BARANGAY GOVERNANCE GAPS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study examines the governance gaps at the barangay level in Zamboanga City, Philippines, with a particular focus on their impact on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the smallest political units in the Philippines, barangays are critical to effective local governance, providing essential public services and facilitating community development. However, many barangays face persistent governance challenges, including financial constraints, leadership turnover, coordination issues, and barriers to community participation, which can hinder their ability to effectively promote sustainable development. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture the perspectives of barangay officials, community leaders, and institutional stakeholders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and correlation analysis to identify significant governance gaps and their underlying dimensions. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis to capture the lived experiences and insights of local leaders. Key findings reveal that financial instability, leadership turnover, coordination challenges, and limited public participation are the primary governance gaps hindering SDG progress. Financial constraints were identified as the most significant barrier, closely linked to leadership instability and weak institutional capacity. The study also highlights the critical need for capacity building, better financial management, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and more inclusive decision-making processes to address these gaps. The study concludes that addressing these governance challenges requires targeted interventions, including diversified funding sources, leadership training, integrated planning frameworks, and enhanced community engagement. These strategies are essential for building resilient, community-driven local governments capable of promoting long-term sustainable development. The findings provide a practical roadmap for policymakers, local leaders, and development practitioners seeking to enhance local governance and improve the quality of life for their constituents. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies on governance reforms, comparative studies across regions, and impact assessments of capacity-building programs.