Transformative and Participatory Local Governance
Under this program, IPG implements projects adaptive to the specificities of local governments to develop and enhance capacities for effective, efficient, transparent, and participatory governance.
A long track record of participatory governance practices
Participatory governance promotes citizen engagement in decision-making to drive social, political, and economic change, especially for marginalized groups. The program seeks to expand public participation, strengthen local leadership, ensure inclusive consultations, and improve coordination across government levels. A key initiative, the Barangay Bayan Governance Consortium (BBGC)—composed of 42 NGOs—pioneered participatory governance from 1997 to 2011 through the Institute for Popular Governance (IPG). Its community-based planning approach, BDP-PRA, evolved into the Barangay-Bayan Municipal Development Planning in 2005. These efforts significantly influenced the creation of the national Bottom-up Budgeting Program (2012–2016) under President Benigno Aquino III.
LeadGov Hub currently have 49 CSO members with IPG as founding Convenor and Secretariat.
People’s Participation in Governance: Incubation for Modelling
Since 2020, IPG and the Pasig City Government have been developing a model for participatory governance by strengthening collaboration between the city and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). This partnership led to the inclusion of CSO priority projects in the City’s Annual Investment Plan (AIP) and aims to institutionalize meaningful, sustainable, and empowering citizen participation, with plans to replicate the model in other LGUs.
Electoral Campaign Management Training for Citizen-powered Political
Participation and Supporting Champions of Transformative Governance
Since 1999, IPG has conducted training for political officers and campaign managers to develop effective local election strategies. The program teaches practical tools for mapping election terrain, crafting strategies and messages, planning activities, building campaign machinery, and fostering a community of practice for sharing lessons.