Masagca,J.T.,Masagca,M.T.&Chunxiang,M.(2009).

EnhancingGovernanceoftheBarangay:Reflectionsof
Academics,JOAAG,Vol.4.No.2

EnhancingGovernanceoftheBarangay:ReflectionsofAcademics

JimmyT.Masagca1

ManricoT.Masagca2

M.Chunxiang3

Abstract
This paper presents the insights of selected academics on local governance of the Barangay, the
basicpoliticalunit(BPU)inthePhilippines.Participantswerepreselectedandtheirrepresentations
were determined using the ethnographic technique with the property of conversation
(pakikipagkwentuhan).ThisinquirynotesthatgoodgovernanceofBPUcanbeaffectedbythelack
ofcapabilitiesofofficials;indecisivenessduringassumptionofdutiesasofficersincharge.influence
oftheirsiblingsandfamilyrelatives;andsensitivityoftheissuesandconcernsbeingaddressed.The
academicsproposedthatprogramsandprojects(P&P)oncapacitybuildingofBPUofficialsmustbe
accomplished vigorously in collaboration with the various higher education institutions (HEIs) and
groups/organizationsonlocalgovernance.Moreover,certainprovisionsforbuildinguponthehard
earned achievementoftheseofficialsthroughbudgetallocationfortheannualprogramsonmerit
and recognition of achievements are also suggested to enhance local governance and community
development.

Keywords:Localgovernance,Philippines,Barangay,academics,participation,transparency

Pacific Island Institute for Pedagogy, Technology, Arts and Sciences, Incorporated (Pacific Tech), Philippines; De
La Salle University-Dasmarias, Philippines. Email: jmasagca@yahoo.com

Management of Financial Institutions Department, College of Business and Economics, De La Salle UniversityManila, Philippines.

Masters in Public Administration Program, San Jose Christian College, San Jose City, Philippines
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Masagca,J.T.,Masagca,M.T.&Chunxiang,M.(2009).
EnhancingGovernanceoftheBarangay:Reflectionsof
Academics,JOAAG,Vol.4.No.2

Introduction
Ingeneral,governancereferstothetaskofrunningagovernment,oranyotherappropriatesubset
ofthegovernmententitywhetherthenational,regional,provincial,cityandlocalforthatmatter.It
is the sound exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority to manage a countrys
resources for development. As defined by ADB (1995) and noted by Sto. Tomas and Mangahas
(2002),governanceinvolvestheinstitutionalizationofasystemthroughwhichcitizens,institutions,
organizations, and groups in the society articulate their interests. In recent years, the concept of
governance has gained attention and momentum in the academic circle and has diversified its
meaning into a very dynamic concept. This paper presents the views of selected academics on
transparency and participation in the basic political unit (BPU) of the Philippines (locally known as
theBarangay).Transparencyinoperationisregardedascentraltogoodgovernanceleadingtothe
attainment of maximum participation of the community. As the core principle in governance,
transparency links how the local residents and BPU officials are held accountable for their actions
anddecisionsinrelationtotheirrolesinthecommunityinwhichtheylive.Studiesdealingwithviews
of academics on local governance could be insightful for practical recommendations in promoting
transparencyandmaximizingparticipationvisavisthemanagementofhighereducationinstitutions
(HEI)withtheiracademicprogramsandotherstakeholdersonpublicadministration,leadershipand
governance.
AccordingtoDelica(1999)thekeyelementsofgoodlocalgovernanceistransparencyinoperation,
accountability to the people whom elected officials vowed to serve and commitment to citizens
maximumparticipation.Goodlocalgovernancemustdepictanimagethatisacceptabletothelocal
peopleandpositiveroleexpectationstothegeneralpublic.Forinstance,Dy(2001)revealedthatthe
imageofthePhilippinegovernmentasaninformationandtechnology(IT)employerisfarfromthe
idealbecausetheratingsgivenbyITprofessionalswereeithernegativeorlowpositive,showingan
unfavorable image. Further to this, Claustro (2001) discovered that factors contributing to the
positive image of the government were political influence, social recognition, and job security. In
contrast, physical working conditions, public exposure, interpersonal relationships, career
advancement,meaningfulworkandcompensationcontributedtothenegativeratings.
On the requisites of good local governance, Etemadi (2004) speculated that sustained non
governmental organization or NGO advocacy and participation produces better results and
promotesinclusivegovernance.Participationasavitalelementingovernanceprovidedtheavenues
ofconsolidatedpopularsupportfromthelocalpeoplewithouttheaidofmutuallyrewardingties,a
strongpoliticalmachineoramonopolyofpower.Theexperienceofacitylocalgovernmentofficial
inBicolRegion,Philippineswhosecuredthemaximumtermofofficeandimprovedthelivesofhis
constituentsbysettinganewstandardingovernance.AneGovernancereport(seeRobredo2006),
notethatastronglocalcommitmenttotransparency,accountabilityandparticipation(ashallmarks
of good governance) can transform the use of information and communication technology (ICT)
frombeingconventionalmanagementtoolstoeffectiveinstrumentsforengagingordinarycitizens.
This is an instance that the principle of transparency through ICT becomes a tool to empower
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Academics,JOAAG,Vol.4.No.2

citizens toward attainment of the goals and objectives of local government units (LGU). Several
initiativesonlocalgovernanceexploredtheengagements(orparticipation)ofPhilippinecivilsociety
at the local (subnational) level of governance, that primarily facilitated by the advent of the
decentralizationlawinthePhilippinesin1991(Abros2003).
TheBarangayisthebasicpoliticaloradministrativeunitinthePhilippines,totallingtoabout42,000
alloverthe archipelago(Abros2003).AlllevelsoflocalgovernmentinthePhilippinesexercisethe
following general functions and powers on efficient service delivery, management of the
environment, economic development, and poverty alleviation. Republic Act No. 7160 or Local
GovernmentCodeof1991)providesempowermentforBPUs(seeVillarinet.al2002).Successinlocal
governancecanbemeasuredastohowLGUorBPUofficialsreducetheincidenceofpoverty.ADB
(2005) claimed that the absence of good governance is the reason why third world countries
continue to fail in their efforts at poverty reduction and in their quest for economic and human
development.Similarreportsunderscoredthestronglinkbetweenthetransparencyingovernance
andpoverty(UNDPHABITAT2004).
The various concepts, insights and notions on BPU governance elaborated some criteria of good
governanceandthecomponentsofBPUgovernance.Thereviewgaveusaclearviewonthenature,
characteristics and qualities of governance as it relates to the notions of transparency,
accountability, participation, and adherence to the rule of law. Thus, this inquiry involved the
selected academics (both academic teaching and academic service faculty) to elicit from them
perspectives on local governance of BPU and community development that followed a qualitative
approachoflivelyconversation.
Conceptual/TheoreticalFramework
Wefoundthattheconceptofpostmodernisminpoliticscouldbeanappropriateframeworkaswell
as the paradigm of postmodern critical theory (Lindlof & Taylor 2002, Rowling 2008). Although,
Philippinepoliticsisnotyettotallyimmersedintothepostmodernistcondition(Aguas2001),thereis
atendencythatminutebutgenuinenarrativesinthefunctioningoftheBPUdoexist.Itisaviewof
this paper that in the design or crafting of programs and projects (P&P) for BPU, the need for a
renewed notion of postmodernism in politics is well recognized. Even in reconstrcuting the
conditionsintheBPU,theparadigmofpostmoderncriticaltheoryisclearlyvaluableinthepursuance
ofthisinquiry.
ConsideringthefactthatPhilippinepoliticsisinatransitionstate,historyindicatesthatpoliticshas
operatedwithintheinstitutionalparametersthatoftenlimitedandshapedinteractionstofactionsof
the elite, who had always held on tightly to the reins of power (Simbulan 2007). It seems that it
would certainly require a postmodernist framework both in politics and critical theory in order to
addressamultitudeofneedsinthedynamicPhilippinesociety.Thereisnorealrepresentationand
participationthatexistforthepeople,asstressedbySimbulaninaworkoncontemporarypolitics
inthePhilippines(Araoetal.2007).
Inpostmoderncriticaltheory,itisrecognizedthatsocialproblemsarepoliticizedbysituatingthem
inhistoricalandculturalcontexts,toimplicatethemselvesintheprocessofcollectingandanalyzing
data,andtorelativizetheirfindings(Lindlof&Taylor,2002,p.52).Meaningitselfisseenasunstable
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Academics,JOAAG,Vol.4.No.2

duetotherapidtransformationinsocialstructures.Thisisthereasonwhythisinquirywascentered
on local manifestations rather than broad generalizations. Subscribing to Rollings (2008) critical
work, we attempted to characterize BPU governance by the notion of crisis in representation
which rejects the idea that a researchers work is considered an objective depiction of a stable
other (Lindlof & Taylor 2002). In most postmodern reports, scholars have adopted alternatives
thatencouragereflectionaboutthepoliticsandpoeticsoftheirwork.
Lyotard (1984) gave a specific form and character to the postmodern condition in his analysis of
social change and transformation in contemporary societies. It is in this discourse that our inquiry
focusesonthenotionofthechanging(orreconstructed)natureofknowledgeintheBPUwherein,
differences between narrative knowledge and scientific knowledge are evident. Another kind of
knowledge is found in narratives. As used in our study, presentation of the key informants
narrationofexperiences,discussion,andtosomeextenttheenumerationofindividualtalesabout
BPUgovernanceconsistsoftheknowledgefoundinnarratives.
Finally,thisinquirysubscribedtothebodyofthoughtthateventsaregovernednotbyuniversallaws
of cause and effect, but instead, by human intentions and by multiple concurrent and interacting
influences.,Themeaningoftheseeventscanbeunderstoodonlywithintheircontext;andthatthe
detailed descriptions of the full range of these interactions and dynamics are the only way to
accuratelyrepresenttheseeventsandtheirmeanings(Bolster1983;Stake1978).Humanknowledge
tendstostoretheirownknowledgeinnarrativeform(Bruner1985;Connelly&Clandenin1990),that
narratives capture life in the way that it is experienced. This study therefore, emphasized on the
personal stories of the academics with experiences in various programs and projects (P&P) in the
BPU,livingnear BPUoffices(orbarangayhalls) and those who are knowledgeable aboutthelocal
governance setting within and outside the Barangay whose stories can gain the attention to
practitioners,researchersandpolicymakersonlocalgovernanceandcommunitydevelopment.
Methodology
We used the qualitativeethnographic research approach involving key informant interviews, field
work, storytelling, the use of narratives, and reviewing some secondary data. Field observations
were carried out in various areas with the support of research assistants and local area resident
facilitator (LARF) by interviewing ten (10) key informants or respondentacademics (Academic
Teaching Faculty [ATF] and Academic Service Faculty [ASF]) from various schools in Luzon,
Philippines.Purposivelyselectedkeyinformantswereevaluatedbasedonexperienceasmemberof
the Lupon ng Barangay (Barangay Council), involvement in community leadership as adviser or
committee chairperson of programs and projects; and the overall knowledgeability on local
governance in the Philippines. In the selection process, each prospective key informant together
withtheLARFwasrequestedtorecommendotherATFandASFinthevicinityofBPUswhocouldbe
involved. Suitability was determined based on the criteria given earlier for final selection and the
informationfromtheLARF.Thefollowingarethequestionsthatguidedtheinquiry:1.)Whatarethe
views on good governance in the BPU (barangay), in terms of transparency in operation and
maximizingcommunityparticipation?2.)Howdotheseacademicsperceiveaboutthegeneralimage
of the BPU in empowering the local people to propose and design program and projects for
protectionfrompotentialrisksordangersduringnaturalandmanmadeoccurrences?3.)Howcan
weenhancelocalgovernanceoftheBPUinthePhilippinesbyproposingP&P?
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Certain properties of storytelling or conversation (kwentuhan or pakikipagkwentuhan in the

Filipinolanguage),anancientmethodofconveyingideasandimages,wasemployedinthepresent
study.Thisethnographic techniqueis anaturallyoccurringphenomenonorprocessof sharing and
telling stories among individuals to figure out or to make sense about their world and their
experiences.AccordingtoJavier(2004)kwentuhan(literally,storytellingintheFilipinolanguage)is
anoccasionforexchangeofinformation,ideas,insightsandindividualexperiences.Thisisbasicallya
livelyandalwaysahappygroupdiscussioninwhichtheparticipantsareactivelyinvolved(suchasin
the classroom, in the public market, over meals and while resting in their abode as well as the
workplace. The educative aspect of this process allows individuals to share personal experiences
withothersandmakeideaspartofthecollectiveknowledgeofacommunity(McEwan&Egan1995;
Mello2001).Moreover,storiesarehailedbypractitionersandtheoristsasimportantteachingtools
thatassistinpsychosocialandimaginativegrowth(Bettelheim1977;Bruner1990).Inresearch,story
tellingcanbesituatedattheheartofmeaningmaking(orconstructivism)andthebroaderaspectof
educativeinquiry.
Thisinquiryincludesaseriesofconversationandinterviewsusingasemistructuredquestionnaireas
a general guide that involved the academics as to how they view governance of the BPU that
enunciatetheelementsof1.)transparencyinoperation,and2.)maximizingcommunityparticipation.
In case studies, the small number of participants allow for particularization or illustration of the
uniqueness of the individual cases as viewed by the academics. There was a tendency to undergo
contextualizationandsubsequentgeneralizationduringtheinvestigation.Duringthecourseofthe
study,manyadhocquestionswereaskedduringinformalinterviews.Thesewerecarriedoutonfield
work together with the LARF whenever or wherever possible over meals, during snacks in the
canteen, on the corridors of government halls and in public places. In certain cases, telephone or
cellularphoneswereusedintheinterviewsoftheresearchassistantswiththeLARF(thatensured
trustworthiness and validity of the responses) to compensate for the absence of the researchers
duringworkinghours.Therewerereflectionsmade,andthestudyattemptedtokeeptheparticipant
identities with confidentiality. In gathering data, quotations representing discovered constructs or
concepts were placed together to form narratives. These stories, episodes or narratives are
containedwithintheindentedsummaries.Indealingwithhumansubjectsthatincludecontroversial,
sensitive or conflicting views, we decided to just remove, erase and completely destroy the
audiotapesandotherrecords.
ThestudytookplacefromFebruary,2007toMarch,2008.Inpursuingtheresearchproblem,extant
literature related to governance and those available in the world wide web were used. During the
initialphase,anethnographicobservationwascompletedbyoneoftheauthors,inseletedBPUsof
Luzon. This field work/community immersion was fulfilled to establish familiarity with the overall
operationsofBPUs,specificallyonthefunctionsenumeratedbyVillarinetal.(2002).
ResultsandDiscussion
Profilesofthekeyinformantsoracademicsasto gender,age,educationalattainmentandreligious
affiliation
Ten(10)academics(5femalesand5males)wereinvolvedinourqualitativestudy(seeTable1).All
ourkeyinformantshavealreadyobtainedtheirfirstdegreesorBSc/BAdegrees.Onlyoneinformant
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has received a postgraduate or postbaccalaureate (e.g. MA or doctorate degree). The other

participants are still pursuing their masters degrees. As to their religious affiliation, six informants
areRomanCatholics,3informantsareBornAgainChristiansandonly1isamemberoftheChurchof
Christ(IglesianiKristo).
Table1
SummaryofCharacteristicsoftheKeyInformants

Code
Age
EducationalQualifications
Religiousaffiliation
KIF1
25
WithBSdegree
RomanCatholic
KIF2
31
BAwithMAunits
IglesianiKristo(ChurchofChrist)
KIF3
38
BSwithMSunits
BornAgainChristian
KIF4
48
PhDcandidate
RomanCatholic
KIF5
56
WithBSdegree
Christian
KIM1
26
WithBAdegree
RomanCatholic
KIM2
29
Withmastersdegree
RomanCatholic
KIM3
47
Withdoctoratedegree
RomanCatholic
KIM4
54
WithunitsinMA
RomanCatholic
KIM5
57
WithUnitsinMA
BornAgainChristian

LegendKIF=Keyinformantfemale;KIM=Keyinformantmale
Although, the demographics of age, schooling and religious affiliation were known to have some
influenceinthinkingandperceptions,thisinquirydidnotdealonsuchvariables.Inordertoremove
bias,thesamenumberofkeyinformantswasallottedforbothgenders.Wenotethatmostofthe
females gave more of the negative images about governance compared to the males who were
reluctant enough at the instance to narrate some negative views on transparency in operation.
Several notions were gathered for both genders, but the most controversial ones came from the
female subjects. This may not be the trend if some issues were discussed during the study. In
general,thebrightsideofBPUgovernancewasalsoshownintheresults.
Views on governance of BPU in terms of transparency in operation and maximizing community
participation
Insights were gathered from the academics by giving concrete examples of how they viewed the
relationshipsoftheofficialswithlocalpeople.Toprotectanonyminityandraisesomeaspectsofthe
dark side of governance the true identities of the officials and the exact location remain
undisclosed.KIM3saidthat:
During campaigns to fight alcoholism, gambling, and drug pushing or addiction I
found out that the local community greatly participated in identifying from the
community who are suspected perpetrators in the neighborhood I learned that
theevenbarangayofficialsarealsoinvolvedinsomeillegalactivitiesIfaconcerned
citizen or local individual reported to the barangay hall by calling the hot line, the
officials whose children and siblings are also involved on certain bad practices (e.g.
substanceordrugpushing/addiction,alcoholism,gamblingandevenkidnapping)are
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not seen with the team of local officials visiting the suspects or raiding hot spot
areas... However, in a very recent military raid in our place, one of the barangay
officialspretendedtobeinnocentofwhatisgoingoninourplacethesaidofficial
evenchatwiththemilitarypeopleduringthesaidevent.Itisverycommendablethat
our new barangay captain upon assumption of his duties acted on the problem of
drug pushing and addiction It is known in our barangay, they (officials) acted
immediatelyonthereportsaboutdrugtradenowithassignificantlybeenreduced.
[KIM3]
Asapillaringovernance,transparencyallowsstakeholderstogatherinformationthatmaybecritical
touncoveringabusesanddefendingtheirinterests.Theabovenarrationleadsustopointoutthat
accesstoinformationisimportantinthepromotionoftransparencywhenBPUofficialsarealleged
to have connections regarding the unlawful activities. Transparency in operation ensures the
availability of information to the public and clarity about government rules, regulations, and
decisions(Sto.Tomas&Mangahas2002;ADB2002).Itisaconceptthatrelatestothenotionofnon
discriminatoryandnoselectivepractice(Lundberg2002;ADB2005).Asaprincipleingovernance,it
canbeviewedthatduringP&Pimplementation,theseBPUorlocalofficialsdespitetheinvolvement
of their children or relatives in unlawful ways can achieve great success in eradicating the illegal
practices by observing more transparency in the operation and maximizing participation of people
whowerepreviouslyengagedinthoseclandestineactivities.Moreover,inteviewsrevealthatthere
areBPUofficialswhostillcontinueandpretendtoparticipateinthecampaignsdespitetheirpetty
andfullinvolvementandclandestineengagementinillegaltransactions.Someofficialsappeartobe
ignoring the negative feedback from their past lives or family connections about controversial
programstoeradicatetheseillegalactivities.
IntryingtorelatecapabilitieswithtransparencyandparticipationKIM1saidthatatthetimewhen
thedevolutionofpowershappenedin1991,therewereseveralproblemsthatwereencountered.
I was in the province thenand I could see the difficulties that my aunt (Barangay
Captain)experiencedtryingtostudythenewLocalCodeof1991.Ifeelthatshewas
not knowledgeable about the powers given to the barangay particularly on the IRA
(Internal Revenue Allocations). As I sense it, she did not know anything about the
mechanisms involved In other words, lack of capability of this barangay captain
was the prime reason for her inefficiency... however, looking into the element of
transparency,itwasverycleartomethattheofficialswereopenenoughtodiscuss
about IRAandwouldbewillingtocarryoutdialogueswiththepeopleonwhereto
usetomoneywhetherinfloodcontrolprojectsorwellnessprojects.[KIM1]
This experience of KIM1 in the lack of capacities link to the reports of ADB (2002) and Lucas and
Tolentino(2002).Indeedsomeofficialsarenotknowledgeableaboutthethingsthattheydointheir
workasofficialsofBPUs.ItprovidesimportancetothelackofknowledgeaboutBPUfunctionsand
even the basic skills in writing minutes of meetings, BPU Resolutions and Certifications. When
transparency is promoted, citizen empowerment follows. Having the necessary and appropriate
capabilities, BPU officials and the residents can participate, negotiate, influence, control and hold
accountablefortheirleadersandinstitutionsthataffecttheirlives.
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SimilartothestudyofLucasandTolentino(2002),wenotethateffectiveparticipationbytheleaders
can be seen in their ability to assert their rights and present new ideas during regular meetings.
Likewise,thenegotiationormediationskillswithotherLGUofficials(cityorprovincialofficials)and
howtheymobilizetheirconstituentsduringassembliesarerequiredskillsthatoficialsmustpossess.
As stressed by Grindle and Hildebrand, the four most widely cited capabilities are institutional,
technical,administrativeandpoliticalcapacity.Thesecapabilitiesthatneedtobedevelopedbythe
public sector are essentials in order to undertake and accomplish the appropriate tasks/functions
assigned to BPUs. In our study, the academics identified lack of technical and administrative
capacities as indicators that related to coherent policy framework and the socalled administrative
microcultureasdescribedinextantliterature.Wecouldgeneralizethatinformedleadersandcitizens
about statutes and policies on local governance can be better equipped to deal with issues and
concerns,opportunities,andexercisetheirrights.
In strengthening local capacities, Delica (1999) formulated the strategy to institutionalize the
participatory principle in local governance. In the context of risk management, good governance
should enunciate the principles of transparency, accountability and participation. It is known that
participationisimportantonenhancingpeoplesaccesstoandinfluenceonpublicpolicyprocesses.
Akeydimensioninthisprincipleisanchoredcarringoutdevelopmentforandbythepeople.These
principlesareexpectedtobemanifestedinperformingthevariousfunctionsofBPUs.
Duringourinterviews,thekeyinformantswereaskedtolookforthevariousactivitiesoftheBPUor
toconsiderthevariousfunctionsofthedifferentBPUbodies.Apparently,theydidnotelaborateon
theworkoftheprequalification,bidsandawardscommitteesinceonlyoneofthekeyinformants
wasdirectlyinvolvedinthisfunction.Moreover,itappearsthatsomecontroversialcomponentscan
bebroughtoutthatourinformantsdecidednottodiscuss.
Itisevidentinliteraturethattransparencyfacilititatesthemaximizationofcommunityparticipation,
butitappearstobelimitedasnarratedbyKIF3.
Even at the barangay level, good governance will be evident if community
participationintheidentificationofthevariousneedsofthelocalpeoplesuchas:(i)
programs and projects that will reduce criminality, robbery, alcoholism and drug
addiction in the neighborhood; (ii) projects that deal with sources of water during
fires and other disasters; (iii) projects on peace and order; and (iv) projects on
environmentalprotection.[KIF3]
Inanothernarration,KIF1saidthat:
In our community, I believe that clear mechanisms do not exist that would allow
thelocalpeopleorthevariousstakeholdersmaximizeinvolvementindesigningand
implementingplansintendedtomaintainpeaceandorderinthecommunity.[KIF1]
Planning and imposition of curfew hours in the locality became a part of the P&P without
considering the various risks or potential risks of trying to militarize or terrorize the whole
community. This is manifested by the constant visitation or monitoring of the areas under
surveillance. Ostensibly, the informants believe that BPU community watchers and other security
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personnelwerenotproperlygivenorientationastothegeneralpurposeorgoalofimposingcurfew
hoursinthecommunity.
Inamorecontroversialnote,theyouthcouncilintheBPUsunderconsiderationisexpectedtohave
greatimpactingoodgovernance;however,ourinquirydiscoveredthatthepresenceoftheyouth
committee or youth council in the BPU does not render positive and excellent addition and
contributiontolocalgovernance.AccordingtoKIF3andKIF5,
The addition of another sector in local governance involving the youth, creates
more problems rather than provide facilitation, solutions or ease in eradicating
bottlenecksincommunitydevelopment.Theyouthcouncil...appearstohavefailed
toreachouttotheoverallneedsofthelocalpeopleinthelocality.Theyouthwere
very much preoccupied with activities that are not really meant to deal with
serious endeavors such as the enhancement of the economic conditions of the
area,reducingcriminalitiesandimprovementofpeaceandorder.Although,socio
culturally and other aspects are targeted by these youth members, it shows that
the development is lopsided towards the leisurely and capricious needs and
questionableprojectsoftheyouthandnotthewholecommunity.[KIF3andKIF
5]
IntheirattempttobeinvolvedintheoverallactivitiesoftheBPU,theyouthaccordingtoKIF3tend
to be focused on disbursing their finances by supporting activities such as sports, cleaning,
beautification,streetdances,religiousacitivitieslikesantacruzanorMayFlowerFestival,picnicsin
localresortsandevendrinkingboutsinthesociedadorsosyudad,aninformalgroupwhichmeets
every weekend for wine or tuba (from coconut) drinking sessions and money collection. Fewer
projects are geared towards educating the local people on improving the economic and livelihood
activitiesofthelocalpeople.
Onapositivenote,KIM5furthersaidthat:
I am glad that both young and old appreciated the welllighted areas of the
community as well as the different boxes and cans that are used for garbage
collectionwhentheyoungonesseethattheBarangayofficialsarebusycleaning
the garbage areas, they tend to come/approach or situate nearer and show
willingnesstohelptheoldones.TheyareevenactivelyinvolvedintheAtag(a
formorsytemofvoluntaryparticipationinthePhilippines).[KIM5]
Empowering the local people to propose and design P&P for protection from potential risks or
dangers
Based on the results of the interviews conducted, it seems to us that the real image and genuine
participationcannotbeseenintheBPUinasingleshotinvestigation.ThesizeablenumberofBPUs
of the country as the basic agency providing services to individuals is assumed to have substantial
impactonthegeneralimageoflocalgovernanceofthecountry.Specifically,aprovisioninputting
upstreetlampsorilluminationsystem,theimmediateactiongiventothisconcerncouldbeperhaps
due to the greater latitude given by the local officials to the local people in planning and the
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implementation ofprojects.Thereis astrongsupport fromvarioussectors and eventhemayorof

the municipality by extending assistance in putting up street lamps as revealed by the academics
(e.g.KIM4).Moreover,lookingattheconceptofpatronageorallianceinpolitics(seeDelica1999
andEtemadi2004);itcanbepresumedthatthepoliticalalliancebetweentheBPUchairperson(or
BarangayCaptain)andthecitymayorhascertainlyhelpedtofacilitatephysicalimprovementsinthe
community.KIM4hasthistosay,
Iwassurprisedwhytherewerelotsofdonorsandpledgesforthevariousprograms
and projects of the BPU, particularly in improving the environmental conditions or
maintainingsanitationduringcommunityassembliesweareallowedtodiscussour
problems and articulate to the officials about the illeffects of having a dirty
environmentIamalsohappythatsomemembersoftheneighborhoodsaremore
organizedthantheothersandtheyhavetheirownsetofofficersthatcertainstreet
ofblockthateasilyfacilitatedtheimplementationoftheprojectonstreetlighting.[
KIM4]
ThestoryofaKIF5emeplifiedempowermentbygivingthelocalpeoplethechancetodecidewho
providestheresources(i.e.woodenandbamboopoles,lightbulbs,etc.)forastreetlightingproject.
All stakeholders worked together in the installation of the street lights. After proposing and
generating the needed resources it points to the fact that peace and order and protection of the
local people from burglars are salient concerns that needed immediate attention. If a project gets
the attention of both the officials and the local people, this means that there is urgency of such
concernwhichwouldnotmeantohavelengthydeliberationduringassemblies.
In dealing with controversial issues, there was considerable opposition that could be felt. An
exampleisthe storyof KIF2in dealingwithstraydogsand theparkingofvehicles alongtheroad
whichneededsomepreferentialattention.
Icouldnotreallyunderstandwhytheofficialsdidnotbothertosupporttheclamorof
theneighborhoodwhenItriedtosuggesttoreporttothecityhallthoseownersof
vehiclesparkedalongtheroadIwassoignorantthatmostoftheofficialsandthe
ones attending the meeting have vehicles parked along the roadI was already
becoming very disrespectful by shouting to the presiding officer during a meeting
thatthisisanurgentmattertobedealtwithandIgotverycoldresponsesfrom
theattendeesnotknowingthatIwasaloneinmyplight.[KIF2]
Asrevealedbytheacademics,thelocalpeopleandmoresotheBPUofficialsarealsoveryselectiveof
theissuestobetackledingeneralassemblies.Thenotionofnonselectiveandnondiscriminatoryin
theelementoftransparencycouldberegardedassignificanthere.
Inourinquiry,KIF2notedthat:
Thebarangaycaptainandthecouncilorsseeminglydidnotknowwhattodowhena
fireguttedaunitintheneighborhoodInotherwords,theabilitytooperationalize
thedisastercommitteeandhowitshouldcoordinatewiththeotheragenciesofthe
governmentwasnowheretobefoundduringcertaindisasters.[KIF2]
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Masagca,J.T.,Masagca,M.T.&Chunxiang,M.(2009).
EnhancingGovernanceoftheBarangay:Reflectionsof
Academics,JOAAG,Vol.4.No.2

The above narration goes back to the issue on the lack of capabilities of the BPU officials in the
exerciseoftheirdutiesduringemergencies.Ondisasterpreparedness,BPUofficialsareexpectedto
harness and maximize the existing human resources in the community by carrying out human
resource inventory of how many or whether these expertise are available or not. When a natural
hazard is expected to be felt (typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, fires, etc.), there is already well
established,welldesignedandwellorganizedDisasterCoordinatingCouncilorCommittees.
Surveyed literature revealed that local authorities are left to themselves in setting up the disaster
coordinating committees. The narratives highlight that BPU authorities have limited capabilities
(both technical and administrative) and skills in organizing the committee, possibly lacking the
coordinating skills. Much worse, is the condition of the inadequacy of material resources, as
observedinallgovernmentallevels(Aguirre2005).

In reducing certain potential problems or risks, the urgent need to consider a welldefined
managementplanandtargetsfortheutilizationofcommunityresourcesisnowheretobefoundin
somerecordsoftheBPU.Thelukewarmtreatment,lackandevenabsenceofthedesiredassistance
provided by the BPU officials during complaints and reports of incidents on peace and order from
the local people will spell out the difference in the efficiency of the needed participation of the
community.ParticipatorymechanismsattheBPUlevelshouldbeclearenoughinordertomaximize
communityparticipation.ForinstanceKIF4complainedaboutanaltercation,
Iwastryingtoconvincetheofficerofthedayinthecommunityhallthatsomethingis
happening in the neighborhood, but I did not receive a positive response It was
onlyatextmessageandfollowedupwithacallthatIsentandIwasthinkingthatit
wasreceivedwell(bytheincharge)andcouldbeacteduponuntilthetimethatthe
culpritsweregone.[KIF4]
The above incident is an act of indecisiveness since the officer of the day is only an Officer In
ChargeWhoconsidereditwasnotaseriousincidentandcouldhavesentnoticetothenearestpolice
station.
ProposedprogramsandprojectstoenhancelocalgovernanceoftheBPU
Clearly,theaforementionednarrativesthattheissuesandconcernsinthelocalgovernanceofBPU
give emphasis to the critical importance and sense of urgency of building upon the hard earned
benefits of being part of the bureaucracy. It is widely known that at the time when functions are
devolvedintheLGUs,thereappearstobegreaterchallengesthattheseofficialsmusthaveasthey
servedtheirconstituencies.Itcannotbedeniedthatdespitethenegativeimageofthegovernment
(Claustro 2001, Dy 2001), it seems that the gains derived from the narratives give them the
consolation to continue improving the performance by ensuring good governance of BPUs. The
findingsofADB(2005)indicatetheabsenceofgoodgovernanceinLGUs,yettherearescenariosin
this studythat appearstobesomewhatdifferent.Previousreportsthat show the bleak imagesof
local governance may not be supportive of the reflections of the academics in our inquiry.
Notwithstanding, to certain negative meaning of the voices presented, the gains of continuously
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Masagca,J.T.,Masagca,M.T.&Chunxiang,M.(2009).
EnhancingGovernanceoftheBarangay:Reflectionsof
Academics,JOAAG,Vol.4.No.2

providing capacity building initiatives for the local officials on governance could be a good
alternativeinthecomingyears.TheoverallpictureofgovernanceofBPUhasyettobedescribedina
morecomprehensiveandprofoundtreatment.Ourstudy,however,putsforththatthereisapositive
imageaheadregardingtransparencyandmaximizingcommunityparticipationoftheBPUs.
Consistentwiththeextantliterature,althoughpatronagerelationshipoftheheadorchairpersonof
theBPU andthemunicipal mayor appearstohavenegativeimplications. Ourdatarevealspositive
impacts on the successful pursuance of P&Ps and reduction in the completion time. As seen in a
study of Spanish welfare services (Calzada & Pino 2008), the perennial problem of inadequate
materialandhumanresourceswasalsoobservedinBPUs.TheacademicssuggestedP&Pson:
a. trainingandhandsonseminarsoncapacitybuilding;
b. certain provisions to undertake regular activities on harnessing and maximizing the
capabilities of local officials in cooperation with the various groups or organizations
involvedinresearchanddevelopmentoflocalgovernance;
c. provisions for building upon the hard earned achievement of the officials and the benefits
beingprovidedtothelocalofficials;and
d. the pursuance of budget allocation and concrete provisions on merit and recognition of
achievementintheBPUtoenhancegoodgovernanceinthecountry.
AstothealternativeforcontinuoustrainingandhandsonseminarsforcapacitybuildingoftheBPU
officials and local people, higher education institutions (HEIs) have invariably attracted clients to
participate in seminars and/or courses offered regularly and those with nominal duration. Several
HEIs with public administration programs engaged in several extramural programs on government
accounting,localgovernanceandpublicpolicy.WenotedthatBPUofficials(BarangayTreasurerand
Secretary)displayedkeenintenttoenrolintheBookkeepingwithNationalCertificateLevelIII(NC
III)toenhancetheircapacities,providedthattheBPUandthemunicipalofficialswiththesupportof
the Philippine League of Barangays will finance such undertaking which is not within the BPUs
operationalbudget.
Wewouldalsoliketoemphasizethatastrongpublicprivatepartnershipneedstobestrengthened
for enabling linkages which can eventually assist small and even fledgling private HEIs in the
provinces that develop their faculty while being cohost or convenor of these capacity building,
monitoringandevaluationinitiativesforBPUprojects.Thisiswithinthebeliefthattransparencyhas
to motivate collective efforts and participation in building a strong academic community by
identifying and enabling all stakeholders, including the LGUs towards the achievement of the
educationalgoalsfollowingacceptableprocesses,desiredresultsandoutcomesforthecommunity.
Worthwhile benefits would accrue from such working relations that would be supportive to
teaching,researchandfacultydevelopmentprogramsofsmallHEIsandcontinoushumancapacity
buildingintheBPUsinvolvingtheacademeandotherorganizations.
Conclusion
Our study points to some noteworthy perspectives of the academics as to the notion of good
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Masagca,J.T.,Masagca,M.T.&Chunxiang,M.(2009).
EnhancingGovernanceoftheBarangay:Reflectionsof
Academics,JOAAG,Vol.4.No.2

governance in the LGUs of the country, with implications on teaching, research,

consultancies/linkages and community services in public administration, government accounting,
localgovernanceandcommunitydevelopment.Perhapsmoreimportantly,itcanbeaddedthatthe
changesandsubsequentprogressofenhancingthecapabilitiesandskillsbeingprovidedbyvarious
HEIs and NGOs for the local officials towards improvement of dwelling units, increasing incomes,
improvement of the satisfaction indices, and making a peaceful, safe and progressive community.
ThesignificanceofmaintaininggoodgovernanceintheBPUinthePhilippinescannotjustbeignored
consideringthethemesofaccountabilityandadherencetotheruleoflawinlocalgovernance.
Since transparency and participation are affected by the lack of knowledge and capabilities of the
BPU officials, empirical studies can be carried out in order to determine the direct relation of
transparencyinoperationandincreasingtheeffectivenessandefficiencyofimplementingprograms
andprojects.Participationasanelementofgovernanceneedsmoreemphasisinfutureinvestigation
to assess how participation affects completion rates of BPU projects. Here we want to stress that
thepositiveviewofsomeaspectsofBPUgovernance.Thatiswhyseveralresearchprojectscanbe
fulfilledbyhavingcollaborativeregularmonitoringandevaluationofBPUprojectssponsoredbythe
variousHEIswithintheirservicearea.
Finally, regular activities of capacity building through trainings, workshops, courses with nominal
duration,anddegree or nondegree programstobepursuedintandemwiththe various academic
andnonacademicorganizationsinvolvedinlocalgovernancemustbeundertaken.Asanaddendum,
annual recognition or merit promotions in the BPU can be carried out in cooperation with NGOs,
LGUs,HEIs/HILsandotherbenevolentorganizations.Shorttermtolongtermcoursesconsistingon
thecompetenciesrequiredforBPUofficialscanbedesignedbyHEIsofCHEDandTESDAforspecific
jobsortradesneededbytheselocalofficials.

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