Philippines

The Philippines Initiative

• Recognizing Capacity Development Incentives for Good Local Governance in the Philippines

  A 2-page briefing note describing the 2008 winners of the Special Citation on Local Capacity Innovations

• ”Local Incentive Mechanisms: Building on Community Values and Traditions“

  A research study prepared by Professor Leonor Magtolis Briones (University of the Philippines, National College of Public Administration and Governance), examining monetary and non-monetary incentive mechanisms as a capacity development strategy in the Philippines

• See a film about this flagship non-monetary incentives program in the Philippines

  The 30-minute documentary-style film, Capacity for Change, shows local CD ”stories“ in Bhutan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The segment on the Philippines focuses on the local governance awards program…

• ”Have deficit, will travel“

  Article by Professor Leonor Magtolis Briones, Chairperson of the Selection Committee for the 2008 Special Citation on Local Capacity Innovations

• ”4 Galing Pook Finalists get Special UNDP Citation“

  An article in the Philippine Star newspaper, February 9, 2009

• ”Local Capacity Innovations in the Philippines: Non-monetary incentives as drivers of performance“

  This short 3-page case study explains how a system of non-cash recognition awards given to the most innovative Local Government Units in the Philippines has ushered in a host of capacity development strategies in support of the MDGs.

• Regional Learning Event on Local Incentive Mechanisms

  This short article summarizes the highlights of a regional learning event in November 2009 that was organized in Negros Oriental, Philippines, to promote dialogue and exchange of experiences on local capacity development incentive mechanisms.

• The 2008 Galing Pook Awards Magazine

  This publication by the Galing Pook Foundation features descriptions of the 2008 award-winning local government programs, including winners of the Special Citation on Local Capacity Development Incentive Mechanisms.

• Generating More Resources for the MDGs in the Philippines

Country Research Studies on Local Capacity Development

• Philippines: Local Capacity Development: Investments for MDG Localization

  The connection between capacity development at the sub-national level and attainment of the Millennium Development Goals is gaining recognition and acceptance. However, there is a need to document actual experiences of developing countries in mobilizing dedicated investments for local level capacity development as a prerequisite for achieving the MDGs. Hence, the need to gather evidence in Asia, the Philippines included. This study reviews and analyzes emerging approaches, strategies and experiences of investing in local government capacity development in the Philippines; and makes recommendations for improving local capacity development initiatives by government, donors and civil society.

Background and Policy Papers

• Local Government Capacity Development Incentives for MDG Localization: Pakistan, Philippines and Viet Nam

  This paper presents an overview of three country research studies on local capacity development, in Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam. It looks closely at the financing of local CD investments in the region overall. Arguing that effective responses to the global economic crisis must include investments in sustainable capacities, the author presents an analysis of the fiscal stimulus packages that have been designed by countries in Asia. The analysis notes that such packages have tended to emphasize short term-responses such as cash transfers and job creation, whereas such quick-impact responses should be balanced with investments in medium/long term public spending plans that address systemic and institutional weaknesses.

Regional Events Organized under the Partnership

• 2nd Annual Asia Regional Capacity Development Learning Week

  The 2nd Annual Asia Regional Capacity Development Learning Week was held in Manila, the Philippines, from 24-28 May 2010. Organized under the title “Reducing Poverty; Delivering Services”, the underlying theme of the 2010 CD Learning Week (CDLW) involved a focus on capacity development strategies at the sub-national level, and a careful consideration of the effective approaches to strengthening institutions that deliver on development at the local level. With representation from 17 countries in the Asia region, the Learning Week was a partnership initiative of the regional CD team (UNDP Asia Pacific Regional Centre in Bangkok); SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, UNDP Philippines, and the Galing Pook Foundation.