Gender Inclusion Promotes Inclusive Democracy” -- Experts, Researchers Say

Manila, Philippines – Held on May 12, 2023, at the Novotel, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City, the Policy Forum on Gender Equality and Online Political Participation featured policy briefs and research notes, addressing topics on women in Philippine politics, gender influence in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the landscape of digital media as a safe space for political participation in the Philippines.

(From left to right) Ms. Ella Oplas, LSIG Fellow; Ms. Dominique Reario, Researcher at DLSU Department of Political Science and Development Studies; Ms. Paramisuli Aming, Coordinator, Gender and Development Women, Peace, and Security for Manila, Bangsamoro Women Commission, Dr. Ruth Angelie Cruz, Associate Professor at DLSU Andrew L. Tan — Data Science Institute

Attended by various stakeholders, including election administrators, policymakers, civil society organizations, PARTICIPATE coalition, academe, and the media, the activity provided a platform for crucial discussions on gender, online political participation, and democracy.

Misogyny in Politics: A Gendered Fight for the Philippine Presidency 2022

Dr. Ruth Angelie Cruz, Associate Professor at the De La Salle University (DLSU) Andrew Tan - Data Science Institute, presented the findings of the policy brief, Misogyny in Politics: A Gendered Fight for the Philippine Presidency 2022.

Dr. Cruz, Associate Professor at DLSU Andrew L. Tan — Data Science Institute, presents the research, Misogyny in Politics: A Gendered Fight for the Philippine Presidency 2022

"We want to contribute to a deeper understanding of how gender disinformation leverages false narratives on misogyny. We also want to open the discussion on how to counteract online abuse against women in politics," Dr. Cruz said, highlighting the importance of the study.

Results showed that acts of violence targeting women specifically aim to intimidate their activity in politics, discourage their potential participation, and communicate to the public that women should not participate in public life in any capacity.

"What we are trying to prove here is not just misogyny or gender disinformation but showing actual evidence of how women in politics are being treated," Dr. Cruz said, stating the findings of the study.

Part of the policy recommendations includes integrating training for women and vulnerable members of society, implementing uniform institutional policies on harassment and misinformation, and encouraging information literacy and fact-checking initiatives.

Digital Activism and the Safe Spaces Act in the Philippines

"Even though the numbers tell us that the Philippines is doing a fine job (World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap), it doesn’t necessarily translate into reality. Discrimination, sexism, and gender-based violence still persist." Dominique Reario, a researcher at the DLSU Department of Political Science and Development Studies, said about the importance of digital activism and strengthening the Safe Spaces Act.

Ms. Reario, Researcher at DLSU Department of Political Science and Development Studies, presents the research, Digital Activism and the Safe Spaces Act in the Philippines

The study delved into the potential and limitations of digital activism and the role of "netizens" in strengthening the implementation and objectives of the Safe Spaces Act in the Philippines.

During the presentation, Reario emphasized digital activism as a way to use digital space for social media campaigns and advocacy.

"We also have to acknowledge that the digital space provides a good space to come together about causes. A good example is hashtag campaigns. These hashtags...promote or talk about that these experiences happen across the world."

"We hope that people become more aware... and join our advocacy, and hopefully, we will be able to influence the government and push actual reforms", she added.

As part of the government’s effort to push the Safe Space Act, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is actively promoting it through social media campaigns and collaborating with various stakeholders, especially students, to discuss the law.

Gender and Development in BARMM

In her discussion, Paramisuli Aming, Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) Gender and Development Women, Peace, and Security Coordinator for Manila, shared her experience in gender and development in BARMM.

Ms. Aming, Coordinator, Gender and Development Women, Peace, and Security for Manila, Bangsamoro Women Commission, discusses the Gender and Development in BARMM

She highlighted the progress of the BCW efforts to draft the BARMM GAD code, stressing that the code has stricter penalties for violators.

"It’s a very extensive document; we’ve had challenges in wanting this policy to be passed. It is now part of the priority agenda in the Bangsamoro Parliament." Aming added.

Aming mentioned the status of the BARMM Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (RAP WPS). "We are now on the stage of presenting it to the council, and once it is approved, we hope to launch it by June, somewhere in the second week of June," she said.

The upcoming launch will foster collaboration with civil society organizations (CSO) and Local Government Units (LGUs) to advance women's empowerment throughout the region.

Organized by the La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG) and PARTICIPATE PH, a non-partisan, pro-democracy coalition, in collaboration with the British Embassy Manila, the policy forum is part of the 2-day PARTICIPATE Democracy Summit on May 11-12,2023.

LSIG Director Dr. Ador R. Torneo Receives NRCP 2022 Achievement Award for Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies

Manila, Philippines – La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG) Director Dr. Ador R. Torneo received the prestigious 2022 Achievement Award for the Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) during its 2023 Scientific Conference and 90th General Membership Assembly on March 10–11, 2023, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila.

In photos (far left) LSIG Director Dr. Ador R. Torneo receives the prestigious 2022 NRCP Achievement Award for the Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies, with other fellow awardees

In photos (left to right) The NRCP Achievement Awardees, LSIG Director Dr. Ador Torneo (2022), Dr. Rochelle Irene Lucas (2021), Dr. Marie Paz Morales (2019)

The NRCP Achievement Award is the most prestigious award granted by the Council to its members who have made significant accomplishments in areas such as natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, industry, social sciences, humanities, and other disciplines. Over the last fifty years, this award has commended exceptional scientists and researchers in the Philippines, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to the nation's development.

Dr. Torneo was recognized for his productivity and quality of scholarly work, inspiring young academics, researchers, artists, and scientists in their chosen fields.

Key officials such as DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., NRCP President Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo, NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo Cepeda, and NRCP Division I Chair Marie Paz Morales led the awarding ceremonies, which also recognized the achievement of distinguished scientists and researchers from various academic disciplines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. also graced the occasion to congratulate and commend the awardees.

In photos (left to right) NRCP President Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., LSIG Director Dr. Ador Torneo, his wife Hiyas S. Clamor-Torneo, NRCP Division Chair Dr. Marie Paz Morales, NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo Sepeda

Established in 1933, the NCRP is the oldest scientific research organization in the Philippines and serves as the official adviser on scientific matters to the Government of the Philippines.

The event was attended by more than two thousand participants from various fields and was conducted as a hybrid event, allowing attendees to join both in person and online.

Project DeWAMS Team on Works for Possible Research Collaboration with Kalibo LGU

Manila– The Project DeWAMS team of the De La Salle University expressed their interest in a research collaboration with the Municipal Government of Kalibo on sanitation and wastewater management during the workshop held on January 26, 2023, at the Ati-Atihan County Inn, Kalibo, Aklan.

Ceremonial MOU signing. From left to right: Ms. Giselle Quimpo (Executive Assistant II, Kalibo LGU). Hon. Juris B. Sucro (Municipal Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan), and Dr. Arnel Beltran (Project Leader, Project DeWAMS)

Under Project DeWAMS, the said activity in collaboration with the Kalibo LGU and other stakeholders aims to discuss the current situation and plans of the LGU for sanitation and wastewater management; demonstrate and seek feedback on the proposed planning guide for the degree of centralization and technology matrix; review and discuss the existing policies related to sanitation and wastewater management; and foster the research partnership between DLSU and Kalibo LGU.

Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla, on behalf of the NRCP, gave his welcoming remarks and thanked the Kalibo LGU for their utmost support for this project’s initiative.

Introduction of Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla as Project Member and Governing Board of the National Research Council of the Philippines

Dr. Renan Ma. Tanhueco discussed the criteria for the degree of centralization for wastewater treatment using the information and documents provided by the Kalibo LGU.

Demonstration of the Planning Guide for Degree of Centralization for Wastewater Management Systems led by Dr. Renan Ma. Tanhueco

Hon. Cynthia Dela Cruz, M.D., Vice Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan, attended the workshop and presented Ordinance No. 2018-041 (An Ordinance Establishing a Proper Sewage Treatment and Septage Management System in the Municipality of Kalibo and Prescribing Penalties for Violations Therefore).

Group photo with Hon. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, M.D., Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Kalibo, Aklan

During the afternoon session, Dr. Aileen Orbecido and Engr. Regina Damalerio presented the technology matrix for on-site, decentralized, and centralized management systems. Dr. Ador Torneo, Director of Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (JRIG) led the discussion about the barriers and policies related to sanitation and wastewater management, with Mark Davin Sajonas and Jose Maria Victor Pascual.

Technology matrix for on-site, decentralized, and centralized wastewater management systems led by Dr. Aileen Orbecido and Engr. Regina Damalerio

Discussion of Policies Related to Sanitation and Wastewater led by Dr. Ador Torneo, Mr. Mark Davin Sajonas, and Mr. Jose Maria Victor Pascual

The team also had a courtesy call with Hon. Frolibar S. Bautista, Municipal Mayor of Malay, Aklan.

Courtesy visit to the Municipal Mayor of Malay, Aklan last Jan 27, 2023

Several project members from DLSU, including Dr. Kathleen Aviso, Dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering, and Dr. Ma. Catriona Devanadera, project collaborator of the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, also attended and participated in the review of the existing policies related to sanitation and wastewater management.

Group photo with the members of the Municipal WaSH Planning Team, Municipal WaSH Technical Working Group, and representatives from the Metro Kalibo Water District, Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS)

Funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines, the Decentralized Approach to Domestic Wastewater Management System in the Philippines: A Systematic Review and Policy Recommendations Project (Project DeWAMS) is conducted from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

DBM, Experts Reiterate Push for Budget Transparency

Manila— Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman reiterated the importance of budget transparency after the Philippines slipped eight notches in a budget transparency survey for 2021 but still maintained its lead in Southeast Asia.

"It is vital that we realize that open government does not only benefit the system, rather its advantage cascades to different sectors of society. It creates more stable conditions to incentivize investments from the private sector, sets the stage for ensuring public trust, and strengthens the country’s democratic institution’s principles,”

Sec. Pangandaman said during the 2021 Open Budget Survey (OBS) Public Forum last December 1, 2022, organized by the La Salle Institute of Governance, together with the International Budget Partnership and Stratbase ADR Institute. 

Results of the 2021 OBS show that the Philippines was able to maintain its lead in Southeast Asia despite a decline in its score. The Philippines scored 68 out of 100 in budget transparency, placing the country at the 19th rank out of 120 countries. In the previous round of the OBS in 2019, the Philippines got a score of 76 and ranked 10th.

Secretary Pangandaman stressed DBM’s commitment to open and participatory government and its intent to take OBS recommendations to improve budget processes.

"We are also committed to continuing working towards an open and participatory government as we chair the Philippine Open Government Partnership Stating committee. Furthermore, we will take the recommendations of the OBS to heart and study the feasibility of introducing this in our processes,” she added.

Suad Hasan of the International Budget Partnership (IBP) expressed hope that the Philippines would increase its efforts to improve budget transparency after falling out of the top ten performers in the 2021 OBS.

"We, in the open budget survey team, give the Philippines examples of budget documentation, especially of your citizens’ budget, very often [in presentations to other countries], and there are some really clear and simple measures to be taken that I’m sure would put the Philippines back in the top 10 performers. I am optimistic here," Hasan said.

She further highlighted the joint congressional review committee formed during the pandemic as one of the Philippines' initiatives for budget accountability reforms.

"This is an example of how we shared best practices from amongst countries and we also encouraged all countries to usher in a race to the top by disclosing more and more information, especially around debt and financial risk and make these accountability reforms permanent," Hasan explained.

La Salle Institute of Governance Senior Fellow and Professor Francisco Magno, who serves as the OBS independent expert for the Philippines, presented the survey results and discussed that the OBS provides data and information to the public regarding the budget processes.

"It [OBS] indicates where we are currently when it comes to the availability of information, the timeliness of its publication, and the content, especially the budget; it’s a public document, it's people’s money, how it is used, and how it can be an important resource for enabling us to achieve our policy goals."

He also explained the importance of digitalization for budget transparency.

"The gold standard nowadays for effective budget transparency is digitalization, providing information on public websites, the timeliness of the information, and the comprehensiveness of the content, including the eight key budget documents," Professor Magno said. 

While the Philippines’ budget transparency score remains at a sufficient level, experts and government officials still see the need to improve budget mechanisms to develop public access and open government further. 

DBM Assistant Secretary Rolando Toledo stressed the Department's careful analysis and response to OBS indicators in increasing the transparency of budget documents.

"Currently the budget documents produced by the DBM are now published and it is assured that we have a higher score compared to the next cycle. Improvements of the score of the key budget documents under the DBM based on some IBP’s recommendations are also included in the documents," he added.

Stratbase ADR Institute President Prof. Victor Andres Manhit also expressed support for DBM's initiatives. He said that with digitization and e-government, there would be more responsive public expenditure programs for the Filipino people. He also highlighted that the Philippine governance culture is lacking accountability.

“Good policy choices on the continuing pandemic, rising inflation, food security and energy, job creation, poverty reduction, even public-private partnerships, will be the barometer of accountability moving forward for this administration,” he explained.

Manhit also stressed the demand of stakeholders for institutions of government to be more transparent, accountable, and responsive.

“What we want are institutions of government to become more transparent, accountable, and responsive in delivering public services in terms of managing the public sector also,” Manhit said. 

Moreover, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George Barcelon believes budget transparency is critical for policy advocacy and development outcomes for policy stakeholders.

"Every local government official should take it upon themselves that people may not be complaining, but they have to look at their systems, and the quality of the process must be reviewed. And if they can reduce the time in helping the private sector and establishments file their papers, that would be a big help. These are all part of what I might say, the need for us to make ourselves attractive to foreign direct investments," He further explained.

Barcelon also emphasized the presence of KPIs in budget processes.

"We have to do our homework; we have to make our country attractive, and it boils down to the whole government. systems. Relying on an open budget, and budget that is effective. The budget is just numbers, but without any KPI, it means nothing. For any budget to make sense, you got to have KPI."

The OBS evaluated three components of open budgeting: budget transparency, or the Open Budget Index (OBI), public participation, and budget oversight. The survey is grounded on a thorough and objective methodology that has been examined by independent experts. The results are based on a 228-question questionnaire completed by researchers normally located in the country being studied. A government representative and an independent expert review each country's draft survey questionnaire.

More than 300 participants from Zoom and Facebook live streams attended. Esteemed guests primarily from the Department of Budget and Management, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senate Economic Planning Office, House of Representatives, Philippine Institute of Development Studies, civil society organizations, the academe, and media partners participated in the event as well.

The 2021 OBS Forum was organized by the La Salle Institute of Governance, in partnership with Stratbase ADR Institute, and International Budget Partnership (IBP).

Virtual caravan enjoins South Luzon youth to participate in 2022 polls

Around 340 participants from partner higher education institutions and local youth organizations joined the first leg of the week-long virtual Youth Caravan on Voter Empowerment, which sought to encourage the youth to participate in the electoral process.

The South Luzon leg of YOUth Choose 2022: The Youth Caravan on Voter Empowerment was launched last November 24 and was concluded with a culminating activity on December 1.

Dr. Erickson Martinez, chancellor of De La Salle Lipa, emphasized that elections have consequences and urged the youth to be informed on the issues, platform and personalities of political candidates for the 2022 elections.

"We have to set specific guidelines in choosing government leaders in terms of candidates' social affiliations and interests, competence, lifestyle and performance record and vote according to our informed conscience," Martinez said in his welcome message.

Dr. Erickson Martinez , Chancellor of De La Salle Lipa delivering his Opening Speech

Br. Augustine Boquer, president of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, warned the youth of the worrisome situation on social media wherein "the bad is made to look good and the good is made to look bad."

"You, young men and ladies who are being educated, have to make not just a conscientious vote but also to affect others to think and to use your conscience for the well being of our nation," Boquer said in his welcome remarks.

Br. Augustine Boquer FSC, EdD, President of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute delivering his Opening Message

Group photo of the participants and speakers of the Launching of the YOUth Choose 2022: The Youth Caravan on Voter Empowerment

YouthLed Development Specialist Emil Benjamin Tapnio and La Salle Institute of Governance director Dr. Ador Torneo were also among the speakers for the opening event.

#AngIbobotoKoAy

During the culminating activity on December 1, the participants joined the hashtag challenge #AngIbobotoKoAy and #AngIbobotoKoAyParaSa to determine the kind of leaders they want following the week-long caravan.

Nina Marie Ligan, president of DLSU - Dasmariñas University Student Government, commended the participants for encouraging their family and friends to register to vote before the deadline in October.

"After the encouragement that we made, it is our time to be accountable... and what are these responsibilities? The responsibility of choosing the right leader," Ligan said during the closing ceremony.

Mr. Carlo Africa discussing how to enhance political participation in the new normal

Rash Caritativo sharing her insights on The Power of Youth and Social Media

Among the speakers for the culminating activity were Hirayang Kabataan Executive Director Atty. Carlo Africa, Active Vista Center Managing Director Rash Caritativo, and National Society of Parliamentarians President Bryan Ezra Gonzales.

The Youth Caravan sought to promote and encourage youth political participation in the 2022 elections through civic and voter education campaigns.

Group photo of the participants and speakers of the Culminating Activity of the YOUth Choose 2022: The

Youth Caravan on Voter Empowerment

The event was organized by La Salle Institute of Governance, with pro-democracy coalition PARTICIPATE and Youth Leadership for Development (YouthLed), and in partnership with De La Salle Philippines, Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission, DLSU - Dasmariñas, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute and De La Salle Lipa.