(DP 2004-07) Engendering Local Civic Participation via a Citizen Feedback Mechanism in Bulacan and Davao del Norte

Abstract

This paper presents the educating effects on civic participation of a citizen feedback mechanism (GOFORDEV Index), which helps promote transparency and accountability in local governance. Using three rounds of household survey data collected during the two-year pilot of the Index in two Philippines provinces, the econometric results show that basic information on local government performance, when disseminated using traditional media, remains an effective way of encouraging membership in local organization or self-participation in public affairs. Further, the participation of organized groups in civic activities is found to reinforce individual commitments.