PROPOSING A CABINET CLUSTER FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

PROPOSING A CABINET CLUSTER FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Fifteen years ago, I wrote about the urgent need to integrate basic human needs into a cohesive development framework. With the UNIDA model (Universal, Needs-based, Integrated Development Approach), I had proposed a roadmap for national progress that centered on health, education, livelihood, peace and order, and justice. That vision is more relevant than ever in 2025—and it’s time to give it institutional muscle.

Fast forward to today, I now propose the creation of a new Cabinet Cluster for Sustainable Communities under the present Marcos administration. While there may be existing clusters for infrastructure, human development, climate change, and digital transformation that tackle these other sectors, none of them are able to bridge the grassroots interconnectivity of everyday community life. This new cluster would fill that gap.

Why a new cluster?

Because our communities continue to face fragmented, siloed approaches to development. Every city and town—collectively, municipalities—is mandated to create a Municipal Development Plan (MDP) through its Municipal Development Council (MDC). In theory, these MDPs should be grassroots driven, reflecting the inputs from barangays. In practice, however, this rarely happens.

One reason is capacity. Many local governments lack the material and technical resources to consolidate a meaningful plan. The solution? Public-private partnerships (PPP). But for PPPs to work, all sectors—especially NGOs and civic organizations—must work within a shared framework like UNIDA.

Even with over 1,600 municipalities in the Philippines, it’s still realistic to assign at least one NGO to assist each MDC, using UNIDA as a guide. These NGOs can form Technical Working Groups (TWGs) focused on four core areas: health, education, livelihood, and public safety. These are not just sectors—they are the very pillars of sustainable communities.

Who leads what?

Let’s clarify agency roles. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clearly oversees public safety, via the PNP, BFP, and BJMP. But public safety is broader than law enforcement. It intersects with climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and even the delivery of justice. Public safety also affects people’s access to shelters, transport, and daily livelihoods.

As for livelihood, it’s a gray area. Is it employment? Is it entrepreneurship? Both, in fact. Self-employment and microenterprises are central to livelihood. That’s why the Department of Finance (DOF)—through the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and other financing bodies—must take a more central role, especially in tracking local financing needs. They have the tools; they just need a clearer mandate.

We also need to revisit how we measure public safety. Currently, the PNP reports crime statistics, but this creates potential conflicts of interest. We need independent monitoring systems for accurate data, perhaps through the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or a dedicated Public Safety Data Board.

And then there’s justice. The DILG plays a role in two of the five pillars of justice—arrest (accusation) and penology (transformation). But without strong linkages to the DOJ, the courts, and parole agencies, the full justice chain remains broken at the community level.

Human resource clarity

When we say, "delivery of basic services," we must identify not just the sectors, but who and where. For health, it’s doctors and hospitals. For education, teachers and schools. Clear enough.

But what about livelihood? Who is at the core—trainers, coop leaders, microfinance officers? And what’s the delivery point—livelihood centers, cooperatives, barangay hubs?

The same confusion exists in public safety. Are our frontline workers the police, the firefighters, or barangay tanods? Are we building safety around police stations, community centers, or schools?

Making the Cluster Work

The Cabinet Cluster for Sustainable Communities would harmonize all these elements. It would bring together the DOH, DepEd, DILG, DOF, DOJ, DSWD, and even the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)—plus representatives from the LGUs, private sector, and civil society. The goal: to create a fully integrated municipal-level development system, guided by shared goals, measurable outcomes, and community-driven data.

Let’s stop treating “livelihood” as a side issue. Let’s stop treating “public safety” as just police work. And let’s start treating communities not as recipients of programs—but as architects of their own progress.

Mr. President, this is an opportunity to create a legacy that goes beyond infrastructure and into the heart of human development. This is the time to build resilient, self-sustaining, and empowered communities—with the structure, data, and leadership to back them up.

Let’s bring the pieces together. Let’s cluster for sustainability.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-01-2025