University of the Philippine Los Baños
Philippines
Community participation plays a significant role in the success and sustainability of every development initiative (Bessette, 2004; Servaes, 2006), but its importance has been insufficiently stressed and practised by many development organizations, especially in the Philippines (Kumar, 2002; Mwiru, 2015). Therefore, this study analyzes the role and importance of community participation in the development and implementation of DokyumenTAYO, a distance learning system project developed by students from the University of the Philippines.
In doing so, this study utilized Pretty’s typology of participation and the ADDIE instructional design model. Process documentation analysis and focus group discussions with the project developers, and some community stakeholders in the project, were conducted.
The results showed that the level of participation varied for specific community stakeholders and in every phase of the ADDIE instructional design process. From analysis up to the development phase, the level of participation of the community was generally consultative as they were constantly consulted on all the decision-making processes undertaken. Their level of participation shifted to being functional and participative during the implementation and evaluation phases respectively as they became more engaged in planning for the project’s sustainability. In addition, a high level of participation was observed among the Aeta youth who were involved in the project.
This study concluded that the participation of the Aeta community in the project ultimately enhanced its success and ensured its sustainability. Their participation provided them with the agency to discover and enhance their human potentials, utilize their indigenous resources, and voice out pressing issues that surround their community. This is in line with one of development communication’s goals: to empower communities by “unfolding human Potentials” (Quebral, 2012).
In addition, the participatory methods facilitated the process, as well as enhancing and sustaining their participation in the project. Trust was seen as a crucial factor, especially in indigenous communities, for enhancing and sustaining participation.
This study recommends that development organizations should place importance on the value of participation in project development. The concept and practice of participatory communication and listening may also be better explored.