ABSTRACT
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GATAB, MICHELLE B. APRIL 2008. Communication Strategies in the
Formulation and Dissemination of Ordinances in the Municipality of Bakun, Benguet
(2004-2007). Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Maria Luz D. Fang-asan, PhD
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to identify the ordinances formulated, describe the
process of formulating ordinances, determine the methods of disseminating ordinances,
determine the community people’s awareness of ordinances, and to identify the
communication problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of
ordinances. An interview schedule was used among 62 respondents from October to
December 2007.
There were 21 ordinances formulated from 2004 to 2007, many of which were on
education. The 15 regular standing committees in the municipal council followed the
steps in the formulation of ordinances as prescribed in the Local Government Code of
1991 but most of the constituent-respondents claimed that they were not consulted. The
ordinances were reproduced, posted in conspicuous places or distributed to concerned
offices and individuals. All of the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information
from relatives and friends or from LGU employees. Generally, the number of
respondents who were aware of ordinances in in Ampusongan outnumbered those in
Bagu.
It is concluded that the ordinances formulated were on different aspects but were
mostly on education; that those in central Bakun were generally more aware of the
ordinances than those in remote areas; that the Sangguniang Bayan members followed the
process of formulating ordinances but majority of the respondents claimed they were not
consulted; that information on ordinances were acquires mostly from relatives and
friends; that dissemination strategy was limited to posting of the ordinances; and, that the
problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of ordinances had to do with
people’s attitudes and logistics.
It is recommended that the Sangguniang Bayan members should continue
following the recommended process of formulating ordinances but they should be
conducting more home visits or small group consultations in the research stage; that more
dissemination strategies should be adopted like the use of information materials in
popularized forms; that the local government of Bakun should allot funds for
Instructional Educational Communication for easier diffusion of information to every
barangay, whether near or far; and that there should be a continuing information drive in
every barangay. This may be done through a partnership with Development
Communication students.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Abstract
. . .. . . . . . . . . . . …… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Table of Contents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
INTRODUCTON
Rationale
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Statement of the Problem
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Objectives of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Importance of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Scope and Limitations of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Formulated Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Formulating Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Community People’s Awareness
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Disseminating Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Methods of Disseminating Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Communication Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Communication Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Respondents of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Data Collection
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
iii
Data Gathered
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Data Analysis
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Ordinances Formulated at the Municipal Level
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Process of Formulating Ordinances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Consultation by Local Officials
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Dissemination of Municipal Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Respondents’ Sources of Information
on the Formulated Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Respondents’ Awareness of the Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Reasons of the Respondents for
Not Being Aware of Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Communication Problems Encountered
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Respondents’ Suggestions for the Improvement
of Formulation and Dissemination Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
. . . . . . . . . . 34
LITERATURE CITED
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Pictures during the interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Appendix B. Interview questionnaire
for the Sangguniang Bayan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix C. Interview questionnaire
for the Secretarial Staff
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix D. Interview questionnaire
for the Community People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
iv
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
It is a common observation in many places that there are many stray dogs
wandering on the streets even though there is an ordinance in most municipalities stating
that all dogs should be tied. This is probably just one of the many ordinances that are not
being followed.
Another ordinance that is obviously not being followed is that on solid waste
management. It is not being followed because as we notice in our surroundings, trash is
scattered and not properly disposed.
These observations indicate that these ordinances have problematic
implementation. One probable cause is on the communication process that takes place in
the formulation of ordinances and also in its dissemination. It is possible that residents
and non-residents do not abide with these ordinances because they were not consulted or
they were not informed.
The common observation also applies to the municipality of Bakun, a rural place
in Benguet. It has seven barangays that are very far apart from each other. Some of its
barangays are not accessible by land transportation. In order to reach the remote
barangays, one must walk about 10 kilometers from the road. Accessibility is a factor that
affects communication so this situation of poor accessibility in Bakun affects
communication between the people and local officials. Since the local officials are
involved in policy-making, it follows that the formulation and dissemination of
ordinances are also affected.
2
Ordinances are made to guide, control, and maintain order in the community. It is
a local law prescribing a rule of a general character, permanent rule of conduct binding
not only upon the inhabitants of the municipality but also on the strangers and non-
residents coming within its territorial limits and a continuing regulation (Cortez, 1952).
Municipal ordinances are as important as they are the specific expressions of what
actually transpire at the municipal levels.
Considering how important ordinances are, there is a need to study the
communication strategies in their formulation and dissemination in order to gain insights
that can be used to enhance their implementation.
Statement of the Problem
The study sought to answer the following questions:
1. What are the ordinances formulated at the municipal level?
2. What are the processes of formulating ordinances?
3. What are the methods of disseminating the said ordinances?
4. Are the community people aware of the ordinances?
5. What are the communication problems encountered in the formulation and
dissemination of ordinances?
Objectives of the Study
The study aimed to:
1. Identify the ordinances formulated at the municipal level;
2. Describe the process of formulating ordinances;
3
3. Determine the methods of disseminating ordinances;
4. Determine the community people’s awareness of the ordinances; and
5. Identify the communication problems encountered in the formulation and
dissemination of ordinances.
Importance of the Study
The results of the study may be used by development communicators as their
basis in developing information materials for the dissemination of ordinances; by
members of the Sangguniang Bayan to improve their communication strategies in the
formulating and disseminating these ordinances in Bakun, Benguet, and other
municipalities in Benguet, particularly in the Cordillera Region.
It will also serve as a student reference for their communication studies.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study was conducted in Barangay Ampusongan and Barangay Bagu to
determine the communication strategies in the formulation and dissemination of
ordinances in Bakun, Benguet from 2004-2007. Respondents were the members of the
Sangguniang Bayan from 2004 to 2007, Sangguniang Bayan Staff, and 50 residents in the
study area.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Formulated Ordinances
Zoning ordinances are municipal ordinances establishing industrial, commercial,
and residential zones and permitting offensive and unwholesome trades and occupations
only in the industrial zone, or determining kinds of machinery which may be installed in
the different zones, or prohibiting certain enterprises like the sale and keeping of lumber
in designated street, have been declared valid under the general welfare clause. Health
measures, ordinances designed to preserve and protect the health and convenience of the
inhabitants are authorized not only under the general welfare clause but also under other
powers expressly granted to municipal corporations (Sinco, et al, 1955).
Formulating Ordinances
The method of enacting ordinances is usually prescribed in the municipal charter.
The law requires that “the affirmative vote of the majority of all the members of the
municipal council shall be necessary to the passage of any ordinance or of any
proposition creating indebtedness; but other measures, except as otherwise specially
provided, shall prevail upon the majority vote of the members present at any meeting
duly called and held.” With respect to other measures, the computation of the majority
vote required for passage is based on the legal quorum. Section 2229 of the Revised
Administrative Code provides that every ordinance or resolution passed by the municipal
council shall be approved and signed by the mayor, except those repassed by the council
5
over his veto and those which he neither approves nor vetoes within five days after their
passage (Cortez, 1952)
Community People’s Awareness
The Information Education Campaign (EIC) printed materials seeks to raise
public awareness (Ramos, 2007).
According to Braid (1983) as cited by Abag (2005) that the most important units
in government and non-government agencies operate from a certain unit. Their principal
function is to support the institutions in diffusing information to the public and creating
awareness of their activities and programmes.
Disseminating Information
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica (1970) as cited by Banania (2003) that
information dissemination in the ancient times, our ancestors used their knowledge on
how to disseminate information by being practical. They invented a way to spread
information in the mass media are wireless transmission of spoken words and
photography in natural colors. At the present times, as years passed just this 20th century,
technologies were developed to enable millions of people to hear, to see and to read the
same information at about the same time, whereas only hundreds could do so before; and
the half of the 20th century, far from completed.
According to Maslog as cited by Abag (2005) that public information officers
then like development communicators must see themselves as pivot between their
organization and the public.
6
According to the Pattern for Rural Development (1969) as cited by Abag (2005)
that development worker will have to act as the disseminator of the information and
utilize all available means to convey his message to as many people as possible.
Methods of Disseminating Ordinances
The secretary to the sanggunian concerned shall cause the posting of an ordinance
or resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the municipal or barangay hall in at
least two (2) conspicuous places in the local government unit concerned not later than (5)
days after approval therof. The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated
and posted in Filipino or English and in the language or dialect understood by the
majority of the people in the local government unit concerned, and the secretary to the
sanggunian shall record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of
approval and posting. The gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall be published in
a newspaper of general circulation within the province where the local legislative body
concerned belongs. In the absence of any newspaper of general circulation within the
province, posting of such ordinances shall be made in all municipalities and cities of the
province where the sanggunian of origin is situated (Pimentel, 1991).
Publication is also required within ten days after its approval and if no date is
fixed in the ordinance, it becomes effective on or after the tenth day following its
publication. Ordinances passed without such publication are null and void. The object of
publication before the adoption of an ordinance is to advise interested parties so as to
give them an opportunity to present their views to the municipal board. It is not enough to
publish excerpts; the ordinance must be published in full. After the provincial board has
7
passed upon all municipal ordinances and resolutions, they are filed with the provincial
governor. The file is open for public inspection (Sinco, et al, 1955).
Communication Strategies
According to the IRRI (1991) as cited by Solimen (2003) that studies have
established that communication is more effective when more than one sense at a time is
engaged. This means that the more media are employed, the greater is the possibility of
message to reach audience and influence them. Thus, a combination of interpersonal and
mass communication strategies is often used.
It was noted further that communication strategies are related to one another. No
single approach is perceived superior over the other (Amadeo, 2004).
Communication Problems
Communication is fundamental to all social processes--especially
conflict. One of the first steps people can take to make conflicts more constructive is to
examine their own communication strategies to determine whether or not they are
communicating their interests and needs effectively to the other side, and whether they
are understanding the perspective of the other side accurately. Much can be done to
improve interpersonal and/or inter group understanding simply by improving the nature--
and amount--of the communication between the parties (Anonymous. 1998).
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in Bakun, Benguet, a municipality which is 86
kilometers or four hours land travel from the City of Baguio. Figure 1 shows that the
municipality forms part of the boundary of Benguet and Ilocos Sur.The municipality is
accessible through the following entry points: Sinipsip junction of the Halsema Highway
(Km 70); Acop Tollgate via Kapangan and Kibungan; and Colliding in Madaymen,
Kibungan.
The specific study areas were in two barangays of Bakun: Barangay Ampusongan
and Barangay Bagu. Ampusongan is where the municipal hall is located and it is easily
accessible by land transportation. On the other hand, Bagu is a remote barangay which is
also accessible by land transportation but only during the dry season. However, there are
no regular public transportation trips going there. To reach the place, one has to hike for
an average of three hours. The barangays were chosen because of their contrasting
characteristics in terms of access which is a factor in communication.
The study was conducted from October 2007 to December 2007.
Respondents of the Study
There were 62 respondents of the study: the eight Sangguniang Bayan members
who served the 2004-2007 term; the four Sangguniang Bayan Staff and 50 community
people of barangay Ampusongan and barangay Bagu who established residence in the
9
Figure 1. Map of Benguet, showing the location of the study
10
area on or before 2003. Purposive quota sampling was used in selecting the respondents
of the study.
Socio-demographic Profile of the Respondents
Table 1 shows the respondent’s socio-demographic profile in terms of sex, age,
educational attainment, and occupation. Slightly more than half of the respondents were
female, Ampusongan (52 %) and Bagu (56 %). In Ampusongan, many of the respondents
belonged to the age bracket of 41-50 (28 %) and 51-60 (28 %) while only 4 % belonged
to the age bracket of 20-30. Majority (52 %) of them reached secondary level and great
majority (96 %) were self-employed such as farming (10 or 40 %), house keeping (8 or
32 %), business (4 or 16 %), and laborer (2 or 8 %). In Bagu, less than half (40 %) of the
respondents belonged to the age bracket of 41-50 and only 4 % belonged to the age
bracket of 20-30. Majority (68 %) of them finished elementary level and great majorities
(96 %) of them were self-employed such as farming (21 or 84 %).
Data Collection
Data collection was through document assessment, key informant interviews and
sample survey. Guide questions and interview schedules were used to gather data from
the key informants and other respondents.
11
Table 1. Socio-demographic profile of the respondents
TOTAL
CHARACTERISTICS
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
%
Sex
Male
23 46.00
Female
27
54.00
TOTAL 50
100
Age
20-30
2 4.00
31-40
8 16.00
41-50
18 36.00
51-60
11 22.00
Above 60
11
22.00
TOTAL 50
100
Educational Attainment
26
52.00
Elementary level
Secondary level
18
36.00
College level
6
12.00
TOTAL
50
100
Occupation
Self-employment
48
96.00
Government
2
4.00
Employees
TOTAL
50 100
12
Data Gathered
The data gathered were the ordinances formulated at the municipal level; process
of formulating ordinances; communication strategies in the formulation; community
awareness of the ordinances; methods of disseminating ordinances; and communication
problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of ordinances.
Data Analysis
The data gathered from the respondents were consolidated, tabulated, categorized
and interpreted according to the objectives of the study.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Ordinances Formulated at the Municipal Level
Table 2 shows the number of ordinances formulated from 2004-2007 during the
incumbency of the councilor-respondents. These were classified into eight categories:
Education, Administration, Social Welfare, Natural Resource Management, Trade and
Commerce, Health, Municipal Revenue Generation and Infrastructure.
There were 21 ordinances formulated by the Sangguniang Bayan during the
period under study. Education had the most number of ordinances at nine or 42.85% of
all the ordinances; followed by administration (19.04%). The other categories had one or
two only.
Table 2. Classification of ordinances
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(%)
Education
9 42.85
Administration
4 19.04
Social Welfare
2 9.52
Natural Resource Management
2 9.52
Trade and Commerce
1 4.76
Health
1 4.76
Municipal Revenue Generation
1 4.76
Infrastructure
1 4.76
TOTAL 21
100
14
Process of Formulating Ordinances
Figure 2 shows the steps in the process of formulating ordinances followed by 15
regular standing committees in the municipal council of Bakun. The committees were on
finance, appropriation and budget; taxation and assessment; agriculture, environment and
natural resources; infrastructure and public works; tourism, trade and industry; education,
culture, social services and social events; health, sanitation and nutrition; laws,
ordinances, public order and safety; barangay affairs; boundary dispute; youth and sports
development; labor, employment and employees concerns; transportation,
communication and public information; good governance and public accountability (blue
ribbon); and ethics.
A committee is comprised of one chairman and two members. A Sangguniang
Bayan member is tasked to be the chairman and a member of two certain committees.
Research. The committee conducted a research to identify community problems
by asking the people. Then solutions to the problems were evaluated in terms of the pros
and cons to the inhabitants of the municipality also in its agreement to the Philippine
Constitution.
Drafting. The committee drafted the title and body of an ordinance and submitted
it to the Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan for polishing. In this stage, the secretary
completed the form of the proposed ordinance by putting in specific parts like the
enacting clause, etc.
START HERE…
YES
SB
Research
Drafting
Council
First reading
Decision
meeting
(Public hearing)
NO
NO
Proposal is
Community
Community
Sangguniang
discarded
Decision
decision
Bayan for
dissemination
YES
YES
NO
Sangguniang
Sangguniang
Panlalawigan
Sangguniang
Third
Second
Panlalawig
an
Decision
Panlalawigan
reading
reading
decision
Sangguniang
Bayan to
review
Figure 2. Process of formulating ordinances followed by the municipal council (2004-2007)
15
16
Council meeting. The committee presented the proposal during the council
meeting. A proposal not approved by the Sangguniang Bayan members was considered
dead and therefore discarded. But if the committee still decided to make revisions, the
proposal may still be improved and presented again to the council until it conformed to
the body’s collective decision.
As the presiding officer, mediator, or chairman in the law-making body, the vice-
mayor still had the right to propose an ordinance. However, in such case, he could not
deliver a sponsorship speech on the floor to lay down its justification so he usually asked
somebody to preside or to sponsor his proposed ordinance.
The proposed ordinance needed a majority vote from Sangguniang Bayan
members before it was finally drafted for the first reading and first public hearing.
First public hearing. The first reading was also the first public hearing held at the
municipal ground. During this stage, the Punong Barangay or his representative, other
concerned offices, community people, business owners, and leader of the church were
invited to be present. The chairman of the committee or the Secretary to the Sangguniang
Bayan presented or read and explained the sections of the ordinance being proposed.
Suggestions and comments from the Punong Barangay, concerned office, community
people, business owners, and leader of the church were noted by the Secretary to the
Sangguniang Bayan.
Second reading. After including suggestions from the first public hearing, the
second reading was scheduled. During the second reading, the results and suggestions
from the community during the first reading were read. The community had access to this
meeting because the session was open to the public. The proposed ordinance was
17
deliberated on by the council members. After all the debates and revisions, the Secretary
to the Sangguniang Bayan made the final draft of the proposed ordinance and gave it to
the committee concerned for final deliberation. According to one of the Sangguniang
Bayan members, they followed the process for formality’s sake only.
Third reading. During the third reading, the council approved the proposed
ordinance. Each member of the council affixed his signature on every page of the
proposed ordinance after by the committee concerned. After the Municipal Mayor signed
the proposed ordinance, it was forwarded to the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Before passing the proposed ordinance, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan made a
certification that public hearings were done.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan. In the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, they
forwarded the proposed ordinance to the committee concerned for review and comments
with in 30 days. In the absence of problems, comments, suggestions from the concerned
committee at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan level, the proposed ordinance was approved
and returned to the municipal office for dissemination and implementation
Where revisions had to be made, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan returned the
proposed ordinance to the concerned committee of the Sangguniang Bayan for
improvement. Then after the revisions were made by the Sangguniang Bayan, the
proposed ordinance was again passed to the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The
same process was followed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan until there were no more
revisions after which the ordinance was approved and returned to the Sangguniang Bayan
for dissemination and implementation.
18
Consultation by Local Officials
Figure 3 presents the constituent-respondents’ claims on whether or not the
people were consulted prior to formulation of ordinances.
The Sangguniang Bayan members said that they consulted the community
people. However, majority (62 %) of the respondents from both study areas said that the
local officials did not consult them to ask about their needs or concerns.
Only 38 % of the respondents said that they were consulted by the local
government officials through general assembly or home visits as shown in Figure 3.
Home visits, 3,
6%
General
assembly, 16,
32%
General assembly
No consultation
Home visits
No consultation,
31, 62%
Figure 3. The conduct of consultation by local officials
Dissemination of Municipal Ordinances
Figure 4 traces the procedure of disseminating ordinances followed by the
Sangguniang Bayan in Bakun.
19
Reproduce copy. The Sangguniang Bayan staff led by the Secretary reproduced
copies of the newly approved ordinance complete with all the parts such as ordinance
number, title (the subject matter), preamble (explanatory note), enacting clause, the body,
and the date of effectivity.
It was also mentioned that the copies reproduced for dissemination were in
English. This practice did not conform with the Law on Municipal Government in the
Philippines (Aruego, 1968) that the text of the ordinance shall be disseminated and posted
in Filipino and in a language or dialect understood by the majority of the people.
Posting. The SB staff posted copies of the ordinance in conspicuous places within
the municipal hall premises like the entrance to the building and most especially on
bulletin boards. This shows that the SB staff adhered to Article 114 (Local Government
Code of 1991) which states that ordinances with penal sanctions shall be posted at
conspicuous places in the provincial capitol, or city, municipal or barangay hall for three
weeks.
Distribution of copies. The SB staff distributed copies of the ordinance to every
Punong Barangay in the municipality, offices and private persons directly affected. The
copy of the Punong Barangay was meant to be posted in the barangay hall centers,
cooperative stores, and or multi-purpose buildings. To ensure that each barangay was
furnished of the approved ordinances, the office of the municipal secretary asks for
certification or a receipt copy from the Punong Barangay or barangay secretary.
20
Reproducing
Posting
Distribution of
copies
copies
Municipal hall
premises
Directly affected
7 Barangays
offices
Private persons
Figure 4. Procedure of disseminating ordinances followed by the secretarial staff in
Bakun
The flow chart does not show any forum or general assembly as a means of
disseminating information on ordinances. One reason given by the SB staff was the
difficulty in gathering people because of the geographical setting of the barangays.
Another reason was the lack of budget to finance food for the community people. The
municipality has no official publication so it resorted to distribution of copies and posting
the same in conspicuous places. This practice is acceptable. According to Pimentel
21
Figure 5. Posted ordinances on the municipal hall bulletin board
22
(1991), the gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall be published in a newspaper
of general circulation where the local legislative body concerned belongs. In the absence
of any newspaper of general circulation within the province, posting of such ordinances
shall be made in all municipalities of the province.
Respondents’ Sources of Information on the Formulated Ordinances
Figure 6 presents the respondents’ sources of information on the formulated
ordinances. All of the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information from
relatives and friends compared with 80 % only in Bagu.
The second leading source of information for both areas was the LGU employees
(74 %) such as the Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Assessor’s Office, Local Civil
Registrar (LCR), and teachers.
Posted or distributed copies of the ordinance served as a source of information for
68 % of the Ampusongan respondents but only 20 % for Bagu respondents. This
observation shows a difference in the access or availability of the copies. Since the
municipal hall is located in Ampusongan, respondents from there understandably had
greater access to posted and/or distributed materials.
However, it is also noted that there was a greater percentage for those who got
information from meetings in Bagu at 20% compared to 12% in Ampusongan. The
respondents claimed that barangay meetings in Ampusongan are very seldom. None of
the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information from the radio which was used
by 20% of Bagu respondents.
23
s
nt 30
25
100% 80%
20
76%
68%
e
s
ponde
60%
Ampusongan
15
R
48%
Bagu
10
r
of
20% 12% 20%
20%
5
be
0
um
N
n
d
s
d
ee
ay
g
s
d
i
o
s a
c
i
a
l
s
ng
n
d
s
oy
ffi
i
b
u
te
e
t
in
Ra
ie
pl
O
es
a
ra
Fr
m
U
i
s
tr
B
Me
e
l
a
t
i
ve
E
o
pi
R
U
L
G
d
/D
C
LG
s
te
Po
Source of Information
Figure 6. Respondents’ sources of information on the formulated ordinances
Respondents’ Awareness of the Ordinances
Education. Figure 7 shows the number of respondents who were aware of the
ordinances on education. A great majority (92 %) of the respondents from Ampusongan
were aware of the ordinance granting scholarship while only 57 % from Bagu were aware
of the same ordinance. Similarly, for ordinances on renaming schools in the
municipality, 52 % were aware in Ampusongan and only 32% were aware in Bagu.
This ordinance granting scholarship conforms with the Local Government Code
of 1991 Article 100, Section 5 which states that” the Sangguniang Bayan shall establish a
scholarship fund for poor but deserving students residing within the municipality.”
The Sangguniang Bayan members, through ordinances, renamed eight schools to
honor the contributor of the lot where the school was constructed. Likewise, this is
supported by DECS Order No. 5, s. 1999, which provides that it is now the Local
24
25
S
NT 20
DE
92%
N
O
P 15
S
E
Ampusongan
R
57%
F
Bagu
10
52%
O
R
E
B
5
32%
M
NU
0
Granting Scholarship
Renaming Schools
ORDINANCES
Figure 7. Respondent’s awareness of education ordinances
Sanggunian which has the power to change the name of the schools through an
ordinance.
Administration. Figure 8 presents the number of respondents aware of
administration ordinances.
A great majority (92 %) of the respondents in Ampusongan were aware of the
senior citizens officer for a day ordinance while only 40% were aware in Bagu . This
ordinance addresses the concern in Article 100, Section 5 of the Local Government Code
of 1991 which states that the Sangguniang Bayan shall establish a municipal council for
the elderly which shall formulate policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial to the
elderly and to the community. It is observed that of the four ordinances under this
category, the number of those aware of each ordinance was higher in Ampusongan
compared to that in Bagu except for the ordinance requiring the ratification of all
25
contracts entered into by the Mayor. For this ordinance, majority (64 %) of the
respondents from Bagu were already aware and they attributed this to their attendance to
a barangay meeting where it was announced.
Less than half of the respondents from both study areas were aware of the
ordinance creating Executive Legislative Coordinating Committee in the Municipal
Government, and on the ordinance creating the Local Youth Development Council of the
municipality of Bakun, at 40 % and 20 % respectively.
This ordinance creating the Local Youth Development Council is in consonance
with what is prescribed in the Local Government Code of 1991, Article 203. The same
article also provides that the Sangguniang Kabataan shall create bodies or committees
deemed necessary to efficiently carry out its programs and activities.
25
S
NT
DE 20
92%
N
O
P 15
S
E
64%
Ampusongan
R
F
Bagu
10
52%
R O
40%
40%
40%
E
B
5
M
20%
20%
NU
0
Senior
Ratification
Creating
Creating
Citizens OD of Contracts
ELCC
LYDC
ORDINANCES
Figure 8. Respondents’ awareness of administration ordinances
26
Social Welfare. Figure 9 shows the number of respondents’ aware of social
welfare ordinances.
Less than half of the respondents from Ampusongan were aware of the ordinance
on creating a Philippine Health Capitation Fund from the proceeds of the out patients,
and the ordinance fixing a uniform amount of financial assistance to victims of disasters.
It was also noted that slightly more than half (56 %) of the respondents from Bagu
claimed that they were aware of the ordinance fixing a uniform amount of financial
assistance to victims of disasters because they have already received financial assistance
from the municipal government. Also, a very low number of respondents (12 %) from
Bagu were aware of the ordinance creating a Phil. Health Capitation Fund from the
proceeds of the out patients because according to the respondents, they did not have Phil.
Health.
S 15
F
T
O
R
EN 10
56%
Ampusongan
E
D
44%
48%
B
N
5
M
Bagu
SPO
NU
E
12%
0
R
Phil. Health capitation
Uniform amount for
fund for out patients
victims of disasters
ORDINANCES
Figure 9. Respondents’ awareness of social welfare ordinance
27
Natural resource management. Figure 10 shows the number of respondents aware
of Natural Resource Management ordinances.
Majority of the respondents from Ampusongan were aware of the ordinance
providing for the survey and segregation of road right-of-ways from tax declarations
along existing roads and roads to be constructed within Bakun, Benguet (64 %) and the
ordinance prohibiting the extraction of quarry resources along the Municipality’s Access
roads (60 %). It was also noted that less than half of the respondents from Bagu were
aware of the same ordinances, 48 % and 36 % respectively.
According to the respondents from Bagu, they were not aware of the ordinances
on natural resource management because there is no road going to their barangay.
S 18
NT 16
DE 14
N
64%
O 12
60%
P
S 10
E
48%
Ampusongan
R
8
F
Bagu
36%
6
R O
E
4
B
M
2
NU
0
Segragation of Road
Prohibition of the
Right-of-Ways from tax
extraction of quarry
declarations
resources along the road
ORDINANCES
Figure 10. Respondents awareness of natural resource management ordinances
28
Other
ordinances.
Figure 11 shows the number of respondents aware of other
ordinances on trade and commerce, health, municipal revenue, and infrastructure.
The ordinances which the respondents were aware of are those under health and
municipal revenue. According to some of the respondents, they came to know of the
ordinance on imposing fees for services because they have already been paying such fees.
This municipal revenue generation conforms to the Local Government Code of
199, Article 244 that municipalities may impose and collect fees for service or use
charges for any service rendered by the local government unit.
Less than half of the respondents from both study areas were aware of the
ordinance on trade and commerce because according to them, they did not have television
sets at home. Some of the respondents from Bagu mentioned also that electricity just
currently arrived in their place.
It is noted that majority (60 %) of the respondents from Ampusongan were aware
of the ordinance declaring Kaut-Kuwang to Labay road as a municipal road while only 16
% of the respondents from Bagu were aware.
29
S
NT 25
NDE 20
O
88%
P
S 15
72%
76%
Ampusongan
64%
RE 10
60%
Bagu
F
44% 40%
R O 5
BE
16%
0
NUM
(Trade and
(Health) Sel ing and (Municipal Revenue
(Infrastructure)
Commerce)
use of Iodized salt
Generation)
Declaring Kaut-
Prohibiting
Imposing fees for
Kuwang to Labay
interconnection of
services
road as a Municipal
CATV
road
ORDINANCES
Figure 11. Respondent’s awareness of other ordinances
Reasons of the Respondents for Not Being Aware of Ordinances
Figure 12 indicates the reasons of the respondents for not being aware of
ordinances.
For all the 50 respondents, the leading reason for not being aware of the
ordinances is lack of information dissemination (100 %). This was followed by lack of
interest (74 %) and lack of time (22 %) of the respondents.
30
60
s
nt 50
100%
40
e
s
ponde
74%
30
Series1
f
R
r
o 20
be
um 10
N
22%
0
Lack of Information
Lack of Interest
Lack of Time
Dissemination
Reasons for not being aware of the ordinances
Figure 12. Reasons of the respondents for not being aware of ordinance
Communication Problems Encountered
Formulation of ordinances. According to the Sangguniang Bayan members, the
problems they encountered during the process of formulation were lack of participation
among the SB members. Most of the Sangguniang Bayan members were La Trinidad-
based and they reported to the Bakun Municipal hall only on Tuesdays for their weekly
meetings and when they were the officer for the day.
Another problem they encountered was the lack of interest of the community
during public hearing. They said that there is a need of fund for food.
31
Dissemination of ordinances. The problems encountered by the office of the
municipal secretary during dissemination of ordinances were lack of mass media
communication channels, lack of transportation and accessibility from the municipal hall
to the barangays because of the geographical location of the barangays and poor road
conditions. Other problems were lack of interest and understanding since there was no
100 % attendance of the community people during the dissemination, and also lack of
budget for food for the community people.
Respondents’ Suggestions for the Improvement
of Formulation and Dissemination Process
Formulation process. Table 3 shows the suggestions of the respondents for the
improvement of the process of formulation.
Less than half (28 %) of the respondents from Ampusongan and Bagu suggested
that the Sangguniang Bayan will formulate ordinances that concern the people and
consult first the community before making ordinances (24 %). More of public hearing (12
%) and the Punong Barangay should be invited during the formulation (8 %) were also
suggested.
According to the Local Government Code, Article 101, the Punong Barangay
shall submit to the Sangguniang Bayan such suggestions or recommendations for the
improvement of the inhabitants of the barangay.
The rest who did not suggest any for the improvement of the process of
formulation were not familiar of the process of the formulation of ordinances.
32
Table 3. Respondents’ suggestions for the improvement of the formulation process of
ordinances
TOTAL
SUGGESTIONS
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
%
Formulate ordinances that concerns the
14 28.00
people
Consult first the community before
12 24.00
making ordinances
More Public Hearing
6 12.00
Barangay Captain should be invited
4
8.00
during the formulation
Dissemination process. Table 4 shows the suggestions of the respondents for the
improvement of the dissemination process.
Majority (68%) of the respondents from Ampusongan and Bagu suggested that
they need more information drive. Less than one fourth (18%) of them suggested that the
Sangguniang Bayan member will be the one to disseminate per barangay. The
respondents also suggested fund for food during dissemination (6%), radio program
announcing (6 %), establish barangay information center in each barangay (4%), and
install icom from municipal hall to barangay hall (2%).
33
Table 4. Respondents’ suggestions for the improvement of the dissemination process of
ordinances
TOTAL
SUGGESTIONS
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
%
More Information Drive
34
68.00
SB members will disseminate each
9 18.00
Barangay
Fund for food during dissemination
3 6.00
Radio program announcing
1 2.00
Establish barangay information center
2 4.00
in each barangay
Install icom from municipal hall to
1 2.00
barangay hall
*Multiple responses
35
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study was conducted to identify the ordinances formulated at the municipal
level, describe the process of formulating ordinances, determine the methods of
disseminating ordinances, determine the community people’s awareness on the
ordinances, and to identify the communication problems encountered in the formulation
and dissemination of ordinances.
It was conducted in Bakun, Benguet from October to December 2007. An
interview schedule was used in gathering information from the 62 respondents.
There were 21 ordinances formulated by the Sangguniang Bayan and these were
classified under education, administration, social welfare, natural resource management,
trade and commerce, health, municipal revenue generation and infrastructure. Many of
the ordinances were on education, almost all of which were on renaming schools.
There were 15 regular standing committees in the municipal council. These
committees observed the following steps in the formulation ordinances : research to
identify community problems; drafting of the proposal; presentation in a council
meeting to decide whether or not to push through with the proposal; first public hearing
to present, read and explain the ordinance being proposed; second reading to present the
revised proposal; third reading to seek approval of council members; review of the
proposal by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP); and approval by SP.
Upon SP approval, the ordinances were reproduced, posted in conspicuous places
or distributed to every Punong Barangay in the municipality, offices and private persons
36
directly affected. The ordinances were in the original form – typewritten in bond paper
and in English.
All of the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information from relatives and
friends or from LGU employees.
Majority of the respondents in both barangays were aware of the ordinances on
education granting scholarship or renaming schools in the municipality. For ordinances
on administration, majority were aware in Ampusongan but less than half were aware in
Bagu. The difference between the two barangays were observed in all the other
ordinances. Except for those on the uniform amount for disaster victims and the
ratification of contracts, the number of aware respondents in Ampusongan outnumbered
those in Bagu.
The problems encountered in the formulation of ordinances were lack of
participation among the SB members, the lack of interest of the community during public
hearing, and the lack of funds for food. The problems encountered the dissemination of
ordinances were lack of mass media communication channels, lack of transportation and
accessibility from the municipal hall to the barangays because of the geographical
location of the barangays and poor road conditions.
Conclusions
From the findings, the following conclusions are derived:
1. The ordinances formulated were on different aspects but were mostly on
education;
37
2. Those in Ampusongan were generally more aware of the ordinances than
those in Bagu;
3. The Sangguniang Bayan members followed the process of formulating
ordinances but majority of the respondents claimed they were not consulted.
4. Information on ordinances were mostly through interpersonal communication
with relatives and friends since there was not much information dissemination
being done.
5. Dissemination strategy was limited to posting of the ordinances.
6. The problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of ordinances
had to do with people’s attitudes and logistics.
Recommendations
1. The Sangguniang Bayan members should continue following the
recommended process of formulating ordinances but they should be
conducting more home visits or small group consultations in the research
stage.
2. More dissemination strategies should be adopted like the use of information
materials in popularized forms.
3. The local government of Bakun should allot funds for Instructional
Educational Communication for easier diffusion of information to every
barangay, whether near or far.
4. There should be a continuing information drive in every barangay. This may
be done through a partnership with Development Communication students.
LITERATURE CITED
ABAG, M.T.2005. Information needs and Information Sources of the Residents of
Barangay Tawangan and Branagy Lusod in Kabayan. BS thesis. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P 10
AMADEO, J.S.2004. The Effect of Using Flip Chart in Learning Agricultural
Technology in Benguet. BS thesis. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet. P 11
ANONYMOUS.1975. How to Codify Ordinances Do it Yourself.UP Law Center,Quezon
City.Division of Research and Law Reform. P 25
ARUEGO, J.M.1968. The Law on Municipal Government in the Philippines.
Metropolitan Publishing Company.Pp 74-80,213,235-243
BANANIA, A.I.2003. Students Perceptions and Attitudes on Bulletin Boards in the
Different Colleges in Benguet State University. BS thesis. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P 12
CORTEZ, E.P.1952. Provincial and Municipal Law of the Philippines.The Lawyers Co-
operative Publishing Company,Manila,Philippines and Rochester, New York. Pp
97-106
PIMENTEL, A.Q.1993. The Local Government Code of 1991.Cacho Publishing
House,Inc.Pp
163-170
RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF
1991 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160. Department of Interior and Local
Government
SOLIMEN, C.C.2003. Instructional Media Preferences of Students of Basic Agricultural
Courses in the College of Agriculture. BS thesis. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet. P 11
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Pictures during the interviews
Interview with one of the SB members
Interview with the Secretary to the
Sangguniang Bayan
Interview with one of the respondents
Interview with one of the respondents
Appendix B. Interview Schedule for Local Government Officials (Sangguniang Bayan 2004-2007)
During your term as a
Action
What were your bases for
How did you know about the
Problems encountered
Municipal councilor, what
taken by proposing a resolution?
situation/problem?
ordinances have you
Council
sponsored/proposed?
39
Please describe the general procedure that the council has to go through in formulating ordinances? (Step by step)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of formulation?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
40
41
Appendix C. Interview Schedule for the Secretarial Staffs (2004-2007)
I. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Name:
________________________________
Sex:
_____Male
_____Female
Age: ____________
Educational Attainment:
_____
Elementary
graduate
_____
Secondary
graduate
_____
College
graduate
_____
Vocational
Position:
_______________________
Year of Service: _________________
II. METHODS OF DISSEMINATING MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
1. Who are the persons responsible in disseminating municipal ordinances?
________________________________________________________________________
2. What are your methods in disseminating municipal ordinances?
(Please rank the methods you are using in the dissemination of the Municipal Ordinances.
Rank number 1 should be the most commonly used methods. Those that are not being used
should not be ranked)
Methods Rank
Interpersonal communication
a. home visit
b. group discussion
c. others (please specify)
Mass
a. discussing it or announcing it on radio
b. discussing it or advertising it on TV
c. publishing it on newspaper
d. distribution of leaflet containing municipal ordinances
e. distribution of brochures containing municipal ordinances
f. distribution of pamphlets containing municipal ordinances
g. mass campaigns of municipal ordinances
h. meetings
i. others (please specify)
42
3. Please describe the general procedures in the dissemination of municipal ordinances.
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
III. COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN THE DISSEMINATION OF
MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
1. What were the problems you encountered in the dissemination of ordinances?
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
IV. SUGGESTIONS:
1. What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of dissemination?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Appendix D. Interview Schedule for Community People
I. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Name:
________________________________
Sex:
_____Male
_____Female
Age:
____________
Barangay address: _________________________________________________________________________
Occupation: ________________________________________
Educational Attainment:
_____
Elementary
graduate
_____
Secondary
graduate
_____
College
graduate
_____
Vocational
Year of residing in Bakun: _________________
II. COMMUNITY PEOPLE’S AWARENESS ON THE ORDINANCES
2004 Ordinances
Aware
Source of
Response Not Reason
information
aware
1. Imposing Fees For Services
2. Creating the Executive
Legislative Coordinating
Committee
43
3. Segragation of Road Right of
Ways From Tax Declarations
4. Prohibition of the extraction of
quarry resources along the
municipality’s access roads
5. Phil. Health Capitation Fund
2005 Ordinances
Aware
Source of
Response Not Reason
information
aware
1. Fixing A Uniform Amount Of
Financial Assistance To Victims
Of Disasters
2. Selling And Use Of Iodized
Salt
3. Granting scholarship to poor
but deserving students
44
4. Local Youth Development
Council of the Municipality of
Bakun
5. CATV
2006 Ordinances
Aware
Source of
Response Not Reason
information
aware
1. Alibacong Elementary School
to Labinio-Mariano Elementary
School
2. Day for Senior Citizens
Officer
3. Declaring kaut-kuwang to
labay road as a municipal road
4. Ratification of all contracts
entered by the municipal mayor
45
5. Dada Elementary School to
Abiyang Elementary School
6. Gambang Elementary School
to Tingbaoen-Galisen Elementary
School
7. Caang Elementary School to
Dio-alan Elementary School
8. Belig Elementary School to
Cadsi Amoy Elementary School
9. Beto Elementary School to
Cabatan Elementary School
10. Sipitan Elementary School
to Talbino Elementary School
11. Namagtey Elementary
School to Tanas Elementary
School
46
Do the local Officials (Barangay/municipal) come to you to ask about your concerns/needs?
_____
yes
_____
no
If yes, how?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of dissemination?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of formulation?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
47
GATAB, MICHELLE B. APRIL 2008. Communication Strategies in the
Formulation and Dissemination of Ordinances in the Municipality of Bakun, Benguet
(2004-2007). Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Maria Luz D. Fang-asan, PhD
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to identify the ordinances formulated, describe the
process of formulating ordinances, determine the methods of disseminating ordinances,
determine the community people’s awareness of ordinances, and to identify the
communication problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of
ordinances. An interview schedule was used among 62 respondents from October to
December 2007.
There were 21 ordinances formulated from 2004 to 2007, many of which were on
education. The 15 regular standing committees in the municipal council followed the
steps in the formulation of ordinances as prescribed in the Local Government Code of
1991 but most of the constituent-respondents claimed that they were not consulted. The
ordinances were reproduced, posted in conspicuous places or distributed to concerned
offices and individuals. All of the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information
from relatives and friends or from LGU employees. Generally, the number of
respondents who were aware of ordinances in in Ampusongan outnumbered those in
Bagu.
It is concluded that the ordinances formulated were on different aspects but were
mostly on education; that those in central Bakun were generally more aware of the
ordinances than those in remote areas; that the Sangguniang Bayan members followed the
process of formulating ordinances but majority of the respondents claimed they were not
consulted; that information on ordinances were acquires mostly from relatives and
friends; that dissemination strategy was limited to posting of the ordinances; and, that the
problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of ordinances had to do with
people’s attitudes and logistics.
It is recommended that the Sangguniang Bayan members should continue
following the recommended process of formulating ordinances but they should be
conducting more home visits or small group consultations in the research stage; that more
dissemination strategies should be adopted like the use of information materials in
popularized forms; that the local government of Bakun should allot funds for
Instructional Educational Communication for easier diffusion of information to every
barangay, whether near or far; and that there should be a continuing information drive in
every barangay. This may be done through a partnership with Development
Communication students.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Abstract
. . .. . . . . . . . . . . …… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Table of Contents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
INTRODUCTON
Rationale
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Statement of the Problem
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Objectives of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Importance of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Scope and Limitations of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Formulated Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Formulating Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Community People’s Awareness
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Disseminating Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Methods of Disseminating Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Communication Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Communication Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Respondents of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Data Collection
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
iii
Data Gathered
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Data Analysis
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Ordinances Formulated at the Municipal Level
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Process of Formulating Ordinances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Consultation by Local Officials
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Dissemination of Municipal Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Respondents’ Sources of Information
on the Formulated Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Respondents’ Awareness of the Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Reasons of the Respondents for
Not Being Aware of Ordinances
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Communication Problems Encountered
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Respondents’ Suggestions for the Improvement
of Formulation and Dissemination Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
. . . . . . . . . . 34
LITERATURE CITED
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Pictures during the interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Appendix B. Interview questionnaire
for the Sangguniang Bayan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix C. Interview questionnaire
for the Secretarial Staff
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix D. Interview questionnaire
for the Community People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
iv
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
It is a common observation in many places that there are many stray dogs
wandering on the streets even though there is an ordinance in most municipalities stating
that all dogs should be tied. This is probably just one of the many ordinances that are not
being followed.
Another ordinance that is obviously not being followed is that on solid waste
management. It is not being followed because as we notice in our surroundings, trash is
scattered and not properly disposed.
These observations indicate that these ordinances have problematic
implementation. One probable cause is on the communication process that takes place in
the formulation of ordinances and also in its dissemination. It is possible that residents
and non-residents do not abide with these ordinances because they were not consulted or
they were not informed.
The common observation also applies to the municipality of Bakun, a rural place
in Benguet. It has seven barangays that are very far apart from each other. Some of its
barangays are not accessible by land transportation. In order to reach the remote
barangays, one must walk about 10 kilometers from the road. Accessibility is a factor that
affects communication so this situation of poor accessibility in Bakun affects
communication between the people and local officials. Since the local officials are
involved in policy-making, it follows that the formulation and dissemination of
ordinances are also affected.
2
Ordinances are made to guide, control, and maintain order in the community. It is
a local law prescribing a rule of a general character, permanent rule of conduct binding
not only upon the inhabitants of the municipality but also on the strangers and non-
residents coming within its territorial limits and a continuing regulation (Cortez, 1952).
Municipal ordinances are as important as they are the specific expressions of what
actually transpire at the municipal levels.
Considering how important ordinances are, there is a need to study the
communication strategies in their formulation and dissemination in order to gain insights
that can be used to enhance their implementation.
Statement of the Problem
The study sought to answer the following questions:
1. What are the ordinances formulated at the municipal level?
2. What are the processes of formulating ordinances?
3. What are the methods of disseminating the said ordinances?
4. Are the community people aware of the ordinances?
5. What are the communication problems encountered in the formulation and
dissemination of ordinances?
Objectives of the Study
The study aimed to:
1. Identify the ordinances formulated at the municipal level;
2. Describe the process of formulating ordinances;
3
3. Determine the methods of disseminating ordinances;
4. Determine the community people’s awareness of the ordinances; and
5. Identify the communication problems encountered in the formulation and
dissemination of ordinances.
Importance of the Study
The results of the study may be used by development communicators as their
basis in developing information materials for the dissemination of ordinances; by
members of the Sangguniang Bayan to improve their communication strategies in the
formulating and disseminating these ordinances in Bakun, Benguet, and other
municipalities in Benguet, particularly in the Cordillera Region.
It will also serve as a student reference for their communication studies.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study was conducted in Barangay Ampusongan and Barangay Bagu to
determine the communication strategies in the formulation and dissemination of
ordinances in Bakun, Benguet from 2004-2007. Respondents were the members of the
Sangguniang Bayan from 2004 to 2007, Sangguniang Bayan Staff, and 50 residents in the
study area.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Formulated Ordinances
Zoning ordinances are municipal ordinances establishing industrial, commercial,
and residential zones and permitting offensive and unwholesome trades and occupations
only in the industrial zone, or determining kinds of machinery which may be installed in
the different zones, or prohibiting certain enterprises like the sale and keeping of lumber
in designated street, have been declared valid under the general welfare clause. Health
measures, ordinances designed to preserve and protect the health and convenience of the
inhabitants are authorized not only under the general welfare clause but also under other
powers expressly granted to municipal corporations (Sinco, et al, 1955).
Formulating Ordinances
The method of enacting ordinances is usually prescribed in the municipal charter.
The law requires that “the affirmative vote of the majority of all the members of the
municipal council shall be necessary to the passage of any ordinance or of any
proposition creating indebtedness; but other measures, except as otherwise specially
provided, shall prevail upon the majority vote of the members present at any meeting
duly called and held.” With respect to other measures, the computation of the majority
vote required for passage is based on the legal quorum. Section 2229 of the Revised
Administrative Code provides that every ordinance or resolution passed by the municipal
council shall be approved and signed by the mayor, except those repassed by the council
5
over his veto and those which he neither approves nor vetoes within five days after their
passage (Cortez, 1952)
Community People’s Awareness
The Information Education Campaign (EIC) printed materials seeks to raise
public awareness (Ramos, 2007).
According to Braid (1983) as cited by Abag (2005) that the most important units
in government and non-government agencies operate from a certain unit. Their principal
function is to support the institutions in diffusing information to the public and creating
awareness of their activities and programmes.
Disseminating Information
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica (1970) as cited by Banania (2003) that
information dissemination in the ancient times, our ancestors used their knowledge on
how to disseminate information by being practical. They invented a way to spread
information in the mass media are wireless transmission of spoken words and
photography in natural colors. At the present times, as years passed just this 20th century,
technologies were developed to enable millions of people to hear, to see and to read the
same information at about the same time, whereas only hundreds could do so before; and
the half of the 20th century, far from completed.
According to Maslog as cited by Abag (2005) that public information officers
then like development communicators must see themselves as pivot between their
organization and the public.
6
According to the Pattern for Rural Development (1969) as cited by Abag (2005)
that development worker will have to act as the disseminator of the information and
utilize all available means to convey his message to as many people as possible.
Methods of Disseminating Ordinances
The secretary to the sanggunian concerned shall cause the posting of an ordinance
or resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the municipal or barangay hall in at
least two (2) conspicuous places in the local government unit concerned not later than (5)
days after approval therof. The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated
and posted in Filipino or English and in the language or dialect understood by the
majority of the people in the local government unit concerned, and the secretary to the
sanggunian shall record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of
approval and posting. The gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall be published in
a newspaper of general circulation within the province where the local legislative body
concerned belongs. In the absence of any newspaper of general circulation within the
province, posting of such ordinances shall be made in all municipalities and cities of the
province where the sanggunian of origin is situated (Pimentel, 1991).
Publication is also required within ten days after its approval and if no date is
fixed in the ordinance, it becomes effective on or after the tenth day following its
publication. Ordinances passed without such publication are null and void. The object of
publication before the adoption of an ordinance is to advise interested parties so as to
give them an opportunity to present their views to the municipal board. It is not enough to
publish excerpts; the ordinance must be published in full. After the provincial board has
7
passed upon all municipal ordinances and resolutions, they are filed with the provincial
governor. The file is open for public inspection (Sinco, et al, 1955).
Communication Strategies
According to the IRRI (1991) as cited by Solimen (2003) that studies have
established that communication is more effective when more than one sense at a time is
engaged. This means that the more media are employed, the greater is the possibility of
message to reach audience and influence them. Thus, a combination of interpersonal and
mass communication strategies is often used.
It was noted further that communication strategies are related to one another. No
single approach is perceived superior over the other (Amadeo, 2004).
Communication Problems
Communication is fundamental to all social processes--especially
conflict. One of the first steps people can take to make conflicts more constructive is to
examine their own communication strategies to determine whether or not they are
communicating their interests and needs effectively to the other side, and whether they
are understanding the perspective of the other side accurately. Much can be done to
improve interpersonal and/or inter group understanding simply by improving the nature--
and amount--of the communication between the parties (Anonymous. 1998).
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in Bakun, Benguet, a municipality which is 86
kilometers or four hours land travel from the City of Baguio. Figure 1 shows that the
municipality forms part of the boundary of Benguet and Ilocos Sur.The municipality is
accessible through the following entry points: Sinipsip junction of the Halsema Highway
(Km 70); Acop Tollgate via Kapangan and Kibungan; and Colliding in Madaymen,
Kibungan.
The specific study areas were in two barangays of Bakun: Barangay Ampusongan
and Barangay Bagu. Ampusongan is where the municipal hall is located and it is easily
accessible by land transportation. On the other hand, Bagu is a remote barangay which is
also accessible by land transportation but only during the dry season. However, there are
no regular public transportation trips going there. To reach the place, one has to hike for
an average of three hours. The barangays were chosen because of their contrasting
characteristics in terms of access which is a factor in communication.
The study was conducted from October 2007 to December 2007.
Respondents of the Study
There were 62 respondents of the study: the eight Sangguniang Bayan members
who served the 2004-2007 term; the four Sangguniang Bayan Staff and 50 community
people of barangay Ampusongan and barangay Bagu who established residence in the
9
Figure 1. Map of Benguet, showing the location of the study
10
area on or before 2003. Purposive quota sampling was used in selecting the respondents
of the study.
Socio-demographic Profile of the Respondents
Table 1 shows the respondent’s socio-demographic profile in terms of sex, age,
educational attainment, and occupation. Slightly more than half of the respondents were
female, Ampusongan (52 %) and Bagu (56 %). In Ampusongan, many of the respondents
belonged to the age bracket of 41-50 (28 %) and 51-60 (28 %) while only 4 % belonged
to the age bracket of 20-30. Majority (52 %) of them reached secondary level and great
majority (96 %) were self-employed such as farming (10 or 40 %), house keeping (8 or
32 %), business (4 or 16 %), and laborer (2 or 8 %). In Bagu, less than half (40 %) of the
respondents belonged to the age bracket of 41-50 and only 4 % belonged to the age
bracket of 20-30. Majority (68 %) of them finished elementary level and great majorities
(96 %) of them were self-employed such as farming (21 or 84 %).
Data Collection
Data collection was through document assessment, key informant interviews and
sample survey. Guide questions and interview schedules were used to gather data from
the key informants and other respondents.
11
Table 1. Socio-demographic profile of the respondents
TOTAL
CHARACTERISTICS
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
%
Sex
Male
23 46.00
Female
27
54.00
TOTAL 50
100
Age
20-30
2 4.00
31-40
8 16.00
41-50
18 36.00
51-60
11 22.00
Above 60
11
22.00
TOTAL 50
100
Educational Attainment
26
52.00
Elementary level
Secondary level
18
36.00
College level
6
12.00
TOTAL
50
100
Occupation
Self-employment
48
96.00
Government
2
4.00
Employees
TOTAL
50 100
12
Data Gathered
The data gathered were the ordinances formulated at the municipal level; process
of formulating ordinances; communication strategies in the formulation; community
awareness of the ordinances; methods of disseminating ordinances; and communication
problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of ordinances.
Data Analysis
The data gathered from the respondents were consolidated, tabulated, categorized
and interpreted according to the objectives of the study.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Ordinances Formulated at the Municipal Level
Table 2 shows the number of ordinances formulated from 2004-2007 during the
incumbency of the councilor-respondents. These were classified into eight categories:
Education, Administration, Social Welfare, Natural Resource Management, Trade and
Commerce, Health, Municipal Revenue Generation and Infrastructure.
There were 21 ordinances formulated by the Sangguniang Bayan during the
period under study. Education had the most number of ordinances at nine or 42.85% of
all the ordinances; followed by administration (19.04%). The other categories had one or
two only.
Table 2. Classification of ordinances
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(%)
Education
9 42.85
Administration
4 19.04
Social Welfare
2 9.52
Natural Resource Management
2 9.52
Trade and Commerce
1 4.76
Health
1 4.76
Municipal Revenue Generation
1 4.76
Infrastructure
1 4.76
TOTAL 21
100
14
Process of Formulating Ordinances
Figure 2 shows the steps in the process of formulating ordinances followed by 15
regular standing committees in the municipal council of Bakun. The committees were on
finance, appropriation and budget; taxation and assessment; agriculture, environment and
natural resources; infrastructure and public works; tourism, trade and industry; education,
culture, social services and social events; health, sanitation and nutrition; laws,
ordinances, public order and safety; barangay affairs; boundary dispute; youth and sports
development; labor, employment and employees concerns; transportation,
communication and public information; good governance and public accountability (blue
ribbon); and ethics.
A committee is comprised of one chairman and two members. A Sangguniang
Bayan member is tasked to be the chairman and a member of two certain committees.
Research. The committee conducted a research to identify community problems
by asking the people. Then solutions to the problems were evaluated in terms of the pros
and cons to the inhabitants of the municipality also in its agreement to the Philippine
Constitution.
Drafting. The committee drafted the title and body of an ordinance and submitted
it to the Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan for polishing. In this stage, the secretary
completed the form of the proposed ordinance by putting in specific parts like the
enacting clause, etc.
START HERE…
YES
SB
Research
Drafting
Council
First reading
Decision
meeting
(Public hearing)
NO
NO
Proposal is
Community
Community
Sangguniang
discarded
Decision
decision
Bayan for
dissemination
YES
YES
NO
Sangguniang
Sangguniang
Panlalawigan
Sangguniang
Third
Second
Panlalawig
an
Decision
Panlalawigan
reading
reading
decision
Sangguniang
Bayan to
review
Figure 2. Process of formulating ordinances followed by the municipal council (2004-2007)
15
16
Council meeting. The committee presented the proposal during the council
meeting. A proposal not approved by the Sangguniang Bayan members was considered
dead and therefore discarded. But if the committee still decided to make revisions, the
proposal may still be improved and presented again to the council until it conformed to
the body’s collective decision.
As the presiding officer, mediator, or chairman in the law-making body, the vice-
mayor still had the right to propose an ordinance. However, in such case, he could not
deliver a sponsorship speech on the floor to lay down its justification so he usually asked
somebody to preside or to sponsor his proposed ordinance.
The proposed ordinance needed a majority vote from Sangguniang Bayan
members before it was finally drafted for the first reading and first public hearing.
First public hearing. The first reading was also the first public hearing held at the
municipal ground. During this stage, the Punong Barangay or his representative, other
concerned offices, community people, business owners, and leader of the church were
invited to be present. The chairman of the committee or the Secretary to the Sangguniang
Bayan presented or read and explained the sections of the ordinance being proposed.
Suggestions and comments from the Punong Barangay, concerned office, community
people, business owners, and leader of the church were noted by the Secretary to the
Sangguniang Bayan.
Second reading. After including suggestions from the first public hearing, the
second reading was scheduled. During the second reading, the results and suggestions
from the community during the first reading were read. The community had access to this
meeting because the session was open to the public. The proposed ordinance was
17
deliberated on by the council members. After all the debates and revisions, the Secretary
to the Sangguniang Bayan made the final draft of the proposed ordinance and gave it to
the committee concerned for final deliberation. According to one of the Sangguniang
Bayan members, they followed the process for formality’s sake only.
Third reading. During the third reading, the council approved the proposed
ordinance. Each member of the council affixed his signature on every page of the
proposed ordinance after by the committee concerned. After the Municipal Mayor signed
the proposed ordinance, it was forwarded to the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Before passing the proposed ordinance, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan made a
certification that public hearings were done.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan. In the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, they
forwarded the proposed ordinance to the committee concerned for review and comments
with in 30 days. In the absence of problems, comments, suggestions from the concerned
committee at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan level, the proposed ordinance was approved
and returned to the municipal office for dissemination and implementation
Where revisions had to be made, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan returned the
proposed ordinance to the concerned committee of the Sangguniang Bayan for
improvement. Then after the revisions were made by the Sangguniang Bayan, the
proposed ordinance was again passed to the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The
same process was followed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan until there were no more
revisions after which the ordinance was approved and returned to the Sangguniang Bayan
for dissemination and implementation.
18
Consultation by Local Officials
Figure 3 presents the constituent-respondents’ claims on whether or not the
people were consulted prior to formulation of ordinances.
The Sangguniang Bayan members said that they consulted the community
people. However, majority (62 %) of the respondents from both study areas said that the
local officials did not consult them to ask about their needs or concerns.
Only 38 % of the respondents said that they were consulted by the local
government officials through general assembly or home visits as shown in Figure 3.
Home visits, 3,
6%
General
assembly, 16,
32%
General assembly
No consultation
Home visits
No consultation,
31, 62%
Figure 3. The conduct of consultation by local officials
Dissemination of Municipal Ordinances
Figure 4 traces the procedure of disseminating ordinances followed by the
Sangguniang Bayan in Bakun.
19
Reproduce copy. The Sangguniang Bayan staff led by the Secretary reproduced
copies of the newly approved ordinance complete with all the parts such as ordinance
number, title (the subject matter), preamble (explanatory note), enacting clause, the body,
and the date of effectivity.
It was also mentioned that the copies reproduced for dissemination were in
English. This practice did not conform with the Law on Municipal Government in the
Philippines (Aruego, 1968) that the text of the ordinance shall be disseminated and posted
in Filipino and in a language or dialect understood by the majority of the people.
Posting. The SB staff posted copies of the ordinance in conspicuous places within
the municipal hall premises like the entrance to the building and most especially on
bulletin boards. This shows that the SB staff adhered to Article 114 (Local Government
Code of 1991) which states that ordinances with penal sanctions shall be posted at
conspicuous places in the provincial capitol, or city, municipal or barangay hall for three
weeks.
Distribution of copies. The SB staff distributed copies of the ordinance to every
Punong Barangay in the municipality, offices and private persons directly affected. The
copy of the Punong Barangay was meant to be posted in the barangay hall centers,
cooperative stores, and or multi-purpose buildings. To ensure that each barangay was
furnished of the approved ordinances, the office of the municipal secretary asks for
certification or a receipt copy from the Punong Barangay or barangay secretary.
20
Reproducing
Posting
Distribution of
copies
copies
Municipal hall
premises
Directly affected
7 Barangays
offices
Private persons
Figure 4. Procedure of disseminating ordinances followed by the secretarial staff in
Bakun
The flow chart does not show any forum or general assembly as a means of
disseminating information on ordinances. One reason given by the SB staff was the
difficulty in gathering people because of the geographical setting of the barangays.
Another reason was the lack of budget to finance food for the community people. The
municipality has no official publication so it resorted to distribution of copies and posting
the same in conspicuous places. This practice is acceptable. According to Pimentel
21
Figure 5. Posted ordinances on the municipal hall bulletin board
22
(1991), the gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall be published in a newspaper
of general circulation where the local legislative body concerned belongs. In the absence
of any newspaper of general circulation within the province, posting of such ordinances
shall be made in all municipalities of the province.
Respondents’ Sources of Information on the Formulated Ordinances
Figure 6 presents the respondents’ sources of information on the formulated
ordinances. All of the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information from
relatives and friends compared with 80 % only in Bagu.
The second leading source of information for both areas was the LGU employees
(74 %) such as the Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Assessor’s Office, Local Civil
Registrar (LCR), and teachers.
Posted or distributed copies of the ordinance served as a source of information for
68 % of the Ampusongan respondents but only 20 % for Bagu respondents. This
observation shows a difference in the access or availability of the copies. Since the
municipal hall is located in Ampusongan, respondents from there understandably had
greater access to posted and/or distributed materials.
However, it is also noted that there was a greater percentage for those who got
information from meetings in Bagu at 20% compared to 12% in Ampusongan. The
respondents claimed that barangay meetings in Ampusongan are very seldom. None of
the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information from the radio which was used
by 20% of Bagu respondents.
23
s
nt 30
25
100% 80%
20
76%
68%
e
s
ponde
60%
Ampusongan
15
R
48%
Bagu
10
r
of
20% 12% 20%
20%
5
be
0
um
N
n
d
s
d
ee
ay
g
s
d
i
o
s a
c
i
a
l
s
ng
n
d
s
oy
ffi
i
b
u
te
e
t
in
Ra
ie
pl
O
es
a
ra
Fr
m
U
i
s
tr
B
Me
e
l
a
t
i
ve
E
o
pi
R
U
L
G
d
/D
C
LG
s
te
Po
Source of Information
Figure 6. Respondents’ sources of information on the formulated ordinances
Respondents’ Awareness of the Ordinances
Education. Figure 7 shows the number of respondents who were aware of the
ordinances on education. A great majority (92 %) of the respondents from Ampusongan
were aware of the ordinance granting scholarship while only 57 % from Bagu were aware
of the same ordinance. Similarly, for ordinances on renaming schools in the
municipality, 52 % were aware in Ampusongan and only 32% were aware in Bagu.
This ordinance granting scholarship conforms with the Local Government Code
of 1991 Article 100, Section 5 which states that” the Sangguniang Bayan shall establish a
scholarship fund for poor but deserving students residing within the municipality.”
The Sangguniang Bayan members, through ordinances, renamed eight schools to
honor the contributor of the lot where the school was constructed. Likewise, this is
supported by DECS Order No. 5, s. 1999, which provides that it is now the Local
24
25
S
NT 20
DE
92%
N
O
P 15
S
E
Ampusongan
R
57%
F
Bagu
10
52%
O
R
E
B
5
32%
M
NU
0
Granting Scholarship
Renaming Schools
ORDINANCES
Figure 7. Respondent’s awareness of education ordinances
Sanggunian which has the power to change the name of the schools through an
ordinance.
Administration. Figure 8 presents the number of respondents aware of
administration ordinances.
A great majority (92 %) of the respondents in Ampusongan were aware of the
senior citizens officer for a day ordinance while only 40% were aware in Bagu . This
ordinance addresses the concern in Article 100, Section 5 of the Local Government Code
of 1991 which states that the Sangguniang Bayan shall establish a municipal council for
the elderly which shall formulate policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial to the
elderly and to the community. It is observed that of the four ordinances under this
category, the number of those aware of each ordinance was higher in Ampusongan
compared to that in Bagu except for the ordinance requiring the ratification of all
25
contracts entered into by the Mayor. For this ordinance, majority (64 %) of the
respondents from Bagu were already aware and they attributed this to their attendance to
a barangay meeting where it was announced.
Less than half of the respondents from both study areas were aware of the
ordinance creating Executive Legislative Coordinating Committee in the Municipal
Government, and on the ordinance creating the Local Youth Development Council of the
municipality of Bakun, at 40 % and 20 % respectively.
This ordinance creating the Local Youth Development Council is in consonance
with what is prescribed in the Local Government Code of 1991, Article 203. The same
article also provides that the Sangguniang Kabataan shall create bodies or committees
deemed necessary to efficiently carry out its programs and activities.
25
S
NT
DE 20
92%
N
O
P 15
S
E
64%
Ampusongan
R
F
Bagu
10
52%
R O
40%
40%
40%
E
B
5
M
20%
20%
NU
0
Senior
Ratification
Creating
Creating
Citizens OD of Contracts
ELCC
LYDC
ORDINANCES
Figure 8. Respondents’ awareness of administration ordinances
26
Social Welfare. Figure 9 shows the number of respondents’ aware of social
welfare ordinances.
Less than half of the respondents from Ampusongan were aware of the ordinance
on creating a Philippine Health Capitation Fund from the proceeds of the out patients,
and the ordinance fixing a uniform amount of financial assistance to victims of disasters.
It was also noted that slightly more than half (56 %) of the respondents from Bagu
claimed that they were aware of the ordinance fixing a uniform amount of financial
assistance to victims of disasters because they have already received financial assistance
from the municipal government. Also, a very low number of respondents (12 %) from
Bagu were aware of the ordinance creating a Phil. Health Capitation Fund from the
proceeds of the out patients because according to the respondents, they did not have Phil.
Health.
S 15
F
T
O
R
EN 10
56%
Ampusongan
E
D
44%
48%
B
N
5
M
Bagu
SPO
NU
E
12%
0
R
Phil. Health capitation
Uniform amount for
fund for out patients
victims of disasters
ORDINANCES
Figure 9. Respondents’ awareness of social welfare ordinance
27
Natural resource management. Figure 10 shows the number of respondents aware
of Natural Resource Management ordinances.
Majority of the respondents from Ampusongan were aware of the ordinance
providing for the survey and segregation of road right-of-ways from tax declarations
along existing roads and roads to be constructed within Bakun, Benguet (64 %) and the
ordinance prohibiting the extraction of quarry resources along the Municipality’s Access
roads (60 %). It was also noted that less than half of the respondents from Bagu were
aware of the same ordinances, 48 % and 36 % respectively.
According to the respondents from Bagu, they were not aware of the ordinances
on natural resource management because there is no road going to their barangay.
S 18
NT 16
DE 14
N
64%
O 12
60%
P
S 10
E
48%
Ampusongan
R
8
F
Bagu
36%
6
R O
E
4
B
M
2
NU
0
Segragation of Road
Prohibition of the
Right-of-Ways from tax
extraction of quarry
declarations
resources along the road
ORDINANCES
Figure 10. Respondents awareness of natural resource management ordinances
28
Other
ordinances.
Figure 11 shows the number of respondents aware of other
ordinances on trade and commerce, health, municipal revenue, and infrastructure.
The ordinances which the respondents were aware of are those under health and
municipal revenue. According to some of the respondents, they came to know of the
ordinance on imposing fees for services because they have already been paying such fees.
This municipal revenue generation conforms to the Local Government Code of
199, Article 244 that municipalities may impose and collect fees for service or use
charges for any service rendered by the local government unit.
Less than half of the respondents from both study areas were aware of the
ordinance on trade and commerce because according to them, they did not have television
sets at home. Some of the respondents from Bagu mentioned also that electricity just
currently arrived in their place.
It is noted that majority (60 %) of the respondents from Ampusongan were aware
of the ordinance declaring Kaut-Kuwang to Labay road as a municipal road while only 16
% of the respondents from Bagu were aware.
29
S
NT 25
NDE 20
O
88%
P
S 15
72%
76%
Ampusongan
64%
RE 10
60%
Bagu
F
44% 40%
R O 5
BE
16%
0
NUM
(Trade and
(Health) Sel ing and (Municipal Revenue
(Infrastructure)
Commerce)
use of Iodized salt
Generation)
Declaring Kaut-
Prohibiting
Imposing fees for
Kuwang to Labay
interconnection of
services
road as a Municipal
CATV
road
ORDINANCES
Figure 11. Respondent’s awareness of other ordinances
Reasons of the Respondents for Not Being Aware of Ordinances
Figure 12 indicates the reasons of the respondents for not being aware of
ordinances.
For all the 50 respondents, the leading reason for not being aware of the
ordinances is lack of information dissemination (100 %). This was followed by lack of
interest (74 %) and lack of time (22 %) of the respondents.
30
60
s
nt 50
100%
40
e
s
ponde
74%
30
Series1
f
R
r
o 20
be
um 10
N
22%
0
Lack of Information
Lack of Interest
Lack of Time
Dissemination
Reasons for not being aware of the ordinances
Figure 12. Reasons of the respondents for not being aware of ordinance
Communication Problems Encountered
Formulation of ordinances. According to the Sangguniang Bayan members, the
problems they encountered during the process of formulation were lack of participation
among the SB members. Most of the Sangguniang Bayan members were La Trinidad-
based and they reported to the Bakun Municipal hall only on Tuesdays for their weekly
meetings and when they were the officer for the day.
Another problem they encountered was the lack of interest of the community
during public hearing. They said that there is a need of fund for food.
31
Dissemination of ordinances. The problems encountered by the office of the
municipal secretary during dissemination of ordinances were lack of mass media
communication channels, lack of transportation and accessibility from the municipal hall
to the barangays because of the geographical location of the barangays and poor road
conditions. Other problems were lack of interest and understanding since there was no
100 % attendance of the community people during the dissemination, and also lack of
budget for food for the community people.
Respondents’ Suggestions for the Improvement
of Formulation and Dissemination Process
Formulation process. Table 3 shows the suggestions of the respondents for the
improvement of the process of formulation.
Less than half (28 %) of the respondents from Ampusongan and Bagu suggested
that the Sangguniang Bayan will formulate ordinances that concern the people and
consult first the community before making ordinances (24 %). More of public hearing (12
%) and the Punong Barangay should be invited during the formulation (8 %) were also
suggested.
According to the Local Government Code, Article 101, the Punong Barangay
shall submit to the Sangguniang Bayan such suggestions or recommendations for the
improvement of the inhabitants of the barangay.
The rest who did not suggest any for the improvement of the process of
formulation were not familiar of the process of the formulation of ordinances.
32
Table 3. Respondents’ suggestions for the improvement of the formulation process of
ordinances
TOTAL
SUGGESTIONS
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
%
Formulate ordinances that concerns the
14 28.00
people
Consult first the community before
12 24.00
making ordinances
More Public Hearing
6 12.00
Barangay Captain should be invited
4
8.00
during the formulation
Dissemination process. Table 4 shows the suggestions of the respondents for the
improvement of the dissemination process.
Majority (68%) of the respondents from Ampusongan and Bagu suggested that
they need more information drive. Less than one fourth (18%) of them suggested that the
Sangguniang Bayan member will be the one to disseminate per barangay. The
respondents also suggested fund for food during dissemination (6%), radio program
announcing (6 %), establish barangay information center in each barangay (4%), and
install icom from municipal hall to barangay hall (2%).
33
Table 4. Respondents’ suggestions for the improvement of the dissemination process of
ordinances
TOTAL
SUGGESTIONS
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
%
More Information Drive
34
68.00
SB members will disseminate each
9 18.00
Barangay
Fund for food during dissemination
3 6.00
Radio program announcing
1 2.00
Establish barangay information center
2 4.00
in each barangay
Install icom from municipal hall to
1 2.00
barangay hall
*Multiple responses
35
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study was conducted to identify the ordinances formulated at the municipal
level, describe the process of formulating ordinances, determine the methods of
disseminating ordinances, determine the community people’s awareness on the
ordinances, and to identify the communication problems encountered in the formulation
and dissemination of ordinances.
It was conducted in Bakun, Benguet from October to December 2007. An
interview schedule was used in gathering information from the 62 respondents.
There were 21 ordinances formulated by the Sangguniang Bayan and these were
classified under education, administration, social welfare, natural resource management,
trade and commerce, health, municipal revenue generation and infrastructure. Many of
the ordinances were on education, almost all of which were on renaming schools.
There were 15 regular standing committees in the municipal council. These
committees observed the following steps in the formulation ordinances : research to
identify community problems; drafting of the proposal; presentation in a council
meeting to decide whether or not to push through with the proposal; first public hearing
to present, read and explain the ordinance being proposed; second reading to present the
revised proposal; third reading to seek approval of council members; review of the
proposal by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP); and approval by SP.
Upon SP approval, the ordinances were reproduced, posted in conspicuous places
or distributed to every Punong Barangay in the municipality, offices and private persons
36
directly affected. The ordinances were in the original form – typewritten in bond paper
and in English.
All of the respondents from Ampusongan acquired information from relatives and
friends or from LGU employees.
Majority of the respondents in both barangays were aware of the ordinances on
education granting scholarship or renaming schools in the municipality. For ordinances
on administration, majority were aware in Ampusongan but less than half were aware in
Bagu. The difference between the two barangays were observed in all the other
ordinances. Except for those on the uniform amount for disaster victims and the
ratification of contracts, the number of aware respondents in Ampusongan outnumbered
those in Bagu.
The problems encountered in the formulation of ordinances were lack of
participation among the SB members, the lack of interest of the community during public
hearing, and the lack of funds for food. The problems encountered the dissemination of
ordinances were lack of mass media communication channels, lack of transportation and
accessibility from the municipal hall to the barangays because of the geographical
location of the barangays and poor road conditions.
Conclusions
From the findings, the following conclusions are derived:
1. The ordinances formulated were on different aspects but were mostly on
education;
37
2. Those in Ampusongan were generally more aware of the ordinances than
those in Bagu;
3. The Sangguniang Bayan members followed the process of formulating
ordinances but majority of the respondents claimed they were not consulted.
4. Information on ordinances were mostly through interpersonal communication
with relatives and friends since there was not much information dissemination
being done.
5. Dissemination strategy was limited to posting of the ordinances.
6. The problems encountered in the formulation and dissemination of ordinances
had to do with people’s attitudes and logistics.
Recommendations
1. The Sangguniang Bayan members should continue following the
recommended process of formulating ordinances but they should be
conducting more home visits or small group consultations in the research
stage.
2. More dissemination strategies should be adopted like the use of information
materials in popularized forms.
3. The local government of Bakun should allot funds for Instructional
Educational Communication for easier diffusion of information to every
barangay, whether near or far.
4. There should be a continuing information drive in every barangay. This may
be done through a partnership with Development Communication students.
LITERATURE CITED
ABAG, M.T.2005. Information needs and Information Sources of the Residents of
Barangay Tawangan and Branagy Lusod in Kabayan. BS thesis. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P 10
AMADEO, J.S.2004. The Effect of Using Flip Chart in Learning Agricultural
Technology in Benguet. BS thesis. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet. P 11
ANONYMOUS.1975. How to Codify Ordinances Do it Yourself.UP Law Center,Quezon
City.Division of Research and Law Reform. P 25
ARUEGO, J.M.1968. The Law on Municipal Government in the Philippines.
Metropolitan Publishing Company.Pp 74-80,213,235-243
BANANIA, A.I.2003. Students Perceptions and Attitudes on Bulletin Boards in the
Different Colleges in Benguet State University. BS thesis. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P 12
CORTEZ, E.P.1952. Provincial and Municipal Law of the Philippines.The Lawyers Co-
operative Publishing Company,Manila,Philippines and Rochester, New York. Pp
97-106
PIMENTEL, A.Q.1993. The Local Government Code of 1991.Cacho Publishing
House,Inc.Pp
163-170
RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF
1991 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160. Department of Interior and Local
Government
SOLIMEN, C.C.2003. Instructional Media Preferences of Students of Basic Agricultural
Courses in the College of Agriculture. BS thesis. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet. P 11
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Pictures during the interviews
Interview with one of the SB members
Interview with the Secretary to the
Sangguniang Bayan
Interview with one of the respondents
Interview with one of the respondents
Appendix B. Interview Schedule for Local Government Officials (Sangguniang Bayan 2004-2007)
During your term as a
Action
What were your bases for
How did you know about the
Problems encountered
Municipal councilor, what
taken by proposing a resolution?
situation/problem?
ordinances have you
Council
sponsored/proposed?
39
Please describe the general procedure that the council has to go through in formulating ordinances? (Step by step)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of formulation?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
40
41
Appendix C. Interview Schedule for the Secretarial Staffs (2004-2007)
I. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Name:
________________________________
Sex:
_____Male
_____Female
Age: ____________
Educational Attainment:
_____
Elementary
graduate
_____
Secondary
graduate
_____
College
graduate
_____
Vocational
Position:
_______________________
Year of Service: _________________
II. METHODS OF DISSEMINATING MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
1. Who are the persons responsible in disseminating municipal ordinances?
________________________________________________________________________
2. What are your methods in disseminating municipal ordinances?
(Please rank the methods you are using in the dissemination of the Municipal Ordinances.
Rank number 1 should be the most commonly used methods. Those that are not being used
should not be ranked)
Methods Rank
Interpersonal communication
a. home visit
b. group discussion
c. others (please specify)
Mass
a. discussing it or announcing it on radio
b. discussing it or advertising it on TV
c. publishing it on newspaper
d. distribution of leaflet containing municipal ordinances
e. distribution of brochures containing municipal ordinances
f. distribution of pamphlets containing municipal ordinances
g. mass campaigns of municipal ordinances
h. meetings
i. others (please specify)
42
3. Please describe the general procedures in the dissemination of municipal ordinances.
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
III. COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN THE DISSEMINATION OF
MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
1. What were the problems you encountered in the dissemination of ordinances?
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
IV. SUGGESTIONS:
1. What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of dissemination?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Appendix D. Interview Schedule for Community People
I. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Name:
________________________________
Sex:
_____Male
_____Female
Age:
____________
Barangay address: _________________________________________________________________________
Occupation: ________________________________________
Educational Attainment:
_____
Elementary
graduate
_____
Secondary
graduate
_____
College
graduate
_____
Vocational
Year of residing in Bakun: _________________
II. COMMUNITY PEOPLE’S AWARENESS ON THE ORDINANCES
2004 Ordinances
Aware
Source of
Response Not Reason
information
aware
1. Imposing Fees For Services
2. Creating the Executive
Legislative Coordinating
Committee
43
3. Segragation of Road Right of
Ways From Tax Declarations
4. Prohibition of the extraction of
quarry resources along the
municipality’s access roads
5. Phil. Health Capitation Fund
2005 Ordinances
Aware
Source of
Response Not Reason
information
aware
1. Fixing A Uniform Amount Of
Financial Assistance To Victims
Of Disasters
2. Selling And Use Of Iodized
Salt
3. Granting scholarship to poor
but deserving students
44
4. Local Youth Development
Council of the Municipality of
Bakun
5. CATV
2006 Ordinances
Aware
Source of
Response Not Reason
information
aware
1. Alibacong Elementary School
to Labinio-Mariano Elementary
School
2. Day for Senior Citizens
Officer
3. Declaring kaut-kuwang to
labay road as a municipal road
4. Ratification of all contracts
entered by the municipal mayor
45
5. Dada Elementary School to
Abiyang Elementary School
6. Gambang Elementary School
to Tingbaoen-Galisen Elementary
School
7. Caang Elementary School to
Dio-alan Elementary School
8. Belig Elementary School to
Cadsi Amoy Elementary School
9. Beto Elementary School to
Cabatan Elementary School
10. Sipitan Elementary School
to Talbino Elementary School
11. Namagtey Elementary
School to Tanas Elementary
School
46
Do the local Officials (Barangay/municipal) come to you to ask about your concerns/needs?
_____
yes
_____
no
If yes, how?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of dissemination?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your suggestions for the improvement of the process of formulation?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
47
Document Outline
- Communication Strategies in the
Formulation and Dissemination of Ordinances in the Municipality of Bakun,
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- Rationale
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Importance of the Study
- Scope and Limitations of the Study
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- Formulated Ordinances
- Formulating Ordinances
- Community People�s Awareness
- Disseminating Information
- Methods of Disseminating Ordinances
- Communication Strategies
- Communication Problems
- METHODOLOGY
- Locale and Time of the Study
- Respondents of the Study
- Socio-demographic Profile of the Respondents
- Data Collection
- Data Gathered
- Data Analysis
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Ordinances Formulated at the Municipal Level
- Process of Formulating Ordinances
- Consultation by Local Officials
- Dissemination of Municipal Ordinances
- Respondents� Sources of Information on the Formulated Ordinances
- Respondents� Awareness of the Ordinances
- Reasons of the Respondents for Not Being Aware of Ordinances
- Communication Problems Encountered
- Respondents� Suggestions for the Improvementof Formulation and Dissemination Process
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Summary
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES