The Relevance of Participatory

Governance

CSO Orientation on People’s Council

Cum Organization of People’s Council
In the Municipality of San Antonio

February 20, 2023

I. Defining Participatory Governance

Governance

The process of decision-making and the process by which

decisions are implemented (or not implemented)

• corporate governance
• international governance
• national governance
• local governance

United Nations Economic and Social

Commission for Asia and the Pacific
8 Major Characteristics of Good
Governance

1. Participatory
2. Consensus Oriented
3. Accountable
4. Transparent
5. Responsive
6. Effective and Efficient
7. Equitable and Inclusive
8. Follows the Rule of Law
Citizen Participation

"... implies the involvement of citizens in a wide

range of policy making activities...in order to orient
government programs toward community needs, build
public transport, and encourage a sense of
cohesiveness within neighborhoods"

UN World Public Sector Report 2008

Participatory Governance
Participatory governance involves citizens participation in
decision making, e.g.

• assessing their own needs,

• planning and budgeting,
• monitoring and evaluation, and in the
• implementation of government programs, projects and
activities.
II. Legal Basis of Citizen Participation
The 1987 Constitution is very emphatic in saying

“Sovereignty resides in the people, and all

government authority emanates from them”.

Article 1, 1987 Philippine Constitution, Declaration of

Principles and State Policies
The Local Government Code of 1991

Section 34. LGUs shall promote the establishment and

operation of people's organizations, NGOs, and the
private sector, to make them active partners in the pursuit
of local autonomy.
III. The Benefits and Potential Impact of Participatory
Governance

Participatory governance can give people a sense that their rights are being
respected, improve their sense of dignity, and make them feel more connected to
others in the community.

It may also result in better governance:

• Greater government responsiveness

• Increased transparency
• Better budget utilization
• Improved public service delivery
Local Government Units perspectives:

• Improved people’s faith and relationships

• Better service prioritization
• Greater chance for politicians to be reelected
• Sense of satisfaction
• Satisfied constituents