZATION IS HERE TO STAY, WITH CONTINUED SUCCESS IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE AND LOCAL OWNERSHIP OF APPROPRIATE NATIONAL PROGRAMS.
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAD BEGUN TO RE-DESIGN HOW THEY RELATE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
9TH: SEPTEMBER 1999 – PROGRESSIVE SIGNS TOWARDS DEEPENING OF DECENTRALIZATION CONTINUE.
SIGNIFICANT STRIDES IN IMPROVING THE MATCH BETWEEN LOCAL NEEDS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED AS NATIONAL GOVERNMENT BEGIN TO RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENT NEEDS AND VARYING LEVELS OF CAPABILITY OF LGUs.

23. 10TH SEPTEMBER 2000 – DECENTRALIZATION HAS SPAWNED A NUMBER OF TANGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE, SUCH AS IN THE DELIVERY OF BASIC SERVICES TO THE BARANGAYS.
11TH OCTOBER EXAMINES THE RESULTS OF DECENTRALIZATION IN PHILIPPINE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, SPECIFICALLY ON FOUR KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS: LOCAL GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, SOCIAL SERVICES AND HEALTH, LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.

24. FOCUS OF THIS PRESENT RFA IS BEYOND DECENTRALIZATION.
THE TWELFTH RFA: 2015
THE PRESENT RFA IS ESSENTIALLY THE 12TH RFA AND HAS BEEN CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS AFTER THE LAST RFA IN 2011.
FOCUS OF THIS PRESENT RFA IS BEYOND DECENTRALIZATION.
IT LOCATES DECENTRALIZATION WITHIN THE BROADER CONTEXT OF DEMOCRATIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT.

25. 12TH RFA: WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
12TH RFA DOES NOT ONLY ASSESS THE DECENTRALIZATION BUT ALSO IDENTIFIES FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGIES TO SUSTAIN THE GAINS OF DECENTRALIZATION.
THE IMPERATIVE TO IDENTIFY, SUPPORT AND DEVELOP THE CAPACITIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS (BARANGAY CAPTAINS, MAYORS AND GOVERNORS) BECAUSE OF THEIR STRATEGIC POSITION AS FRONTLINE LEADERS IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUIONS (HEIs) AS GOVERNANCE HUBS ARE CRITICAL IN THE CONTINUED ADVOCACY FOR 3D.

26. 12TH RFA: WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
THE RFA 2015 BEGUN AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CAPACITIES OF LOCAL ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS IN TERMS OF
THE AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS THAT WILL HOUSE THE GOVERNANCE ASSESSMENT CENTERS
THE AVAILABILITY OF FACULTY AND RESOURCE PERSONS, AND
THE EXTENT OF RESOURCES DEDICATED BY THE ADMINISTRATION FOR SAID PURPOSE.

27. 12TH RFA: WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
RFA 2015 HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS PER REGION THAT COULD PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE AS HUBS OF GOVERNANCE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF
ACADEME-COMMUNITY
ACADEME-INDUSTRY ; AND
ACADEME-LGU
LINKAGES

28. DECENTRALIZATION AND DEMOCRATIZATION
BASED ON 2015 RFA, WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THE FOLLOWING FACT:
WHILE DECENTRALIZATION IS HERE TO STAY, SOME REALITIES HAVE SUNK IN AND HAVE TO BE RECOGNIZED.
DEMOCRATIZATION COMPONENT
RAISED A NUMBER OF ISSUES AND CONCERNS THAT COULD SUBSTANTIVELY HAMPER THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF DECENTRALIZATION.

29. DECENTRALIZATION AND DEMOCRATIZATION
CONCERNS RAISED AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL THAT CAN GET IN THE WAY OF MEANINGFUL LOCAL EMPOWERMENT THROUGH DECENTRALIZATION:
PERSISTENCE OF POLITICAL DYNASTIES
ELECTORAL VIOLENCE
CONTROL OF MEDIA BY LOCAL ELITE
BASED ON OUR VARIOUS CONSULTANTS’ REPORTS, THE FOLLOWING CONTINUE TO BE AMONG THE

30. WHAT WE LOOKED FOR IN RFA: “MARCHING ORDERS FOR REGIONAL CONSULTANTS OUR A-TEAM”
STATE OF 3D
LOCAL DEMOCRACY
PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
INDEPENDENCE OF SECURITY OF MEDIA
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
VOTER TURNOUT
POLITICAL DYNASTY
DECENTRALIZATION
DEVOLUTION OF SECTORS (HEALTH, AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES,
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AS HUBS
CAPACITIES
CONSORTIA ARRANGEMENTS
POLITICAL DYNASTY - “SUCCESSION OF RULERS FROM THE SAME FAMILY OR LINE AND HOLDING POLITICAL POSTS SIMULTANEOUSLY BY 2 OR MORE PERSONS FROM THE SAME FAMILY LINE WITHIN THE SAME LGU”) (HOUSE BILL 837 AS CITED BY ALAMPAY ET AL, NCR REPORT)

31. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
QUESTION OF COURSE IS THAT THESE (DYNASTIES, ELECTORAL VIOLENCE, LOCAL CONTROL OF MEDIA) HAVE ALSO EXISTED EVEN BEFORE DECENTRALIZATION.
THE MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION IS HAVE THESE BEEN REDUCED AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DECENTRALIZATION
OUR EMERGING FINDINGS SHOW THAT WHILE THESE DID NOT BECOME WORSE, THESE DID NOT BECOME BETTER EITHER.

32. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
IN OTHER WORDS, DECENTRALIZATION MAY NOT HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CONCERNING POLITICAL DYNASTY, ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND LOCAL CONTROL OF MEDIA
UNFORTUNATELY, EMERGING EVIDENCE GATHERED BY THIS RFA HAS SHOWN THAT WHILE THESE MAY NOT HAVE BECOME BETTER, OVERALL, THESE – ESPECIALLY POLITICAL DYNASTIES – HAVE PERSISTED.
“THE DARKER SIDE OF DYNASTIC POLITICS PROBABLY OUTWEIGHS THE POSITIVES, THOUGH. WHEREVER THERE ARE DYNASTIES, THERE'S LESS COMPETITION FOR VOTES.”   (BERSHINSKY 2015)

37. ON DECENTRALIZATION

38. ON DECENTRALIZATION

39. ON DECENTRALIZATION

40. ON DECENTRALIZATION

41. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
TO BE FAIR, HOWEVER, IT MUST BE EMPHASIZED WE HAVE TO GO TO THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF DECENTRALIZATION WHICH WAS TO INCREASE PEOPLE PARTICIPATION AND HENCE DEMOCRATIZATION.
AS OPERATIONALIZED IN THE CODE, PEOPLE PARTICIPATION CAN BE THROUGH DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL SPECIAL BODIES, OR IN PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITIES THROUGH PROCESSES SUCH AS RECALL AND INITIATIVES
13 CASES OF RECALL IN CENTRAL LUZON - REGION 3
INCIDENCE OF RECALL IN REGION 5

42. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
THE EVIDENCE FROM RFA 2015 HAS SHOWN THAT PARTICIPATION HAS IMPROVED ESPECIALLY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
DIRECT PEOPLE PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL SPECIAL BODIES (SUCH AS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS),
LOCAL SECTORAL BODIES SUCH AS LOCAL PEACE AND ORDER COUNCILS,
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCILS
EVIDENCE HAS ALSO SHOWN THAT INSTANCES OF RECALL IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY HAVE OCCURRED.

43. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
PERHAPS THE BEST EVIDENCE THAT SHOW THE POSITIVE SIDE OF DECENTRALIZATION MAY BE SEEN IN THOSE DOCUMENTED BY
GALING POOK, DILG, DOF, ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS
AND INTERNATIONAL DONOR ORGANIZATIONS
THAT RECOGNIZED OUTSTANDING INNOVATIONS AND BEST AND
GOOD PRACTICES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.
IN ADDITION TO PEOPLE PARTICIPATION BROUGHT ABOUT BY DECENTRALIZATION, THE CODE ALSO PROVIDED THE CONTEXT FOR MORE GREATER INTER-LOCAL COOPERATION TO ADDRESS COMMON CONCERNS THAT CUT ACROSS ARTIFICIAL POLITICAL BOUNDARIES.

44. 25 Years of Devolution: GALING POOK (Grafilo 2016)
Galing Pook (mahusay at malinis na pamamahala)
Awarded 299 innovative LG programs from 170 LGUs since 1994
Criteria
Performance/results/impact
Citizen participation
Replicability/Transferability
Sustainability
Innovation

45. Galing Pook Exemplary LG Practices (Grafilo 2016)
On Health and Social Services:
PhilHealth Plus (Pasay
Inter-LGU Partnership on Health Care Delivery (Sta Catalina, Bayawan and Basay in Negros Oriental)
Medical Service as Economic Enterprise: La Union Medical Center
Molave Youth Home
Establishment of a Community Highschool (San Francisco, Quezon)
Project JOSIE (Bulacan)

46. Galing Pook Exemplary LG Practices (Grafilo 2016)
On Environmental Management:
TREE for Legacy (Nueva Vizcaya)
Coastal Resource Management Program (Bani, Pangasinan; Looc, Romblon)
Green City Program (Pasig City)
Eco Savers Program (Marikina City)
Rehabilitation of the Payatas Dumpsite (Quezon City)
Allah Valley Planning and Management Program (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat)
Water Levy for Watershed Management (San Carlos City)
Small Scale Mining (Sultan Kudarat)

47. Galing Pook Exemplary LG Practices (Grafilo 2016)
On Agriculture:
Price Stabilization Program for Rice and Corn (Isabela)
Accelerating Farm and Fish Productivity (Bacarra, Ilocos Norte)
Diversified Organic Farming (Magsasay, Davao del Sur)
Pagkaonn 200: Food Sufficiency Program (Negros Occ)
Gulayan at Palaisdaan Alay sa kabataan (Negros Or)
Barangay Agri Development Center (Negros Or)
Organic Fertilizer Marketing Program (Bgy Barobo in Valencia, Bukidnon)
Agrarian Reform Development Program (Irosin, Sorsogon)

48. Galing Pook Exemplary LG Practices (Grafilo 2016)
On Intrastructure:
Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Program (PALMA Alliance - Pikit, Pigkawayan, Aleosan, Libungan, Midsayad, Alamada in , Cotabato)
Barangay Infrastructure Development Program (Surigao City)
Integrated Market and Terminal Complex (Tagbilaran City)
Creating a Garden City (QC)
Bike Friendly City (Marikina City)

49. Galing Pook Exemplary LG Practices (Grafilo 2016)
On Tourism:
Pansipit Rehabilitation Program (Batangas)
Bohol Ecotourism Development Program
PPP Guimaras Tourism Development Program
Sa Turismo Aangat (Angono)
Preserving Heritage for Progress (Pampanga)
Vigan Heritage Conservation Program

50. Galing Pook Exemplary LG Practices (Grafilo 2016)
On LGU Regulatory Powers / Fiscal Management:
Fiscal Management Program (QC)
Strategic Innovations for Hospitals thru ICT (Misamis Oriental)
Environmental Fees for CRM (Negros Oriental)
Bohol Investment Promotion Program
Hi-Green Program (Zamboanga del Norte)
Streamlining Business Permit System (Cabuyao, Laguna)
Tagaytay Financial Re-Engineering

51. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
IMPROVED GOVERNANCE LEADING TO DEVELOPMENT MUST BE SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY
IT IS WITHIN THIS CONTEXT THAT EFFORTS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO INCREASE FINANCIAL RESOURCES HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED BY RFA 2015.

52. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
THESE WERE IN THE AREAS OF IMPROVED (AND INNOVATIVE METHODS) OF
LOCAL TAX COLLECTION
INNOVATIVE GENERATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES THROUGH BOT AND FLOATING OF BONDS.

53. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
GENERATING LOCAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES TRANSLATES TO DEVELOPMENT IF THESE ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF IMPROVED LOCAL FISCAL AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TO SUPPORT SERVICE DELIVERY.

54. 12TH RFA EMERGING FINDINGS
THIS ALSO INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR DELIVERY OF BASIC SERVICES INCLUDING AREAS DEVOLVED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

55. DEVELOPMENT
IT IS WITHIN THIS CONTEXT THAT THE THIRD DIMENSION OF THE RFA COMES INTO THE PICTURE: DEVELOPMENT
OVERALL, THE PICTURE OF POVERTY IN THE REGION HAS LARGELY REMAINED THE SAME INSPITE OF DECENTRALIZATION IN 1992.
THIS IS SEEN IN THE NCR, ARMMM REGIONS 5, 10, and 11

56. DEVELOPMENT
HOWEVER, IN AREAS WHERE DECENTRALIZATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED AS EVIDENCED BY THE EMERGENCE OF LOCAL GOOD AND BEST PRACTICES, “DEVELOPMENT” HAS BEEN OPERATIONALIZED
ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN DEVOLVED INCLUDING HEALTH, AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES

57. DEVELOPMENT
AGAIN THE EVIDENCE GATHERED BY RFA 2015 PROVIDES A POSITIVE RESPONSE PARTICULARLY IN THE NCR, ARMM, CARAGA, CAR, REGIONS 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, AND 12.
THE RFA HAS DOCUMENTED DRAMATIC EXAMPLES FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY THAT DEMONSTRATED IMPROVED DELIVERY OF SERVICES IN THE ABOVE AREAS, AND MORE.

58. ALL REGIONS HAVE POTENTIAL GOVERNANCE HUBS
HEIs AS HUBS: SUSTAINING THE GAINS OF DECENTRALIZATION: IMPERATIVES OF CONTINUOUS CAPACITY BUILDING
THIS IS THE BRIGHT AND HOPEFUL FINDING OF THE RFA
ALL REGIONS HAVE POTENTIAL GOVERNANCE HUBS
IN FACT A NUMBER OF WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED, AND SOME ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING SET UP.

59. HEIs AS HUBS: SUSTAINING THE GAINS OF DECENTRALIZATION: IMPERATIVES OF CONTINUOUS CAPACITY BUILDING
POTENTIAL GOVERNANCE HUBS
Participatory Finance - People’s Public Finance Institute (PPFI) Hubs
Mindanao State University-Marawi City,
Silliman University,
University of the Philippines-Tacloban College,
Bulacan State University
Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and
Cavite State University.

60. POTENTIAL GOVERNANCE HUBS WATER GOVERNANCE (WATSAN)
HEIs AS HUBS: SUSTAINING THE GAINS OF DECENTRALIZATION: IMPERATIVES OF CONTINUOUS CAPACITY BUILDING
POTENTIAL GOVERNANCE HUBS
WATER GOVERNANCE (WATSAN)
Holy Name University,
University of San Agustin,
Eastern Visayas State University,
Jose Rizal Memorial Sate University,
Xavier University-GLI, and
University of Southeastern Philippines
Baguio WD,
Central Luzon State University,
Bicol University
University of Nueva Caceres,
Capiz State University (CAPSU),
Central Philippines University,

61. FIGURE ONE GOVERNANCE HUBS WITH MULTIPLE ROLES & PRODUCTS
GOVERNANCE HUBS WILL PLAY THE VARIOUS ROLES FROM RESEARCHER, NETWORKER TO CAPACITY BUILDER, ADVOCATE AND KNOWLEDGE CREATOR (FIGURE ONE OF GOP AND UNDP)
RFA 2015 HAS ASSESSED AND IDENTIFIED INITIAL LOCALLY BASED INSTITUTIONS THAT HAVE DEMONSTRATED INITIAL CAPACITIES TO PLAY THE ROLES AS IDENTIFIED ON FIGURE ONE ARE THE FOLLOWING
Networker
Researcher
Policy Advocate
Products and Services
Capacity Builder
Development Adviser
Public Dialogues Convener/ Host
Products & Services
Governance Monitor & Analyst
Data & Info Provider
Knowledge Generator
Products and Services

62. GOING BACK TO OUR MAIN MESSAGE: THE DECENTRALIZATION IMPERATIVES
IT IS IMPERATIVE TO SUSTAIN THE GAINS OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS AND DEEPEN DECENTRALIZATION THE RFAs OVER THE PAST DECADES HAVE FOCUSED ON IMPROVING INSTITUTIONS AND PROCESSES AT THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL FOR EFFECTIVE DECENTRALIZATION. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO CHANGE MINDSETS

63. GOING BACK TO OUR MAIN MESSAGE: THE DECENTRALIZATION IMPERATIVES
CAPACITY BUILDING IS IMPERATIVE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT IS A CONTINUOUS AND SCALAR PROCESS. THIS CAN BEST BE DONE THROUGH THE LOCAL ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS –

64. GOING BACK TO OUR MAIN MESSAGE: THE DECENTRALIZATION IMPERATIVES
ESPECIALLY HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS – THAT WOULD SUSTAIN THE GAINS OF DECENTRALIZED GOVERNANCE AS HUBS OF GOVERNANCE AND PROVIDE CONTINUITY, STABILITY AND INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY AS POLITICAL CHANGES OCCUR DUE TO CHANGES IN ADMINISTRATION BROUGHT ABOUT BY LOCAL ELECTIONS.

65. GOING BACK TO OUR MAIN MESSAGE: THE DECENTRALIZATION IMPERATIVES
THIS IS WHY THE 2015 RFA ALSO FOCUSED ON THE ROLES AND CAPACITIES OF HEIs IN PURSUING AND SUSTAINING THE 3Ds AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. THERE IS A LOT OF WORK AHEAD.

66. FUTURE DIRECTIONS
A second phase will be launched to strengthen the academe-community linkage and likewise scale-up the role of governance HUBS in order to
“H - Harness knowledge
U - Upscale initiatives
B - Build capacities
S - Sustain development” (Buendia 2015)
in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Acronym developed by Dr. Emmanuel Buendia, Team Leader, Governance, United Nations Development Programme)

67. FUTURE DIRECTIONS
The second phase will likewise identify activities in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make use of the data of the Department on
full disclosure policy
e-participation
e-government
disaster risk management, and among others.

68. FUTURE DIRECTIONS As emphasized in the RFA 2015 study,
the academe-LGU linkage
is critical in sustaining the gains of decentralization and democratization towards a sustainable development.

69. GOVERNANCE REFORM FRAMEWORK EMPHASIZES THE NEED FOR CHANGE IN MINDSETS AS ONE BASIC AREA FOR REFORM
BRILLANTES JR., FERNANDEZ, AND PERANTE-CALINA

70. “WE CANNOT SOLVE PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME THINKING WE USED WHEN WE CREATED THEM” ALBERT EINSTEIN MARAMING SALAMAT!

71. ANNEXES AND REFERENCE FINDINGS OF RFA PER REGION

72. Region One (Ferdinand Lamarca, Marie Rose Rabang, Agustin Guinid, Joselito de la Rosa and Rolando Ragasa)
On Local Democracy
Reports of human rights abuses among political detainees
Radio stations and local newspapers controlled by local politicians
Political clans and families continued to dominate Region I: Marcos, Ortega Farinas, Nalupta
On Decentralization
Normal devolution concerns: salaries and magna carta, recommendation that health be recentralized
Decline in dependency of LGUs upon IRA
Increased local revenue generation
Strengthen public-private partnerships
On HEIs as HUBS
Normal capacity building imperatives (need instructional materials)
Design consortia arrangements
10 HEIs offering PA and LG courses
Policy Note
Appointment of locally funded personnel: social workers

73. Region II (Joan Tomas Carinugan and Christina Salvosa)
Democratization
High voter turn-out – 76%
Upward human rights violations
Political clans dominate the region: Dys
Decentralization
Normal devolution concerns: salaries
Innovations in local risk reduction
Use of DILG transparency seal
IRA dependency high
Need for local finance
On HEIs
HEIs have created a niche as capacity building for local governance competency
Have consortia arrangements; also partnership with PCL
14 HEIs offering PA and LG courses
Policy Note
Institutionalize Policy Framework for LGU-CB Programs in the regions

74. Region III: Precy Antonio, Zenvi Ann Macalinao, Anthony Fababier, Emmanuel Drewery and Lowell Tan)
Local Democracy
Still cases of extra judicial killing and torture reported
High rate is crimes and HR violations
44% of media locally owned
Emergence of young political leaders
High voter turnout (71%)
13 cases of recall in central Luzon
Decentralization
Normal devolution concerns:
Disaster Risk Reduction program
On HEIs
24 HEIs offering PA and LG courses
Network and consortia arrangements in place
Policy Note
Expand study grant / scholarships to LGU officials to incled TESDA courses
Establish Provincial Data Resource Management System to LGUs
Abolish National Commission on Muslim Filipino and Institutionalize the National Commission on Christian and Muslim Affairs

75. Region IV (John Robert Go)
Local Democracy
High voter turnout (70 to 80%)
Existence of some private armies
Political dynasties (Ynares, Sumulong, Laurel, Recto, Barzaga, remulla, Revilla, Abaya, Maliksi, Chpeco, San Luis, Joaquin, Alcala, Enverga, Punzalan, Suarez, Tanada, Reyes, Lecaroz,Manrique, Sarmiento, Mendiola, Andal, Contreras, Mitram Socrates, Lim Reyes)
Decentralization
Normal devolution concerns
High IRA dependency especially among lower income municipalities
On HEIs
10 HEIs offering PA and LG courses

76. Region V (Malou Barcillano)
Local Democracy
Strong tradition of people participation
Oldest dynasty since 1912
Dynasties (Alberto, Espinosa, Imperial, Bichara, Fuentebella, Escudero)
Declining HR violations
103 civil society organizations
Incidence of recall elections
Decentralization
Normal devolution concerns: clarify national-local relations in agriculture, health, environment,
Best practice: MLGP training of DOH and Zuellig Foundation for LCEs and City and MHOs
On HEIs
12 ASAP members that offer PA and LG courses
Need to revise and update curriculum
Develop capacities of faculty
Policy Note
Institutionalization of a Center for Local Governance in SUCs in the Philippines

77. Region VI: (Jo Martin Limson and April Dream Teodosio)
Local Democracy
Case of neglect and abuse of children
Western Visayas Network of Social Development NGOs (WEVNet): regional network of six provincial NGO caucuses, 68 member mased organizations
Political dynasties: Garin, Defensor, “but need to prove effectiveness of dynasty”
Very high voter turn out: 82%
Decentralization
Agriculture and involvement of cooperatives; convergence of DA-DENR-DAR programs: Sustainable Rural Development Convergence Initiative
Environment: recognized the Seal of Disaster Preparedness

78. Region IX: Ederlinda Fernandez and Ma Carla Ochotorena
Local Democracy
Volatile peace and order and armed conflicts
Impact of Bangsa Moro Basic Law
On HR: Reports of extra judicial killings, undocumented migration
Threats to indepence and local security of media
Political assassination of Mayor Randy Climaco
Dynasties: Lobregat, Lorenzo. Climaco, Adaza, Ubay, Carloto, Jalosjos, Uy, Sagun-Lim, Enerio, Amatong, Cerilles
Decentralization
Review IRA formula because of over dependency of some LGUs
BUB ineffective
Negative effects of fragmentation: Sibugay carved out of Zambo del Sur: revenue base eroded, capacities diminished
Normal devolution issue: decrease in salaries, imperatives for capacity building: “LGUs do not appreciate trainings and capability building on health matters”; National-local relations: unclear delineation of fucntions and responsibilities
HEIs
Eight HEIs offering PA and LG courses
Policy Note
Repeal HB 5811 (BBL) for it contravenes some provisions of the 1987 Constitution and is not a solution to the Mindanao Conflict

79. Region X: Mark Garcia Local Democracy
Prominence of indigenous peoples in Northern Mindanao
High voter turnout
Dynasty: Zubiri
Accredit CSOs
Decentralization
Normal devolution concerns including IRA dependency, low own source revenues, public information bulletin boards not updated
HEIs
81 HEIs in Northern Mindanao. Some offer PA and LG courses

80. Region XI: (Jack Isolana)
Local Democracy
Decrease in HR violations
Dynasties: Garcia, Lopez, Duterte, Del Rosario, Lopez, Sarmiento, Bautista, Cagas, Almario, Zosa, Palma
Voter turnout: 75%
Extra judicial killing reported, enforced disappearances, harassment of Ips
Extortion by NPA of local farmers and businessmen
Decentralization
Normal devolution concerns: IRA dependency,
HEIs
83 HEIs but only 5 offer PA and LG courses
Normal challenges: lack of resources for research
Partnership between LGUs and HEIs did not work

81. Region XII: (Maria Teresa Samonte)
Local Democracy
Zone of Peace and Development Council (ZOPADC): MOA between Sultan Kudarat State University and the municipalities of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig, Lebak and Palimbang (NAKALEPA) initiated by the 1 marine Brigade
Decentralization
Impact of Municipal Leadership for Governance Program for health officers has been noted
Amalgamation of LGUs: alliances among Pigkawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, Aleosan, Pikit and Banisilan (PALMA-PB alliance) in North Cotabato
Arakan Valley Development Complex (AVDC) in Cotabato composed of President Roxas, Matalam, Antipas, Magpet and Arakan
Normal devolution concerns including IRA dependency
HEIs
Amalgamation of HEIs: University of Southern Mindanao, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology in North Cotabato; and Sultan Kudarat State University in Sultan Kudarat and the Cotabato City Polytechnic State College in Cotabato City
Policy Note
Analysis of further devolving Environment and Natural Resources to the local level

82. NCR National Capital Region: (Erwin Alampay, Ely Cureg and Ed Tapia)
Local Democracy
Reports on violence against journalists
Dynasties (as defined, “combined number of family members who either succeeded the same post and /or were holding different elective posts in the same city”) Asistio, Echiverri, Aguilar, Binay, Oreta, Abalos, Atienza, Bagatsing, Fernando, Javier, Tiangco, Bernabe, Eusebio, Lagman, Sotto, Belmonte, Castelo, Ejercito, Cayetano, Gathalian)
Decentralization
Concentration of IRA in NCR. IRA dependence not a concern. May be a reason for revising formula
Metro governance: Interlocal concerns including solid waste management disposal, flood control, traffic management as a concern. Case of interlocal cooperation.
Rationalize barangay divisions
Development of local governance metrics
HEIs
35 HEIs offering PA and LG courses
Policy Note

83. CAR Cordillera Administrative Region (Felipe Comila and Julian Nangpuhan)
Local Democracy
Reports on HR violations
Male politicians dominate local elections
Reports on human rights violations
Few CSOs
Decentralization
Health: reached out to GIDA (Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas)
Health not prioritized by LGUs
Normal devolution challenges in personnel (salaries, ratplan)
HEIs as Hubs
50 HEIS, 9 offering PA and LG courses
Policy Note
Amalgamation of SUCs in CAR

84. CARAGA (Ramel Tomaquin and Retsy Tomaquin-Malong)
Local Democracy
Issues and challenges of Lumads (IPs) – ancestral domain, displacement (“lumad bakwet”), mining, IPRA, preservation of indigenous knowledge (Manobo, Mamanwa, Caraga Mandaya, Banwaon, Higaanon-Agusan, Talaandig, etc.)
Reports of militarization and abuse
On dynasty and political families: “residents of CARAGA have favorable attitude of (sic) political families… (they) help in the growth of the local economy; lead strong cooperation of the private sector in governance; xxx help in education of the youth; promote growth of the (LGU); there is nothing wrong with political families as long as they serve the community in honest and sincere fashion.”
Decentralization
Active collaboration of NGOs and LGUs
Normal and expected decentralization concerns: personnel,
HEIs as HUBS
All four SUCs exploratory stage in amalgamation
Four HEIs offer PA and local governance courses

85. ARMM (Sukarno Tanggol)
Local Democracy
“state of democratization has not improved. The same issues plague most LGUs: dynasties, absence of local media; non-reporting of human rights violations; gun-goon-gold politics; and lack of people participation in governance.”
A big number of CSOs (210) are present in ARMM. But “many are not for real participation in the local development processes.”
Voter turnout is usually high: 82.31%
What works in ARMM? “Availability of family networks; use of traditional leadership (sultans, datus, etc.); help of religious sector; xxx on-going peace process; xxx potentials of the regional government.”
Decentralization
“LGUs within ARMM and their constituencies hardly enjoy the fruits of decentralization despite the promise of the local government code.. LGUs are very dependent on the IRA … and their taxing powers are minimally utilized. Concerns about accountability, transparency, participation and the rule of law are raised … but no serious efforts are done to confront the local officials about these. The prevailing peace and order situation and the presence of armed groups and individuals contribute to the lack of discourse on these issues.”
“Study proposes the strengthening the the regional government, as represented by the BBL, to make it more effective in supervising LGUs”
HEIs as Hubs
“HEIs should help develop the capabilities of LGUs”
54 HEIs. 6 offer PA and LG course