Framing deliberative democracy through the formation of Iloilo Provincial Youth Development Council

Abstract

This study was done in order to frame deliberative democracy in the promotion of youth participation in local governance through the Iloilo Provincial Youth Development Council (Iloilo PYDC). It examined the processes of decision-making and consensus building of Iloilo PYDC in answering the following research questions: (1) how are the members of the Local Youth Development Council selected; (2) how did the degree of influence of the youth sector in local decision making increase through the LYDC; (3) what is the role of the Local Government Units, civil society, and other stakeholders in equipping Local Youth Development Council to conduct deliberative policy discussions; (4) what are the best deliberative practices in Iloilo PYDC. The study was descriptive and made the use of 20-item survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview, and observation of Iloilo PYDC meeting. The research results indicate that the extent of power given by the Iloilo PYDC to the youth mainly focused on being a platform for consultation and discussion of youth interests, enabling them to set agendas and present issues that may not normally be addressed. They can then lobby local governments to include these concerns in development plans such as the Local Youth Development Plan (LYDP). The deliberative practices of the Iloilo PYDC have served as a platform for youth organizations to present and lobby the Ilonggo youth’s needs and interests. This research recommends that there should be a meaningful implementation of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law and enrichment of deliberative democratic practice that will further strengthen youth participation in local governance.