How to make local government institutions work: some lessons on social change

Understanding Research Engagement Among Academics in the Philippines Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

“…The results of the study specifically paint a picture of the psychology behind why the problem of nonengagement in research and publication activities persists (e.g., Saloma, 2017; Vinluan, 2012). By exploring the existing unfavorable research attitudes and/or social norms, as well as unbelief in one’s ability to conduct research, universities can have a better grasp of their faculty members’ (non)research behavior.…”

“…Studies in the Philippine context show that despite an increase in publication productivity over the past several years (Reyes & Reyes, 2015), Philippine universities still underperform in the area of research and publication (Saloma, 2017) compared to its Asian neighbors, such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia (Vinluan, 2012). Challenges at the institutional level point to the need for further strengthening of research culture (Rosaroso et al, 2015), development of research skills and competencies among academics (Calma, 2014), leadership that proactively champions research culture, and crafting and implementation of policies that provide administrative support (Bengo et al, 2012).…”

The Dynamics of Decentralization of Higher Education Delivery and Local Politics in the Philippines: The Case of Two Mandaue City Colleges in Cebu Province

“…The politics of education or educational politics is an eclectic field that seeks to incorporate notions of authority, power and influence in the distribution of scarce and valued resources at different levels of the education sector (Johnson, 2003;Wong, 1994). It also looks at the enduring value conflicts of efficiency, quality, equity and choice in educational settings, whose intellectual roots and development can be traced to political science (Stout, Tallerico and Scribner, 1994;Malen, 1994;Wong, 1994;Scribner and Layton, 2003;McLendon, 2003a;2003b;Scribner, Aleman and Maxcy, 2003). Anchored on the core ideas of political science, the field of educational politics argues that "school governance and decisions are embedded in the core practices of our political systems" (Wong, 1994, p. 22), prescribed ways in which most educational policies are influenced by the larger political institutions and processes of decisionmaking.…”

“…The MCC experience showed that the school has come to be understood as a political arena rife with macro and micro-political processes (Wong, 1994;Strout et. al., 1994;Scribner et. al., 2003;McLendon, 2003a;2003b;Björk and Blasé, 2009;Fiske, 1996).…”

“…Whereas the LGU's role with respect to the education service sector is only limited and confined to the construction of school buildings and classrooms and maintenance aspects (Brillantes, 2003;Atienza, 2006;Go, 2016, p. 1), however embedded in the LGC are salient provisions that provided enabling mechanisms for various explorations in local autonomy and public welfare. This democratic space allows LGUs free rein in guiding the path of their local development (Cariño, 2002(Cariño, , 2004Dayrit, 2005;Legaspi, 2003, cited in Saloma, Jayme Lao andAdvincula-Lopez, 2013). Essentially, the Code provides the opportunity for local governments in the country to venture into the tertiary level of education by establishing public colleges named as Local Colleges and Universities financed directly from its local treasury.…”