Bridging Theory and Practice: Delving into the Lived Realities of Local Chief Executives on Peace and Order Program Implementation

Abstract

There have been no researches that shed light on the lived realities surrounding peace and order program implementation viewing from the lens of local chief executives. Researches in this area are predominantly quantitative and does not explicitly demonstrate the vividness of any experience. Hence, hinging on transcendental phenomenological approach, this study was conducted with the aim of uncovering the complexities and mechanisms underlying the peace and order program implementation. Ten mayors from various cities and municipalities in Negros Island Region, Philippines, were interviewed using purposive sampling technique and data were analyzed through Colaizzi`s method. Findings revealed that peace and order program implementation contributed to the forged alliances in the pursuit of peace and order, and consequently ameliorated safety and security within the society. However, the implementation thereof was described to be shackled by the scarcity of resources and was hampered by the misfortunes of clientelism, forcing local chief executives to resort to methodical priority-based tactic. Political culture, therefore, played a role in the implementation of the Local Government Units` implementation of the peace and order program. Nevertheless, participants described government-communal relation as a potent weapon against criminality. For better program execution, participants yearned for national legislated financial appropriation. This study recommends for international and national peace and order-related benchmarking, upgrading of peace and order-related equipment and technology, continuous training of local chief executives in public safety, crises management and community engagement, and for the augmentation of funds of the Peace and Order Council through a national legislative act.