Safe Space Training Workshop - Tagbilaran, Bohol

Key Project Information

Funder

USAID

Period of Performance

-

Location

Philippines

ICMA's Role

As prime contractor, ICMA manages technical and financial aspects of the program including subcontractor and local grantee management

Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) is a USAID-funded five-year activity designed to support strengthened democratic governance in the Philippines by making local governance more responsive, transparent, and accountable. CHANGE fosters capacity and harmony of governments, civil society, and private sector to improve the implementation of decentralization, enhance local governments’ legitimacy and effectiveness, and empower citizens.

CHANGE is based on the premise that collective actions and stronger partnerships between local governments and the communities that make up their constituencies will bring democratic governance closer to the people. More specifically, the improved implementation of decentralization in the Philippines will help strengthen democratic governance in the country. Change has three key objectives, as follows:

Objective 1: STRENGTHENED ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

Objective 1 supports national and local policymakers in ensuring a stable and supportive policy framework for decentralization through strategic guidance and on-demand analytical support. Activities under this component focus on accelerating decentralization reform and implementation, strengthening the national government's role in supporting local government autonomy and responsiveness, and strengthening national government incentives for the promotion of LGU good governance practices.  

Objective 2: ENHANCED LOCAL SERVICE DELIVERY

Objective 2 addresses supply-side factors, where local governments have the primary duty and responsibility to provide opportunities and incentives for citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) to be engaged in local governance. CHANGE enhances participatory governance in all facets of government operations and service delivery. Activities under this objective include strengthening cities´ capacity for effective citizen engagement, mainstreaming transparency in public administration and governance processes, and building capacity for multi sector collaboration and collective action. CHANGE pursues institutionalizing reforms that can withstand changes in administration or political leadership.

Objective 3: EMPOWERED CIVIL SOCIETY

Objective 3 focuses on the demand side of governance by increasing civic engagement and strengthening the capacity of local CSOs, sectoral representatives, and community members to effectively advocate reforms, participate in decision-making, and hold their local governments accountable. Toward this objective, CHANGE builds the capacity of CSOs and citizens, maximizes existing and planned citizen participation processes, and supports citizen-led initiatives and innovations.

Geographic Coverage

CHANGE is implemented in nine secondary cities of the Philippines (Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga). In the succeeding years CHANGE will expand implementation to additional cities that USAID and the Philippine Government will identify.

New, Reduced Membership Dues

A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!

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