Transformation in Philippine local government

ABSTRACT

This research examined the challenges, enablers and outcomes of organisation transformation in Philippine local governments. We combined a multi-case study research design and backward mapping approach in collecting and analysing narratives from 55 leaders in 9 Filipino local government units (LGUs) that have successfully undergone transformation. Results show that the transformations of the LGUs appear to have been catalysed by three interrelated elements: vision, LGU leadership and citizen engagement. The transformation in the local governments concentrated on multiple foci of reform including structure and systems improvement, culture change, human-resource development as well as policy and programme development. This holistic approach enabled the transformation of bureaucratic and unprofessional government service to transparent, professional and efficient public service that engendered pride, transparency and social equity. Implications of the proposed model for transforming LGUs and in developing LGU leaders for good governance are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Local government
• organisation transformation
• Philippines
• leadership
• citizen engagement

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the Research Unit of the Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development, the panel members that helped selected the cases, the PhD in Leadership Studies class of Fr Bienvenido Nebres, SJ and most especially the nine local governments that opened their doors to us and allowed us to document their transformation journey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Local autonomy refers to the ‘degree of self-determination exercised by a local government unit vis-à-vis the central government’ (Tapales 2015, 382).

2. The Local Government Code raised their share from 20% to 40%. Internal Revenue allotments are also divided depending on an LGU’s classification, population and land area.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Commission on Higher Education, Republic of the Philippines.

Notes on contributors

Mendiola Teng-Calleja

Mendiola Teng-Calleja is an Associate Professor at the Psychology Department of the Ateneo de Manila University. She is also the Director for Organization Development of the Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development. Her research areas include human resource management, labor relations and employee engagement, organization development and humanitarian work psychology.

Ma. Regina M. Hechanova

Ma. Regina M. Hechanova is a professor of Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University. Her research areas include organization development, leadership, human resource management, organization culture, innovation, technology, corruption and disaster management.

Ramon Benedicto A. Alampay

Ramon Benedicto A. Alampay was the Program Manager of the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development, an eight year (2008-2016) program of the Philippine and Canada Governments to support local government units in becoming more business-friendly and competitive. His current research interests are in tourism, regional economic development, and local governance.

Nico A. Canoy

Nico A. Canoy is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University. His research areas include discursive and material analysis of sexuality, health systems and inequalities, and class-based social constructions.

Edna P. Franco

Edna P. Franco is an Associate Professor at the Psychology Department of the Ateneo de Manila University. She is also the Executive Director of the Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development. Her research areas include organization development, leadership, workplace motivation and human resource management.

Erwin A. Alampay

Erwin A. Alampay is an Associate Professor at the National College of Public Administration and Governance at the University of the Philippines. He also serves as the Director for the Center for Local and Regional Governance. His research areas include e-Governance, ICTs for Development, voluntary sector management and citizenship.