The Philippine geography makes travel and communication difficult, time-consuming and costly. Com... more The Philippine geography makes travel and communication difficult, time-consuming and costly. Composed of several islands, the highly centralized unitary form of government is
The views expressed in the paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views... more The views expressed in the paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Asian Development Bank. The Asian Development Bank does not guarantee the
Kasarinlan: Philippine Journal of Third World Studies, 2008
With the adoption of the 1987 Constitution and the enactment of the Local Government Code in 1992... more With the adoption of the 1987 Constitution and the enactment of the Local Government Code in 1992, the beginnings of a power shift have occurred. Lower level political institutions have been given power under a decentralized politico-administrative set-up, thus widening the base for participation in governance and making the political system more open and accessible than ever before. A review of Philippine history shows that decentralization— which may take the forms deconcentration, devolution, and debureaucratization—is not a new phenomenon. Values of autonomy and decentralization have long been recognized, at least, at the level of policy and rhetoric. Under the new Code, decentralization has been adopted both as an approach to governance and a strategy to bring about, or even hasten, the process of democratic transition. While the Code’s enactment can be considered as a fitting culmination of decades if struggle for the genuine autonomy on the part of the local governments, the ...
The conflict between the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the government of the Re... more The conflict between the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) has been a long-time crisis. It encompasses the vague delineation of the policies imposed on ARMM by the government, indictment by the Mindanao people especially the Muslims of the government's failure to deliver human development in general and social services in particular and the unsuccessful series of peace settlements. As a result, different groups waged secessionist wars with the government; hostility in the region; underdevelopment, poverty, economic isolation, poor quality of education and emotional turmoil continue to prevail. This study discusses the institutional and politico-administrative responses to the armed conflict in ARMM. Institutional responses should be accompanied by comprehensive and integrated capacity building efforts, continued capacity building of young Muslim leaders, training for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), care...
The overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 saw the beginning of the transition to democracy... more The overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 saw the beginning of the transition to democracy ("redemocratization") in the Philippines. It marked the restoration of formal structures and processes characterizing democratic governments, including the adoption of a constitution, an open political system, free elections, a free press, lawmaking bodies, etc.! It was against this backdrop that a local government code was enacted in 1991 decentralizing the politicoadministrative system and further widening the access of people to the political system and providing autonomy to local institutions. The first part discusses the notion of decentralization and local autonomy in relation to democratization. The second part provides a brief historical background of decentralization in the Philippines. The third part discusses the Local Government Code enacted in 1991, including some of the issues and concerns regarding its implementation. Finally, the fourth part discusses some of t...
In most general terms, this study aimed to determine the impacts of the capacity building assista... more In most general terms, this study aimed to determine the impacts of the capacity building assistance and interventions of SEARCA in the region. Since it was founded in 1967, SEARCA has graduated close to 1,2001 students and participants who have pursued graduate studies; and more than 13,000 who have completed short term training programs and research grants. In spite of its well-meaning and purposeful initiatives, SEARCA needs to ascertain its contribution to capacity development for agricultural and rural development in the region. For instance, where have the graduate scholars of SEARCA gone? What have been their contributions to development, in general – and to agricultural and rural development, in particular? Said contributions can be seen at three levels: at the policy, organizational, and individual levels. The study has shown that many of the SEARCA graduates have indeed contributed to the development and improvement of agricultural and rural development. These can come in ...
The reform of the civil service and bureaucracy has always been the flagship program of any admin... more The reform of the civil service and bureaucracy has always been the flagship program of any administration. The authors note that each government has its own agenda and roadmap, which are usually presented annually by the President of the Philippines in the State of the Nation Address (SONA). It is a constitutional mandate, in which the President reports to the people the country's status on economic, political and social condition, and reveals the government agenda, and other measures, such as reform initiatives (Official Gazette). Administrative reform is a government mechanism that aims to enhance relations and interaction between agencies, social actors, and the government itself (Montgomery, 1967). The authors conducted an empirical study on the history of the CSC, the bureaucracy, and the reform agenda of other countries. It is important to note that in all reform initiatives there is a need for men of integrity and courage like Rizal and del Pilar, men of action like Boni...
In J. Morgen (Ed.), Social equity in the Asia-Pacific Region: Conceptualizations and realities (pp.187-213). New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2019
This paper focuses on the imperatives of social equity as a fundamental but normative principle f... more This paper focuses on the imperatives of social equity as a fundamental but normative principle for contemporary Philippine public administration. The pursuit of social equity may be seen as a response to the problems of pervasive poverty and inequality in spite of, paradoxically, the rapid economic growth. The paper cites two government programs that ostensibly aim to bring about social equity, that is, the Conditional Cash Transfer program and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. Evidence has shown that both programs still have to make a significant impact to redistribute wealth in a lasting way within the context of social equity. Hence, the paper argues that social equity in the Philippines is a continuing process but remains elusive a goal.
In this chapter the authors discuss that despite public sector reform being a primary concern of ... more In this chapter the authors discuss that despite public sector reform being a primary concern of successive national leaders of the Philippines, ‘massive – and sometimes impressive – reorganization plans have not met their declared objectives’. They note that intractable and stubborn problems of Weberian bureaucracy, such as excessive rules and regulations, overlapping structures and procedures, inefficient procedures, lack of coordination, excessive partisan politics and corruption, remain. They examine how leadership can play a pivotal and key role in addressing these problems. Specifically, they argue that reforms should be multi-dimensional, going beyond reorganization and shifting organizational boxes and encompassing changes in behaviour, perspectives and attitudes. Using a concept of ‘phronetic leadership’, they examine three cases of national, local and civil society leaders, as well as a survey of university leaders. They conclude that leaders can make a difference by devel...
Agricultural productivity improvements are essential for achieving overall economic growth. The P... more Agricultural productivity improvements are essential for achieving overall economic growth. The Philippine performance on both counts has been disappointing. Agricultural extension which is one way of improving productivity has undergone substantial change in the last thirteen years through devolution under the Local Government Code of 1991. Whether devolution has improved agricultural extension delivery is a key question. Devolution generally has yielded some positive outcomes: cooperation between local government units (LGUs) and with the private sector and nongovernment organizations (NGOs); recognition of the realities of globalization; and use of modern management and communication. But problems of capacity building, partisan local politics and uncertain lines of financial and decisionmaking accountability between central and local government remain. These general lessons apply to agricultural extension. Moreover, even the best extension service, whether delivered by local or central government, is unlikely to be effective where farmer decisionmaking is unduly influenced by government controls and pricing policies and where security of tenure is weak. Philippines Journal of Public Administration Vol.XLVIII(3) 2004
The Philippine geography makes travel and communication difficult, time-consuming and costly. Com... more The Philippine geography makes travel and communication difficult, time-consuming and costly. Composed of several islands, the highly centralized unitary form of government is
The views expressed in the paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views... more The views expressed in the paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Asian Development Bank. The Asian Development Bank does not guarantee the
Kasarinlan: Philippine Journal of Third World Studies, 2008
With the adoption of the 1987 Constitution and the enactment of the Local Government Code in 1992... more With the adoption of the 1987 Constitution and the enactment of the Local Government Code in 1992, the beginnings of a power shift have occurred. Lower level political institutions have been given power under a decentralized politico-administrative set-up, thus widening the base for participation in governance and making the political system more open and accessible than ever before. A review of Philippine history shows that decentralization— which may take the forms deconcentration, devolution, and debureaucratization—is not a new phenomenon. Values of autonomy and decentralization have long been recognized, at least, at the level of policy and rhetoric. Under the new Code, decentralization has been adopted both as an approach to governance and a strategy to bring about, or even hasten, the process of democratic transition. While the Code’s enactment can be considered as a fitting culmination of decades if struggle for the genuine autonomy on the part of the local governments, the ...
The conflict between the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the government of the Re... more The conflict between the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) has been a long-time crisis. It encompasses the vague delineation of the policies imposed on ARMM by the government, indictment by the Mindanao people especially the Muslims of the government's failure to deliver human development in general and social services in particular and the unsuccessful series of peace settlements. As a result, different groups waged secessionist wars with the government; hostility in the region; underdevelopment, poverty, economic isolation, poor quality of education and emotional turmoil continue to prevail. This study discusses the institutional and politico-administrative responses to the armed conflict in ARMM. Institutional responses should be accompanied by comprehensive and integrated capacity building efforts, continued capacity building of young Muslim leaders, training for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), care...
The overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 saw the beginning of the transition to democracy... more The overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 saw the beginning of the transition to democracy ("redemocratization") in the Philippines. It marked the restoration of formal structures and processes characterizing democratic governments, including the adoption of a constitution, an open political system, free elections, a free press, lawmaking bodies, etc.! It was against this backdrop that a local government code was enacted in 1991 decentralizing the politicoadministrative system and further widening the access of people to the political system and providing autonomy to local institutions. The first part discusses the notion of decentralization and local autonomy in relation to democratization. The second part provides a brief historical background of decentralization in the Philippines. The third part discusses the Local Government Code enacted in 1991, including some of the issues and concerns regarding its implementation. Finally, the fourth part discusses some of t...
In most general terms, this study aimed to determine the impacts of the capacity building assista... more In most general terms, this study aimed to determine the impacts of the capacity building assistance and interventions of SEARCA in the region. Since it was founded in 1967, SEARCA has graduated close to 1,2001 students and participants who have pursued graduate studies; and more than 13,000 who have completed short term training programs and research grants. In spite of its well-meaning and purposeful initiatives, SEARCA needs to ascertain its contribution to capacity development for agricultural and rural development in the region. For instance, where have the graduate scholars of SEARCA gone? What have been their contributions to development, in general – and to agricultural and rural development, in particular? Said contributions can be seen at three levels: at the policy, organizational, and individual levels. The study has shown that many of the SEARCA graduates have indeed contributed to the development and improvement of agricultural and rural development. These can come in ...
The reform of the civil service and bureaucracy has always been the flagship program of any admin... more The reform of the civil service and bureaucracy has always been the flagship program of any administration. The authors note that each government has its own agenda and roadmap, which are usually presented annually by the President of the Philippines in the State of the Nation Address (SONA). It is a constitutional mandate, in which the President reports to the people the country's status on economic, political and social condition, and reveals the government agenda, and other measures, such as reform initiatives (Official Gazette). Administrative reform is a government mechanism that aims to enhance relations and interaction between agencies, social actors, and the government itself (Montgomery, 1967). The authors conducted an empirical study on the history of the CSC, the bureaucracy, and the reform agenda of other countries. It is important to note that in all reform initiatives there is a need for men of integrity and courage like Rizal and del Pilar, men of action like Boni...
In J. Morgen (Ed.), Social equity in the Asia-Pacific Region: Conceptualizations and realities (pp.187-213). New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2019
This paper focuses on the imperatives of social equity as a fundamental but normative principle f... more This paper focuses on the imperatives of social equity as a fundamental but normative principle for contemporary Philippine public administration. The pursuit of social equity may be seen as a response to the problems of pervasive poverty and inequality in spite of, paradoxically, the rapid economic growth. The paper cites two government programs that ostensibly aim to bring about social equity, that is, the Conditional Cash Transfer program and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. Evidence has shown that both programs still have to make a significant impact to redistribute wealth in a lasting way within the context of social equity. Hence, the paper argues that social equity in the Philippines is a continuing process but remains elusive a goal.
In this chapter the authors discuss that despite public sector reform being a primary concern of ... more In this chapter the authors discuss that despite public sector reform being a primary concern of successive national leaders of the Philippines, ‘massive – and sometimes impressive – reorganization plans have not met their declared objectives’. They note that intractable and stubborn problems of Weberian bureaucracy, such as excessive rules and regulations, overlapping structures and procedures, inefficient procedures, lack of coordination, excessive partisan politics and corruption, remain. They examine how leadership can play a pivotal and key role in addressing these problems. Specifically, they argue that reforms should be multi-dimensional, going beyond reorganization and shifting organizational boxes and encompassing changes in behaviour, perspectives and attitudes. Using a concept of ‘phronetic leadership’, they examine three cases of national, local and civil society leaders, as well as a survey of university leaders. They conclude that leaders can make a difference by devel...
Agricultural productivity improvements are essential for achieving overall economic growth. The P... more Agricultural productivity improvements are essential for achieving overall economic growth. The Philippine performance on both counts has been disappointing. Agricultural extension which is one way of improving productivity has undergone substantial change in the last thirteen years through devolution under the Local Government Code of 1991. Whether devolution has improved agricultural extension delivery is a key question. Devolution generally has yielded some positive outcomes: cooperation between local government units (LGUs) and with the private sector and nongovernment organizations (NGOs); recognition of the realities of globalization; and use of modern management and communication. But problems of capacity building, partisan local politics and uncertain lines of financial and decisionmaking accountability between central and local government remain. These general lessons apply to agricultural extension. Moreover, even the best extension service, whether delivered by local or central government, is unlikely to be effective where farmer decisionmaking is unduly influenced by government controls and pricing policies and where security of tenure is weak. Philippines Journal of Public Administration Vol.XLVIII(3) 2004
Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance, Sep 16, 2021
Public reorganization refers to the rearrangement or restructuring of administrative structures w... more Public reorganization refers to the rearrangement or restructuring of administrative structures within a government. It involves abolishing, merging, or creating governmental bodies and removing duplicate and overlapping functions. It is a bureaucratic response to the confluence of managerial goals set by an administration vis-à-vis the political currents and reforms impacting the government. The term has been associated with concepts like rationalization, reengineering, and rightsizing.
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