Civil society and the promotion of social capital: A case study of Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in Igbaras, Iloilo in 1998 and 2003 local elections

Abstract

This study looked into the role of PPCRV as a civil society group in promoting social capital by providing substantive knowledge about importance of electoral exercise to democracy, civic duties, and nurturing social relationships. Among the activities of PPCRV are voter’s education, voter’s assistance and poll watching. Of these activities, most members focused more intensively on voter’s education. The members registered over all high levels of social capital. However, trust in the organization and its rules registered high level of approval compared to trust on other members. Cooperation with members in observing organization rules registered higher levels of approval compared to cooperation among members beyond organization rules. Association based on organization is higher compared to association among members beyond organization. Generally, PPCRV has generated a high level of social capital. This high level of social capital prompts members to work steadfastly even in the presence of transportation, financial and logistics constraints. This study examined social capital by surveying thirty-five (35) PPCRV members in Igbaras.