PARALLEL SESSION 1C: NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Quality of collaboration between different sectors was highlighted in Parallel Session 1C, chaired by Ms. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB), Philippines. The session specifically looked into the role of small- and medium-based enterprises in the web of multi-stakeholder partnerships for governance, and citizens' perception of inter-municipal collaboration. The following experts discussed these in detail: Dr. Marlon Sihombing, Mr. Iskandar Muda, and Mr. Faisal Eriza, Faculty of Social and Political Science, University of Sumatera Utara, Indonesia; Professor Naomi Aoki, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; Dr. Jose M. Obedencio, Jr., Central Mindanao University, Philippines; and Mr. Medardo B. Bombita, University of Rizal System, Philippines.
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The faculty of the Social and Political Sciences, University of Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, led by Dr. Marlon Sihombing, discussed their research on the development Regional Innovation System (SIDA) in supporting strategic partnership among government, private sector and the public in North Sumatra’s Palm Oil industry. The faculty shared the prospects of enhancement of the innovation and capacity of the small and medium enterprise’s downstream palm-based sector through community-based empowerment strategy. The research team concluded that the approach of civil society organizations in terms of community empowerment is a good model for the government of Indonesia.

The study  of  Naomi Aoki of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore investigated the Japanese public’s attitudes towards inter-municipal collaboration in handling disaster debris. The results of her study suggests that the national and municipal governments should work together to seek more public support in hosting disaster debris in inter-municipal arrangements. Lastly, based on her research she suggested that the national and municipal governments of Japan should communicate more with the public about the risks, benefit, and costs associated with hosting disaster debris, and make efforts to improve the  public trust in the national government.

One of the targets for the sustainable development goals is to end the epidemics of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) In Maramag, Bukidnon, there are around 2,000 cases of animal bites every year. The study of Mr. Obedencio highlighted that majority of the residents have low to poor level of knowledge and practices on rabies prevention and control. The study was vital in drafting local government policies and planning out necessary measures to improve the programs and strategies aimed at controlling and preventing rabies in Maramag, Bukidnon. 

The study of Mr. Bombita focuses on the potential income generation arm of the University of Rizal System through a professional consultancy services and capacity building programs. The study found out that the firm will aid in the resource generation of the University and support the micro, small and medium enterprises that will significantly contribute to the economic activities in the province of Rizal.