The institutionalization of the Baguio City People's Council (BCPC) (PHBAG0005)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: Action plan – Baguio, Philippines, 2024 – 2025
Inception Report: Not available
Commitment Start: Jan 2025
Commitment End: Apr 2025
Institutions involved:
- City Administrator
- Baguio City People
Primary Policy Area:
Primary Sector:
OGP Value:
- Civic Participation
- Public Accountability
- Access to information
Description
Commitment ID
PHBAG0005
Commitment Title
The institutionalization of the Baguio City People's Council (BCPC)
Problem
The establishment of the Baguio City People’s Council reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive governance by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) and institutionalizing their role in local decision-making processes. It is high time for Baguio City to strengthen the CSO participation through the establishment of the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC) – a mechanism that will concretize the spirit of people’s participation and advance the principle of partnership in local governance. The creation of the BCPC is a big leap in promoting enhanced participatory governance particularly in the involvement of the CSOs in various councils, committees, task forces, special bodies, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of PPAs of the City government.
Its institutionalization through the enactment of an Ordinance is crucial in establishing a system of partnership between the City government and the BCPC that shall define their roles and involvement in the various programs, projects and activities of the local government including their participation in the Local Special Bodies, Committees, Task Forces and similar groups, as required by law and the national government as well as defining the funding requirements in the operations of the BCPC.
Status quo
The creation of the BCPC was initiated through Executive Order No. 88 (2021), which set the groundwork for inclusive governance by formalizing the role of CSOs in local decision-making. This was reinforced by Executive Order No. 55 (2023), which formally established the CSO Desk and the CSO Desk Officer to assist in the operationalization of the Council.
The election of officers in April 2023 and the official oath-taking in May 2023 marked the formal establishment of the BCPC. The council now serves as a vital partner in governance, providing a structured platform for CSOs to engage in the development and oversight of government programs.
Since its formation, the BCPC has played an active role in various city initiatives, emphasizing participatory governance. The city government has worked to integrate the BCPC into local special bodies, committees, and task forces to ensure that CSOs have a formal voice in decision-making.
The next step in addressing this issue is to institutionalize the BCPC through the passage of a City Ordinance that will define the roles and responsibilities of both the LGU and the BCPC in the governance framework. This ordinance will further strengthen the partnership, ensuring that CSOs can continue to actively participate in the development and implementation of local policies, projects, and activities. Additionally, defining funding requirements will ensure the sustainability and operational efficiency of the BCPC.
Action
To institutionalize and operationalize a robust framework for inclusive governance by empowering the Baguio City People’s Council as a key partner in local governance. This will ensure that civil society organizations have a sustained, legally defined, and well-supported role in shaping and monitoring the city’s development agenda, ultimately contributing to more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance.
The commitment entails:
- Enactment of a City Ordinance to formalize the BCPC's existence, roles, and responsibilities within the governance structure of Baguio City.
- Allocation of Resources, including financial support, to ensure the BCPC’s sustainability and effectiveness.
- Capacity Building and Training for CSO representatives to enhance their ability to contribute meaningfully to participatory governance
The expected results are: 1) enhanced civic participation in local governance, with CSOs actively influencing policies, programs, and decisions; 2) strengthened partnership between the city government and civil society, fostering mutual accountability and transparency; 3) sustainable operations of the BCPC, supported by a clear framework and adequate resources; and 4) improved planning, implementation, and evaluation of government initiatives through the inclusion of diverse perspectives and expertise.
How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?
Institutionalizing the BCPC through a City Ordinance will address the gaps in civic participation by creating a legally mandated, well-structured mechanism for civil society organizations (CSOs) to actively and sustainably engage in local governance. The commitment will formalize the partnership between the city government and CSOs, ensuring their meaningful involvement in policy-making, planning, and oversight processes.
This institutionalization will:
- Provide clarity and legitimacy to the BCPC's role in governance, thereby strengthening its authority and impact.
- Guarantee CSO representation in decision-making bodies, such as local special bodies, committees, and task forces, as required by law.
- Establish a sustainable operational framework, including funding and resources, to support BCPC activities.
- Promote transparency and accountability by embedding participatory governance practices into the city’s development agenda.
The expected outcomes include improved civic participation, enhanced transparency and accountability, strengthened governance framework and an empowered BCPC.
What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?
This commitment directly supports the long-term goal of fostering inclusive, transparent, and participatory governance in Baguio City, as outlined in the Open Government Strategy. By institutionalizing the BCPC, the city seeks to establish a robust framework for sustained civic engagement, ensuring that civil society organizations and community stakeholders have a formal and impactful role in governance processes.
The commitment aligns with strengthening partnerships between the local government and civil society to promote accountability and shared decision-making; enhancing civic trust and government responsiveness by integrating citizen inputs into the planning, implementation, and evaluation of local government policies and programs; building sustainable mechanisms for public participation that empower communities and marginalized groups to contribute to Baguio City’s development goals.
Primary Policy Area
Civic Space, Inclusion
Primary Sector
Cross-sectoral
What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?
| Civic Participation | This commitment is fundamentally aligned with civic participation by institutionalizing a formal mechanism for civil society organizations (CSOs) and community stakeholders to actively engage in local governance processes. The BCPC enables inclusive decision-making, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to the planning, implementation, and oversight of government programs and policies |
| Public Accountability | By empowering the BCPC to participate in monitoring and evaluation processes, the commitment strengthens public accountability. It ensures that government actions and resource allocations are transparent and responsive to the needs of the people, with CSOs playing a vital role in holding the city government accountable for its commitments |
| Access to information | Through structured participation, CSOs gain access to critical data and resources, enabling informed decision-making and effective contributions to governanceThrough structured participation, CSOs gain access to critical data and resources, enabling informed decision-making and effective contributions to governance |