Government Units Research Articles

Climate Change Mitigation of Local Government Units (LGUs) in Basilan Province, Philippines

Climate Change Mitigation of Local Government Units (LGUs) in Basilan Province, Philippines

Reconnoitering LGU’s Potential as a Creative Innovation Center of Nueva Vizcaya Using CMCI

The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) has identified the promotion of creative hubs and clusters as a key strategy to develop and support Philippine Creative Cities. This study assessed the potential of local government units (LGUs) in the province of Nueva Vizcaya to serve as creative innovation centers, utilizing the 2022 and 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) results, with the purpose of developing strategic actions to assist the LGUs in strengthening their potential and promoting stronger linkages and collaborations among stakeholders in the creative industries and the government. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Percentile ranking was used to obtain the sum scores of the five main CMCI pillars – economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation – to visualize the LGUs’ potential as creative innovation centers, with the 50th percentile serving as the benchmark. Comparative analysis was also performed to evaluate the potential of the LGUs as creative innovation centers in the province and determine their respective strengths and weaknesses. The results showed that the municipality of Bayombong is considered the potential LGU for a creative innovation center. The province of Nueva Vizcaya presented more strengths in the resiliency and innovation pillars, but more weaknesses were seen in the infrastructure pillar. Based on these findings, the researchers crafted proposed strategic actions to enhance the LGUs’ potential as creative innovation centers.

The Assessment on the Flood Mitigation Strategies of the Local Government Unit of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte: A Basis for Policy Formulation

This study evaluates flood mitigation strategies implemented by the LGU of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, focusing on indicators such as Rehabilitation of River Banks, Bridges, Dredging, and Reforestation. Through random sampling in selected barangays, 377 respondents provided feedback, indicating Very High Descriptive Equivalents for all strategies. However, the detailed analysis identifies the Rehabilitation of River Banks as an area for improvement (mean score: 4.19), emphasizing the need for enhanced catchment drainage, floodwater capacity, and sediment yield reduction. Recommendations include regular maintenance of drainage channels, river widening, and the establishment of riparian buffer zones. Future research should explore flood-prone residents’ perceptions of LGU strategies. A proposed policy on River Bank Rehabilitation emphasizes an ecosystem-based, participatory approach to enhance resilience, increase public awareness, and promote sustainable development. Strategies encompass riparian vegetation restoration, bank stabilization, invasive species control, water quality improvement, floodplain management, and public education. Implementation rests with the LGU of Sto. Tomas and stakeholders, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and facilitate adjustments. This study provides valuable insights and a practical policy framework to enhance flood mitigation, specifically focusing on river bank rehabilitation in LGU-Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte.

The effect of decision making related rationalization on fraud and the mediating role of psychosocial work environment

This study aims to examine the influence of the psychosocial work environment on the proclivity for asset misuse in the context of local government management, with a focus on the perceptions of administrators in Central Sulawesi Province. Employing purposive sampling, a total of 39 government units constituted the study's population, with a final sample size of 114 participants, comprising administrators, officers, and managers. WarpPLS software was employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal a positive relationship between rationalization and the inclination toward asset misuse. Additionally, rationalization exhibits a negative impact on the psychosocial work environment. Finally, the psychosocial work environment demonstrates a negative influence on the propensity for asset abuse. These outcomes suggest that the psychosocial work environment plays a pivotal role in mitigating the inclination for asset misuse within the local government of Central Sulawesi Province. This research sheds light on the significance of fostering a positive psychosocial work environment to enhance decision-making processes and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activities in the management of government assets. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for the development of strategies to promote ethical and responsible asset management in local government entities.

Fuel Price Increase: Unveiling the Torments and Agonies of the Transportation Sector — Basis for Policy Formation

This study aimed to investigate the impact of oil price hikes on the transportation sector in Padada, Davao del Sur. Utilizing a phenomenological approach and qualitative design, purposive sampling was conducted among fourteen participants from various transportation sectors. Data was analyzed through Data Reduction, Data Display, and Conclusion Verification, with assistance from a data analyst. The findings indicate that rising fuel prices significantly affect livelihoods and lifestyles, highlighting the broader impact of global issues on local communities. Additionally, increased oil prices have led to fare adjustments, impacting passengers' monthly budgets. The study suggests that government programs to support local transportation owners and drivers and initiatives for domestic oil exploration could mitigate these effects. Budget constraints and fuel price stabilization policies were also identified as relevant considerations for public administration. Consequently, it is recommended that the Local Government Unit of Padada, Davao del Sur, propose policies to address the impact of oil price increases on the transportation sector. Additionally, revising and strengthening Municipality Ordinance 003, Series of 2009, which allows for passenger fare adjustments based on daily oil prices, is advised.

Meeting The Information Needs of Refugees from Ukraine In Light of The Results of The Pilot Study

In conducting their research, the authors used quantitative and qualitative methods. They reached out to Ukrainian citizens, whom they invited to a survey prepared in Ukrainian. The aim of the survey was to determine how the respondents obtain the information they need to function in a country that is “foreign” to them, and how they evaluate it in the context of the new, difficult life situation in which they found themselves as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The article also analyzed the statutory obligations imposed on local government units that experienced an unprecedented influx of refugees on this scale, and which dealt with this phenomenon by starting with the organization of a system for informing newcomers about the forms of support possible for them. The authors of the article, assumed that an efficient and effective process of informing refugees arriving in Poland is one of the pillars of managing the migration process and ensuring an acceptable level of security for Ukrainian citizens, as well as Polish citizens. Analyzing the results of the survey, an attempt was made to illustrate the actions of public administration bodies in Poland in the face of the migration crisis and the possibilities of integrating newcomers into the host society. This issue is extremely important in the context of contemporary development challenges, including migration processes, identified in the country’s strategic documents, which may turn into crises caused by such causes as war, famine, climate change, among others, and recur in the coming years.

Needs Assessment for Improved Local Governance in Samar: Basis for the Development of Extension Programs

Despite ranking among the top 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines for two decades, Samar Island Province has the potential for a brighter future. This study, conducted by Samar State University’s Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance (SICGLG) in collaboration with the Graduate School Master of Public Management Program, identified key areas for improvement within Local Government Units (LGUs) through surveys and focus groups. Prioritizing accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness, the study paves the way for a comprehensive capacity-building program. This program will equip LGUs with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in these crucial areas, ultimately leading to improved service delivery, resource utilization, and a more empowered and prosperous Samar community.

Breaking Free from Plastic: The Philippines' Journey Towards Sustainable Consumption and Production

Plastic pollution presents a significant threat to global ecosystems, with the Philippines being a major contributor to ocean plastic waste. This environmental challenge endangers marine life, public health, and sustainability. The Philippines' No Plastic Policy is a strategic initiative aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production. SDG 12 aims to enhance resource efficiency, develop sustainable infrastructure, and reduce waste through prevention, recycling, and reuse. This study examined the No Plastic Policy implementation progress in the Philippines, focusing on Cabanatuan City. Data were collected from 260 participants, primarily adults and females, using a quantitative descriptive research design. A researcher-made survey questionnaire facilitated data collection, which was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. The findings indicate that residents largely adhere to the policy, motivated by the penalties imposed. However, challenges such as inefficient garbage collection, drainage maintenance issues, inadequate garbage trucks, and poor adoption of eco-friendly practices like using eco-bags persist. Despite the penal provisions, the study found that the penalties were not stringent enough to deter violations effectively. A comprehensive information campaign is necessary to improve waste management and disposal systems. The lack of funding was a critical barrier to systematic program management and implementation. Recommendations include enhanced enforcement, regular monitoring, and the promotion of biodegradable alternatives to strengthen policy efficacy. Stricter penalties and collaboration between barangay officials and local government units are essential for better compliance. The study underscores the importance of addressing the identified issues to optimize the impact of the No Plastic Policy, reduce plastic waste, and mitigate pollution. Future research should explore plastic waste management across various sectors to develop holistic, impactful solutions for local and national contexts.

Sport in the Activity of the Folk Sports Teams Province Association in Katowice in the Years 1952–1975

The aim of this study is to present sport in the activity of the Folk Sports Teams Province Association in Katowice in the years 1952–1975. The first units of Folk Sports Teams in the Upper Silesia territory and in the area of the Dąbrowa Coal Basin were established in 1946. During the time of its activity, the Folk Sports Teams Province Association could enjoy an increasing number of its units and members. It was especially true about the activity of District (local government unit) Councils of the Association in Będzin, Cieszyn, Kłobuck, Rybnik, Tarnowskie Góry. Once the number of units and members had grown, sports infrastructure developed as well, and there was a bigger number of training personnel, i.e.sports coaches, instructors, and sports sections. The sports activity focused to a great extent on the organization of mass events, among all, in the following disciplines: athletics, football, handball, volleyball, chess, table tennis and draughts. The contestants of the Folk Sports Teams Province Association in Katowice would achieve state and international success especially in such disciplines as sports acrobatics, cycling, tobogganing, skiing.

Implications of the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling on Local Health Systems.

The Supreme Court decision on the Mandanas-Garcia petition regarding the internal revenue allotment given to local government units is a significant ruling in strengthening the concept of decentralized governance and in the delivery of services. While the ruling grants local government greater resources and financial support, the immediate implication is the full devolution of services defined in the Local Government Code, including health services. The urgent concern is how much the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling will affect local health systems. Through a review of related documents and publications, this paper presents some existing and foreseeable issues surrounding the implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling in relation to the current devolved healthcare system. In particular, challenges in implementing the ruling in relation to health devolution, the local health system process, and the Universal Health Care Act are discussed. Some concrete action points for addressing these issues are also posited for policy-makers and implementors to consider in order to ensure not just the smooth and efficient implementation of the ruling but also the continuity of care for Filipinos.

Artificial intelligence and internal auditing and their role in evaluating the performance of government units: An applied study in the municipality of Diwaniyah

Artificial intelligence and internal auditing and their role in evaluating the performance of government units: An applied study in the municipality of Diwaniyah

Assessing the Perceived Benefits of Training and Development on Employee Performance in Municipal Financial Management Offices: A Case Study of Solano’s Local Government Unit

Assessing the Perceived Benefits of Training and Development on Employee Performance in Municipal Financial Management Offices: A Case Study of Solano’s Local Government Unit

Local Government Unit Initiative on Implementing Marine Protected Areas in Barangay Kamanga and Colon, Maasim Sarangani Province

This study assessed local government unit initiatives in implementing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Maasim, Sarangani Province. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness of MPA program implementers using the Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT), collected secondary data on coral reefs and reef fish conditions, conducted a community perception survey, and assessed socioeconomic impacts. Despite the establishment of MPAs and the adoption of related policies, knowledge gaps persist regarding their actual effectiveness in achieving conservation objectives. This study evaluated the management performance of two MPAs: Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary and Colon Marine Sanctuary. Employing a descriptive design, MEAT was used to assess their effectiveness. Results indicate that both MPAs were well-established, with robust stakeholder involvement and legal enforcement. However, Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary outperformed Colon Marine Sanctuary in areas such as patrolling, infrastructure, institutional support, and impact assessment. Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary received an "excellent" rating, while Colon Marine Sanctuary was rated "very good." Both MPAs have stable funding, but Colon Marine Sanctuary requires monitoring, communication, public engagement, and financial management improvements. The study also identified challenges from natural factors and human activities, including pollution and fishing. However, there is positive community awareness about MPAs, and fishers report benefits such as increased fish stocks.

Citizens' Awareness and Dissemination of Local Government Unit (LGU) Processes in General Santos City

This study examined citizen awareness of Local Government Unit (LGU) processes and their dissemination in General Santos City. The primary objectives are to identify gaps in awareness, uncover dissemination challenges, and propose improvement recommendations. A descriptive correlational research design was used, with quantitative data gathered from 390 randomly selected respondents across 26 barangays. Structured questionnaires measured awareness on a 5-point Likert scale and dissemination on a 4-point Likert scale. Findings indicate high awareness of basic services and facilities, land management, and revenue generation. Dissemination effectiveness was rated moderately high. The study found significant positive correlations between dissemination extent and citizen awareness, with strong correlations for basic services and moderate correlations for land reclassification and revenue generation. These positive correlations suggest a promising potential for improvement. The study concludes that improving the dissemination of LGU processes is crucial for fostering informed, engaged communities. Recommendations include targeted, community-specific, and technology-driven communication strategies to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local governance. These improvements are essential for more effective and responsive governance in General Santos City. The implications of this study suggest that enhancing dissemination practices can lead to better-informed citizens, promoting greater civic engagement and trust in local government.

Sustainable Livelihood Program in Selected Local Government Units of Rizal Province, Philippines: Basis for an Action Plan

This research assessed the Sustainable Livelihood Program's Micro-Enterprise Development Track, focusing on social preparation, resource mobilization, and participant mainstreaming while excluding pre-implementation, as beneficiaries still need to be involved at that stage. The researchers assessed beneficiaries' awareness and identified challenges faced by implementers. Data was gathered through cluster sampling from 150 out of 234 beneficiaries of Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Cainta in Rizal Province, Philippines, and nine implementers were purposefully selected. The findings indicated that the Seed Capital Fund was the primary assistance modality utilized by beneficiaries. However, beneficiaries had lower awareness of the two-day capability-building activities than other social preparation elements. Implementers encountered problems such as inadequate training evaluation tools, limited space, and the need for an SLP office. Although beneficiaries were generally aware that monitoring and assessment are crucial to government programs, challenges included insufficient contact information and unsustainable livelihood projects. An action plan was proposed to address these issues, focusing on enhancing the social preparation and program mainstreaming stages, using a mixed-method approach with a sequential explanatory design for data collection. By adopting this plan, program implementation may be enhanced. Additionally, the plan calls for follow-up studies to evaluate the livelihood program, assess its impact, and oversee the execution of the SLP Employment Facilitation Track, which remains part of the national government's SLP initiative.

Awareness and Implementation of RA 9292, DILG MC 2013-01, and Philippine Electronics Code among Local Government Units in Nueva Ecija

Awareness and Implementation of RA 9292, DILG MC 2013-01, and Philippine Electronics Code among Local Government Units in Nueva Ecija

Homemakers’ Participation in Household Decision Making

Purpose: This study is conducted to identify homemakers’ participation in household decision making who are the member of community-based organization.
 Methods: The study was conducted in ward no. 30 of Pokhara Metropolitan City, where the ward represents the smallest unit of local government. The study interviewed homemaker women who were participating in Community-based Organization. The primary data were collected from purposively sampled 120 homemaker women using structured closed ended questionnaires schedule. The collected data are processed and analysed in SPSS software where the test of association (The Chi square test) was performed to find the relationship among the variables of household decision making, together with social-economic and demographic variables.
 Findings: The findings show that homemakers included in study have actively participating in household decision making. The Chi square test result indicates that there is no association between age and number of children with level of homemakers’ participation in household decision making. Also, other demographic variables such as marital status, caste or ethnicity, education, and family type have no significance association with household decision making.
 Conclusion: From this study we can say that the participation level of the women in household decision making who are the member of community-based organization is high. The participation of women in community-based organization like women’s group, saving and cooperatives, community committees empower the women and support to build confident in household decision making.
 Keywords: Homemaker, Participation, Decision Making, Women, Community Based Organisation.
 Paper type: Research Paper

Nagari Madani: Islamic Favoritism and Religious Freedom in Regional Development in West Sumatera, Indonesia

The dominance of Islamism in West Sumatra has increasingly strengthened in the post-decentralization period, primarily through the implementation of regional government regulations with Sharia nuances. In contrast to previous studies about the relationship between adat (custom) and Sharia as Minangkabau identity, this study critically examines 1) the way Sharia-based custom is implemented by the Nagari government, which is the smallest unit of local government in West Sumatra; 2) its socio-political implications for religious freedom in the Nagari. This study takes the case of Agam Regency, which has explicitly issued Regent Regulation No. 74 of 2016 concerning the implementation of Nagari Madani. The regulation is a concrete step to realizing religious and traditional life in 82 Nagari, one of 16 sub-districts in the Religious District of West Sumatra. By applying the analytical framework of Grim and Finke on religious favoritism, this study shows that the Nagari Madani policy implemented in Agam Regency is a form of Islamic favoritism. This policy departs from the customary philosophy of adat basandi syara’, syara’ basandi Kitabullah (ABS-SBK), which presupposes that Islam is the primary and principal value for the life of all people in the West Sumatra region. Through the implementation of ABS-SBK, the spirit of Islamization of Minangkabau nature in the development of Nagari provides many conveniences for the majority of Muslims in developing Islamic teachings and accessing funding sources. However, this policy may exclude as fellow citizens who should have the same rights to practice their religion and access development facilities in the Nagari.

Transforming Philippine agriculture through Agriculture 4.0

Agriculture 4.0 has paved the way for Philippine agriculture through the One Department of Agriculture (One DA) Agenda. The government is slowly paving its way to Agriculture 4.0 through the support of collaborating countries and agencies. The increasing digital integration and advanced technologies emphasizing precision farming have contributed to the industry's growth. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors contributed 8.9% to the Philippines' GDP (PSA, 2022). Agriculture 4.0 also contributed to the increase in farm mechanization level of the country to 2.679 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha) from 2.31 hp/ha in 2013 (Bagoso, 2023). The government has recently developed a more straightforward approach to farming problems, such as monitoring farm activity through drones, remote sensing, and satellite technologies. The farmers can now access real-time updates on infrastructure and machinery projects from proposal to turning-over through ABEMIS. Using remote sensing and data analytics has become a game changer in agriculture, especially in weather prediction, forecast of future yields, disaster assessment and access to insurance schemes are available with PRiSM and RIICE projects. Drone use in different applications was strengthened through policies set by the DA. The continuous research for development and technology transfer with local government units through province-led agriculture and fisheries extension systems helps the government promote digital transformation in agriculture. Indeed, Agriculture 4.0 is the future of global agriculture and the engine of agriculture modernization in the Philippines.

A STUDY ON THE SPATIAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND TOURIST SITUATION OF SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES OF THE WEST POMERANIAN VOIVODESHIP

Aim: The aim of the article was to develop an original classification of municipalities in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, with particular emphasis on measuring local development, taking into account the de­velopment of health tourism. Methods: The research procedure consisted of the following stages: collection of data and assessment of their completeness for the West Pomeranian region, calculating the values of the indicators, constructing rankings of municipalities in a one-dimensional space of characteristics-indicators and distinguishing typological groups of municipalities similar in terms of the degree of development of the socio-economic and tourist situation. The classification of sub-regions was carried out using discriminant analysis. For this purpose, the indicators characterizing the socio-economic and tourist situation in the selected West Pomeranian Voivodeship municipalities were used, taking into account the division into municipalities: urban (1), rural (2), and urban-rural (3). The preliminary classification of the objects into groups, and thus the selection of the grouping variable, was carried out using the k-means method. The study used secondary data from the Local Data Base – GUS. Results: As a result of the survey, the analyzed local government units were divided into three groups. However, the presented results of the classification do not indicate the dependence of the improvement of socio-economic characteristics on the provision of tourism services in the municipality (including health tourism). Conclusions: Empirical studies show that the placement of munici­palities in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship reveals clear relationships between the territorial distribution of health tourism units and the territorial distribution of natural assets and access to the Baltic Sea.