Promoting Better Understanding of Federalism
Forum on Federalism reaches studentry in Bukidnon
HSF
The Philippines’ proposed adoption of a federal system of government remains a question to be answered. In order to better understand its possible implications on the indigenous peoples, more than one hundred and thirty Bukidnon State University students, the majority of whom belong to indigenous tribes, participated in a forum on federalism held in the university in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, last 30 October 2019.
Comprising under-graduate and graduate school students of public administration and of law, the participants showed great interest in the topic, joined in the detailed discussion of federalism and the Bayanihan Federal Constitution, and took the opportunity to ask questions. The half-day activity was organised by the Pimentel Institute for Leadership and Governance (PILG) with the Bukidnon State University, with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), to help disseminate information about federalism to the people.
The Province of Bukidnon is home to seven tribes, namely: Talaandig, Higa-onon, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Matigsalug, Manobo and Tigwahanon. The activity was organised in this province particularly to respond to their requests for more information about federalism and the Bayanihan Federal Constitution and to help address their concerns and questions about the topic. The Bukidnon State University is said to be the educational institution in the province which has the largest population of students belonging to these tribes.
HSF
The students acknowledged having gained a better understanding as to how the country’s adoption of such a system may help benefit its different regions and its people. They appreciated hearing the topic being discussed from two different points of view: from the point of view of a member and of a technical assistant of the erstwhile Consultative Committee and from that of the provincial prosecutor who is a Muslim and is himself familiar with the diverse tribes populating the province. They also found the flyer on the Bayanihan Federal Constitution that was distributed during the activity informative and helpful.
The main concern that was voiced was that the people in power may use the shift to a federal system of government to their advantage and to further their gains. The participants generally perceived poverty, graft and corruption and the people’s -- general public and government officials alike -- lack of understanding of federalism as challenges the country is facing in the proposed shift to a federal system of government.
With the idea that people will find it easier accepting what they understand, the continued conduct of information activities on federalism was pointed out as a basic and, at the same time, critical approach of reaching out to the general public and helping them learn more about and better comprehend the system’s fundamental concepts and these may be adopted in a way that would benefit the country and its diverse people.
HSF
The results of the online survey conducted at the end of the forum showed that the participants were able to gain new knowledge about and a better understanding of the topic, recognised that it will take serious action to move the proposed adoption of a federal system forward, particularly, their active involvement as citizens, as well, and a lot remains to be done, beginning with the further education of the people, especially those in far-flung areas.
Moreover, the students suggested the continued conduct of such information activities, the inclusion of interactive activities therein and the provision of even more information, education and communication (IEC) materials for even broader dissemination of information in the studentry and in their local communities.
This forum was held as part of the PILG-HSF partnership on the project “Increasing Awareness of the General Public on Federalism as a System of Government.”