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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Decentralization and community journalism

Decentralization and community journalism

Published Sep 1, 2023 04:01 pm

PAGBABAGO

rosario braid final.jpg

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) started last Aug. 28 with the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) with elections scheduled Oct. 30. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has recorded a total of 273,454 candidates for the two offices.


But, like in national elections, we can expect the capture of power by political dynasties and the elite. Earlier studies had shown that patronage and vote-buying continues to be an accepted pattern. Too, there still exists indifference among some who feel that the outcome of local elections does not affect them.  The 1991 Local Government Code has not been responsive to the need to address the twin problems of poverty and inequality.  
However, after the 2018 Supreme Court decision on the Mandanas Ruling where local government units will have a share of all national taxes, not just the Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA, we can expect LGUs to be self-sufficient in terms of financial resources. 


While the future of LGUs in terms of fiscal resource would be addressed, another  concern had surface which is that of  sustainability. There is general perception that not all LGUs have adequate capacity to utilize the resources.  Some of them would  be able to respond positively to the challenge but most of them will need considerable assistance. 


For this task we need independent monitoring institutions and journalists.  We are now referring to media’s role as a “watchdog.”  Let me quote from this source – www.shipsandports.com.ng : “The media performs its watchdog role through fact-checking statements of public officials, interviewing public figures, challenging them with problems or concerns, beat reporting to gather information above or on the ground, and investigative journalism which includes information-gathering on a single thing for a long period of time.” 


Thus, we hope to see the emergence of a cadre of courageous and independent community journalists who would challenge the present order. This, I think is a great need today which we hope will be taken up by our training institutions and supported by a discerning public. ([email protected])
 

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pagbabago Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid
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