GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY ACROSS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA: ISSUES, GAPS, AND PROSPECTS FOR REFORM

Abstract

Local governments serve as the backbone of governance and development, yet many across the Zamboanga Peninsula continue to face persistent issues in institutional performance and administrative capacity. This study evaluates the governance systems and administrative capacities of local government units (LGUs) across the region to identify prevailing gaps and propose reforms for strengthened institutional performance. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined survey data from 200 local respondents and qualitative insights from 30 key informants representing public administrators, planners, and civil society leaders. Results revealed disparities in governance structures, weak policy coordination, and insufficient human resource and fiscal management competencies. Key challenges identified include overlapping mandates among agencies, low accountability, inadequate inter-LGU cooperation, and limited citizen engagement mechanisms. Furthermore, findings highlight that while decentralization has expanded local authority, it has not always translated into improved governance efficiency due to structural and administrative weaknesses. The study proposes the Governance Systems and Administrative Capacity Framework for Local Governments in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Tendero et al., 2025), focusing on three interrelated domains: governance and policy systems, administrative capacity and resources, and citizen engagement and transparency. Strengthening these domains is vital for achieving transparent, efficient, and participatory governance that can drive equitable regional development.