Framework for IPAT-SIAD Governance

1. Program Overview

The IPAT-SIAD Governance (Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency for Sustainable Area Development) framework is a synergy of two governance projects: Grassroots Governance by the Partnership for Transparency Foundation Asia (PTFA) and Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) by the Solution Ecosystems Activator, Inc. (SEA). It integrates participatory transparency, accountability, and whole-community planning to empower local governments and residents.

SEA focuses on capacity building and systemic, participatory approaches to governance, ensuring measurable impacts that address community needs and secure diverse funding for sustainable development.

2. Location and Rationale

Target Municipality: New Lucena, Iloilo (4th class municipality; population: 23,000).
Barangay Selection: Based on poverty incidence and presence of IMP members or 4Ps beneficiaries.

Why New Lucena?
The municipality meets and exceeds the program’s criteria:

  • Recognized for organic agriculture, good governance (Seal of Good Local Governance, Galing Pook Awardee), and active IMP membership.
  • Mayor Liezl Mondejar, a pioneer in LOAMCP-Ph and ESSA, leads with extensive experience and accolades, including national and international awards for governance, agriculture, and disability inclusion.

3. Objectives and Expected Results

Objectives:

  • Empower residents to participate in transparent and accountable governance.
  • Strengthen local government systems for sustainable area development.
  • Establish New Lucena as a demonstration model for IPAT-SIAD governance.

Expected Results:

  • Thousands of citizens gain better access to development services.
  • Institutionalization of best practices inspires replication across LGUs.
  • Enhanced capacities in governance at municipal and barangay levels.

4. Implementation Plan

4.1 Capacity Building and Training

  • Co-training of SEA and PTFA teams on participatory governance, transparency, and action planning.
  • Development of an IPAT-SIAD Operations Manual for uniform application and continuous refinement.

4.2 Partnership Formalization

  • Secure Memoranda of Agreement with municipal and barangay LGUs.
  • Engage local officials and institutions, including New Lucena Polytechnic College, for community-based initiatives.

4.3 Resource Mobilization

  • Inventory and mobilization of non-LGU resources and NGA development funds to address community needs.

4.4 Monitoring and Impact Evaluation

  • Regular assessment to ensure sustainability and measurable impacts.
  • Refinement of methodologies based on field experiences.

5. Key Features of New Lucena

  • Recipient of prestigious awards:
    • National: Seal of Good Local Governance (2014-2016), Galing Pook, Hall of Fame Presidential Child-Friendly Municipality.
    • International: Universal Design Excellence Award (Japan), Design for All Finalist (France).
  • Strong governance practices: regular Ulat sa Bayan (town reports) and legislative alignment.
  • Strategic location with support from the Polytechnic College.

6. Broader Impacts

The successful implementation of IPAT-SIAD in New Lucena will serve as a model for other LGUs, encouraging widespread adoption of participatory governance practices nationwide. This framework demonstrates that inclusive and transparent governance can lead to sustainable community development and lasting positive change.

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