College of Arts and Sciences

Toward an improved risk/crisis communication in this time of COVID-19 pandemic: A baseline study for Philippine local government units

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Toward an improved risk/crisis communication in this time of COVID-19 pandemic: A baseline study for Philippine local government units Flores, Reymund B.; Asuncion, Xavier Venn This study mainly explores the communication preferences of the public; their level of trust in the government; and the factors affecting their risk/crisis perception amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The key findings — derived from the data collected through an online survey and analysis using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), provide insights on how Local Government Units (LGUs) can improve their risk/crisis communication in this current health crisis. Among the key takeaways include the use of social media platforms, like Facebook, and native/local language for effective risk/crisis communication which may, consequently, foster trust building between the LGUs and the public.

Modeling the Philippine cities' competitiveness toward a sustained development amid COVID-19 pandemic

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Modeling the Philippine cities' competitiveness toward a sustained development amid COVID-19 pandemic Flores, Reymund B. Cities and urban centers are viewed as drivers of regional and national development. The COVID19 pandemic and the subsequent enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implemented by the Philippine government and related public mobility restrictions imposed had resulted to closure of businesses – from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector to several major industries in regional and provincial centers across the country. In the current crisis, it is argued that urban centers play a crucial role in sustaining the country’s competitiveness. Thus, we should not limit our understanding of cities competitive on rankings alone. Assessing the vital signs of competitiveness in terms of the underlying fundamentals that ultimately drive these results and providing prescriptions to address the economic challenges we are facing in this time of pandemic are also necessary. It is then at this level that the interrelationships of the four pillars of competitiveness – economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency, should be understood better. Applying the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, this study analyzes the interrelationships of these four pillars of competitiveness using the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) data from 2017-2019. Through model development and analysis, the findings in this study provide direction for Philippine cities in framing their development agenda and recommendations for local government officials and development planners on what to prioritize in attaining and sustaining local competitiveness particularly in this very challenging time. 2020 CMCI Academic Symposium Top 2 Winner

Chinese-Taiwanese-Southeast Asian triangular relations: On building and rebuilding political and economic assertiveness in South China Sea

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Chinese-Taiwanese-Southeast Asian triangular relations: On building and rebuilding political and economic assertiveness in South China Sea Flores, Reymund B.; Basas, Rachel Mary Anne A. China’s extraordinary economic growth and active diplomacy continue to transform greater East Asia with its sphere of influence extending to the other side of the globe through its robust development aid provisions. Taiwan, despite its political isolation with the admission of China into the United Nations as well as due to the “One China” principle managed to grow its economy as one of Asia’s tigers– a driver that led Taiwan to establish economic and cultural relations with Southeast Asian states in the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia has seen robust and continued economic growth in the past few decades. Notwithstanding these economic gains, the present geopolitical sphere in this part of the world is becoming tenser than ever. China has been increasingly assertive in its actions in the South China Sea for years now, while Taiwan has also done a fair share of mobilisation in the contested islands. Protests from some ASEAN-member states have escalated, as manifested in their foreign policies. Within this trajectory, this paper looks into the underlying aspects of the triangular relations between China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. K Notes Reymund B. Flores (corresponding author) is a Doctor of Public Administration candidate at the National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines– Diliman, and one of the 2018 research fellows of the Philippine Journal of Public Administration (PJPA). Presently, he is working on his dissertation about cross-sector collaboration with scholarship grant from the Philippine Commission on Higher Education, and is a recipient of the Research Award Program of the Philippine Social Science Council for 2018, and the UP-NCPAG. His research interests and publications include East and Southeast Asian studies and political development, collaborative governance, and state-civil society engagements. Rachel Mary Anne A. Basas is an Australia Awards scholar presently studying for a postgraduate degree in project management at the University of Sydney. Prior to coming to Australia she has been with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program– National Program Management Office as Assistant Head of the Capability Building Division from 2014-2017. She has also taught diplomacy students at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde from 2010-2014, and has served on the Board of Director of the ASEAN Youth Organization, with headquarters in Jakarta, from 2014-2015. She has written the following books for Philippine senior high school students: Trends, networks, and critical thinking in the 21st Century, Disaster readiness and risk reduction, and Understanding culture, society, and politics. Rachel also holds a Master’s degree in International Studies from the University of the Philippines– Diliman. Her research interests are on social protection and management of international development projects.

Decentralization and local governance in Southeast Asia: A passing review of development, reforms and approaches

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Decentralization and local governance in Southeast Asia: A passing review of development, reforms and approaches Flores, Reymund B. Rapid change towards urbanization has taken some governments unaware, both at local and national levels. Cities across Southeast Asian region do not form part of the exceptions, particularly in facing problems of increasing poverty; lack of basic amenities and services such as water supply, electricity, sanitation, housing, education and healthcare; worsening pollution and depletion of natural resources; crippling traffic congestion; declining safety and security, and increased dissatisfaction by urban residents. This qualitative study used the general inductive approach and discourse analysis to discuss and gain deeper understanding of decentralization and local governance in Southeast Asia by looking into the patterns of development, reforms, and approaches. It further presents the varied discourses on prospects and directions in local governance in Southeast Asia and mechanisms used for regional inclusiveness and development. Flores, R. B. (2017). Decentralization and local governance in Southeast Asia: A passing review of development, reforms and approaches. Journal of Politics and Governance, 7(1), 60-71. [Flores, R. B. (2017). Decentralization and local governance in Southeast Asia: A passing review of development, reforms and approaches. JOPAG, 7(1), 60-71.] [Flores, R. B. (2017). Decentralization and local governance in Southeast Asia: A passing review of development, reforms and approaches. Warasan Kanmueang Kanpokkhrong, 7(1), 60-71.] [Flores, R. B. (2017). Decentralization and local governance in Southeast Asia: A passing review of development, reforms and approaches.วารสารการเมืองการปกครอง, 7(1), 60-71.]