CHAPTER V

Summary, Conclusions & Implications, & Recommendations

Summary of Findings

This study aimed to determine the level of citizen

engagement in local governance and decision-making

processes among residents in selected barangays of

Mondragon, Northern Samar. Specifically, the study aimed

to document the socio-demographic profile of the

respondents, determine the level of citizen engagement in

terms of attendance in barangay assemblies, participation

in consultations and meetings, involvement in community

projects and initiatives, contribution of suggestions or

feedback, and influence on final decisions; identify the

challenges that hinder residents from actively engaging

in barangay decision-making processes; and provide

recommendations to strengthen citizen engagement and

improve participatory governance.

These objectives were achieved through a

quantitative descriptive research design which covered 98

respondents from three (3) selected barangays in

Mondragon, Northern Samar, namely Barangay Eco, Barangay

Talolora, and Barangay Doña Lucia.

respondents, the study revealed that the majority were 50

years old and above, female, high school graduates,

married, long-term residents with 16 years or more of

residency, and earning below ₱5,000 monthly. These

characteristics provide insights into the composition of

the community and the potential factors influencing their

engagement in barangay governance.

In terms of citizen engagement, respondents

generally attended barangay assemblies often, indicating

moderate participation in assembly activities. However,

their participation in consultations and meetings,

involvement in community projects, contribution of

suggestions or feedback, and influence on final decisions

were mostly “sometimes,” showing inconsistent but present

engagement in governance processes. The overall level of

citizen engagement in the selected barangays was

interpreted as moderate, reflecting room for improvement

in fostering active community participation.

The study also identified the challenges that

hindered active participation in barangay governance. The

top five challenges reported by respondents were lack of

interest or motivation, lack of time due to work or

family responsibilities, lack of information about

valued, and poor communication from barangay officials.

These barriers help explain the moderate level of

engagement observed in the study.

To improve participation and strengthen citizen

engagement, respondents recommended providing early

notice of meetings and consultations, encouraging youth

and women to participate, allocating time for citizen

input before decisions are made, using social media or

group chats for announcements and feedback, and

conducting more frequent barangay assemblies.

Implementing these measures can enhance inclusivity,

transparency, and responsiveness in local governance,

ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to

actively contribute to decision-making and community

development.

Conclusions and Implications

Based on the findings of the study, the following

conclusions and implications were drawn:

Majority of the respondents were 50 years old and

above, female, single, high school graduate, long-term

residents (16 years and above), and earning below ₱5,000

monthly. This implies that the respondents represent

exposure to barangay governance and local programs.

The level of citizen engagement in the selected

barangays was moderately engaged. Residents frequently

attend barangay assemblies but only sometimes participate

in consultations, community projects, and feedback

mechanisms. This implies that while awareness and

attendance are present, deeper and more active

involvement in decision-making still needs improvement.

The challenges encountered by the respondents,

particularly lack of motivation and time constraints,

affect their level of participation. This implies that

barangay officials need to improve communication

strategies, transparency, and inclusiveness to encourage

stronger community involvement.

The recommendations given by the respondents should

be given attention and action by the barangay officials

of Mondragon to strengthen participatory governance and

enhance the decision-making process at the barangay

level. Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions of this study,

the following recommendations are:

include all residents, considering differences in

age, gender, education, family status, years of

living in the barangay, and income.

2. Officials should provide different ways for

residents to join meetings, discussions, and

community projects, both in-person and online.

3. To encourage participation, officials should

communicate clearly, motivate residents to take

part, and recognize their contributions.

4. Officials should involve youth and women more, hold

activities regularly, give feedback on residents

ideas, and make decisions openly to include

everyone.