MANILA -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is more driven to push for constitutional reform following the release of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey and the huge turnout of the federalism roadshows held in Dumaguete and Baguio.
DILG Assistant Secretary for Communication and Public Affairs Jonathan Malaya said the department looks at the recent SWS results in a positive light and sees it as an opportunity to ramp up efforts to promote federalism in the regions.
"The numbers look promising and we’ll take it as an opportunity to further accelerate our campaign for constitutional reform,” Malaya said in a news release issued Friday.
He said a closer look at the survey will show that the study was done prior to the DILG’s roadshow for federalism, a sign that the time is ripe for the advocacy to accelerate.
“Let’s see how the results will fare after we’ve brought our information campaign to all 17 regions. I’m certain that not only will awareness rise, but support will also escalate,” Malaya added.
The DILG and the Consultative Committee (ConCom), which has been tasked to review the 1987 Constitution, recently joined forces in a series of federalism roadshows - where both teams will conduct consultations, town hall meetings, conventions, and speakers' training in all 17 regions of the country. It began in Dumaguete City last June 18.
The 1st Quarter 2018 SWS Survey conducted last March 23-27 found that one out of four, or 25 percent of Filipino adults, were aware of federalism.
It was also found that people in the rural provinces (27 percent) knew about federalism more than those in urban areas (24 percent). Awareness on and support for federal governance was highest in Mindanao. Next to Mindanao was Metro Manila, followed by Visayas, then the balance of Luzon.
The survey also showed that the more the people understood federalism, the more they agree to a federal shift.
Malaya said that once people are informed that federalism would be beneficial to their families, they will undoubtedly be more receptive of the DILG’s campaign.
“The survey also reveals that among those who knew about federalism, around 37 percent actually supported the federal shift, while only 29 percent were opposed to it,” he said.
Malaya said he expects more of the undecided 34 percent to support federalism once President Rodrigo R. Duterte endorses the ConCom’s proposed model for constitutional reform during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month.
According to the SWS report, the net agreement with the federal system was moderately strong because Filipinos have “much trust” in the President and are satisfied with his performance as President and his administration’s performance in government.
Huge turnout
Malaya said the dialogues, conventions and rallies in Dumaguete and Baguio were attended by thousands from various sectors and political groups in the different parts of the Negros and Cordillera regions.
“We were able to successfully highlight the need for federalism and constitutional reforms amidst the failure of the present political system to make lives better for the people. Federalism will empower the regions politically and economically. The people have had enough of a highly centralized government set up since colonial times,” he said.
Malaya is optimistic that the roadshows being held by the DILG, along with the ConCom’s consultations, will not only increase public awareness on federalism, but will also gain overwhelming support from the regions.
To date, the DILG has held its roadshow in the Negros and Cordillera regions and has received good feedback from the people there.
Next week, the DILG will bring the roadshow to Legazpi City in the Bicol region, inviting Bicolanos to participate in the “Pederalismoserye” town hall meeting with basic sectors and the rally for federalism.
“Let us all participate in the dialogue and convention to know more about the change the President is trying to espouse through constitutional reform,” Malaya said.
The DILG was tasked by Duterte to lead the administration’s campaign for federalism. (DILG PR)
