Established on February 8, 1994, the Institute of Politics and Governance, Inc. (IPG) is a civil society organization working for the furtherance of local autonomy and governance in the Philippines. The Institute’s formation occurred in a context wherein progressive organizations and individuals sought to broaden and deepen the democratization process that began with the ouster of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 by promoting people’s participation in governance, and advancing an alternative political and development agenda that championed the interests of marginalized sectors and populations and develop and increase the numbers of reform oriented local government officials.

The diverse background of IPG’s founders reflected the spirit of this period:

• Advocates for devolution, democratization, participatory governance and people’s participation who pushed for and were instrumental in the passage of the Local Government Code of 1991; and
• Women activists committed to gender-fair and inclusive politics.

These various social and political energies came together in 1992 to start the process that eventually led to the formal establishment of IPG.

IPG has become a consortium of experts, practitioners, and advocates in the fields of sustainable development, good governance, and progressive public policy-making at the local level.

With a vision of a Philippine society where stakeholders foster inclusivity, social justice, and accountability through good local governance, IPG seeks to enable and synergize stakeholders in pursuing progressive reforms through fair, law-based, and participatory decision-making.