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StrengtheningtheSangguniangKabataan(SK)asanAccountabilityMechanisminLocalGovernance

(#SKasGWatchProject)

PilotImplementationReportandLearningExchangeDocumentation

GovernmentWatch(G-Watch),February2020

AcknowledgementG-WatchthankstheCanadaFundforLocalInitiatives(CFLI)oftheCanadianEmbassyinthePhilippinesforsupportingthepilotrunofthisprojectinthreesites,namely:Quezon City, Southern Leyte and Samal. G-Watch also thanks the AccountabilityResearchCenterorARC (accountabilityresearch.org) forcontinuedactionresearchcollaborationonscalingaccountabilityinpovertyreductionprograms.G-WatchalsothanksG-Watchlocalsites–QuezonCityledbyFedMarcelo,SouthernLeyteledbyAmeliaManceraand JunTingson, andSamal ledbyPaul Lopez– forenabling theimplementationofthisworkintheirrespectivelocalities.Mostheartfeltgratitudetothevolunteer-monitorsfromtheSangguniangKabataan(SK)and4PsbeneficiariesofQuezonCity,SamalandSouthernLeytewhosteppedupandprovedthattheyouthcanleadaccountability.Forinformationaboutthispublicationand#SKasGWatch,pleasecontact:GovernmentWatch(G-Watch)28-AMatapatStreet,Pinyahan,Diliman,[email protected]|+63-917-186-0298|+632-8796-9922Website:www.g-watch.orgFacebook:@gwatch.phTwitter:@gwatch_phPilotProjectTeamJoyAceronVictoriaMaglanqueFedMarcelo(QuezonCity)AmeliaMancera/JunTingson(SouthernLeyte)PaulLopez(Samal)EmmaManjaresFrancisIsaac PhotoCredits:AllphotosusedarefromG-WatchactivitiestakenbyG-WatchTeam.

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………. 3 ProjectActivitiesandMonitoringResults…………………………………… 5 UpdatingonSKand4Ps……………………………………………………………… 10 HowdoYouDescribeyour#SKasGWatchExperience………………… 14 WhatDoesYouth-LedMean……………………………………………………… 16 LessonsLearned………………………………………………………………………… 17 EYLAManualSoft-LaunchandFeedbacking………………………………. 21 ProposalsonNextSteps…………………………………………………………….. 21 ConcludingRemarks………………………………………………………………….. 23 LearningExchangeParticipants…………………………………………………. 24 Annex1–PilotMonitoringHighlights(https://bit.ly/2PdqKNW) Annex2–MonitoringTool(https://bit.ly/2uiUpOq)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

#SKASGWATCHPILOTREPORT G-WATCH|

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Strengthening the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) as an AccountabilityMechanism inLocalGovernanceor#SKasGWatchProjectisaninitiativeofGovernmentWatch(G-Watch)thataimstoenabletheSKsinengagingkeypovertyreductionprogramsofthegovernmenttoadvanceaccountabilityandresponsiveness.Thisreportsharesthehighlightsofthepilotimplementationofthe#SKasGWatchprojectfromNovember2018toJanuary2020,includingthedocumentationofitsfinalactivity,thelearningexchange in January 2020, that brought together the project team and leadvolunteer-monitorsinthethreepilotsitesforanassessmentandreflection.MorethanhalfofthePhilippinepopulationareyoungpeopleaged15-30yearsold.Theroleoftheyouthinnation-buildinghasbeenrecognizedinPhilippinelaws.Onemechanism for youth empowerment is the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK or YouthCouncils).Everyoneofthe42,045barangays(villages)hasanSKcomposedofatleast8youthofficialselectedbytheyouthconstituencyofthebarangay.TheSKmechanismissupposedtoserveasatraininggroundforyoungFilipinos ingovernanceandleadership.Despiteitsoriginalintention,theSangguniangKabataanhasbeencriticizedforfailingtocarryoutitsmandateofempoweringtheyouth,andfor succumbing to the culture of patronage and clientelism.However, there havebeen recent attempts to reform the SK by strengthening its link with its youthconstituency,andbyaddressingtheproblemofpoliticaldynastiesattheirlevel.Thebarangayistheclosestgovernmentunittothepeoplewhoreceiveandbenefitfrom various government programs. Yet, there has been weak efforts to enablebarangay-levelsocialaccountabilitythatchecksontheprogramsbeingprovidedbythe government, especially those catering to the poorest of the poor, such asPantawidPamilyangPilipinoProgram(4Ps),Kapit-BisigLabansaKahirapan(KALAHI)and Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM). Enabling barangay-levelcitizenmonitoringoftheseprogramswillensurethattargetbeneficiariesreceivetheserviceswhileavoidinginefficiencies,corruptionandabuse.While anti-poverty government programs already have monitoring and citizenengagement components,most of these are integrated in the program itself anddependentmainlyonthegovernment.Theprojectispartofanongoingexplorationfor an independentandvertically-integrated (i.e., presentat all levelsofdecision-making fromnational to communities) civil societymonitoringprocess thatwouldensureacomprehensivelookofpovertyreductionprogramswiththeparticipationofbeneficiaries/communitiesinalliancewithyouthleadersofSKandG-Watch.

INTRODUCTION


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WiththedrivetoreformtheSK, theSangguniangKabataancanbeturned intoanaccountabilitymechanismincollaborationwithG-Watch,anationalactionresearchandcitizenmonitoringorganizationwithalmosttwodecadesofexperienceinsocialaccountability, thereby filling-up the gap in barangay-level accountability ingovernmentanti-povertyprograms.InherIntroductionduringtheLearningExchangethattookplaceatSOLEAMactanonJanuary25-26,Ms.JoyAceronstatedthatthe#SKasGWatchProjectismeantto“scaleupaccountabilitythroughtheSangguniangKabataan.”Theideaof‘scalingup’hastwodimensions:First, is tospreadaccountabilitytoother leadersand institutions.Andsecond,istheprocessof“pagpapalalim”(deepening),whichaimstomobilizetheSKsinpartnershipwithG-Watchforaccountabilityworkatvariouslevelsofdecision-making.ThoughtheSKs’involvementinaccountabilityworkisnotexplicitlystatedineitherRepublicActNo.7160(LocalGovernmentCode)orintheSKReformLaw,theProjectassumesthattheSKhasastakeinensuringthatgovernmentservicesreachtheirintendedbeneficiaries,andthatitshouldtakeactiontopromotetransparency,participationandaccountability(TPA).

Specifically,theProjectfocusesonmobilizingtheSKstomonitortheimplementationof4Psforthefollowingreasons:1. Schoolchildrenupto18yearsoldareoneofthebeneficiariesofthesaidProgram,

andthissegmentofthepopulationarethemainconstituentsoftheSangguniangKabataan.

2. 4Psistargetedtowardsthepoorestofthepoor,whothereforerequiresthemostassistance.

Ms. Aceron shared that the pilot-run of the project in three G-Watch sites fromNovember 2018 to January 2020 was supported by the Canada Fund for LocalInitiatives(CFLI),aninitiativeoftheCanadianEmbassyinthePhilippines.Meanwhile,themonitoringofpoverty reductionprograms, including4Ps, isanongoingactionresearch work of G-Watch with Accountability Research Center (ARC), an actionresearch incubator in American University. The #SKasGWatch pilot project is aconvergenceofthesecollaborations.


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AfterdiscussingtheupdatesontheSangguniangKabataanand4Psimplementationduring the Learning Exchange in Mactan, Ms. Vicky Maglanque reviewed thehighlightsoftheProject.Inherreport,Ms.Maglanqueoutlinedthevariousactivities thatwereundertakenfromFebruary2019untilOctoberof that year. Sheadded that all theseactivitiesculminatedinthepresentationofthefindingsandrecommendationsbeforerelevantgovernmentagencies.Thefollowingwerethemainactivitiesconducted:

PROJECTACTIVITIESANDMONITORINGRESULTS

• The Project kicked off with theconduct of a briefing-orientationfor volunteer monitors in each ofthesites.

• LastMarch 1, 2019,G-Watch alsoorganized the Empowering Youthto Lead Accountability (EYLA)Forum as part of its policydialogues. It was attended byrepresentatives from variousgovernment agencies such as theNationalYouthCommission(NYC),DSWD,DILG,CommissiononAudit(COA), and the Civil ServiceCommission (CSC), as well aspartnerCSOsandSKofficials.

• TheperiodfromApriltoJune2019was allotted for the volunteers toconducttheirmonitoringactivities.

• A two-day sharing and problem-solving session were thenconducted per site the followingmonth. Volunteer-monitorsattended the sharing sessions,while concerned governmentoffices attended the problem-solvingsessions.

• During the briefing-orientation inFebruary 2019, theG-Watch teamdiscovered the various issues andchallenges(i.e.,lackofinformationregarding budget guidelines,releaseoftheSKbudget,etc.)facedby SK officials in performing theirmandates. As such, the team alsosent letters to pertinent agenciesurging them to address theseconcerns.

• G-Watchalso called forameetingwithotherSKreformadvocatestodiscussthepetition initiatedbySKMiranda from Samal. The petitionwas then formally submitted toconcernedagencies.

• A teamprocessingwas conducted

last August 29-30, 2019, attendedby G-Watch Center as well as thelocal coordinators from the threepilot sites. In this workshop, keyfindings, recommendations, andreflectionswereformulated.

• Several follows-up

correspondences and meetingswith concerned governmentagencieswere conducted to pressfor response and identify nextsteps.


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• Following this activity, aproblem-solving dialogue wasorganized lastOctober22,2019to present the team’s findingsandrecommendationsandtogetthereactionandcommitmentofthe government agenciesconcerned. It was attended byrepresentatives from DSWD,Department of Budget andManagement (DBM), DILG, andtheSenateCommitteeonYouth(throughtheofficeofSen.SonnyAngara).TheNYCandtheHouseof Representatives Committeeon Youth were also invited buttheywerenotabletoattend.

• Throughouttheentireproject,G-Watch was publicizing updateson the project through socialmedia tagging CFLI/ CanadaEmbassy, ARC and other G-Watchpartners.

Photosfromtoptobottom:Briefing-orientationwithSKofficialsand4PsbeneficiariesinMaasinCity;SKofficialsdoingashortskitduringthebriefing-orientationinQuezonCity;SharingsessionofvolunteermonitorsinIslandGardenCityofSamal.


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Thefollowingwerethekeyfindingsofthemonitoringandtherecommendationsputforwardbasedoncollectiveassessmentandconsultationsintheproject:Ingeneral,4PsbeneficiariesengagedbySKandG-Watchmonitorsfoundthat4Psishighlybeneficial andhelpful to them.Theywant theProgram to continueandbeimproved.Therearestill,however,someissuesandproblemsintheoperationandimplementationof4Psthat,ifaddressed,canstrengthentheprogram.On4PsIssues

• Delayedallowance/payoutsto4Psbeneficiaries.• Issueregardinginclusion/exclusioninthelistof4Psbeneficiaries.• TheGrievanceRedressSystem(GRS)wasnotresponsivetotheconcernsof

thebeneficiaries.Recommendations

• Improve the response of DSWD, and keep the beneficiaries/stakeholdersinformed of the actions and decisions of the agency (includingmonitoringresults).

• Exploreworkingwiththebarangay,particularly theSKs,asan independentgrievanceredress,monitoring,andinformationcenter.

• Strengthen 4Ps engagement with youth beneficiaries through the youthdevelopmentsessions(YDS)incollaborationwiththeSKs.

OnSKIssues

• Unclearguidelinesregardingtheirbudgetandthereleaseoftheirfunds.• Uncoordinated/scattered training for SKs and their lack of

exposure/knowledgeongovernanceandaccountability.• The SK Reform Law is not fully implemented and there are gaps in

organizationalsupportandincentivesforSKofficials.Recommendations

• Clarify rules regardingbudget, andprovideassistance in accomplishing therequirements.

• Providerationalized,comprehensive,andintegratedtrainingforSKs,aswellasorientSKsoftheImplementingRulesandRegulations(IRR),includingtheprograms,projects,andservicesofthegovernment.

• Convene all government agencies concerned to ensure the fullimplementation of the SK Reform Law and guarantee that organizationalsupportfortheSKsareprovided.

The followingwere thekey responsesgenerated from theconcernedgovernmentagencies:DepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment(DSWD)

• The agency is currently in talks regarding the institutionalization of YouthDevelopmentSessions,andisopentoexplorepossibleengagementwithSKsinthefeedbackandgrievanceredressmechanism.


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• The representative also suggested to tap regional institutional partnershipdevelopmentofficesinthisendeavor.

DepartmentofBudgetandManagement(DBM)

• The Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) has already issuedguidelinesforprocurementbySKs.

• COAwillalsobereleasingthehandbookregardingtheSKbudget (theCOAhandbookhasjustbeenrecentlyreleasedlastFebruary6,2020).

DepartmentoftheInteriorandLocalGovernment(DILG)

• TheDILG reiterated that theNational Youth Commission (NYC) is the leadagencyforSKconcerns.

• However,theyhavealsoissuedpressreleasesstatingthatSKsareallowedtousetheirbudgetaslongastheycomplywithhavingabankaccount.

• Theagency,throughtheUndersecretaryforBarangayAffairs,hasalsostartedcraftingprojects,programs,andactivitiesforSKs.

• Theyarealso lookingatthepossibilityofSKsbeing includedinthetrainingprovidedbytheLocalGovernmentAcademy(LGA).

Senate

• TheSenateCommitteeonYouthislookingatintroducingamendmentstotheSKReformLaw.TheamendmentsmentionedaretheSKTreasurerappointedbytheSKChairshouldhaveabackgroundinaccounting,andtheinclusionofhonorariumforallSKofficials,amongothers.

Themaincomplaintsraisedabout4Psrevolvearounddelayedpayments, logisticalproblems inpayouts, inclusion/exclusionandslowandweakresponsivenessof itsGrievance Redress System. While DSWD reports the 4Ps GRS to be functioningeffectivelywithahighresolutionrate,thefeedbackthatG-Watchreceivedfrom4Ps


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beneficiariesshoweddissatisfactiontowardstheGRSinresolvingissues:thatittooka long timebefore theGRSresponds tocomplaints filedandcomplaints,and thatthese were not completely resolved/ addressed. We also noted that only 4Psbeneficiaries know about the GRS (other community members have low-to-noawareness).DespitethehighawarenessregardingGRS,4Psbeneficiariesstillresortto othermeans in resolving complaints (through the DSWD staff, going to higherDSWDoffices,NGO/privatesector).DSWD reaffirmed possible gaps in the Program’s Grievance Redress System andmonitoringthatcanbefilledupbytheProject.ThoughtheGRSisintegratedin4Ps,peopleareafraidtousethismechanism.BeneficiariesoftenjustifytheirrefusaltousetheGRSbysaying,“bakapag-initan”(theymightearntheireofthosemanagingtheProgram).There is, therefore, a need for an independent monitoring system for theimplementation of 4Ps, and the SKs can fulfill that function. For this reason, the#SKasGWatchProjectexploresthegapsin4Psaccountabilitysystemandattemptstodevisewaystoaddressthosegaps.Meanwhile, concerned agencies have responded to the petition initiated by SKreform advocates and G-Watch (https://g-watch.org/news-release/calling-nyc-dilg-dbm-coa-ched-and-deped-advance-full-implementation-sk-reform-law) through thepassageofneededdepartmentorders,theconductoftrainings/briefings,andconductofinvestigations.TheSenatehadahearingontheSKReformLawimplementationandtheNationalYouth Commission directly responded to G-Watch’s inquiry on the 50Million SKbudget that mobilized an uproar from SKs online(https://www.facebook.com/147286138619619/posts/2961325533882318?sfns=mo).SeeAnnex1fortheHighlightsoftheMonitoringandAnnex2fortheToolused.


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SincetheSK’sfoundationinthe1990s,ithasbeenplaguedbycriticisms,includinghowithasbecomeabreedinggroundoftraditionalpoliticiansandavenuetoteachtheyouthofcorruption,forbeingineffectiveinachievingitspurposeofyouthempowerment.Largely,ithasyettoserveasanaccountabilitymechanismthatensuresthattheservicesandprogramsoflocalandnationalgovernmentsareresponsivetotheyouthandtocitizens,ingeneral.Recently,therehavebeeneffortsofyouthadvocatestoreformtheSK.AnSKReformLaw(RA10742)hasbeenpassedinCongressin2016strengtheningthelinkageofthecouncil to its constituency (theKatipunan ngmga Kabataan or Youth Assembly),providing more extensive capacity-building for its leaders, and incorporating agroundbreakinganti-dynastyprovision.ThreeyearsafterthepassageoftheSKReformLawin2016,thelawhasnotbeenfully implemented.The ImplementingRulesandRegulations lacks implementationdetails,andSKsandstakeholdershaveyettobeorientedonit.MostSKshaveyettocomplywiththerequirementsforthemtoreceiveandutilizetheirbudget.ThereisconfusionamongSKs,localgovernmentofficialsandnationalgovernmentagenciesonmandatesvis-à-vistheSKReformLawimplementation.ThestatusoftheSKbudgetisunclear,andthetrainingsconductedhavebeenlackinginsubstanceandform.InthislightthatG-WatchhelpedSKsandSKreformadvocatestocallonconcernedgovernmentagencies,namelyNYC,DILG,DBM,COA,CHEDandDepEd,toactonthefollowingdemandsinapetition:

• Formandregularlyconveneandinter-agencybodyonSKreform.• ReviewtheIRRtoclarifymandatesandaccountabilitiesinimplementingthe

law and the details of coordination among agencies and stakeholders inconsultationwithstakeholders.

• ProperlyorientSKsoftheIRRandhowitwillbecarriedout,addressinganygapsintheguidelinesuponimplementation.

• Orient agencies and all government offices of their responsibilities andmandateintheSKReformLaw.

• Review and redesign trainings/ capacity-building programs that build thecapacityofSKs,makingitmorecomprehensive,appliedandrationalized.

• Allocate funds and conduct mandatory and continuing trainings for SKs(chairs,kagawads,secretariesandtreasurers)andLocalYouthDevelopmentOfficers(LYDOs).

• Providepro-active assistance to SKs in fulfilling theirmandate, including incomplyingwiththerequirementstoaccessandutilizetheirfunds.

• ElectthenewsetofofficersoftheSangguniangKabataanNationalFederation(SKNF)atthesoonestpossibletime.

• Ensurethattheentitlements,benefitsandprivilegesforelectedSKofficialsstipulatedintheSKReformLawareprovided.

UPDATINGONSKAND4Ps


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• Setupareporting/feedbackingmechanismfortheproperimplementationofthe SK Reform Law, especially to ensure that the problems of access toentitlements,benefitsandprivilegesofSKofficialsintheLawarereportedandrespondedto.

• ExplorethecreationofLigangmgaKagawad(LeagueofCouncilors)toensuretheactiveinvolvementofkagawadinSKgovernance.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a conditional cash transfer programbeingimplementedbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment.The4Psaimstobreaktheintergenerationalcycleofpovertybyinvestinginpoorhouseholds’healthandeducation.Theprogramspecificallyaddressesmaternal,infant,andchildmortality;malnutrition and stunting of children; basic education completion; andchildlabor.Toreceivethegrant,householdsenrolledintheProgramneedtofulfillcertainhealthandeducationconditions.AsofDecember2016,thereare4.3millionhousehold-beneficiaries enrolled in 4Ps. The 4Ps program has been allocated abudgetofPhp78billionin2017.According toaWorldBankstudy in2013,beneficiariesof theprogramspent38%moreoneducationand34%moreonhealthcomparedtothosenotenrolledin4Ps.This increase indicates that households under the program invest more in theeducationandhealthof their children, giving themmore chancesofbreaking thecycleofpovertyintheirfamilies.AnotherrecentstudybythePhilippineInstituteofDevelopment Studies (2014) says that the number of out-of-school-youth hasdecreasedfrom2.9million in2008to1.2million in2013dueto4PsandtheK-12program. In general, the impact assessment on 4Ps have been positive, includingassessmentsofitsgoodgovernancefeatures.Surveyshavealsonotedsatisfactionof4Ps beneficiaries towards the program. Yet, 4Ps continue to face criticisms andcomplaints.Despite resistance from some policy actors, 4Ps was institutionalized into law,throughRepublicActNo.11310, in2019.Specificprovisionof the lawrelevant towhat#SKasGWatchisdoingisSec.16ontheIndependentMonitoringCommittee.Itstatesthat,“AnIndependentMonitoringCommitteeshallbecreatedattheregional,andnational levels, composedof representatives from theprivate sectorandcivilsocietyorganizations(CSOs)tocomplementthemonitoringactivitiesoftheDSWDandprovidefeedbackforappropriateaction.Itshallsubmitareportontheresultsofits monitoring activities relative to the implementation of the program to therespectiveregionaladvisorycouncilsandtheNAC.”ThelearningexchangeinJanuaryasafinalactivityofthe#SKasGWatchpilotprojectalsoservedasanopportunitytogetthelatestupdateson4PsandSKs.Belowarethehighlightsofthereportingofthesites.


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SamalThe participants from SamalreportedthatCOAhaspreventedallSamal SKs from opening bankaccounts. They also stated that anumber of SK officials haveexperienced intimidation(“tinakot”)fromCOAwhotoldthemthat having their own bankaccountswouldmeanthattheywillnowbeheldcriminallyliableforanyquestionable financial transactionthat they make. Because of thissituation, theSKsofSamalare theonlySangguniangKabataaninthecountrythathavenobankaccounts.ThispredicamenthasforcedtheSamalSKstoreverttotheoldsystemwhereinSKfundsarecontrolledbythebarangaychairperson.AceroncommentedthatthisisacauseforconcernsincetheSKscouldbeobligedtosimplysettlefortheoldsystem,thusunderminingtheessenceoftheSKReformLaw.During the discussion, the participants from Samal also emphasized theirdisappointment with the President of their SK City Federation for his apparentinaction.QuezonCityTheparticipants fromQuezonCitysaidtherewasan initialdelay intheholdingoftraining-seminarsandintheopeningofbankaccounts.However,theirSKFederationPresidentwasforcedtotakeactionbecauseofintensepressurefrombarangay-levelSKofficials.Becauseofthispositivedevelopment,theSKsofQuezonCitywerefinallyabletouploadtheirdocumentsonPhilGEPSandhavenowbegunthebiddingprocessfortheirprojects.In addition, the SKs have also started implementing various initiatives. TheSangguniangKabataanofBarangayPayatas, forexample,begancoordinatingwithUP-NCPAGtoprovidetraining-seminarsforSKofficials.Atthesametime,SK-PayatashasinitiatedvariousprojectsincludingthedistributionofschoolequipmentandthePamaskongHandoginitiative.Theyarecurrentlydevisingtheirbudgetplanfor2020.Similarly,theSKofBarangayCaprihasalsodistributedschoolsuppliestoelementaryandhighschoolchildren.Theyhavealsoorganizedanumberofseminarsthatfocusedonstressmanagement,careerplanningandhandlingrelationships.


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Ontheotherhand,theSKofBarangayBatasanHillshaspartneredwiththeOfficeofthe Vice President (OVP) for their anti-drugs campaign. They have also organizedseminarstoprovideadviceandtipsoncollegeentranceexaminations.However,Mr.GabPeralta—anSKKagawadfromBarangayBatasanHills—reportedthatthemandatorytrainingforSKTreasurersinManilaiscurrentlyonhold.SouthernLeyteThediscussiononSouthernLeytefocusedontheimplementationof4Psinthesaidprovince.ItbeganwithanupdatefromMs.AceronwhotoldtheparticipantsthatthePantawidPamilyangPilipinoProgramhasnowbeeninstitutionalizedwiththerecentenactment of Republic Act No. 11310 (4Ps Act). She added that this new lawmandatestheDSWDtointroduceanindependentmonitoringmechanismthatwouldobserveandscrutinizeitsimplementation.

For her part, Ms. EsmeraldaLamamlao reported that G-Watch Southern Leyte hasrecently wrapped up theirmonitoring this January. TheyobservedthatLandbankstillhasonly one operational ATMmachine, since the two othermachines remain offline. Theresponse from DSWD is toschedule monthly withdrawalsbybatchestokeep itasorderlyaspossible.

ActionStepsTo address the issues related to the Sangguniang Kabataan, the G-Watch Centerresolvedtoundertakethefollowingactions:

• WriteletterstoCOA,DILGandNYCtoraisethenon-implementationoftheSKReformLaw.

• GetacopyoftheSKHandbook,haveitscanned,andthensendthesoftcopytoG-Watch’sSKpartners.

Atthesametime,toaddresstheissueregarding4Ps,theG-WatchCenterwillsendalettertoDSWDtotheraisetheschedulingofwithdrawalsinSouthernLeyte.Ms.AceronalsonotedthatitisextremelyimportantfortheSKsand4Psbeneficiariesto receive their entitlements because these are concretemanifestations that thePhilippinestateisinvestingonitsyouth.


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ShethenaddedthatbyundertakingthisProject, theG-WatchCenter ispracticallytakingachanceontheSKs.TheCenter inviteda largenumberofSKofficers in itsinitialactivities;andfromthosenumber,about20%to30%haveremained.Ms. Aceron further said that the Canadian Embassy was initially skeptical of theProject. But G-Watch defended the initiative, stating that the SKs are indeedvulnerable to corruptionandpatronagepolitics.But theyargued thatweneed toengagetheSKpreciselybecausetheyarevulnerable.During the learning exchange, the participants were asked to describe theirexperience.Belowishowtheparticipantsdescribedtheir#SKasGWatchexperience.G-WatchQuezonCityFederickVincentMarcelo

“Profoundandrefreshing”“Persevere”“Extendedpatience”

JohnLesterPangilinan

“#LPLearntheProcess”“Dosmallthingswithgreatlove”

GabrielPeralta

“Theycancompromisethemethodbutnotyourprinciple.”“Pagtataya.”

MaribelSumagay

“Hasgivenusenoughconfidence”“Addedsignificantknowledgeandinformation”“Itwasaneye-openingexperience”“Enabledustohelpothers”

AnacletoValdez,Jr.

“Timely”“Helpful”“Fulfilling”Nourishing”“Fun”

HOWDOYOUDESCRIBEYOUR#SKasGWATCHEXPERIENCE


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G-WatchSamalNelmarCrausos

“Greatstart”“#Babangonkami”

NickholaiJimmGenosas

“Strengthened”“#walangimposible”

MoanaJickain

“Solution(mak)er”

PaulEphraimLopez

LloydMartinMataverde

“Game-changer”


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G-WatchSouthernLeytePrescillaDoron

“Interesting”“Enjoyable”

EsmeraldaLamamlao

“Journey”

AmeliaFeMancera

“Challenge,Chance,Choice”

GemarMori

“Necessary”“Educative”“Empowering”“Deliverer”

VirgilioTingson,Jr.

“Eye-opener”“SurpriseDiscovery”

The following questions wereinterrogated in a collective discussionduringthelearningexchange:• Whatdoesyouth-ledmean?• Whataretheotherrequirementstoensurethesuccessofan initiativethatorganizes the youth to lead inaccountability?Discussedbelowarethehighlightsandsynthesisofthediscussion.Whatdoestobeyouthfulmean:• Enthusiastic• Hopeful• Resilientorabletopersevere• Devoted• FreshThedeterminantofyouthisnotjustage

butattitude—i.e.,theabilitytodevelopnewwaysofthinkingandofdoingthings.Therewasbroadagreementonthemeaningof“youth-led.”Aninitiativeisyouth-lediftheyouthplaysacentralpartinthesaideffort,iftheirideasareheard,andifithas

WHATDOESYOUTH-LEDMEAN


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a youth perspective. Thus, youth-ledmeans“isip, gawa at salita ng kabataan para sakabataan” (thought,actionandwordof theyouthfortheyouth).However, while the youth has tremendouspotential as catalysts of change, theirpotentialitywill remain dormant if they arenot given the capacity to meaningfullyparticipateindecision-makingprocesses.Itis,therefore, important that the youth aretrainedtobecome:• Front-liners• Decisionmakers• Organizers• LeadersIt is not enough that the youth engage inaction to improve their sector. They shouldhaveafargreatergoal.Duringherprocessing,Ms. Aceron said, “Hindi lang sapat na mayboses ang kabataan. Dapat may

papatunguhanangkanilangboses.” (It isnotenoughthat theyouthhaveavoice.Theirvoiceshouldbeinpursuitofanobleend.)Youth-ledefforts shouldalwaysbepurposive, i.e., undertaken inorder toachieveobjectives,suchas:(1)youthdevelopment;(2)nation-building;and(3)thecreationofafarbetterfuture.TheinitialprocessingandreflectionsessionofG-Watchofitsexperienceinpiloting#SKasGWatch has yielded lessons on government responsiveness and citizen/ SKmobilization.FactorsAffectingGovernmentResponse• Thedifficultanddemandingprocessofgettinggovernmenttorespondhastodo

withthepoliticalcontext.o CSOengagementnotgivenvalueasbefore.o Thereremainsstronghesitationofgovernmentwithaccountability.o Thereareareasofpoliticalleadershipthatarebestnotengaged.o G-Watchanditsalliesmaynotbeaprioritytogovernmentbecauseitis

notan‘adminNGO.’

LESSONSLEARNED


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• Inlightofapoliticalleadershipthatisgenerallynotopen,previousengagementwithgovernmentofficialsisacrucialfactoringeneratingresponse.Thisstillneedsproactiveoutreachtoagencies,especiallyallies.

• Leadership/pointpersonintheagencyisafactor.Entrypointiscrucial.FactorsAffectingSKMobilization• Thesectorofcitizenstobemobilizedshouldshapethemobilizationapproaches

intermsof:o Aretheyyouth?AretheySKsornon-SKs?o Whataretheirincentives/imperativesinparticipating?o InsomeSKs,compulsion/mandateisneeded,hencetheneedtoexplore

MOAwithoversightagencies.• Feudal,patronage-basedandpatriarchalcharacteristicsofPhilippinesociety

affecttheuseoffeedbackandgrievanceredressmechanism(fearofreprisalfrompowers-that-be,andfellowbeneficiariesalikepreventcitizensfrommakinguseofcomplaintmechanism).

• AninterveningvariableinthemobilizationofSKsisthenon-implementationoftheSKReformLaw.

o Negative–thepriorityofSKsisattendingtotheirimmediateneeds/responsibilities.

o Positive–theyjoined/stayedbecausetheythinkG-Watchcanhelpthem.

• MonitoringisnotsomethingSKswouldimmediatelydo(SKbothasasectoralbodyandasgovernment),hencetheneedto(1)reframeaccountabilitytoengagementwithyouthprograms(2)reassertthatsectoralorganizationsareaccountabilitymechanismstobeginwith.

In the learning event, the participants were also asked to generate their lessonslearnedonthefollowing:

• SKinvolvementinaccountabilityefforts• MobilizationofSKs• Engagementwithgovernmentagencies• SK-governmentagencyrelationship• SK-youthrelationship• Roleofintermediaries/facilitators(i.e.,G-Watch)• Others

Group1Initsreport,Group1assertedthattheyouthneedsleadership,andthattheSKsareinthebestpositiontoprovidethatleadershiptotheyouth.ButfortheSKstoproperlyleadtheyouth,itisimportantthattheyfollowtherightprocesses.


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ThegroupalsopointedoutthathavingstrongtieswiththeirLYDOwillenabletheSKsto bettermobilize their youth constituency. At the same time, it is important todeveloppartnershipsbetweenSKsandcivilsocietyorganizations(CSOs).Fortunately,thereareareas,suchasSouthernLeyte,whereincivilsocietygroupsarewillingtoworkwithSKleaders.Infact,duringtheirsmallgroupdiscussion,Ms.AmeliaManceraof Southern Leytedeclared that, “Handaakong sumugalpara sa kabataan” (I amreadytobetontheyouth).Group1furtherpointedoutthatSK-CSOinitiativesarelikelytobesuccessfulifthesearevisibletotheyouth.Lastly,theGroupaffirmedtheroleofG-Watchasmediator,whichbridgestheSKagendatootherinstitutionsandstakeholders.Group2Group2begantheirreportbystatingthattheinvolvementofSKsinaccountabilityeffortscanbedone:(1) ifthere isclearandadequate informationregardingtheseinitiatives;and(2)iftheSKFederationsarealsoinvolved.

They also pointed out that thebestwaytomobilizetheSKsisbyusing strategies that appeal tomillennials (e.g., art exhibits).Transportation should also beprovided, especially for SKs thathave limited funds. Related tothispoint,effortsshouldbemadeto raise resources by forgingpartnerships with other groupsandinstitutions.

The Group also shared that engaging government agencies requires tremendouspatience,sincethebureaucracytendtowardsinertia.SKofficials intheGroupalsoexperiencedpasa-pasa(squeezingtheballoon),whereinofficeswouldreferthemtootherofficestoescapeaccountability.Tobreakthisimpasse,itisimportanttohave:

• Alliesinsidethebureaucracy.• A vertically integrated approach to show that the SK agenda is a shared

concernoftheyouthacrosslevels.• PassionateSKleaders.

TofostergoodrelationshipsbetweentheSKsandtheiryouthconstituents,theformermustpracticeflexibilityandpakikisama(smoothinterpersonalrelationship).Group2also emphasized that SK leaders should reject all forms of vote-buying since thispracticecorruptstheSK-youthrelationship.


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Lastly,theGroupidentifiedtheroleofintermediaries.Thesearethefollowing:

1. GatherinformationandgenerateknowledgeonSK-relatedissues.2. FacilitatelearningexchangesbetweenSKsandotherstakeholders.3. BuildnetworkstoexpandtheconstituencyandalliesoftheSKs.

Group3In their report, the lastGroupstatedthat theSangguniangKabataancanbemoreeffectivelymobilized for accountabilitywork if all SK officials (andnot just the SKchairperson)willbegivencompensation.

TheyalsoemphasizedtheneedtoimprovetheImplementingRulesandRegulationsoftheSKReformAct.Group3arguedthatdoingsowouldaddresssomeofthemajorchallengesintheimplementationofRA10742.Theyclaimthatatpresent,Philhealthbenefits are still not extended to SKofficials, and that several schools still donotrecognizethescholarshipentitlementsstipulatedintheSKReformLaw.Tobetterpromoteaccountability,Group3recognizestheimportanceofalliesinsidethe bureaucracy. They also see the need to create stronger bonds amongindependent-mindedSKofficialssincetheyaretheleaderswhoaremostwillingtoundertakeaccountabilitywork.Asafinalpoint,Group3statedthattheSK-youthrelationshipcanbestrengthened:(1)byregularlyconveningtheKatipunanngKabataan(KK);and(2)byaddressingtheneedsanddemandsoftheiryouthconstituents.


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TheManualtoempowertheyouthinleadingaccountability(EYLA)waspresentedtotheparticipantsofthelearningexchangetogatheradditionalfeedback.TheManual iswrittenwiththeaimtoguideSKofficials indoingaccountabilitybyengaginglocalandnationalgovernment.Itstoneisinformal,inordertocapturetheattentionofitsyoungreaders.TheManual’sstructurefollowsthatofthemonitoringtool used for the#SKasGWatch Project.As such, it provides tips and step-by-stepproceduresonhowtodoexactaccountability,aswellasexpoundingonkeyskillsthattheywilllearnduringtheprocess–fromscanningandconductingconsultations/FGDtousingtheeFOIplatform,amongmanyothers.Mr. Gab Peralta suggested adding quotations from Filipino heroes and icons.Mr.LesterPangilinan,ontheotherhand,saidthattheManualshouldprovidethesourcesofthevideosfeaturedinthedocument.In response to thepoints thatwere raised,Ms.Aceron stated that in revising theManual,theywilladdanAnnexon:(1)theSummaryoftheSKReformLaw;and(2)theSKManual.ShealsopointedoutthatintheManual’sintroductorychapter,theywilladdaparagraphclarifyingthatthedocumentwillnotdiscusshowtheSKswillperform their legally mandated functions, but will focus instead on how theSangguniangKabataancancontributetotheaccountabilityworkofG-Watch.(ForcopiesoftheManual,checkwww.g-watch.org.)In the learning exchange, participants conceptualized their emerging follow-upinitiativetodeepentheir#SKasG-Watchwork.SamalTheproposalfromSamalparticipantsisentitledSKsConnectionto4psCore:YouthDevelopmentSession. Itsobjective istostrengthentheconnectionofSKswith4Psbeneficiaries.The proposal outlined several activities from February until August, which are allmeanttointegratetheSKsintheimplementationof4PsbyempoweringtheformertohandletheYouthDevelopmentSessions.On the other hand, the group admitted that they may not be able to join thesimultaneousAko,Ikaw,TayoMayPananagutan(AIM-P)activityonFebruary14

EYLAMANUALSOFT-LAUNCHANDFEEDBACKING

PROPOSALSONNEXTSTEPS


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becauseitfallsonaFriday,whereinSKleadersarebusywithschoolwork.However,SK-Samal clarified that they will still conduct their AIM-P but will move it on aweekend.AceronpraisedtheSamalproposalforprovidingaclearphasingofactivities.Shetheninstructed the G-Watch Center to check if there are standard processes forconductingYDSthattheDSWDcanadoptonanationalscale.AceronalsoaskedtheSKleadersofSamaltoaddressthedynamicsinvolvingtheirSKFederationPresident.SouthernLeyte

The proposal fromSouthern Leyte entitledaims to engage moreyouth on the issue ofaccountability and trainthem as G-Watchmonitors. Theproponents have listeddown several activitiesfrom February untilAugust,whichincludesa‘BriefingOrientationandTraining Workshop forSKLeadersandLYDO.’

Astheproposalwasprocessed,theG-WatchCenterwasgiventhetaskof:

1. IdentifyingthepolicythatgovernsLYDOs.2. LobbytheDILGtomakecapacity-buildingforLYDOsasoneofthetargetsin

theSealofGoodLocalGovernance(SGLG).3. Lobby the DILG Central Office to issue a letter to DILG Southern Leyte to

ensurethelatter’scooperationinthe#SKasGWatchProject.QuezonCityTheproposalfromQuezonCityisentitledCHUPISfor4Ps(CommunityHoningthroughUnited Participation with Indigent Sector), which aims to organize SKs and thebarangaysasanindependentthird-partyfeedbackandgrievanceredressmechanismfor the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. It listed down several activities andprojectsthatwillrununtilNovember.Theprojectcomponentsoftheproposalareasfollows:

• Kumustahang 4Ps, which will be a monthly meeting together with theBarangayandSKchairpersons to (1)address the issuesconcerning the4Psbeneficiariesandtheirchildren;and(2)createastrongrelationshipamong4Psmembers.


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• 4Ps Pasaporte, which will be a rewards system to increase the level ofparticipationandinvolvementof4PsmembersinbarangayandSKprojects.

• 4PsWelfareDesk,whichwilldocumentthegrievancesandconcernsof4Psmemberstopromptpublicofficialstotakeaction.

TheLearningEventwasconcludedwithClosingMessagesfromMr.NickholaiGenosas(Samal) who hoped that the initiative continues, and thanked G-Watch and theCanada Embassy for opening their eyes and giving them the opportunity toparticipate in the project.Mr. GemarMori (Southern Leyte) thenmentioned theimportance of knowing, and being active in addressing youth issues. Mr. LesterPangilinan(QuezonCity),inhismessage,reiteratedtheneedtocontinuebettingonthe youth (pagtataya). He also thanked G-Watch and Canadian Embassy for theinitiativethathesaidenabledthemtoundertakeasimilarinitiativethatreceivedarecentrecognitionfromNYC.Ms.VickyMaglanque(G-WatchCenter)finallyclosedbyhighlighting the immensepotentialof theSKasaplatformfor theyouth tobeengagedinsocialissuesandbepartofthesolution.Shethankedalltheparticipants,theG-Watchsitesthatparticipated,andthepartnersforthesupport.Thepilotthatcovered23barangaysin3citieshasshownthatSKscanbemobilizedandtrainedtoleadaccountabilityinitiatives.Mobilizingaround40SKleadersfromthe three pilot areas, G-Watch engaged the SK leaders to lead accountability,particularly working with them in monitoring the government flagship povertyreductionprogram,4Ps.The#SKasGWatchProjectshowsthatSKscanbemobilizedformonitoringofanti-povertyprograms,butthisneedsanenablingenvironment:(1)integratingtheaccountabilityapproachintheirgovernancetraining,(2)facilitatinglinkageswithagencies,(3)supportingpolicy/framework.Workingin3citieswitharound40SKleadersforapilot-run,the#SKasGWatchProjectvalidateditspropositions.SKscanleadaccountabilityinsocialprograms,particularlyin serving the youth beneficiaries of the program, through partnership andengagement. DSWD has also recognized the potential of SKs in supportingaccountability intheirprograms.StrengtheningtheadvocacycomponentoftheG-Watchaccountabilityapproachwouldmake it fit towhat isneeded inmakingthiscollaborationwork.G-Watch’s engagement with SKs for this work validates that an enabling policyenvironmentiscrucialforthisformofsectoralrepresentationtoperformwell.TheSKReformLawissupposedtomakeSKsperformbetter,butwefoundoutthatitisnowhereclosetobeingimplemented.TheeffortsofSKreformadvocateshasresultedin some progress, but a lot still needs to be done. The agencies respondedaffirmativelytothemonitoringeffortsofSKandG-Watchwhichservesasanopeningforfutureendeavorstowardsachievingmoretransformativegoals.

CONCLUDINGREMARKS


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StrengtheningtheSangguniangKabataan(SK)asanAccountabilityMechanisminLocalGovernance(#SKasGWatchProject):ALearningExchangeSoleaMactanCebuResort,Cordova,Cebu25-26January2019A.G-WatchCenterJoyAceronFrancisIsaacMariaVictoriaMaglanqueB.G-WatchSamalNelmarCrausosNickholaiJimmGenosasMoanaJickainPaulEphraimLopezLloydMartinMataverdeC.G-WatchSouthernLeytePrescillaDoronEsmeraldaLamamlaoAmeliaFeManceraGemarMoriVirgilioTingson,Jr.D.G-WatchQuezonCityFederickVincentMarceloJohnLesterPangilinanGabrielPeraltaMaribelSumagayAnacletoValdez,Jr.

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