Author

Rocelle C. Acuno*
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo, San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

Participatory governance was studied in the local legislative procedure of the Sangguniang Bayan in Kalayaan, Laguna. It explored civic engagement, participation strategies, and the legislature’s role in inclusive governance. This descriptive study used a researcher-made questionnaire to collect data from 140 Sangguniang Bayan members, department heads, barangay officials, civil society members, and ordinary citizens who participated in legislative activities. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data gathered. Results revealed that majority of the respondents are adults with only 10% that belongs to younger generation. Mostly were female (55%), with College Degree (66.4%) while 66% of the respondents have been in the service between 1-10 years. Noteworthy is the 60% of the respondents were from the civil society groups and non-government organizations. Moreover, results showed the level of awareness in terms of participatory governance, results showed a very high level. The test of difference in the level of participation among the five variables tested on affiliation had a statistical difference observed value at 95% confidence level. Meanwhile, the test for the level of participation versus effectiveness, a strong positive correlation was observed, which implies that higher participation of participants in legislative process connotes to effective governance and output. Thus, this study concludes that institutionalized participatory processes, information campaigns, and digital tools are needed for more inclusive and effective governance. The result recommends institutionalizing legislative forums for young people, barangay-level citizen committees, and targeted IEC programs to increase civic engagement.

Keywords: Participatory governance, local legislation, citizen participation, Sangguniang Bayan, public consultation, community engagement.

*Corresponding author / Email: ellecoronuca@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021172

Recommended citation:
Acuno, R. C. (2026). Participatory governance in the local legislative process of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalayaan, Laguna. Pantao (International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 4585-4603. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021172

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