The Chase Experience: A Case of Carmen
Ma. Celia Guzon
When Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) began to implement their program, Sustaining the Engagement in Participatory Local Governance (SPLG), determination was obviously expected from their partner non-governmental organization (NGO) in Davao, Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PHILDHRRA). This was PHILDHRRA’s strong value when they assisted the formation of a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Carmen and in carrying out the citizen’s satisfaction report card (CSRC) and the candidates’ forum. It took a form of osmosis. And not long enough, the newly founded coalition comprising of various civil society organizations (CSO) reaped its rewards when they were finally granted an audience at the mayor’s residence days before the election.
SPLG focuses on the promotion of good practices in participatory governance, and one way to do this was to engage the CSOs in a survey. CSOs in Carmen, Davao del Norte represent a dynamic citizenry, in which some are already active in their local government’s activities, but new organizations came forth after the survey. The diverse mix of respondents proved to be a great advantage to get substantial response. The survey was designed to get the CSOs’ opinion on urgent local concerns, the government’s role in these issues, basic services that the government provides, access to government programs, and programs that they are encouraged to participate in. Majority of the respondents accommodated the survey and felt that it was a good venue to communicate their issues to their local leaders. The results of the survey provided the basis for the report card, which indicated the CSOs’ satisfaction with the existing local government and the avenues it provides for CSO participation. The report card had to be presented to the local government prior to the May 13 elections, however this should be done by a formal representation of these CSOs. Thus, the first step was to build a recognized and accredited network.
Building the coalition offered a number of challenges. For one, the member CSOs are confronted with their own constraints, so are the solutions and considerations needed to deal with the network’s paths to development. Where once independent CSOs mainly focused on their own goals, they have to focus now on the coalition’s objectives to move forward and grow inclusively. The survey proved to be a powerful tool, not only to gather information but to provide an exercise for the respondents to think and realize their capacity to build a better community. The CSOs eventually united through a series of meetings to prepare for the program’s main objectives: present the report card to the incumbent government prior to the national elections, and to the aspiring town leaders at the candidates’ forum. The coalition mainly focused on their accreditation. As PHILDHRRA’s area coordinator, Elmer Mailwas, explained, many CSOs are recognized by the local government, however only accredited CSOs are allowed to be involved in the government’s planning and designing of programs. The most crucial requirement in the accreditation is SEC registration. In one of their meetings, the coalition asked each member CSO on their objectives, which they will include in the SEC registration. The list highlighted support for initiatives for poverty reduction, knowledge sharing with other CSOs throughout the country, strengthening of the people’s initiative to fight graft and corruption, spearheading social enterprises, and monitoring of government’s implementation of programs. Members of the coalition agreed to contribute 100 pesos per group to open an account at One Network Bank. They also agreed to maintain communication through text messages, emails and regular attendance at the town flag ceremony.
PHILDHRRA briefed the coalition on the survey results. The coalition understood that these were their actual experience, and this brought strong support from the group. The coalition, however, soon realized that the right contact and clear guidelines were extremely important, yet not easy to secure. Since the election was drawing near, all offices at the municipal hall had tight schedules and could not easily accommodate walk-in inquiries. It seemed like an obstacle race when the coalition’s chairman, Albert Dillo, scoured the municipal hall knocking on various offices to get in touch with the town mayor, Marcelino Parendes. The coalition also visited the COMELEC’s office to ask for the procedure in holding a candidates’ forum. Unfortunately, election assistant, Perla Sandig, was having difficulties giving guidelines because the last forum in Carmen was in 2010 and there had been a recent reshuffling of election officers. As per Ms. Sandig, the election officer primarily gives the invitation to candidates to join the forum. It has also been a practice in the past that the election officer is present during this activity. Ms. Sandig recalls that the 2010 forum was facilitated by teachers and holding the forum 2 weeks before the election won’t give enough time to invite facilitators. Though the coalition offered to mediate the forum, COMELEC was still not confident the forum could push through. The meeting with COMELEC was not all futile. COMELEC confirmed a few requirements in holding this activity. One is that a mayor’s permit is not required to hold the forum, instead a request form would be filled out by the coalition for the mayor’s endorsement. However, COMELEC’s presence during elections can be fine-tuned by assuming CSOs’ plans to participate in activities such as the candidates’ forum, and offering more access to information that will assist these groups to achieve their objectives.
Right after the visit in COMELEC, Mr. Dillo received information that they would have a chance to meet the mayor face-to-face, right at his own residence. Despite missing lunch and feeling exhausted from the day’s activities, Mr. Dillo, accompanied by Mr. Mailwas sped through dirt roads amidst a forest of banana trees to grab this opportunity. Mayor Parendes warmly welcomed the group who easily felt comfortable seeing the mayor at his casual clothes, looking rested. Mr. Dillo prepared a Powerpoint presentation showing the objectives of the survey, following the results that were considered in the report card being shown to him. Mayor Parendes acknowledged the ratings the CSOs had given his administration and addressed the report card point by point. He was very open to this feedback and took time to explain the municipality’s approach in tackling the town’s issues. Sharing this information gave the coalition a better understanding where they can position themselves to help their local government while keeping track of their objectives. The Mayor confirmed the date of the oath taking of the coalition’s officers. However, he also shared COMELEC’s view that the forum would be impossible to hold.
The meeting with the mayor gave the coalition renewed strength. That pleasant meeting gave them a good start in their relationship with the mayor, and this refueled the coalition’s determination. Mr. Dillo was ever more focused on their accreditation, hoping that it will come before the signing of the executive and legislative agenda after the elections. The drafting of the agenda and consultation with the new government is now the coalition’s next target.
Ma. Celia Guzon is one of the 14 volunteers who joined the CODE-NGO Young Writers Summer Camp 2013. She wrote this article after the Summer Camp, in May 2013. She is a Filipino major from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She is an animal rights advocate and very interested in community development work. She enjoys solo traveling and she hopes one day to have a chronicle and children’s book published based on travels.