BAYANIHAN SA PAMAYANAN AWARDS: Search for Exemplary Practices in Participatory Governance

The Center for Popular Empowerment (CPE) , in partnership with Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG), University of the Philippines College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), Active Citizenship Foundation (ACF), Barangay Bayan Governance Consortium (BBGC), and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) announces its call for nomination for Barangays and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who are worthy of citation in promoting and practicing participatory good governance in Greater National Capital Region area. Awarding Ceremonies will be on November 27, 2009.

Overview

In a political system that has been dominated by elite traditional politics, governance has been almost been synonymous to patronage, where public goods and services are dispensed not as a matter of public duty but as a favor by a patron to his/her dependents. The business of local governments had been divorced from the quest for public good and has been hijacked to serve the political perpetration of those holding the helm of power. In a political setting like this, poverty, which breeds dependence, becomes a weapon to be used by those in government positions rather than a problem to be addressed in the pursuit of genuine popular development.

A host of reforms in local governance have been introduced in 1991 with the passage of the Local Government Code (RA 7160). The LGC sought to decentralize powers and functions from the national governments to the local government units. One of the major reforms introduced by the law was the recognition of the importance and the critical role of civil society in governance by establishing mechanisms and processes for popular participation.

Almost two decades after the enactment of the Code, the reforms that it has envisioned and mandated remains to be fully implemented and realized. Most of the traditional politicians holding local elective positions, at best, merely paid lips service to participatory governance while others have found ways to go around the provisions of the law.

There are, however, progressive local government officials, who not only abide with the provisions of the law, but in fact breathed life into the concepts and principles of participatory governance. These are the men and women who broke off from the traditional mold of governance and braved the untested waters of participatory governance. These are the local governments that used innovation, creativity and imagination in exercising popular participation and made it work for them.

Bayanihan sa Pamayanan Awards  seeks to recognize beacons of participatory governance. Through these examples, Gawad Bayanihan aims to  showcase that participatory governance practices are not empty concepts but are, in fact, workable, practical and effective.

Bayanihan sa Pamayanan Awards  salutes partnerships between people and their local governments. It celebrates the breaking down of barriers between the government and its constituents – barriers that prevent local governments from reaching out to community stakeholders in addressing their needs, interests and welfare, barriers that blocks community folks from taking part in the development of projects and programs that their local government implements on their behalf. Gawad Bayanihan bears witness to the exemplary initiatives that prove that people and government working as partners is an effective, efficient and liberative way of governance.

The Award Criteria

a. Innovativeness. Gawad Bayanihan seeks to recognize governance practices that displays creativity, and adaptability that has significant impact on its target communities.

• New means / ways in doing traditional programs and projects
• Trailblazing / pioneering work in new areas of governance
• Introduction of new ways of partnership between local government, civil society and the community

b. Replicability. The initiative although, unique and trailblazing, may be replicated in other areas of similar situation and context.

• Uses resources that are commonly available in different localities.
• Responds to situations that is common across local government units.
• Is not heavily dependent on outside resources that not not usually at the disposal of other local government units.

c. Sustainability. The participatory governance initiative may be maintained, expanded and further developed.

• Makes optimum use of local resources that is readily available in the community.
• Creates a sense of ownership among the stakeholders in the project so that they are willing to maintain the project beyond the project time period.
• Mobilizes the resources of the people and civil society organizations and other stakeholders within the community

d. Transformative. The initiative has transformed power relations at the community level. The project impacts on the terms of reference between the local government and the community.

• Elevates the target community and their organizations from being mere beneficiaries to stakeholders or co-owners of the project/program
• Institutionalizes consultative, co-production and resource sharing mechanisms in program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• Transforms the role of the local government from being a benefactor to being a facilitator of goods, services and programs that responds to the needs and welfare of the target community
• Develops a sense of accountability within the local government to the target community
• Lessens the dependence of the community to outside interventions and increases their self-reliance
• Has an impact on the distribution of control and ownership of essential resources / opportunities

Eligibility

Governance initiatives with the following characteristics are eligible for the awards:

(a)    Programs and projects that were initiated by the local government which gives meaningful and significant participation of civil society organizations and the target communities;

(b)   Civil society-initiated programs and projects that involved the processes and institutions within the local government that involved partnerships in the development and implementation of local government programs/projects.

(c)    Initiatives that were jointly initiated by the local government and its civil society partners in implementing local government programs, projects and services.

Selection Process

1. Submission of nominations (October 12-31, 2009)

Individuals/Organizations may fill up the nomination forms that will be provided and submit their nomination to the Bayanihan sa Pamayanan Awards  Secretariat.

2. Level I / Eligibility Screening (November 1-8)

The Bayanihan sa Pamayanan Awards  Steering Committee will review all nominations in terms of adherence to the eligibility criteria. The Steering Committee shall likewise make recommendations for all nominations that will be submitted to the Level II screening.

3. Level II Screening /Short-listing (November 1-8)

The Screening Committee shall review all eligible nominations together with the recommendations of the Steering Committee. They shall identify a shortlist of nominations that will be recommended for site validation and further documentation.

Site Validation / Interviews (November 9-18)

Teams composed of representatives from the Steering Committee and Selection Committee will conduct area visits to validate the claims submitted in the nominations. They shall also conduct panel interviews to address the questions and concerns raised on the nominees during the previous screening levels.

The Selection Committee will review the reports and recommendations of the area validation teams and shall select the awardees for the different categories.

email: bayanihansapamayanan@gmail.com

CPE Supports Quezon City Voters Information Campaign: Ibangon ang Dangal ng Halalan

Ibalik ang Dangal ng Halalan: Magrehistro, Bumoto, Makialam!

Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Ms. Agustin of DILG, COMELEC and Ms. Etta Rosales of IPER sign the Memorandum of Understanding. Ed Chavez of CPE served as witness , together with Atty. Allan Sindo of Comelec

Participants during the Launching of Quezon City Voters Education Campaign on August 8, 2009 held at Amoranto Theater.

Kap Perry Bilaos of ABC Dist 1, Ms. Joy Belmonte, Etta Rosales of IPER, barangay council members and civil society organizations sign the covenant for clean and honest election at District 1 orientation held on September 3, 2009 at Bagong Pag-asa Covered Court

Participants in Dist1 Session asks question during the open forum

Kap Noel Agdeppa of Quirino 2-A and some participants

Etta Rosales with Punong Barangay Celso Deveas, Dist 3, Areas 13-15, held on September 10,2009 at Barangay Quirino 2-B Covered Court

Participants at Qurino 2-B covered court

CPE takes part in the education campaign on cleansing the voters’ list, registration and automated voting. The project is a partnership between the Quezon City Government, COMELEC, Department of Interior and Local Government and and Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms (IPER).  A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the parties on August 8, 2009.

Basic sectors, especially the poor, have to be enlightened on the importance of voting, particularly this coming 2010 elections.  The upcoming election is an arena wherein the poor has to exercise its power in putting pro-people and reform oriented public officials, both at the national and local level that may open up and widens spaces for people  empowerment process and development both at the national and local level. Good governance will start in having a clean and honest election– a dream that Filipinos have been dreaming for since a long time ago.

By cleansing the voters list, there can be an initial step in having a clean election. People should also be encoraged and motivated to register before October 31, 2009.  The people should also be enlightened on how the voting process will be done through an automated system.  Using computers for the first time in voting and counting brings fear to most people. Fear can be lessened if people are aware of how it is going to be used.

The following is a concept paper prepared by Ms. Etta Rosales of IPER, that explains the concept of the project. By the way, this is the first time that a community-based education campaign is done , especially through partnership between COMELEC, LGU and Civil society organizations.  The schedule and venue of the education sessions are also included. Let us support the voters education campaign.

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BIGYAN NG DANGAL ANG HALALAN

MAGREHISTRO,  BUMOTO,  MAKIALAM!

QC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN (IEC)

The Q.C. IEC Campaign is a Voter Education Campaign that is being undertaken through a Memorandum of Understanding by the following stakeholders:  COMELEC, Q.C. Government, DILG and IPER (Institute for Political and Electoral Reform).  The MOU was signed when the Voter Education Campaign was launched last 8 August 2009.

OBJECTIVE AND CAMPAIGN TARGETS

The objective of the campaign is to prepare the Q.C. electorate and government for the coming 2010 elections with the following targets:

• Ø Give dignity and integrity to the entire electoral process.
• Ø Empower the electorate (through their organizations and their schools) to participate actively in the electoral process from the time of cleansing of the voters’ list, to registering as a voter, to making independent and informed choices on Election Day.
• Ø Empower the BARANGAYS through their Education Committees and their Secretaries to help cleanse the Voters’ List by submitting an updated profile of their residents and the qualified voters.
• Ø Work out full cooperation and coordination of work by the instruments of the City Government: i.e.,

ð Barangay Operations Center (BOC)

ð Liga ng mga Barangay (Q.C. Chapter)

ð SK Federation (Q.C. Chapter)

ð City Civil Registry Office

ð City Health Department

ð Community Relations Office (CRO)

ð Division of City Schools

ð With members of civil society and the school communities.

• Ø Thus, we undertake the CRV Approach (Cleanse, Register and Vote) in order to ensure that the true votes of the electorate are counted through a cleansed and credible registered voters’ list.
• Ø We wage information and education through a sweeping campaign that covers all the 142 barangays within twenty four areas of the four districts of Quezon City.

CAMPAIGN  PERIOD AND APPROACH

• Period: The Campaign period will last the entire month of September, from the first week – September 3 & 4 – to the last week – 24 & 25 September.

• Sessions: There will be eight IEC Sessions all in all.  These eight sessions shall be divided into the four districts of Quezon City, with each district enjoying two IEC sessions.  Every Session in turn covers three areas.  Since each district shall have two IEC Sessions, these two sessions shall cover a total of six areas.  All six areas shall include the total number of barangays of the particular district.

• Number of Participants: There will be 375 participants in each session with a total of 3,000 participants covered for the entire September Campaign.  The participants shall be divided into the following categories:

• 100  = Barangay Captains, Education Committee Chairs and Barangay Secretaries. –  c/o BOC & Liga ng mga Barangay
• 100 =  Civil society and community organizations – c/o CRO
• 100 =  NGOs, IPER, First Time Voters/SKs – c/o IPER/CPE Netw.
• 075 =  School Principals, Teachers and Students

• Schedule of Activities:

District	Areas Covered	Date/Time	Venue	Expected No. of Participants
I	1, 2 & 3	Sept. 03, 2009 8:00 am-4:00 pm	Bagong Pag-asa Covered Court Rd. 9 Bgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Q.C.	375
I	4, 5 & 6	Sept. 17, 2009 8:00 am-4:00 pm	Sta. Teresita Covered Court, Mayon cor. Dapitan Sts.,Bgy. Sta. Teresita, Q.C.	375
II	7, 8 &9	Sept. 04, 2009 8:00 am-4:00 pm	Holy Spirit Covered Court, Faustino St. (near Bgy. Hall), Bgy. Holy Spirit, Q.C.	375
II	10, 11 & 12	Sept. 18, 2009 8:00 am-4:00 pm	Sta. Monica Covered Court, Moises St. (near Novaliches District Center, Bgy. Sta. Monica, Q.C.	375
III	13, 14 & 15	Sept. 10, 2009 8:00 am-4:00 pm	Quirino 2-B Covered Court Langka St. Bgy. Quirino 2-B, Q.C.	375
III	16, 17 & 18	Sept. 24, 2009 8:00 am-4:00 pm	BAgumbuhay  Covered Court Malvar St., Bgy. Bagumbuhay , Q.C.	375
IV	19, 20 & 21	Sept. 11, 2009 8:00am-4:00pm	Bernardo Park Covered Court, Barangay  Pinagkaisahan, Q.C.	375
IV	22, 23 & 24	Sept. 25, 2009 8:00am-4:00 pm	Pinyahan Covered Court, along Malakas St., Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.	375

Schedule of Activities Prepared by the BOC

Finalized and Approved by the Q.C. IEC Steering Committee

Aug. 27, 2009

Copy of HB 6111

HB_6111 (click on this link to download pdf of House bill 6111 “AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT AGAINST FORCED EVICTION AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE PROVISIONS OF THE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING ACT OF 1992.” FILED BY REP. RISA HONTIVEROS OF AKBAYAN.

AN ACT TO STRENGTHENTH E IMPLEMENTATIOONF THE RIGHTA GAINST

FORCEDE VICTIONASM ENDINGF ORT HISP URPOSEP ROVISIONOSF THE

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE URBAN

DEVELOPMENATN D HOUSINGA CTO F 1992.

PAT Ordinance of Quezon City pending Approval by Mayor Belmonte

This is the copy of the ordinance passed by the City Council on July 20, 2009.  The ordinance is yet to be signed by Mayor Sonny Belmonte , for effectivity.

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Republic of the Philippines

QUEZON CITY COUNCIL

PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2008-111

AN ORDINANCE STRENGTHENING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING THE SYSTEM OF PARTNERSHIP IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE BETWEEN THE QUEZON CITY GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF QUEZON CITY.

Introducer:  Councilor. JORGE B. BANAL, JR.

WHEREAS, PARTICIPATION is based on the premise that the right and responsibility to govern are equally shared by those who govern and who are governed. Both the representative of the state and civil society share in common the initiative to better governance. The government and the governed take collective responsibility for the welfare of the society. Thus the need to create an effective venue for the governed to participate in meaningful governance. Good governance is easily achieved if its responsibilities are shared by the people. A system of partnership between the governor and the governed gives impetus to the time-honored principle that, indeed, sovereignty resides in the people.

WHEREAS, ACCOUNTABILITY is entrenched on the rule that public office is a public trust.  It focuses on the regularity of fiscal transactions and faithful compliance with and adherence to, legal requirements and administrative policies. It is not only a government obligation but also an indispensable means to ensure responsiveness to the needs and rights of one’s constituency.    Effective accountability and responsiveness can only be assured through the meaningful participation of the communities involved.

WHEREAS, TRANSPARENCY gives attention to the information systems that will inform the public of the following: a)  policies, rules, and procedures, b) work programs, projects, and performance targets, c) performance reports, and d) all other documents as may hereafter be classified as public information.  Such information shall be utilized solely for the purpose of informing the public of such policies, programs, and accomplishment, thus, generate continuous people’s support and meaningful participation in the development of the city.

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlunsod of Quezon City, that:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE –  This ordinance shall likewise be known as THE PARTICIPATION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ORDINANCE OF QUEZON CITY (PAT).

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES. The Quezon City Government shall at all times adhere to the following:

Right to Self-Organization. It shall be the responsibility of the people to  organize themselves into cooperatives, industrial labor organizations, interest groups, non-government organizations, sectoral organization, and/or people’s organizations, or to encourage and support their own efforts towards self-organization to address their common concerns, to promote their common welfare, and/or to serve the city or their communities and interests.

1. a. The Philippine Constitution

1).    “Art. X- Local Government, Sec. 14 – The President shall    provide for regional development councils or other similar bodies composed of local government officials, regional heads of departments and other government offices, and representatives from non-governmental organizations within the regions for purposes of administrative decentralization to strengthen the autonomy of the units therein and to accelerate the economic and social growth and development of the units in the region”.

2).     “Art. XIII- Social Justice and Human Rights, a).  Sec. 15  The state shall respect the role of independent people’s organizations to enable the people to pursue and protect, within the democratic framework, their legitimate and collective interests and aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.  b).  The right of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making shall not be abridged.  The state shall, by law, facilitate the establishment of adequate consultation mechanisms”.

1. b. The Local Government Code 1991 (R.A. 7160)

1) “Book I, Title I- Basic Principles, Chapter 4-  Relations with People’s and Non-Governmental Organizations, Sec. 34-36

SEC. 34.  Role of People’s and Non-Governmental Organizations. – Local government units shall promote the establishment and operation of people’s and non-governmental organizations to become active partners in the pursuit of local autonomy.

SEC. 35.  Linkages with People’s and Non-Governmental Organizations. – Local government units may enter into joint ventures and such other cooperative arrangements with people’s and non-governmental organizations to engage in the delivery of certain basic services, capability-building x x x”.

“SEC. 36.  Assistance to People’s and Non-Governmental Organizations.  A local government unit may, through its local chief executive and with the concurrence of the sanggunian concerned, provide assistance, financial or otherwise, to such people’s and non-governmental organizations for economic, socially-oriented, environmental, or cultural projects to be implemented within its territorial jurisdiction”.

2).        “Book III, Title III- The City,  Chapter III- Officials and Offices Common to all Cities Sec. 458Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation”

SECTION 3. – DEFINITION OF TERMS–

As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean:

1. Governance –  the exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority to manage a nation’s affairs.  It embraces all methods that societies use to distribute power and manage public resources and problems.

1. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) – defined as non-stock, non-profit, non-membership voluntary organizations registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or any Government Agencies empowered by law or policy to register and/or accredit NGOs and other similar aggrupations, having a core staff delivering a mandate for acting as intermediaries for grassroots organizations, promoting self-help projects or doing community organizing work.  NGOs are also defined as privately funded, non-profit development organizations and self-help organizations engaged primarily in promoting, empowering and providing their members with legal means to improve their socio-economic and political status.

,

1. People’s Organization (POs) – are community-based, mass membership organizations, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ), or any Government Agencies empowered by law or policy to register and/or accredit POs and other similar aggrupations, registered with a set of by-laws adopted through a membership assembly and duly elected officials.  POs are either sectoral or a multi-sectoral alliance pursuing a common goal and established to secure benefits for their membership and articulate aims and objectives in the general development discourse.

1. Council of Sectoral Representatives (CSR) – the fifty (50) representatives to the City Development Council (CDC) elected from the General Assembly of accredited NGOs / POs of Quezon City. This body is composed of different sectoral representatives tasked to participate in developmental planning, investment programming and monitoring and evaluation in the CDC.

e.       Interfaith and Church-based Organizations. Organizations and other faith-based aggrupations that are involved in assisting the church and in addressing the religious, socio-economic and welfare needs of its constituency.

1. Civic Organizations. Those engage in philanthropic and humanitarian programs and services.

1. Professional organizations. Organizations whose members belong to the practice of professional services such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, media workers and practitioners, academic persons.

1. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) – are non-state organizations which aim neither to generate profits nor to seek governing powers.  They constitute the third sector, existing alongside and interacting with the state and market. They have a presence in public life, expressing the interest and values of their members or others, and are based on ethical, cultural, economic, scientific, religious considerations.

1. Private/Business Organizations – key actor in the realm of the economy where the central social concern and process is the mutually beneficial production and distribution of goods and services to meet the physical needs of human beings.  The private sector comprises private corporations, enterprises, individual businesses.

1. Vulnerable and marginalized groups – are those facing higher exposure to poverty, hunger, political, economic and cultural exclusion.

1. Partisan politics – shall refer primarily to any activity statement or manifestation which solely serves to campaign for or against any particular political party or any candidate for any elective public office.

1. Local Special Bodies. Other bodies created by the national and local laws, including task forces and committees.

1. Internal Rules and Procedures (IRP) – the systems, mechanisms, policies, rules and procedures that shall govern the operations of the PCQC.

SECTION 4. GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CSOs AND PRIVATE/BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE PEOPLE’S COUNCIL OF QUEZON CITY

This Ordinance shall institutionalize the regular convening of the General Assembly (GA) of CSOs and private/business organizations in Quezon City.  The City Government shall convene all CSOs and private/business organizations to be known henceforth as the People’s Council of Quezon City (PCQC).  The PCQC when created will be the standing and regular body and the umbrella of all accredited CSOs and private/business organizations of the City.  Its members and officers shall be co-terminus with the elected local chief executive and the Sangguning Panlungsod.  It shall function as a local special body created by Quezon City as defined in Section 5 of this Ordinance.

Through the Community Relations Office, City Planning and Development Office, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Accreditation Committee of the City Council, and the Council of Sectoral Representatives (CSR), the City Government shall initially convene all accredited civil society organizations and private/business organizations.  After convening, the same shall be known henceforth, as the PCQC.  Thereafter, the PCQC shall elect among themselves their representatives to sit in the city development council, various local special bodies, committees, task forces, and other similar government work groups.

The current General Assembly of CSOs and private/business organizations shall form the first PCQC to be recognized as such upon effectivity of this Ordinance with the CSR acting as its interim Executive Committee.  Thereafter, the PCQC shall be convened within 60 days after the assumption to office of the newly elected city officials.

SECTION 5. – FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.  The PCQC shall function as the accountability body of all accredited CSOs and private/business organizations.  It shall also act as the active partner of the local government in local governance.

1. Other functions and responsibilities include as follows;

1).  Conduct research and data bank for sectoral concerns, in coordination with the Quezon City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) which the city government may use as basic information for developmental planning;

2).   Document/Profile community initiative in development and best practices.

1. Upon recognition, the PCQC, in accordance with its policies and internal rules, shall elect from among its member organizations their respective representatives to the different local government bodies, boards, councils, committees, task forces and special bodies, which the city government or the national laws have created and may hereinafter create and/or which allows CSOs and private/business organizations representation and endorse the same to the city government.

1. PCQC shall submit to the City government joint ventures and other cooperative undertaking to engage in the delivery of certain basic services, capability-building and livelihood projects, and to develop local enterprises designed to improve productivity and income, promote ecological balance, and enhance the economic and social well-being of the people within the framework of equitable and sustainable development.

1. The PCQC shall enter into partnerships with other organizations, development funding agencies, and other entities/offices, locally and internationally, which are in line with its principles and programs, and for resource mobilization.  All partnerships and contracts entered into with the government shall be subject to the compliance with the national accounting and auditing procedures.  A Memorandum of Agreement shall be signed by the city government and the PCQC to ensure accountability and transparency of funds management.  Likewise, the PCQC shall assure that its internal fund management and programs, projects and activity reports are open to all inquiries from all concerned stakeholders including the local government.  (To be detailed in the IRP).

1. The PCQC shall be invited to observe and participate in the deliberation, conceptualization, and evaluation of projects, activities and programs of the city special bodies and participate at the committee level and/or act as the people’s representatives in consonance with their constitutional rights to information on matters of public concern and of access to official records and documents.

1. The City Government shall likewise ensure the PCQC participation during the conduct of regular barangay and sectoral hearings, and other public consultation on all matters affecting the general welfare, and/or submit all concerns and issues to the people for information and appropriate action.  (To be detailed in the IRR).

1. The PCQC shall assist the city government in guaranteeing the maintenance and conduct of regular and timely information and education program on city policies, program, projects and activities to adequately inform the people on issues and matters affecting their rights and welfare.

SECTION 6. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES of PCQC members –

As members, they shall:

1. Internally, vote on matters properly referred or endorsed for action.
2. Also, elect and to be elected as officer of the PCQC including the rights to represent the PCQC to local special bodies, task forces, committees, councils.
3. Observe, participate and/or act as resource persons in public hearings, consultations.
4. Participate and vote in local health board, local school board, local peace and order council, and other national and local government executive and legislative bodies in Quezon City with legally mandated CSOs and private/business representations; city development and investment planning.
5. Observe, participate and submit recommendations in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of city government’s programs and projects.
6. Member organizations elected to represent the PCQC shall have the sole prerogative to choose from among their bona fide members the persons who shall sit in the boards, councils, committees, task forces and/or special bodies concerned.  The PCQC shall develop criteria in selecting said representation.

SECTION 7. – STRUCTURE AND INTERNAL RULES OF THE PCQC

The PCQC shall provide for its own organizational structures and internal rules, including, but not limited to, appointing/designating members of its Secretariat and, shall at all times, maintain adequate consultation mechanisms for purposes of obtaining the views and suggestions of all political parties or movements, government employees’ organizations, other non-accredited but legitimate CSOs and private/business organizations; Provided, that no non-accredited CSOs and private/business organizations may be nominated by the Council for endorsement in the City’s special bodies nor they be granted the rights and privileges of accredited CSOs and private/business organizations under this Ordinance; and provided further, that no provision herein shall be interpreted to prohibit the Council from changing its name or from being organized other than for purposes stated in this Ordinance.

SECTION 8. NON-PARTISAN NATURE OF THE PCQC. – The representatives of the PCQC are prohibited from engaging nor allowing themselves to be used for purposes of partisan politics and shall adopt measures to ensure that the PCQC is adequately shielded from any political partisanship or influence.

SECTION 9. RECOGNITION. –  There shall only be one (1) PCQC which shall be recognized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

SECTION 10. ACCREDITATION OF CSOs and PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS. – Any city-based non-governmental organization or people’s organization in active operation for at least one (1) year may be registered and accredited by the Sangguniang Panlungsod upon submission of and/or compliance with the requirements provided in R.A. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 and its IRR, DILG MC 2007-81, Q.C Ordinance Nos. SP-23, S-1992 and SP-1494, S, 2005, to wit:

1. Duly accomplished application form;
2. Board Resolution duly approved or adopted by at least two thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board signifying intention for accreditation for the purpose of accreditation in the local special bodies and the names of the duly authorized principal and alternate representatives and their respective addresses signed by the approving members of the board of directors and duly certified by the secretary of the organization;
3. Duly Certified Photo copies of Certificate of Registration issued by government agencies concerned;
4. List of current officers and members of the organization/associations indicating their names, residence/address, citizenship (based on Art. IV, 1987 Phil Constitution), contact number and other related information, duly certified by the secretary of the organization;
5. Annual Accomplishment Report/List of projects and activities undertaken;
6. Financial Statement;
7. Minutes of the annual/organizational meeting, and the attendance therein of the majority of the officers and members with their affixed signatures, duly certified by the board secretary of the organization;
8. Duly Certified Photo copies of Constitution/Articles of Association and By-Laws, minutes of the adoption or ratification thereof, as well as list of members who participated therein as evidenced by their signatures;
9. Certification from the Punong Barangay attesting to the existence of the organization in the barangay;

All CSOs and private/business organizations whose application for accreditation has been approved shall be issued a certificate of accreditation containing, among others, the terms and conditions for the maintenance of their accreditation status. Their accreditation shall be co-terminus to that of the approving Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The PCQC representatives to the different City’s special bodies must have a proven track record of three (3) years of operation/experience in its line of work or sector.

SECTION 11.   TERMINATION OF REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PCQC. – The People’s Council of Quezon City, as a self-regulating body, after due process, may terminate any representative of member CSOs and private/business organizations for violation of any provision of this Ordinance, its Internal Rules and Procedures or any of the terms and conditions of its accreditation.

The PCQC shall inform the Sangguniang Panlungsod all decisions pertaining to membership termination.

SECTION 12. – MEMBERSHIP IN GOVERNMENT BODIES –

All City Government’s committees, boards, councils, task forces, and special bodies, including other bodies mandated by the national government, shall have equitable and substantial representation and involvement of the members of the PCQC or its representatives subject to the provisions of Book 1, Article V, VI, and VII of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.   As such, the term of PCQC representatives as members to City’s government bodies shall be co-terminus with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and shall not exceed three (3) terms or nine (9) consecutive years.

SECTION 13 – LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT. – The Quezon City Government shall give support to the People’s Council of Quezon City pursuant to Chapter IV, Section 35 and Section 36 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

The PCQC shall generate its own funds and shall be allowed to accept donations.  With funds coming from government and quasi-government institutions, the PCQC shall comply with the prescribed national accounting and auditing procedures.  However, with funding from private organizations, the PCQC shall apply its own internal auditing procedures.

Consistent with Section 5, par. 6, PCQC shall observe transparency and accountability in its fund management.

SECTION 14. – PCQC Office. – The City Government shall provide an office and authorize its maintenance and operation to serve as its place for cooperation, coordination and joint actions on matters affecting the local government and its constituencies’ interest.

The Community Relations Office shall provide secretariat support and assistance to the PCQC.

Section 15.  Oversight Committee. An oversight committee shall be established to monitor, evaluate and introduce corresponding recommendations to enhance this ordinance.    The City Vice Mayor or the Presiding Officer and the Chairperson of Committee on People’s Participation of the Sangguniang Panglungsod shall be the chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively, which shall be convened  annually on the  first Wednesday of July.  The committee shall be composed of the members of the Committee on People’s Participation, at least two (2) from the Minority bloc, Chair of the Committee on Appropriations, six (6) members of the PCQC, CPDO Head, the City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) and the CRO Head as secretariat.

Section 16.  Implementing Rules and Regulations. There shall be an IRR to be drafted immediately within 60 calendar days after the publication of this ordinance in, at least one (1) major newspaper of wide circulation.  After undergoing thorough public consultation, the IRR shall be crafted with the participation of CSOs and private/business organizations, through the existing CSR, the Committee on People’s Participation, Head of the CPDO and Head of the CRO.  This IRR shall be ratified by the City Council immediately or within seven (7) calendar days.

SECTION 17. –  SANCTIONS. – Non-compliance with this Ordinance shall be dealt with accordingly in accordance with pertinent national and local laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 18. – REPEALING CLAUSE. –  All resolutions, ordinances and executive issuances, or provisions thereof, which are inconsistent with any of the provisions hereof are hereby repealed accordingly, amended and/or modified.

SECTION 19. – SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – Should any provision of this ordinance be subsequently declared unconstitutional or ultra vires, the rest of the provisions not so declared shall remain to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 20. – EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. – This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval and publication in, at least one (1) major daily newspaper of wide circulation in Quezon City.  Publication shall be done within one (1) week after the approval of this Ordinance.

ENACTED: ______________, 2009.

Submitted By:

JORGE B. BANAL, JR.

Councilor, 3^rd District

Bayanihan sa Kaunlaran sa Barangay 91-Zone 09 in Pasay City: Building Model of Effective Peoples Participation in Governance through Integrated Local Development Program

Punong Barangay Nilo Ilarina, together with the barangay council and the residents of Barangay 91, Zone 09, have created another innovative landmark program in promoting participatory governance practice.  The barangay has formulated a comprehensive and multi-sectoral medium term development program for five years. It was done through the process of Barangay Development Planning through Participatory Learning and Action (BDP-PLA). CPE serves as their partner in capacity building. The Center also served as coach and mentor in the process of BDP-PLA.

In 2002, through the leadership of then Punong Barangay Hernando Jucutan, the barangay leadership initiated a process of participatory barangay development planning that will be implemented for 5 years (2002-2007). Almost 100% of the programs and projects identified and reflected in the plan was realized in 5 years.

After the 2007 election, the new barangay captain committed to pursue and continue and further improve what PB Jucutan has started.  Being an advocate of empowering governance, PB Ilarina, led the new members of the barangay  council in making a new 5 years BDP.

On October 25-27 , 2008,  30  facilitators and documenters were trained on BDP-PLA process. The training was co financed by the barangay council and CPE.

After the training, on November 8, 2008, the barangay council organized an orientation seminar on to mobilize community support for the initiative, and level off on the process and content of BDP-PLA process.

Six PLA teams were formed that will focus on each sectoral concerns. The barangay folks called them “clusters”. The clusters formed were based on a DILG memo which mandates barangay governments to develop a plan for the following sectors/clusters:

• Food Security, Health and Well-Being
• Economic , Livelihood and Entrepreneurship
• Education and Sports Development
• Peace and Order , Public Safety
• Environmental Management
• Barangay Performance / Administration

After the process of data gathering, analysis, visioning, setting of goals, objectives and programs, projects and activities, as well as its annual investment plan and annual operation plan.

The comprehensive plan was proudly presented by the members of the BDP PLA Team before the other community members in a barangay assembly held on July 1, 2009. It was attended by more than 500 members of the community. Amidst strong rains, the residents stayed on to listen to the report of the BDP PLA team and actively participated in the discussion.

Programs and projects identified in the plan are now being implemented one at a time. Support from the city government has also started to come in.  Equipments for their ecological solid waste management program have been delivered by the city government.

IPG and CPE will assist also in the implementation of its health, livelihood and housing component. The process was also supported by other NGOs like CFSI  and PCNPC.

Bayanihan Sa Kalunsuran (BAKAL II): Reducing Poverty in the Philippines through Participatory Urban Governance

Bayanihan Sa Kalunsuran or Bakal Project is a project being implemented by the Institute of Politics and Governance (IPG), a capability-building center that develops and undertakes education and training program for NGOs, POs and local communities to enable them to effect participatory democracy, people-centered development and good local governance. It has been accredited by the Civil Service Commission as a training institute for local governance practitioners

The project aims to strengthen and institutionalise participatory governance in 7 urban poor areas in the Philippines contributing to the implementation of the 1991 Local Government Code and the achievement of the MDGs. By providing training, knowledge, opportunities and resources to communities and local governments it will develop LGU-citizen’s co-financing and co-production of public service programmes—a participatory service delivery approach, and strengthen the abilities of communities and governments to undertake participatory governance. As a result urban poor communities will be able to articulate their needs, engage with and influence the political process and have access to the basic services they require especially at this time of the global financial crisis. The project will institutionalise participatory decision making mechanisms and processes, and build partnerships between Local Government Units (LGUs) and community based organisations.

Through a programme of training, advocacy, lobbying and gender awareness the project will work towards a more gender sensitive and less discriminatory public and political environment promoting women’s equal political participation and decision making.

The project builds on and consolidates the effective and groundbreaking work already being done in local governance by the Institute of Politics and Governance and the community organisations with which they work across the Philippines. After in-depth consultation with urban poor men and women the decision was taken to focus the project on livelihoods and health as the two most critical areas for action in meeting their immediate needs and the MDGs in their communities.

The project will work in seven urban areas throughout the Philippines including 3-5 areas in the National Capital Region, 3 areas in Cebu City, 3 areas in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, 3-10 areas in Daraga, Albay, 3-10 areas in Zamboanga City and 2-3 areas in Cotabato City. This project will help develop and support some of the most advanced and effective local governance work in the region.

CPE is the program partner and implementer in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and in the National Capital Region (NCR).

In San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, CPE will work with The Library Foundation- Sexuality, Health and Rights Educators (TLF-SHARE) together with the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Kaisahang Gabay ng Bayan (KAGABAY) and the Kamanggagawa Ko workers cooperative. The program components to be implemented will focus on health (STI, HIV, primary and community –based health care program), delivery of water services, housing and livelihood. The program will be supported by Councilors Nolly Concepcion and Igna Aguirre. During the program launching, Mayor Eduardo V. Roquero, M.D. gave its support for the implementation of the program.

In the National Capital Region, the BAKAL 2 Project will be implemented in three cities: Quezon City, Pasay City and Caloocan City.

In Quezon City, the project partner will be the Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)- Women which will be implemented in Barangay Pasong Putik Proper. The co-production program will focus in livelihood development. The project will also ensure that the programs pledged by the city government in support of the barangay development program created by the POs and NGOs in the barangay will be delivered.

In Pasay City, the program will focus on integrated health development program which will particularly promote participatory feeding program, community-based primary health program by using alternative means (acupuncture, herbal medicines), and solid waste management program. Housing concerns will also be addressed, which was evidently expressed as a priority need of the residents. During the participatory planning process, they analyzed and realized that  securing housing and land rights will pave way for the improved delivery of basic utilities such as water and electricity. Through the leadership of Punong Barangay Nilo Ilarina , Barangay 91, where the project will be implemented, has initiated a process of participatory barangay development planning (see related story).

In Caloocan City, the project will be implemented in Barangay 176 or popularly known as Bagong Silang, which is considered as the biggest  barangay in the Philippines , with around one million population. it became a resettlement area during the administration of former President Marcos. Bakal 2 will help in promoting health and nutrition, especially among the children in the various day care centers operating in the barangay.

Bakal 2 will be implemented in two years, which is being supported by the One World Action (OWA), a London –based campaign organization on good governance and women empowerment.

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