Citizens’ Participation in Barangay Affairs, Activities and Legislation On Three Selected Barangays of Makati

Abstract

This study aims to determine the extent of citizens’ participation in barangay affairs. activities and legislation on three (3) selected barangays of Makati namely Barangay Carmona. Barangay Olympia and Barangay Bangkal. Also, this study seeks to assess the compliance of the three (3) subject barangays on the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 that ensures citizens’ participation at the barangay level and the awareness of the citizens of the five (3) mechanisms to participate in barangay affairs and legislation as provided for by the Local Government Code of 1991 namely barangay assembly, public hearing at the barangay level. the power of local initiative, referendum at the barangay level, and plebiscite at the barangay level. Lastly. this study seeks to measure the satisfaction of the residents of the three (3) subject barangays on the performance of their barangay government in managing barangay affairs. activities and legislation. The results of this study show that there is low awareness among the residents of all the three (3) subject barangays regarding their rights to participate in barangay affairs and legislation through the five (5) mechanisms provided for by the Local Government Code of 1991. As a probable result of this, there is also a low citizens’ participation in barangay affairs and legislation among the three (3) subject barangays of Makati. But in contrast to this, there is a high level of citizens’ participation in barangay activities in Barangay Bangkal and Barangay Olympia. In Barangay Carmona, people’s participation in barangay activities is still low. But over-all, there is a high level of satisfaction among the residents of the three (3) subject barangays on the performance of their barangay government in managing barangay affairs. activities and legislation as majority of them gave a favorable answer in most of the satisfaction indicators presented. The results of the study also reveal that the governments of the three (3) subject barangays do not comply with the some of the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 like the convening of the barangay assembly at least twice a year. the conduct of public hearings prior to the implementation of tax and revenue measures. and making the people aware. during barangay assembly meetings. that they can decide to adopt an initiative as legal process whereby they can directly propose. enact or amend any ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Barangay.