The
Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) is a public
policy center established shortly before the May 2004 elections
to help promote people empowerment in governance. Mindful of the
elitist and patronage-driven character of the current electoral
and political system in the country, CenPEG is especially advocating
the democratic representation of the poor.
CenPEG adopts a governance perspective by examining critically
the electoral and political systems that give rise to problems
like corruption and underdevelopment using governance indicators
of transparency, accountability and people participation. The
center’s programs are aimed at securing political and electoral
changes to help ensure people participation and nurture a culture
of integrity in governance. It conducts research and policy studies,
education and trainings as well as undertakes advocacy and community-based
projects that help people participate as key players in governance.
FELLOWSHIP
CenPEG
sees the vital role of local media, people’s organizations
and the academe not only as effective sources and purveyors of
information but as catalysts of change as well. To pursue its
programs in research and education-training, CenPEG taps a wide
pool of resource persons coming from diverse backgrounds but commonly
advocating the highest ideals of public service in governance.
CenPEG “Fellows” are comprised of political analysts,
public policy experts, leaders from people’s organizations
and academic scholars. They help conduct research on government
performance and social investigation on governance concepts and
practices. They contribute their knowledge, expertise and experience
in public governance as well as in grassroots empowerment.
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CenPEG envisions governance that is democratic and pro-people
where the marginalized poor become active movers for change
in government and society.
To
ensure the active participation of the marginalized sectors
in decision and policy-making in government affairs, and on
issues and programs affecting their rights and well-being, CenPEG
is committed to
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Put
the marginalized people’s agenda (democratic rights
and interests of workers, farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous
and Moro people, women and youth) at the core of government
policies and programs.
- Promote
governance that is empowering -- participatory, sovereign, representative,
and mass-based.
- Advance
the politics of change as alternative to one that is elitist
and patronage-driven as part of a process to achieve fundamental
societal changes.
To
work for and promote a unified framework of democratic governance
among a wide range of groups with shared principles and values
based on the people's agenda and program for genuine development.
Empowerment
of marginalized sectors through policy studies, education and
training that challenge the elitist character of governance
in favor of one that is democratic, participatory and representative
of the sovereign will of the people.
-
Undertake
critical policy studies and timely issue analyses.
- Develop
a comprehensive database program for electoral and political
concerns.
- Conduct
education and training on issues, principles and practices of
democratic governance for people's organizations (POs), broad-based
parties and groups.
- Advocate
politics of change and the people’s agenda as bases for
good/honest governance
- Support
people's initiatives, mobilizations and other forms of active
intervention in state affairs
- Promote
stronger linkages and coordination among/between: elected people's
representatives and their constituencies, representative political
parties, and concerned groups and individuals promoting people
empowerment.
What
CenPEG says about the three basic indicators of governance?
Transparency
”In
a democratic state, transparency becomes integral to the whole
process of governance as it promotes democratic access and the
right of the people to public information.”
”Transparency
is never decreed and is inherent in a democratic society. It allows
the active participation of marginalized sectors’ in defining
and shaping the destiny of a country.”
“To
be transparent also means to be responsive to criticisms and open
to change.”
Accountability
“Power-holders
and decision-makers in government are accountable to the people
by virtue of their being in the take of taxpayers’ money.
Whether elective or appointive, public officials and their respective
offices in government are beholden to, and therefore should
be, in the service of what is in the interests of the majority
of the people.”
“The
people have every right to exact accountability from their leaders.
Indicators of Public accountability include just laws, fair Judicial
system, politically accountable Congress, democratic representation
and consultations, honest elections, respect for human rights
and transparent public transactions.”
People
Participation
“People
participation is not simply having a voice in decision-making,
either directly or through established institutions. It is a
process of empowerment that includes involvement in a wide range
of activities -- from planning, criticizing, assessing and developing
concepts and ideas -- that culminate in decision-making and
implementation of laws, policies and programs.”
“Democracy
is power of the majority. But in the country, the majority of
the people are poor, marginalized and powerless. They are traditionally
treated as simply ‘recipients’ or ‘beneficiaries’
of government services. For democracy to work and be vibrant,
the marginalized sectors must become key forces in society.
The essence of ‘democratic governance’ is that the
majority should be made to exercise authority and influence
over policies and decisions through the various institutions
and processes of government. All efforts therefore should be
geared towards building the capacities of these sectors to exercise
power, engage in the processes of governance, and promote their
basic interests.”
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