Showing the Way to Better Governance in the Road Sector by J. Plecerda

Bantay Lansangan is a partnership among government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders in the road sector. It is involved in monitoring the performance of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), so as to reduce the costs for road construction and maintenance, increase road user’s satisfaction, and improve the public’s perception of the DPWH. Its main activities include, among others, road monitoring, client surveys, policy studies and road shows. 

 

A road show is a conference of volunteers and other stakeholders where monitoring experiences and challenges and different opportunities are discussed and explored. The objectives of a road show are: facilitate learning and experiential exchanges among and between Bantay Lansangan secretariat, volunteers, member-organizations, and the DPWH, identify best practices in the 1^st round of monitoring and areas for partnership and engagement for the 2^nd round of monitoring, and enhance knowledge and skills of Bantay Lansangan members on social accountability, volunteer management and procurement infrastructure. 

 

There were three of such road shows conducted in 2009. The first leg was in the Visayas which was held at the Residence Hotel in Iloilo City on 24-25 September 2009. The Mindanao leg was second and was held on 22-23 October 2009 at the Crown Regency Residences in Davao City. Lastly, the Luzon leg was conducted last 18-20 November 2009 at the Astoria Hotel in Pasig City. 

 

Volunteers and other stakeholders including officials from the DPWH celebrated victories and gains in Bantay Lansangan’s work. The road shows also served as venues for regional volunteers networks and DPWH officials both at the national and regional levels to dialogue and iron out difficulties. More importantly, lessons and take away points were identified that will serve as input in the 2^nd round of monitoring. 

 

One important lesson that was drawn was to engage the DPWH on all levels and to involve other stakeholders. Although there are mechanisms in place such as the Bantay Lansangan Coordinating Committee at the central office level, it was pointed out that engaging other offices and officials at different levels within the department is important for Bantay Lansangan to do its job really well. According to volunteers, this proved particularly important in data gathering. It was also mentioned that the participation of engineering schools and professional organizations such as the organization of civil engineers can add value to the skills and competencies of regional volunteer networks. 

 

Another take-away point from the road shows was the importance of having the competence and technical background to do road monitoring. Regional volunteer networks expressed that they have to deal with technical persons such as civil engineers and contractors in the performance of their monitoring work. Having the competence and background proved crucial in understanding the processes involved in road sector development and in monitoring the implementation of road and infrastructure projects. Thus, regional volunteers zeroed in on the value of additional capacity building activities to enhance the knowledge and skills of volunteers. 

 

Another common reflection point among the volunteers was the importance of volunteer management. Since Bantay Lansangan operates mainly through voluntarism, there was recognition among the volunteers of the need for a systematic volunteer management particularly on recruitment and capacity building.  

 

Through the road shows, Bantay Lansangan volunteers were able to share their stories, celebrate victories and identify lessons and take away points. These would prove crucial as Bantay Lansangan continues to show the way to better governance in the road sector through the 2^nd round of monitoring.