Inclusive Planning at the barangay level

Inclusive planning at the barangay level

Governance in the context of development planning is about upholding the interest of the governed. As such, its primary purpose is to protect public interest and that of every individual who has a stake in the planning process. It’s important therefore to rationalize Barangay Development Plans (BDPs) to ensure that its contents directly address the needs of the community and its residents.18

BDP processes are open to ALL stakeholders. People from different sectors must actively participate in these processes. They should bring attention to their issues and suggest priorities and strategies through the help of the BDC. The BDC, on the other hand, must allow them to spell out the various issues that concern them. The representation and active involvement of numerous groups, especially marginalized groups, will ensure that issues affecting communities that cut across sectors are heard.

18 Ibid. The BDC is mandated to formulate the BDP. It shall include members of the Sangguniang Barangay and Representative of the Congressman with the Barangay Captain as the chairperson (see diagram below). Barangaybased non-government organizations (NGOs) shall also be part of the council, and they shall constitute not less than one fourth (1/4) of the members of the fully organized council. This is important to note as this ensures participation of community-based people’s organizations (i.e. organization of persons with disability, women, children and youth, and older persons) in governance and developmental process. By encouraging sectoral groups and NGOs to participate in the planning process, the current planning system attempts to avoid multiplicity of plans and efficient use of resources. The Sangguniang Barangay must accept or accredit NGOs that will have a seat in the BDC.19

19 (DILG MC No. 2018-146: Accreditation of BarangayBased Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and their Membership in the Barangay-Based Institutions (BBIs)

BARANGAY HALL

Who should be a part of the Barangay Development Planning process?

Punong Barangay (BDC Chairperson)

All Sangguniang Barangay Members SK Chairperson Representative of Congressman At least 4 NGO Representatives