[Xavier University's Governance and Leadership Institute director Dr Dixon Yasay says on people's participation in good governance: “While leadership is key to observing and promoting good governance, informed participation of stakeholders makes a better difference."]

By Matthan Luceño

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has sought the expertise of Xavier University’s Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) to help local government units in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte adequately prepare for climate-related disasters such as Supertyphoon Yolanda, which struck them in 2013.

The engagement is under CCC's Resilience and Preparedness for Inclusive Development (RAPID) program, which seeks to capacitate local governments in climate governance and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

GLI director Dr Dixon Yasay served as resource person and module writer for the DRRM series participated in by 12 municipalities and two cities which were severely ravaged by ST Yolanda (Haiyan) in early November 2013.

Each LGU sent two pilot barangays composed of barangay officials and local leaders to identify strategic initiatives to address climate change and disaster risk-related issues in their respective communities.

Yasay shared on the fundamentals of local governance highlighting best practices, which participating LGUs can emulate.

He cited LGUs that practice good governance and the transformation they have brought to local development. But he also emphasized that stakeholder participation is just as or even more important.

“While leadership is key to observing and promoting good governance, informed participation of stakeholders makes a better difference,” Yasay said.

GLI will continue to collaborate with CCC and other agencies in rebuilding the shattered lives of Yolanda survivors. Its mission centers on building the capacities and competence of the public sector, particularly local governments, which are in the frontline in the delivery of public service.