Societal governance systematically involves the three key sectors in any city or town.  These are the government agencies in the political sphere, businesses in the economic sphere and civil society organizations in the cultural sphere. The free, respectful, and creative engagement of all these three sectors can do wonders for any Local Government Unit (LGU). The town of New Lucena is demonstrating that amazing things can happen to a town that truly engages in societal governance.

In New Lucena, societal governance manifests itself as IPAT-SIAD, an acronym that captures both the process and substance that leads to good governance and true democracy.  

Residents of New Lucena and neighboring barangays are embarking on an exciting journey to enhance their community’s governance through the Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency towards Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) initiative. This transformative approach is designed to foster a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable local government, ensuring every voice is heard and every action is transparent.

What is IPAT-SIAD Governance?

IPAT-SIAD represents a revolutionary approach to local governance. By integrating participatory methods, accountability measures, and transparent processes, this initiative aims to create a governance model that is responsive to the needs of the community. This initiative is centered around active involvement from residents in shaping the future of New Lucena.

The Four Stages of IPAT-SIAD Governance

The journey towards better governance involves four key stages, each emphasizing the participatory nature of the process:

Co-Design: In this initial stage, focused group discussions (FGDs) with selected stakeholders will be conducted to create a comprehensive Design Framework for IPAT-SIAD Governance planning and implementation. This framework will outline the process and substance of governance efforts, ensuring that all voices are considered.

Co-Formation: Once the Design Framework is in place, a general assembly of all formalized initiative partners, including civil society organizations (CSOs), businesses, and government representatives, will be convened. This assembly will refine and approve the Design Framework, setting the stage for the governance structure, which includes the General Assembly of Stakeholders (GAS), the IPAT-SIAD Task Force, and the Secretariat.

Co-Activation: With the structure defined, the activation phase begins. This involves several parallel activities, including regular meetings of the ISG Task Force to plan and oversee the governance initiative, and the preparation of necessary documents by the Secretariat. Additionally, interfacing with existing development councils and conducting workshops to fine-tune strategies will occur.

Co-Institutionalization: The final stage focuses on solidifying governance structures. This involves detailed strategic planning, action planning, and performance monitoring and evaluation (PIME) to ensure the sustainability of initiatives.

The Role of SEA Inc.

SEA Inc. plays a crucial role in facilitating and mentoring throughout the process. SEA Inc. provides continuous support, holding advisory and mentoring positions within the governance structure, and will gradually phase out its involvement as the community demonstrates the necessary competence for IPAT-SIAD Governance.

Why It Matters

The IPAT-SIAD Governance initiative is important for several reasons:

• Enhancing Transparency: All actions and decisions are transparent, fostering trust and accountability.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Every resident’s voice matters. Input from the community shapes the policies and initiatives that affect everyone.
• Building Resilience: Through sustainable development practices and disaster resilience planning, a stronger, more adaptable community is created.
• Fostering Innovation: By integrating diverse talents, resources, and innovations, challenges can be addressed creatively and effectively.
• Get Involved! All residents of New Lucena and neighboring barangays are encouraged to get involved. Attending meetings, participating in discussions, and sharing ideas are essential to building a brighter, more inclusive future for the community.

The Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency Towards Integrated Area Development Governance initiative is more than just a project; it’s a commitment to better governance, greater transparency, and a stronger community. This opportunity is a call to action to work together and make New Lucena a model of participatory governance and sustainable development.

Stay tuned for more updates and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and ideas. Together, remarkable achievements are within reach!