E-Participation of Selected Professional Students in the Governance of Cabanatuan City in the Philippines

Abstract

The strength of democracy is measured through citizens’ participation in governance. To check the applicability of this theory in local context, the study determined the actual observance of a purposively selected group of professionals pursuing post graduate degree in Public Administration in the Philippines. Using Arnstein Measure of Community Participation, the paper found that there is low level of e-participation among participants as shown by their frequency of access and level of awareness on the city website. Strict adherence to the principle of e-democracy in actual practice is necessary. The paper concluded that electronic participation in governance is both a responsibility and a privilege. There is a need to improve citizens’ willingness to participate in local governance via electronic means. E democracy cannot stand in isolation from citizens’ participation. The study recommended that the Local Government Unit (LGU) should look for ways to bolster citizens’ use of the city website as a vehicle for democratic reforms and participation.