Even with the difficulties faced by our nation brought by the Covid 19 pandemic, aggravated by the series of typhoons and natural calamities that hit the country, the national discourse on federalism and other issues of national importance still continues, in our efforts to keep our people enlightened and informed.
Yet with these natural disasters that have come, we are drawn to ponder whether federalism would be a system that would be more responsive in addressing the peoples’ needs in times of calamities. We note that it is the local governments, which are in the frontlines in providing the urgent needs of our people in times of emergencies.
We ask: what if the country had already adopted the federal system of government, would our leaders better equipped to deal with the country’s problems?
Would the government have been more effective in addressing this pandemic? With these questions it is imperative to conduct seminars and series of lectures.
The Pimentel Institute for Leadership and Governance in partnership with the Hanns Seidel Foundation-Philippine Office, undertook relevant efforts to strategize the most effective medium possible to disseminate information and exchange ideas. They were able to hold open discussions with stakeholders on the significance of Federalism especially in times of crisis, covering a meaningful discussion on the proposed Draft Federal Constitution. This was done by conducting online seminars and the publication of online newsletters to reach out to the concerned parties.
Under the present circumstances, the most effective method to continue our programs is through online seminar. A Zoom was used to invite participants to join the seminar.
Through these online seminars, we established and promoted two-way communication between public individuals, elected representatives, and government officials, who can help people better understand vital and current issues. It raised awareness of the people on how a crisis can be addressed in a Federal set up, and motivate the public to be advocates and serve as a source that spark interaction with those having similar interests.
The Project entailed continuing with the series of seminars on Federalism. The Project objectives are to educate, inform and apprise people of what Federalism is and how it can help better their lives by partnering with the different Local Government Units all over the country. These activities increased awareness and perked a renewed momentum in in terms of interest and understanding Federalism and hopefully gain wider acceptance of a shift towards Federalism.
For year 2020, PILG in partnership with the Hanns Siedel Foundation, was able to conduct the online seminars, focusing on the agenda of federalism and good governance:
1. October 10, 2020 – joined by around 333 participants, composed of local government officials, academe, NGOs, media and students. It was a seminar online discussing the implication of the internal revenue allotment to the local government units leading the discussion on federalism, the insinuation what if we adopted the system. The speakers for the event were Provincial Governor of Batangas Hermilando Mandanas, DILG Undersecretary Marivel Sacendoncillo, and the reactors were Ms. Sandra Paredes and Dean Joel Tan Torres.
2. November 7, 2020 – The Batang Transformers Alumni from Batch I to VI, come together to celebrate the 1st Batang Transformers Alumni Grand Reunion. It was a virtual event via Zoom. It was attended by more than 100 BT alumni.
The Batang Transformers Training Camp has been very successful in building bridges of friendship, breaking down barriers, erasing prejudices, and promoting tolerance among the emerging youth leaders of the country. The program has also sown the seeds of lifelong friendships. These young leaders returned to their communities inspired with the vision of National Transformation and are equipped to be catalysts of change.
It was also the aim of the event to bring together the BT alumni to prepare them to be part of the PILG programs and make them aware of the national issues like pandemic and issues on federalism, so that these young people will fully understand its importance and implications to society.
3. November 28, 2020, attended by more than 200 participants via zoom and FB page, composed of local government officials, academe, students and media people. It was a seminar online on the Bayanihan Federalism Draft Constitution.
The program format was that speakers and reactors discussed topics assigned to them, and followed by an open forum. The participants were given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the discussants.
As cited above, the participants of the forum were composed of media practitioners, LGU Officials, Heads of different organizations, members of the academe and students. They were as catalysts for action, to bring the people together to discuss issues of common concern, ideas can be exchanged that lead to action and help educate and publicize the topic on Federalism.
Every forum was attended by more or less one hundred participants.
Renowned speakers and reactors knowledgeable and with deep understanding of the topics graced the affairs. To mention some, we have, Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, and reactors Dean Rolando Mendoza and Mr. Raphael Montes. They addressed the concerns and apprehensions raised by the participants, and the issues were fully discussed and responded.
During the forum, participants were very active in asking questions. Such as the timeline of proposal; sharing of powers between the national and the federated regions; fiscal administration; the readiness of the Philippines to be federalized; political dynasty; and what the government is doing to increase the awareness of the people about federalism.
The participants confirmed that the information provided on the aspects of federalism and the Draft Federal Constitutions is relevant. They were able to identify the challenges and problems that need to be considered in the introduction of a federal system in the country.
After every forum, the HSF provided the participants with evaluation form, and the result was optimistic. The knowledge and understanding of participants on the adoption of a federal system of government in the Philippines, as well as about international experiences with federalism have a great impact to them.
Overall, the participants welcomed the opportunity to immerse more about federalism and the Bayanihan Federal Constitution. Most of the respondents acknowledged having gained insights about federalism, and especially key features of the Draft Charter. However, some responses also exposed a need for more information on the topic and further clarification of certain aspects.
Since the lack of knowledge and understanding of the people is still a real challenge and the information needs to reach an even broader public, it was suggested by the attendees to conduct more forum, to help the public understand Federalism as a system of government and the proposed Draft Constitution for the Republic.
Whether federalism will eventually be adopted by the present or future administration, what is important is to continue the pursuit of informing, educating our people on the basic principles and foundations. An enlightened public will continue to highlight the issues on Federalism.
In addition, on September 2020, PILG also launched the on-line newsletters containing information on national issues and also discussions on federalism.
Hopefully, we can continue with our program on Federalism, with the support of HSF, to wit:
Seminar Online on Federalism
Bayanihan Federalism Draft Lecture Series
Local Governance/Devolution/ Decentralization
Panayan/Dialogue
Online Newsletter (Paglaum/Hope)
Youth Program
Seminar Online or
Classroom online discussion
Training for the new batches Batang Transformers Program
PILG would like to expressess our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our partners and sponsors for their constant support to the PILG’s programs.