Toward Building Collaborative Capacity: Assessment of Service Delivery in Makati Homeville, Laguna, Philippines

Christie C. Amores and Nelson Jose Vincent B. Querijero

Abstract

This study assessed the service delivery in Makati Homeville (MH), Calauan in Laguna, Philippines. Specifically, it analyzed the perceived strength of the collaborative capacity of the Makati Social Welfare and Development-Extension Office (MSWD-EO) in the areas of accountability, outcomes, delivery and alignment, and proposed mechanisms by which service delivery can be scaled up to ensure sustainability. The Collaborate and United Nations Development Programme’s Collaborative Capacity Framework was adopted to examine key areas of public service delivery where collaboration could be strengthened to ensure better outcomes. The perceived strength was measured by computing the mean scores of respondents’ numerical rating for each statement. The data from qualitative sources were used to validate numerical data and track the historical development of MH. It was revealed that despite the collaborative initiatives taking place in MH, some basic services needed improvement, particularly access to livelihood, electricity, and potable water. The perceived strength of MSWD-EO’s collaborative capacity was “strong” across key areas of service delivery. A closer examination of qualitative data, however, revealed some weak areas in the design (outcomes), risk (alignment), innovation (delivery), and transparency (accountability). Putting collaborative framework at work would require mobilizing substantial resources and overcoming constraints in project management. It is necessary that a framework for inter-local government relations governing off-city resettlement is formulated, approval of House Bill 5144 is secured, and a memorandum of agreement be signed between Makati and Calauan Local Government Units.