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Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
This chapter discusses the foundations of the study. It aims to lay down the problem, what is
being asked, the objectives of this study, and the definition of terms. Most importantly, it provides the
limitations of this study, the theoretical and conceptual framework and the methodology that the
researchers followed.
Rationale
Ideologies are set of aims and ideas, comprehensive line of thinking that seek to offer change
through normative thinking process. Essentially, ideology permeates every aspect of a course of action.
Implicitly, every political action entails an ideology with it. Since ideologies pervade the aspects of a
political action, ergo ideologies contribute in shaping the attitudes and beliefs of the society as a whole.
The research aims to establish the role of ideology adhered by the three non-government
organizations representing the different sectors of society (VIHDA – Labor, Pagtambayayong
Foundation, Inc. – Urban Poor, and Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. – Women) in the promotion of
development. The ideologies and/or principles followed by the organizations serve as guiding standards
in the programs and services provided by the NGO’s. Moreover, the development goals of the
organizations are enshrined in the vision, mission and goals of the NGO’s.
The researchers chose the study since the researchers saw the necessity of establishing the
relationship on the role of ideology in development. The study also aims to understand the different
ideologies and/or principles of the selected NGO’s, determine the views of the selected NGO’s regarding
development, and to present the programs initiated by the selected NGO’s.
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Objectives
This research paper aims to establish a connection between an NGOs ideology and/or principles
and its plight for development. This paper concretizes this connection by presenting a case study of
three (3) selected NGOs representative of three (3) chosen sectors in the civil society, namely: Labor,
Urban Poor and Women. Specifically, it aims:
To understand the different ideologies and/or principles being adhered to by the selected NGOs.
To determine each organizations’ views on development.
To discuss the programs of each NGO in line with their aim of development.
To establish the role of ideology in development.
Ideology and Development| 3
The researchers referred to books for theorizing. However, the researchers opted to conduct
interviews and referred to brochures, tarpaulins and other materials to gather data about the NGOs
provided for by the researchers’ contact person for each organization.
Theoretical Framework
John D. Montgomery, in his book Approaches to Development: Politics, Administration and
Change, presented that ideology is an important sector in administration of development. More so,
ideology is a means through which attitudes and efforts of a group or a community are greatly
affected. This statement aided the researchers as to regarding the NGOs as groups whose attitudes and
efforts in the society are greatly affected by its ideological bases. On NGOs whose no clear ideological
base exist, its principles on the society and development are considered as basis through which its
decisions and actions are made.
Charles Funderburk and Robert W. Thobaben, in the book Political Ideologies, tackled on the
core values, programs, and leadership as dimensions of ideologies. Core Values constitute of the belief
system, that is, a view on how the world works politically, economically and socially. These core values
that work as belief system have programs that serve as guide for action. The goals of an ideology
sprang from the worldviews and are, most of the time, Utopian or ideal. Strategies are the programs
and actions that are taken to achieve goals. These programs and actions are limited by the core values
of the ideology. Goals are set and strategies are made to attain these goals. On the other hand, the
leadership aspect of ideologies suggests the implementation of the programs. Funderburk and
Thobaben’s Dimensions of Ideologies aided the researchers on the concept that programs and actions
are made in attaining a goal.
Andrew Heywood, from his book Politics, defines ideology as “a more or less coherent set of
ideas that provides a basis for organized political action.” (Heywood, 2002: 43) From this, one can
concur that an ideology defines the actions to be undertaken by an individual or an organization.
Further, Heywood emphasizes three (3) features of an ideology, namely: “(a) offer an account of the
existing order, usually in the form of a ‘world view’, (b) provide a model of a desired future, a vision of
the Good Society, and (c) outline how political change can and should be brought about.” (ibid) In a
shallow analysis of the role of ideologies, they turn out to be political philosophies. However, in its
active form, ideologies become phases of social and political movements all aimed at changing the
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status quo. This helped the researchers in providing basis as to measures undertaken by groups and
organizations with conformity to its ideology.
Conceptual Framework
The subjects of the study are the non-government organizations specifically the Visayas Human
Development Agency, Inc. (VIHDA), Pagtambayayong Foundation, Inc., and the Lihok Pilipina
Foundation, Inc.. Each NGO has different ideology and/or principle that are being adhered to. These
ideologies and/or principle are the belief systems and values that the NGO follow.
Each NGO also has its view on development. As NGOs took measures on attaining a goal, the
actions taken runs in coherent with the belief systems that they held. More so, each also has measures
and actions that would entail achieving development.
As these NGOs necessitate a belief system or core value, they also provide programs and actions
on achieving a goal, in this case, development. These NGOs carry along with them ideologies and
principles that guide the programs and actions that are to be done.
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Methodology
This paper is a case study on the role of ideologies of the NGOs. The researchers relied on
secondary sources to establish a connection between ideology and development. To support such
connection, the researchers conducted interviews with the representatives of the NGOs.
Brochures, PowerPoint Presentations and tarpaulins of NGOs were indispensable in providing
relevant information for this study.
Subjects
The study revolves around three sectors of civil society, namely: Labor, Urban Poor and Women.
The researchers considered one non government organization (NGO) for every sector. For the Labor
Sector, the researchers contacted Visayas Human Development Agency, Inc. (VIHDA), Pagtambayayong
Mutual Foundation, Inc. for the Urban Poor sector and Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. for the Women
sector. Each NGO provided reliable representatives for the researchers to interview.
Definition of Terms
Ideology - “a pattern of ideas which simultaneously provides for its adherents:
self-definition, description of the current situation, its background and
what is likely to follow and the various imperatives which are deduced
from the foregoing.” (Finkle & Gable, 1971: 114)
Principles - “an important underlying law or assumption required in a system of
thought and the basic way in which something works”
(encarta.msn.com)
Non Government - “is an association which (a) is based on the common interests of its
Organization members, individuals, or institutions, (b) has no governmental status or
function, and (c) is not created by a government, nor is its agenda set or
implemented by a government.” (www.sil.org)
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Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
The information gathered by the researchers serve as guide to the research study since they
provided necessary facts and reasons needed for the study. The following related literature focus on the
definition of ideology and the role of ideology in promoting development.
prescription, a sort of international language of economic development; and the dual role of the
advanced countries as advisers and sources of foreign aid”. (Finkle & Gable, 1971: 70) Johnson further
stressed the relevance of nationalism in the building of a national base industry, owned and performed
by nationals. Nationalism involves an ideological preference in economic policies to achieve self-
sufficiency, public ownership and public enterprise, domestic participation and control of foreign
businesses. The assertion of the development of a national industry is regarded as a sine qua non of
economic development.
John D. Montgomery, in his book Approaches to Development: Politics, Administration and
Change, discussed on three modes of action that are essential to the administration of development.
These are programs, promotion and ideology. He also viewed development as aspect of change that is
desirable, broadly predicted or planned, and administered by government action. To dig dipper,
government actions, whose direct forms are its programs, affects other groups and agents. On the other
hand, ideology influences law, and it can even change institutions of different sectors. Ideology, when
translated into doctrine, turns into propaganda and will further become means for encouraging different
attitudes and behaviors. Also, on the government side, pride of service, often linked with an almost
ideological belief, helps the government in attaining a humane end.
Mary Matossian defines ideology as “a pattern of ideas which simultaneously provides for its
adherents: self-definition, description of the current situation, its background and what is likely to follow
and the various imperatives which are deduced from the foregoing.” (Finkle & Gable, 1971: 114)
Matossian further mentioned that ideologies adhered by delayed industrialized nations are
revolutionary.
Robert Eccleshall, et.al, explains that ideologies express relation of accounts of social and
political reality and how reality could be improved. Also, “ideologies embody a set of political ideals
aimed at detailing the best possible form of social organization”. (Eccleshall, et.al., 2003: 2) Liberalism,
Conservatism, Socialism, Nationalism, Fascism, Ecologism, and Feminism were some ideologies
explained by the authors. Nationalism is described as doctrine that functions as a primary driving force
of political movements and considered as a general framework that helps make sense of the world.
Feminism is the ideology that operates for the liberation of women, giving them greater recognition and
equality with men.
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Chapter III
PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
This chapter presents the background of the study. It aims to answer the queries mentioned on
the preceding section of this paper. Further, this part discusses the findings of the researchers, its
implications and its significant contribution to the main aim of this study.
Presentation of Data
The civil society refers to the “intermediary institutions” which link the different sectors of
society and encourage participation in governance. A prominent part of the civil society is played by
non-government organizations which ensure that the grievances of the different sectors of society are
represented and addressed through initiating programs organizing mass mobilization.
VIHDA also clamors for the establishment of linkages between the labor sector and other
sectors that would support the workers actions for humane existence. They also call for facility of
technical assistance and training of workers, most especially the marginalized ones.
As the organization believes on these set of ideologies, they take necessary measures on
supporting services for the workers and, especially, making empowerment programs. First off is the
education on workers’ rights. This focused on the awareness on workers’ and trade unions’ democratic
rights, made possible through a series of symposia and fora. VIHDA also managed workers’ organizations
and conducted paralegal trainings in line with the Labor Code. VIHDA also conducted researches on the
situation of workers in Cebu, and further, as results are derived, take necessary measures as to the
attainment of the goals they set. This aims to strengthen workers’ status on the promotion of genuine
trade unionism through a bi-annual publication that focuses on the workers’ condition in Cebu and
position papers that affect the workers’ initiative as a whole. VIHDA also provides assistance on the
trade unions, especially on the research and financial status. This responded to the workers’ need of
legal counsel. This also trained the workers on the intricacies of the Labor code, and further enabled the
workers defend themselves and promoted self-reliance. The organization also has radio programs that
serve as important means of information dissemination. In here, workers receive legal advice and
workers and other concerned individuals discuss on workers’ issues and problems. Lastly, VIHDA
advocated for the workers’ rights. This is upheld through sponsoring meetings and symposia with the
beneficiaries and allied organizations aimed for gathering support from the different parts of the
society.
Development is a goal by which the organization aims to attain. An important avenue for
development, as the organization believes and its ideology adheres to, is the development of the
workers and the trade unions. VIHDA believes on the ideology or principle of Genuine Trade Unionism, a
principle that celebrates the involvement of the unions and workers in the societal concerns and the
activism of the workers regarding the matters that have a bearing on their existence and importance as
workers and as humans. VIHDA viewed development as the result of equal interplay of the different
sectors of the society by which national industrialization, genuine agrarian reform and worker’s
development are existent.
Programs and actions are taken to attain the view of development that the organization adheres
to. Symposia and fora are in existence for the massive participation of different sectors in upholding the
workers’ rights. As an organization who upholds the labor sector of the society, and as a group who
Ideology and Development| 13
adheres to the ideology of genuine trade unionism, VIHDA takes measures as to the promotion of these
concepts, that is, the advocacy for the workers’ rights and welfare. It is a step-by-step process. Advocacy
of any given matter is not possible if not by, first, education training and, second, information
dissemination. Also, to further promote the advocacy, actions are taken regarding the legal assistance of
the workers for them to defend themselves and for them to have self-reliance.
On the case of VIHDA, ideology and principle have a bearing on the actions that the organization
is making. The programs and actions are in line with the core values and belief systems that the
organization has. On VIHDA’s case, the principle on Genuine Trade Unionism, which promotes mainly
the workers’ rights and welfare, dictated the measures as to the attainment of the goal, which is, again,
primarily of the development of the workers and unions.
Pagtambayayong celebrates collective action, organization and the initiative of the poor. It
caters to organized communities of informal settlers or squatters. Aside from that, the organization is
optimistic of the paying powers of the poor. The organization claims that as long as something is
beneficial for a poor family (i.e. secured abode), that family is always willing to pay. The organization has
always been positive that the poor do not leave everything to the government and other forceful
organizations. For Pagtambayayong, they (the poor) never were ‘free-riders’.
For years, Pagtambayayong has reached out to help organized communities to avail decent
housing. According to Fernandez, Barrio Luz has been the ‘pet project’ of the organization.
The organization initiated a socialized housing program and a community mortgage program,
together with the Local Government.
Both projects aim to provide decent housing for the urban poor. Through grants from foreign
donors and the local government, the organization makes negotiations with private land owners to let
the informal settlers own the lot by paying a subsidized amount. Through Pagtambayayong, the
informal settlers can own lands for their abode with a reasonably low price.
More often that not, the poor families initiate the contact with Pagtambayayong. The families
threatened with demolition and rehabilitation asks for help from the organization. In response, the NGO
conducts ocular inspection of the place, conducts Socio-Economic Survey, and most importantly, checks
whether or not the will-be beneficiaries are not ‘professional squatters’ (read: those squatters who
have been moved yet given just compensation but did not use it to their advantage).
Pagtambayayong conducts negotiations with the private owner of the lands the settlers occupy.
Fernandez quipped that relocation has always been considered the last resort. In their negotiations with
owners, the organization tries to forward a “as is, where is” policy.
In the context of development, Pagtambayayong sees security of tenure as a springboard to this
objective. One may logically infer that security of tenure does contribute to a wider opportunity to
develop. Normally, a secured abode would encourage confidence in making big decisions. This might be
true; however, putting everything into consideration it may not entirely guarantee total development of
an individual and a family.
Other programs being promoted by the organization are Employment Generation / Construction
Cooperative, Building Materials Production Research and Training and NGO/LGU Capability Building.
Development for Pagtambayayong is based on the quality of life a family or individual
experiences. The lack of livelihood that provides adequate income, financial burdens and an unsecured
Ideology and Development| 15
tenure adds up to an underdeveloped situation. With the basic concept that security of tenure is a
prerequisite in the development that the organization wants to achieve, it has employed socialized
housing programs and community mortgage programs that would make it easier for the poor to secure
themselves a healthy abode.
In the case of Pagtambayayong, the role of its principle is not limited only to its mission but
extends to the programs it pursues to achieve such mission. In a nutshell, the researchers are able to
concur that the principle/s of the organization acted as a guide as to what programs of action it will be
pursuing in order to achieve its objectives. From the case of Pagtambayayong, the role of ideology in its
goal of development is that of a guide and provider of pattern for actions, policies and programs that
they will be pursuing.
Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. believes on the principle of gender equality i.e. recognition of the
role of women in governance and in the national struggle for social transformation. The organization
struggles for the recognition of women’s rights and to mainstream the issue of women in governance.
The foundation also believes in good governance through facilitating in monitoring the performance of
government agencies and community organizing which is the foundation’s core program.
According to Liza Tumulak, project officer of the Bantay Banay Program, the organization views
development in the Philippines in accordance with the Philippine Development Plan for Women (1989-
1992) which was adopted through Executive No. 348 on February 17, 1989. The Philippine Development
Plan for Women is a comprehensive plan which served as the framework for the institutionalization of
Gender and Development in Philippine governance thus recognizing the role of the government in the
advancement of women’s rights. According to the Philippine Development Plan for Women, “individual
personal development and consciousness-raising are necessary so that women, especially poor women,
will stop viewing themselves as less important than men.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. initiates programs and services for the development of women.
These programs and services include: (1) Women’s Savings and Credit Center (WSCC) which offers loans
for livelihood to urban and rural women; (2) Bantay Banay (BB) which is a comprehensive
family/community watch program that seeks to eliminate domestic and other forms of violence against
women and children; (3) Bantay Banay Youth (BBY), a program that offers trainings and enhancement
activities for youth in the barangays and schools on issues of gender sensitivity, leadership trainings and
community activities; (4) Kabataan sa Paglaum (KSP) or Children of Hope which is a support program for
street/working children in depressed communities, extending assistance through values formation,
school supplies and tutorials; (5) Women’s Integrated Support and Crisis Center (WISCC), a
comprehensive program that offers direct intervention (temporary shelter, counseling, legal assistance)
to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and other forms of abuse on women; (6) Katilingbanong
Pagdumala sa Biya (KPB) or Community Waste Management, a project that aims for the implementation
of sustainable waste management in the different communities in Cebu through the local government
units. The foundation is also active in the realization of women’s participation in governance in
coordination with the local government units (LGU’s) through the establishment of Gender and
Development offices in the different communities. Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. also observes
advocacies of a number of networks which would include Visayas Urban Poor Colloquim (VUPC), Cebu
Women’s Coalition and Konsumo sa Sugbo.
Ideology and Development| 17
Liza Tumulak explains that the principles adhered by the organization serve as guiding principles
in the delivery of services and projects so as to achieve the vision, mission and goals of the foundation.
The recognition of women’s role in nation building is a key factor in achieving development in the
Philippines. The programs and services provided by the organization are grounded on their main
principles of gender equality, good governance and community organizing.
The researchers concur that the programs and services initiated by Lihok Pilipina Foundation,
Inc. are coherent with the principles adhered by the organization since their principles serve as blueprint
of the programs of the organization for women’s development.
“The political goal for women is full participation in political processes and structures.”
(Executive Order No. 348, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
The programs of Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. are in line with the advocacy for women’s
participation in governance which is the foundation’s aim for development. This is reflected through
their programs on community waste management vis-à-vis local governments in the barangays and
establishment of Gender and Development offices in the different communities.
The organization recognizes the role of the government in the advancement of women’s rights
though the implementation of policies inclined to women’s development. Laws were passed to protect
the rights of the women i.e. the passage of RA 9262 (Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act)
and RA 9206 (Anti-Trafficking Person Act). The recognition of March as Women’s Month and the
creation of Gender and Development offices in the local government units (LGU’s) also highlight the
participation of the government in the promotion of women’s rights.
Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. takes part in promoting the guiding principles of the Philippine
Development Plan for Women through their programs such as Women’s Savings and Credit Center
(WSCC), Bantay Banay, Bantay Banay Youth, Kabataan sa Paglaum (KSP) or Children of Hope and
Women’s Integrated Support and Crisis Center (WISCC). In these programs, the organization helps
Ideology and Development| 18
promote the advocacy of the PDPW of “individual personal development and consciousness-raising are
necessary so that women, especially poor women, will stop viewing themselves as less important than
men.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
From the case of Lihok Pilipina, the role of ideology in its goal of development is that of a
blueprint. It entirely serves as a guiding principle and a framework for programs and advocacies that aim
to achieve the development of women and the society as a whole.
Ideology and Development| 19
Chapter IV
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
After much discussion, the researchers were able to arrive at a conclusion and recommendation.
This chapter presents the summary of data collated, the conclusions and recommendations of the
researchers.
Summary of Findings
1. The ideologies being adhered to by the following sectors are the following:
Visayas Human Development Agency, Inc. (VIHDA of Labor Sector)
The organization celebrates the attainment of genuine trade unionism, which mainly upholds
the workers’ rights and welfare. It also believes on a national union where workers and unions are not
passive and are not limited to the company’s internal matters, but workers and unions also concern
themselves on the societal matters.
Pagtambayayong Foundation, Inc. (Urban Poor)
The foundation espouses pro-poor policies. It believes that security of tenure is essential to
achieve development. The organization puts a big importance to collective action, organization and
initiative from the poor. In their housing programs, the organization puts forward a “as is, where is”
policy. This implies that relocations are the last resort when the problem of rehabilitation occurs.
Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. (Women)
The organization promotes women’s rights and gender equality. The main principle espoused by
the organization is gender equality manifested by the enhanced participation of women’s role in
governance. Moreover, in the programs and services of the foundation, it advocates the principles of
good governance and community organizing.
a big role on the development as a whole, suggests a genuine trade unionism and consciousness of the
workers regarding their rights and the issues they are mainly concerned with.
Pagtambayayong Foundation, Inc. (Urban Poor)
The organization sees development in security of tenure, decent housing, employment, and
education for appropriate technology for the urban poor. In its vision, it saw the need for a restructuring
of the Philippine society.
Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. (Women)
The foundation views development in accordance with the Philippine Development Plan for
Women (1989-1992). This development plan served as the framework for the recognition of the role of
women in governance through the creation of Gender and Development in Philippine governance.
Development is spelled out through the acknowledgment of women’s roles in nation building.
Pagdumala sa Biya (KPB) or Community Waste Management. The foundation is also active in the
realization of women’s participation in governance in coordination with the local government units
(LGU’s) through the establishment of Gender and Development offices in the different communities.
Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. also observes advocacies of a number of networks which would include
Visayas Urban Poor Colloquim (VUPC), Cebu Women’s Coalition and Konsumo sa Sugbo.
4. As for every organization, the role that ideology has on development is as follows:
Visayas Human Development Agency, Inc. (VIHDA)
For the case of VIHDA, the role of ideology is that it dictates the actions that are taken in
achieving an end. The belief systems and principles being adhered to suggested programs that are in line
with the ideology that the organization adheres to, in this case, the genuine trade unionism for the
development of the labor sector, and further for the development as a whole.
Pagtambayayong Foundation, Inc. (Urban Poor)
For the case of Pagtambayayong, the role of ideology in its goal of development is that of a
guide and provider of pattern for actions, policies and programs that they will be pursuing.
Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc. (Women)
For the case of Lihok Pilipina, the role of ideology in its goal of development is that of a
blueprint. It entirely serves as a guiding principle and a framework for programs and advocacies that aim
to achieve the development of women and the society as a whole.
Conclusion
Ideologies are set of actively motivating principles. These provide a view of the existing social
order, presents a plan for the future or a preferred social order and programs of action on how to
achieve the desired social order. Simply, ideologies define actions for the organization to adhere to and
follow.
As for the three NGOs being considered in this study, the researchers were able to see that, in
practice, their ideologies and principles acted as guiding principles in their actions in their struggle for
their own perception of development.
At the end of this seminar paper, the researchers were able to identify the role of ideologies in
development, that is: guide and provider of pattern for actions, policies and programs that they will be
pursuing, and a blueprint for their programs and advocacies.
Ideology and Development| 22
Based on the case studies of the three NGOs, the researchers have concluded that the programs
of the following NGO’s are coherent with the ideologies and/or principles adhered by the NGO’s.
Recommendations
The researchers recommend to the future researchers of the same topic to put the following
into consideration:
a) The gathering of more empirical data to back up the cases. Using one resource person may not
do the entire job that is needed to be accomplished especially with the type of topic that was
chosen.
b) Enlarge the scope or include more NGOs to use as subjects. To come up with a more conclusive
generalization, the researchers need more back up cases. One can get these cases and a
conclusive generalization if they enlarge the scope and increase the number of organizations to
be interviewed.
c) Explore other interest groups and political parties. As ideologies are put into the spotlight, it
would be better for the future researchers to include other organizations (i.e. interest groups,
and political parties) in the study. These organizations are known to be stricter in following
ideologies and they do have equally altruistic developmental goals.
d) The need to quantify development. The researchers may have established the role of ideologies
in development in this study; however, the level of development achieved will also strengthen
the case of the researchers. Emphasizing on the level of development achieved would trickle
down to how good the ideology has done its part as a guiding principle.