Strengthening Civic Engagement through Capacity Development on Participatory Governance (PHQZT0004)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: Action plan – Quezon City, Philippines, 2025 – 2028
Inception Report: Not available
Commitment Start: Feb 2025
Commitment End: Apr 2028
Institutions involved:
- Quezon City Government - Office of the City Administrator
- People’s Council of Quezon City
Primary Policy Area:
Primary Sector:
OGP Value:
- Access to information
- Public Accountability
- Civic Participation
- Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability
Description
Commitment ID
PHQZT0004
Commitment Title
Strengthening Civic Engagement through Capacity Development on Participatory Governance
Problem
The Quezon City Government, through the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, has been making strides towards implementing and institutionalizing open government reforms. Despite these significant steps, there is still a lack of capacity and mainstreaming within the departments and offices, leading to gaps in fully embodying the principles of open governance. On the other hand, the People’s Council of Quezon City (PCQC), the umbrella organization for all civil society organizations (CSOs) in Quezon City, faces critical barriers in fully achieving its mandate. Public awareness about its role remains low, while accredited CSOs have uneven capacities in governance, advocacy, and leadership. Representation in a number of policy-making bodies is insufficient, leading to inequitable civic engagement. Additionally, access to resources and funding is limited, threatening the sustainability of participatory governance.
Status quo
Across Quezon City Government departments and offices, open government reforms such as the digitization of public services, empowerment of civil society organizations, and support for community-centered initiatives have been continuously implemented since 2019. While such initiatives are being implemented, there is a perceived lack of recognition and awareness of “participatory governance” principles within the bureaucracy. As such, while some reforms are being implemented, many do not understand that they fall under “participatory governance” due to the lack of an operational model that is localized to Quezon City’s context. Meanwhile, as of 2024, PCQC consists of over 5,000 accredited CSOs. While representation across diverse sectors is evident, there remain challenges in maximizing their impact. Such gaps include skills training, resource allocation, and streamlined coordination with government bodies. Existing institutional frameworks, such as the Participation, Accountability, and Transparency (PAT) Ordinance, gave life to PCQC and enabled collaboration but still require updates to improve operational efficiency and ensure the sustainability of civic engagement initiatives.
Action
This commitment aims to boost civic engagement by capacitating both government departments and offices, and civil society organizations on the principles and practice of participatory governance. By creating a model of participatory governance that is contextualized to the experience of Quezon City, government and civil society can better collaborate towards the attainment of shared priorities and goals. This commitment includes the creation of a comprehensive capacity development program designed to train both government employees and CSO representatives, the launching of information campaigns to enhance public awareness of PCQC’s role, the conduct of a training needs analysis and capacity assessment for CSOs, and the development of partnerships to secure funding and technical assistance. Amendments to the Participation, Accountability, and Transparency Ordinance will also be studied to enhance institutional support, while infrastructure improvements will provide operational offices with better coordination and implementation.
How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?
By addressing capacity gaps, and increasing awareness, both government and civil society organizations can better work together, with both sides equipped to create solutions to various problems that affect the city. This commitment also boosts the empowerment of citizens by involving them in various governance processes and systems building a sense of public trust. Increased citizen trust and accountability will result in better public services, improved resource allocation, and strengthened oversight of public programs and policies.
What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?
This commitment supports Mayor Joy Belmonte’s 14-point agenda by strengthening the institutional development of Quezon City as a model of good governance. It will empower citizens of all genders and social classes through inclusive civic engagement and capacity-building initiatives. By creating a stronger partnership between the government and civil society, the commitment fosters transparency, accountability, and participation. These outcomes contribute to building a safer, more resilient, and inclusive city where citizens actively participate in shaping policies and services.
Primary Policy Area
Civic Space, Inclusion
Primary Sector
Cross-sectoral, Public Services (general)
What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?
| Access to information | This commitment ensures strengthened awareness in terms of the efforts of the city government to foster participatory governance. It will also promote transparency in terms of clear dissemination of processes such as the accreditation of civil society organizations. |
| Public Accountability | By actively engaging citizens and CSOs in governance through training programs, policy advocacy, and direct representation in local decision-making bodies, the commitment fosters inclusive and equitable civic engagement on important public issues. |
| Civic Participation | Strengthened through capacity development programs, the government will be able to continue opening up spaces for public participation while CSOs will be able to effectively voice out their concerns and participate in the various processes of government. |
| Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability | The commitment leverages digital platforms for coordination and outreach, ensuring wider accessibility for citizens and CSOs to engage with governance initiatives efficiently and effectively. |