End of Commitment Report – The institutionalization of the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC)

Name of Evaluator

Hon. Rocky M. Aliping, President, Liga ng mga Barangay; Ms. Viviene Paguio, President, Office for Senior Citizen Affairs; and Saint Louis University Political Science Academic Society (SLU-POSAS)

Email

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Member Name

Baguio, Philippines

Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... Title

Action plan – Baguio, Philippines, 2024 – 2025

CommitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action...

The institutionalization of the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC)

Title

The institutionalization of the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC)

Action

To institutionalize and operationalize a robust framework for inclusive governance by empowering the Baguio City People’s Council as a key partner in local governance. This will ensure that civil society organizations have a sustained, legally defined, and well-supported role in shaping and monitoring the city’s development agenda, ultimately contributing to more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance. The commitment entails: Enactment of a City Ordinance to formalize the BCPC’s existence, roles, and responsibilities within the governance structure of Baguio City. Allocation of Resources, including financial support, to ensure the BCPC’s sustainability and effectiveness. Capacity BuildingEnhancing the skills, abilities, and processes of public servants, civil society, and citizens is essential to achieving long-lasting results in opening government. Technical specifications: Set of ac... and Training for CSO representatives to enhance their ability to contribute meaningfully to participatory governance. The expected results are: 1) enhanced civic participation in local governance, with CSOs actively influencing policies, programs, and decisions; 2) strengthened partnership between the city government and civil society, fostering mutual accountability and transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More; 3) sustainable operations of the BCPC, supported by a clear framework and adequate resources; and 4) improved planning, implementation, and evaluation of government initiatives through the inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More of diverse perspectives and expertise.

Problem

The establishment of the Baguio City People’s Council reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive governance by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) and institutionalizing their role in local decision-making processes. It is high time for Baguio City to strengthen the CSO participation through the establishment of the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC) – a mechanism that will concretize the spirit of people’s participation and advance the principle of partnership in local governance.  The creation of the BCPC is a big leap in promoting enhanced participatory governance, particularly in the involvement of the CSOs in various councils, committees, task forces, special bodies, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of PPAs of the City government. Its institutionalization through the enactment of an Ordinance is crucial in establishing a system of partnership between the City government and the BCPC that shall define their roles and involvement in the various programs, projects and activities of the local government including their participation in the Local Special Bodies, Committees, Task Forces and similar groups, as required by law and the national government as well as defining the funding requirements in the operations of the BCPC.

1.1 What was the overall level of progress in the commitment implementation at the time of this assessment?

Substantial

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

On March 31, 2025, Baguio City achieved a historic milestone when the City Council approved the ordinance institutionalizing the Baguio City People’s Council on third reading. Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed it into law on April 4, 2025. This ordinance formally recognizes the BCPC as a legitimate governance partner and establishes mechanisms for citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More in policy formulation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The BCPC participates through membership in the City Development Council, the GenderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov... More and Development Focal Point System, the Health Promotions Committee, the Barangay Anti-Road Obstruction Programs, and Circular Economy engagements. However, a systematic monitoring framework to measure BCPC effectiveness and quantify policy impacts remains undeveloped, limiting full assessment of institutional maturity.

1.2 Describe the main external or internal factors that impacted implementation of this commitment and how they were addressed (or not).

Strong political commitment from Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and the City Council facilitated the ordinance’s passage. Institutional support from the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee, the City Administrators’ Office, and the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office strengthened BCPC’s integration into legislative and policy processes. Since its enactment, the BCPC has improved its organizational structure, legitimacy, and recognition.

Before passage, the BCPC contributed to the updated City Vision, Comprehensive Development Plan, and Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Currently in its foundational phase, the BCPC is transitioning from representing individual civil society organizations to functioning as a unified body. Monitoring mechanisms tracking BCPC proposal adoption and impact remain underdeveloped.

Externally, the Department of the Interior and Local Government provided technical assistance and capacity-building through its Civic Academy Program, a collaborative initiative focused on Values and Leadership, Local Governance Operations, and Soft Skills. The ordinance itself removed formal barriers to civil society participation. Additional capacity-building activities—CSO forums, Local Government Code seminars, SDG-Voluntary Local Reviews, and national/international engagements—enhanced BCPC visibility and credibility. Notably, the BCPC was invited by Ukraine’s Ambassador Yuliia Fediv to a September 4, 2025, roundtable discussion at the Baguio Convention Center, where she expressed interest in establishing a Leadership Exchange Program and exploring collaborations between Ukrainian and Baguio CSOs

1.3 Was the commitment implemented as originally planned?

Most of the commitment milestones were implemented as planned

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

The commitment was implemented as planned. The ordinance completed the legislative process and was enacted with an annual budget of PHP500,000 for BCPC operations. Participation mechanisms—CDC and GFPS membership, committee participation, Circular Economy programs, Barangay Accountability Reports, and legislative engagements—are now operational. Capacity-building activities oriented the BCPC toward government processes. While the ordinance successfully institutionalized participatory governance, the BCPC operates primarily in a recommendatory capacity, providing comments on proposed policies and initiatives. Although citizen participation is demonstrably occurring, the direct influence on government decisions and development outcomes cannot yet be systematically measured.

2.1.1. – Did the government disclose more information; improve the quality of the information (new or existing); improve the value of the information; improve the channels to disclose or request information or improve accessibility to information?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

Through the active participation of the BCPC, the local government strengthened its co-creation processes by providing more opportunities for citizens and civil society organizations to engage in planning, policy discussions, and decision-making.

However, it should be made to understand that the BCPC is an independent, citizen-led, non-partisan organization. The BCPC actively participated in 17 City Development Council (CDC) meetings, where key government plans, programs, and budget proposals were discussed. The BCPC vetting in the adoption of the Annual Investment Program, Supplemental Annual Investment Plan, Gender and Development Plan, Sectoral Infrastructure Projects and the Public-Partnership Projects, represents a meaningful improvement in how government information is shared and validated with the community, moving beyond passive toward active civic involvement in reviewing government plans.

The conduct of annual General Assemblies for BCPC officers and members also contributed to improving citizens’ understanding of government programs and strengthening their ability to participate meaningfully in governance.

Furthermore, the number of accredited CSOs increased from 35 to 81 in 2026.

2.1.2. – Did the government create new opportunities to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation inform or influence decisions; improve existing channels or spaces to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation/ inform or influence decisions; create or improve capabilities in the government or the public aimed to improve how the government seeks feedback from citizens/enables participation/ or allows for the public to inform or influence decisions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The city government strengthened opportunities for citizens and civil society organizations to participate in governance and influence public decision-making. Through the institutionalization of the BCPC, the local government established a more open and inclusive mechanism for public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio..., enabling citizens and organized groups to provide feedback, contribute to policy discussions, and engage in local development planning.

The active participation of the BCPC with the CDC, for example, provided a regular platform/opportunity to share their perspectives, review government plans and programs, and influence policy and budget decisions.

Moreover, the BCPC Officers provided comments on the 2027 proposed projects of the regional line agencies operating in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

As observed by the BCPC, public comments by the citizens have led to changes in proposed legislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r... and the implementation of some projects of the City.

The degree is assessed as a major because, while these mechanisms exist, uptake (e.g., online feedback forms) remains limited.

2.1.3 Did the government create or improve channels, opportunities or capabilities to hold officials answerable to their actions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

Through the membership and active participation of the BCPC in the CDC meetings and other consultative mechanisms, they were able to review government plans, budget proposals, investment programs, and development initiatives, providing citizens with structured opportunities to scrutinize government decisions and hold public officials accountable for commitments and resource allocation.

During CDC meetings, the City is very transparent in all the priority projects that it wants to implement, including the source of its funding, whether from international partners, national government, city government, through loans, or PPP.

In March 2026, the BCPC participated in the discussion, presentation, and endorsement of the 2027 proposed projects of the 16 Regional Line Agencies in CAR. During the CDC meeting this May 2026, the 2027 Annual Investment Program was adopted by the body.

The commitment enhanced the capacity of the BCPC to demand accountability and enabled City officials to be more responsive to barangay needs and concerns. It creates a feedback loop that keeps officials answerable to their actions

2.1.4 Other Results

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The commitment produced additional results around transparency and accountability of government spending data made available for public scrutiny, which provides a positive outcome.

2.2 Did the commitment address the public policy problem that it intended to address as described in the action plan?

Yes

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

This is the first Baguio City People’s Council organized. Through the BCPC, this paved the way for the local government to create a formal platform for citizen and CSO engagement, strengthening collaboration between government and the public.

The institutionalization of the People’s Council provided a structured mechanism for participation in planning, budgeting, and policy formulation. It also enhanced transparency, accountability, and inclusivity by ensuring that diverse sectors of society have representation and opportunities to contribute to local governance. As the first People’s Council established in the city, it represents a significant step toward addressing the need for a more participatory and citizen-centered governance system.

While the BCPC is in the process of strengthening its institutional capacity, its officers and members actively participate in the different activities of the City, contributing to planning, budgeting, policy formulation, and policy refinement.

Provide evidence for your answer:

Photo-Documentation.pdf

3. Provide at least one lesson or reflection relating to the implementation of this commitment. It can be the identification of key barriers to implementation, an unexpected help/hindrance, recommendations for future commitments, or if the commitment should be taken forward to the next action plan.

A key lesson from the implementation of this commitment is the importance of establishing the proper policy framework and strong leadership. The City Mayor’s Office, City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, the DILG, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) conducted several orientations for CSOs, which increased awareness and participation. These activities enabled accredited CSOs to elect their officers and formally establish the BCPC even before the approval of the Ordinance.

The development of the BCPC IRR was guided by DILG policies and supported by legal experts to ensure its quality and relevanceAccording to the OGP Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should include a clear open government lens. Specifically, they should advance at least one of the OGP values: transparency, citizen partic.... The IRR was recognized as a good practice, with neighboring local government units, including Kalinga, requesting copies as a reference.

Another significant lesson is the value of committed leadership and membership. BCPC officers and members dedicate not only their resources but also their time to serve the City as well as the barangays. The encouragement and support of the BCPC officers have been instrumental in sustaining member participation.

The BCPC has strengthened participatory governance by serving as a platform for citizen voices and promoting responsiveness through its active participation in the CDC and other City Committees. While members may not always agree on issues, they actively provide feedback and engage in constructive discussions to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented. The council also provides adequate opportunities for youthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More representation and engagement.

A challenge identified was the perception that CSO accreditation is difficult, discouraging some organizations from applying. This was addressed by recognizing accreditations from bodies other than the SEC and establishing a CSO Help Desk through an Executive Order to assist applicants.

Moving forward, sustaining and strengthening this commitment can further expand CSO participation, improve representation, and advance inclusive and responsive governance.