Every six years, the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), the Change Politics Movement (CPM), and other civil society organizations gather to craft a Development and Reform Agenda (DRA) for the Philippines.
In order to address the multiple challenges facing our country today, the DRA serves to raise awareness and get support for vital actions that the government should implement.
Highlighted are four of the agenda items from the DRA 2022-2028:
Mental Health
Ensure the full implementation of the Mental Health Act or RA 11036 in close coordination with concerned agencies such as the Department of Education (Dep Ed), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and LGUs. Review and develop the regulations and guidelines including the passage of local ordinances to effectively implement mental health care and wellness policy at the local level.
CURRENT STATE
It is a goal to ensure the full implementation of the Mental Health Act or RA 11036 in close coordination with the concerned agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and LGUs. There is a need to review and develop the regulations and guidelines including the passage of local ordinances to effectively implement mental health care and wellness policy at the local level.
VISION
Through awareness raising, the Mental Health Act will help lessen the stigma around mental health in the Philippines.
Transparency in Appointing Constitutional Commissions
Institute reforms to ensure that appointments to the Constitutional Commissions are done in a transparent manner and are based on clear criteria, similar to the process for appointments to the Judiciary.
CURRENT STATE
The Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments (CoA) for a term of seven years without reappointment. Of those first appointed, three Members shall hold office for seven years, two Members for five years, and the last Members for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity.
VISION
Institutional reforms will be done to ensure that appointments to the constitutional commissions, including the Commission on Elections, are done in a transparent manner and are based on clear criteria, similar to the process for appointments to the judiciary.
Support the early enactment of the Anti-Dynasty Law
“Support the early enactment of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law to prevent the perpetuation in and exclusive control of public office by a few political families. Support also other proposed laws and amendments to the country’s election laws that would institutionalize much needed electoral reform, including the clarification and restriction of the basis for substitution of candidates and the strengthening of political parties.”
CURRENT STATE
Studies have attributed underdevelopment in the Philippines to weak democratic institutions, specifically the proliferation of political dynasties in government. Political dynasties can interfere with governance and accountability mechanisms in an effort to maintain their power and self-serving interests rather than the needs of the people (Mendoza et al., 2016). With this, we call for the early enactment of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law to prevent political clans from perpetuating and exercising exclusive control over public office.
VISION
A strong democracy is characterized by citizens electing government officials based on their competencies rather than their political, social, and economic capital. The administration should support other proposed laws and amendments to the country’s election laws that would institutionalize much-needed electoral reform, including the clarification and restriction of the basis for the substitution of candidates and the strengthening of political parties. To enhance good governance and transparency, all national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and local government units (LGUs) should issue and strictly enforce policies on public disclosure and citizens’ access to information, especially regarding the approved plans and budgets, accomplishment and financial reports, and bidding documents and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of government officials.
Prioritize the development of the agriculture-fishery sector
“Prioritize the development of the agriculture-fishery sector, and provide adequate government funding for this, especially for small farmers/fishers or family-based farmers and fishers. Support the effective implementation of the National Action Plan for Family Farmers. Support local government units in maximizing the use of additional resources because of the Mandanas ruling to promote sustainable agriculture and fishery production and processing and the development of local economies.”
CURRENT STATE
Despite being considered the “backbone” of our country, farmers and fisherfolk remain to be the poorest basic sectors in the Philippines (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2023). We call on the administration to prioritize the development and provide funding for the agriculture-fishery sector. To promote sustainable agriculture and fishery production and processing, as well as the development of local economies, the administration should support local government units (LGUs) in maximizing the use of additional resources through the Mandanas ruling.
VISION
Intensified organizing and training of farmer and fisherfolk organizations and cooperatives should be supported to increase their resilient recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Providing them with support services such as extension, infrastructures, e-commerce/marketing, roads/transportation, and access to credit will help improve production and market linkages. Coastal forest rehabilitation should be enhanced for increased marine productivity and protection. A national policy to implement sustainable organic agriculture and natural farming systems should be done by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) for food security. This includes increased public investments in research and development institutions and incentives for farmers and enterprises.