SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN ORDINANCES IN BASILAN PROVINCE VIS-Á-VIS CONCERNS OF BASILEÑOS

ABSTRACT: This study purported to determine and analyze the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinances in Basilan Province in terms of the number of ordinances adopted and implemented, the area of concern of the ordinances and whether the ordinances were related to peace and order, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and improvement of Basic Education. In addition, the stakeholders’ views on whether the ordinances adopted and implemented by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan addressed the concerns of Basileños in the areas of peace and order, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and improvement of Basic Education were also determined. The study utilized a descriptive-qualitative research design using the documentary analysis and Key Informants Interview Guide and Focus Group Discussion Guide. A total of fifty-six (56) respondents participated in the study, from the cities of Isabela and Lamitan and the five municipalities in Basilan Province. Results showed that: The Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Basilan Province is very slow in enacting ordinances for the province; Infrastructure development is the focus or area of concern of the ordinances adopted and implemented by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the Province of Basilan. Improvement in Basic Education is only a second priority and so with health; The ordinances adopted and implemented by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan somehow addressed the concerns of the Basileños especially in the area on infrastructure development and improvement of Basic Education but not in the area on peace and order and poverty alleviation; and Stakeholders in Basilan would like the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to enact ordinances on peace and order as this is their foremost concern and what gives them cause to worry and even be fearful of; ordinances on livelihood improvement projects to alleviate poverty; more ordinances on improvement of Basic Education and ordinances on health like the anti-drug trafficking. Therefore, it is hereby recommended that: The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) must provide information on the ordinances being adopted and implemented; The Sangguniang Panlalawigan should consider for future adoption of ordinances related to peace and order such as implementation; The Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the province should enact more ordinances for the improvement of basic education not only for secondary education but also for elementary education.

Keywords: Infrastructure development, ordinances, peace and order, poverty alleviation, sangguniang Panlalawigan,