Abstract:
Many believed that development simply means the process of economic growth
of country. Nevertheless, discussion of development would be meaningless unless this is
viewed in the context of the lives, experiences, and aspirations of the great masses of the
people. It is the people's participation in the governmental activities that is greatly needed
for the development of a country.
Thirteen years ago, a group of local governance advocates shared the vision of
sustainable development through the empowerment of local communities. At that time,
the Local Government Code of 1991 granting autonomy to local government units
(LGUs) in the Philippines had been passed. They called their institution as the <4Gawad
Galing Pook".
Gawad Galing Pook was launched in the year 1993 to recognize local government
units which demonstrate excellence in local governance. One of the criteria in choosing
the winners of Gawad Galing Pook was people empowerment
To answer the question whether Gawad Galing Pook and its selected awardees
have promoted empowered participatory government, the researcher conducted several
interviews as well as survey.
However, after all the data gathering, it was unfortunate to found out that the
selected awarded local government units (Marikina and Bulacan) and Gawad Galing
Pook failed to promote citizen empowerment.
It was found out that there is indeed lack of proper information dissemination.
The citizens weren't able to recognize the awarded programs (Barangay Talyer for Marikina and Constituent-Responsive Governance for Bulacan) as well the institution
itself (the Gawad Galing Pook).
The researcher recommended that both Gawad Galing Pook and the local
government unit should improve their promotion strategies. They should assure that the
people see their program as venues for participation.
People's participation in governance helps democratize the political base for the exercise
of power so that government may in fact able to act more decisively in the pursuit of the
greater collective interest. A more effective people's participation in governance is
therefore a key ingredient for transforming the government into a more decisive and yet
democratic institution.
This means that government will have to actively harness the people's initiative
and enthusiasm to neutralize and ultimately undermine traditional control and influence
of entrenched political and economic clans in the country. Thus, our society will improve
for the betterment of all.
