The Politics of Implementing Philippine Tourism Policy: A Policy Network and Advocacy Coalition Framework Approach

Abstract

To examine the complexity of tourism policy implementation, this paper considers the case of Pamilacan Island, the Philippines. It uses the advocacy coalition framework (ACF) and network analysis. Consistent with policy process theories, findings show that individual policy beliefs might lead to implementation networks, but the degree of network integration determines progress in policy execution. The study reinforces the importance of key factors pertinent in policy implementation such as knowledge and resources of actors, as well as contextual conditions including ties of solidarity. Mediating them are micro-implementation processes and informal codes of conduct. This paper not only increases the number of in-depth case studies on tourism policy and clarifies issues in the policy process, but also stresses that there are multiple policy executions when a particular policy decision is implemented. Finally, it adds a layer of complexity to the ACF and calls for its re-examination when applied to a developing country.

Keywords:

• tourism policy
• advocacy coalition framework
• policy network
• Philippines

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the support of the University of the Philippines Diliman. He thanks the anonymous referees for their constructive comments on a previous version of the manuscript. The author is also grateful to copyright owners for granting permission to reproduce pertinent figures.