MAPE, ROLDAN S.

3B BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The rsearch titled "Assessing the Political and Governance Practices in the

Municipality of Santa Teresita Cagayan" this study aims to determine the political and

governance practices in the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. The study seeks

to address the following research questions:

1. What are the key political and governance practices implemented in the

Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan?

2. How do these political and governance practices contribute to the overall

development and progress of the municipality?

3. What are the similarities and differences in political and governance practices in

Santa Teresita Cagayan?

4. What are the challenges and opportunities faced by the local government in

implementing effective political and governance practices?

5. What recommendations can be proposed to enhance the political and governance

practices in the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan?

MAPE, ROLDAN S.
3B BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION

The research entitled "Assessing the Political and Governance Practices in the

Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan: A Comparative Analysis" aims to delve into

the intricate workings of the political and governance mechanisms in place within the

municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. This study seeks to understand the

effectiveness and efficiency of these practices, as well as their impact on the local

community and its development. The municipality of Santa Teresita is a unique case

study due to its specific socio-political and economic context. The research will

provide a comprehensive evaluation of the existing political and governance practices,

focusing on key aspects such as policy-making, public administration, fiscal

management, and citizen participation among others. The comparative analysis

component of the research will serve as a tool to measure Teresian’s local gaverment

practices among those of similar municipalities, in Cagayan Province. This

comparison will help identify gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement, providing

valuable insights that could be used to enhance governance and political practices not

only in Santa Teresita but in other similar contexts as well. The research is grounded

in the belief that effective governance and political practices are crucial in driving

development and improving the quality of life of citizens. It is anticipated that the

findings of this study will contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of political

science and public administration, and potentially inform future policy-making and

governance strategies in the municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan.

MAPE, ROLDAN S.
3B BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

CHAPTER 1

1.1 Background of the Study

The governance of local municipalities plays a pivotal role in the broader spectrum of

national development. As the closest form of government to the people, local

governance structures are tasked with the essential duty of implementing policies and

programs that directly impact the daily lives of citizens. In the Philippines,

municipalities such as Santa Teresita in the province of Cagayan are fundamental

units of local governance, responsible for a range of functions from public service

delivery to local economic development. However, the effectiveness of these

functions is intrinsically linked to the political and governance practices within these

municipalities. This study focuses on Santa Teresita, Cagayan, a municipality that

represents a unique blend of cultural heritage, economic potential, and political

dynamics. The research aims to assess the municipality's political and governance

practices, exploring how these elements influence its development trajectory and

service delivery.

1.2 Theoretical Framework

The theoretical underpinnings of this research on assessing the political and

governance practices in the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan, draw upon

several key theories and concepts that illuminate the dynamics of local governance

and political administration. This framework serves as the foundation for

understanding the complex interplay between political actors, governance

mechanisms, and development outcomes at the municipal level.

1. Decentralization Theory Decentralization theory posits that the devolution of

powers from central to local governments enhances the efficiency, responsiveness,

and accountability of governance. This theory underscores the importance of

empowering local entities like municipalities to make decisions that best suit their

unique circumstances and needs. In the context of Santa Teresita, Cagayan,

decentralization theory provides a lens through which to assess how autonomy and

local governance capacities impact political practices and development initiatives.

2. New Public Management (NPM) New Public Management (NPM) is a paradigm

that advocates for the application of private sector management practices in the public

sector to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery. NPM emphasizes

results-oriented management, transparency, and accountability. This research will

explore how NPM principles are manifested in the governance and political practices

of Santa Teresita, particularly in terms of policy implementation, public service

delivery, and citizen engagement.

3. Governance Theory Governance theory focuses on the structures, processes, and

relationships that determine how power is exercised, how decisions are made, and

how citizens or other stakeholders have their interests represented. It moves beyond

the confines of formal government institutions to include informal networks and non-

state actors. In analyzing Teresian’s political and governance practices, this theory

helps to identify the roles played by various actors, including local government units,

civil society organizations, and the private sector, in governance processes.

This research will assess the role of social capital in shaping the political culture and

governance effectiveness in Santa Teresita. Integrating these Theories Integrating

these theories, the research aims to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework

that captures the multifaceted nature of political and governance practices in the

Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. This framework will guide the investigation

into how governance structures, political dynamics, economic factors, and social

networks interact to influence the municipality's development trajectory and the well-

being of its residents. Through this lens, the study seeks to identify both the strengths

and areas for improvement in Santa Teresita's political and governance practices,

ultimately offering insights that can contribute to more effective and inclusive local

governance

1.3 Conceptual Framewrok

1. Key Components of the Conceptual Framework - Local Governance Structures:

This component examines the organizational and administrative frameworks within

the municipality, including the roles and responsibilities of elected officials,

administrative staff, and other stakeholders involved in governance processes. -

Political Dynamics: This aspect focuses on the political environment of Santa

Teresita, including political parties, leadership styles, election processes, and the

influence of political actors on governance and policy-making. - Public Service

Delivery: This component evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of services

provided by the municipality to its residents, including healthcare, education,

infrastructure, and social services. - Citizen Participation: This aspect assesses the

mechanisms and extent of

citizen engagement in governance processes, including public consultations,

community meetings, and the role of civil society organizations. - Accountability and

Transparency Mechanisms: This component looks into the systems in place to ensure

that government actions are transparent and officials are held accountable for their

decisions and actions. - Economic and Social Development Initiatives: This aspect

examines the policies and programs aimed at promoting economic growth and social

welfare within the municipality, including local economic development strategies and

social inclusion policies.

2. Relationships within the Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework posits

that effective local governance structures and positive political dynamics are crucial

for the efficient delivery of public services and the promotion of economic and social

development initiatives. It further suggests that citizen participation plays a pivotal

role in enhancing governance practices by ensuring that government actions are

responsive to the needs and preferences of the community. Additionally,

accountability and transparency mechanisms are essential for building trust between

the government and the citizens, which in turn fosters a more cooperative and

productive relationship.

1.4 Statement of the Problem

 What are the key political and governance practices implemented in

the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan?

  How do these political and governance practices contribute to the

overall development and progress of the municipality?

 What are the similarities and differences in political and governance

practices in Santa Teresita Cagayan?

 What are the challenges and opportunities faced by the local

government in implementing effective political and governance

practices?

 What recommendations can be proposed to enhance the political and

governance practices in the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan?

1.4 Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis 1 (H0): There is no significant relationship between the political

practices in the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan, and the effectiveness of

public service delivery. Null Hypothesis

2 (H0): There is no significant relationship between the governance practices in the

Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan, and the local development outcomes.

1.5 Scope and Limitations

The study focuses exclusively on the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan,

examining its political and governance practices. While the research aims to provide a

comprehensive overview, it acknowledges the limitations inherent in any study of this

nature, including potential biases in data collection and the dynamic nature of political

and governance processes. The findings and recommendations are specific to the

context of Santa Teresita and may not be directly applicable to other municipalities

without consideration of their unique circumstances.

1.6 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively assess the political and

governance practices in the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. Specifically, the

study aims to: - Identify and describe the political structures and governance

mechanisms currently in place in Santa Teresita. – Determine the effectiveness of

these practices in terms of public service delivery and local development. - Highlight

the challenges faced by the municipality in its governance and political processes. –

Propose recommendations to enhance the governance and political framework of

Santa Teresita, contributing to its overall development.

1.7 Significance of the Study

This research holds significant value for various stakeholders, including

policymakers, local government officials, scholars, and the residents of Santa

Teresita. By providing a detailed assessment of the municipality's political and

governance practices, the study offers insights that can inform policy decisions,

improve governance strategies, and ultimately, enhance the quality of life for the local

community. Additionally, the findings contribute to the academic body of knowledge

on local governance and political practices, offering a valuable case study for

comparative analysis and further research.

1.8 Definition of Terms

 Governance Practices: Encompasses the processes, mechanisms, and

institutions through which power is exercised, policies are formulated

and implemented, and public services are delivered in the

Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. This includes aspects such

as administrative structures, accountability mechanisms, transparency,

and citizen participation.

 Public Service Delivery: Refers to the provision of essential services,

programs, and facilities by the local government of Santa Teresita,

Cagayan, to meet the needs and demands of its residents. This

includes areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure

development, social welfare, and environmental management.

 Local Development: Refers to the progress, improvement, and overall

well-being of the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan, in terms of

economic growth, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and

quality of life for its residents. This includes initiatives and programs

aimed at promoting local economic development, social inclusion, and

environmental conservation.

 Political Actors: Refers to individuals or groups who actively

participate in political processes and decision-making within the

 Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. This includes elected

officials, political party members, civil society organizations,

 community leaders, and other stakeholders involved in the political

landscape.

 Accountability Mechanisms: Refers to the systems, processes, and

measures put in place to ensure that public officials and institutions in

the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan, are answerable for their

actions and decisions. This includes mechanisms for transparency,

oversight, and the enforcement of legal and ethical standards.

 Citizen Participation: Refers to the active involvement, engagement,

and contribution of residents and community members in the

governance processes of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. This includes

participation in decision-making, public consultations, community

meetings, and other avenues for citizens to express their views and

influence policies. 10. Development Outcomes: Refers to the tangible

and intangible results and impacts of governance and development

efforts in the Municipality of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. This includes

improvements in infrastructure, economic growth, social welfare,

environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life for the

residents.