Metropolitan Arrangements - Philippine Institute for Development ...

98 ManagingUrbanizationUndera DecentralizedGovernanceFramework
importantly to its quality based on clearly defined roles in the entire
program framework. The case studies have amply illustrated the tact
that local government programs relating to the environment extend
beyond normal bureaucratic responsibility, as they demand greater
coordination and collaboration of various institutions. The setting
up of a framework and organization to effect a properly planned
participation and some kind of a machinery to resolve conflicts are
therefore important. As have been shown by the city experiences
presented, bringing together the various actors and stakeholders in
an organized fashion has lessened the cost of implementing the
program, helped sustain its implementation (even with change in
political leaderships) and impressed on the people that environmental
management is a shared responsibility with the city government.
Surely, "better participation" is more important than "more
participation."
Communication: improving knowledge and understanding
Effective communication is necessary in soliciting meaningful
participation in a program. The cases presented have recognized the
crucial role of a well-informed citizenry. A change in the behavior of
people through information and greater understanding of the general
intents of the program can bring about unfettered acceptance of the
responsibilities, costs and inconveniences of any environmental policy
or program.
The identification of target beneficiaries and communicators
of the program was important in designing the communication
strategy of Puerto Princesa's Oplan Linis Program and Olongapo's
SWM Program. Oplan Linis targets the children as both beneficiaries
and disseminators of program information in their respective
households and communities. Thus, the Project Team covered all
elementary and high schools to discuss the value of cleanliness and
oriented them on the program. In each orientation, the team then
measured how successful they were able to communicate the
program's concept. To do this, children were given biscuits and juice
drinks and were then observed if they would find a trashcan for their
garbage. If they do so, then the orientation was considered to have
achieved its objective. For Oplan Linis, every resident knew about
tile program. School children and tricycle drivers were in fact the
most active program campaigners and overseers. In Oiongapo, since
the major component of the program required some instilled