Fulfilling Constitutional Mandate: Involving The Youth in Social Accountability Initiatives

Political Science students listening attentively to the Social Accountability and

Open Contracting lesson.  They will then be required to submit outputs based

on experiences in applying what they have learned.

by Chad Patrick Osorio

Open Contracting (OC) can be viewed both as a strategy and a tool for Social Accountability.  It refers to government disclosure and citizen participation in the public contracting process, from the inception stage and planning to the performance and delivery of contractual obligations, involving constructive engagement between government and citizens in the entire decision-making and implementing process. Its goals are for better facilities and infrastructures, more efficient delivery of goods and services, and the furtherance of the protection of the rights and welfare of the population. In sum, the OC advocacy aims to promote the efficient, effective and economic use of public funds through collaborative efforts of civic engagement.

Clearly, the role of citizens in Open Contracting is essential, as it forms a pillar on which the entire process stands. Citizenry is composed of a number of actors, including organized civil society groups lobbying for common causes, local communities, and various social sectors. One of these key groups is the youth.

Youth and the Social Accountability Challenge

 By Marlon Cornelio

A SCHOOL OF thought says politics and governance are for politicians and technocrats only. Politicians and technocrats are there to do the difficult work of developing and managing the state.

Another school of thought says politicians and technocrats are not the only ones who should govern the state. Instead, citizens have an active role as partners of government.

Social accountability is based on the idea that citizens are essential partners in governance, specifically in ensuring responsiveness, transparency, and accountability in the use of government resources and the fulfillment of government functions.

In the social accountability concept, citizens should determine how public resources are used. There are, however, questions to consider: Up to which level can government documents be opened for public scrutiny? Up to which point can citizens participate in managing public finance?

Among the young, there is a similar debate. One side argues that the main role of young people is to study and leave the affairs of government to adults. Focusing on studies is part of the preparation for adulthood, at which time the young will be ready to take over governance.

The other argument is that studying does not mean the four corners of the classroom only. Participation in the governance process while young is part of how to mold young minds.

But are young people ready to participate meaningfully in governance? Are they interested? Do they have the capacity to engage with government? Is the environment open and conducive for their participation? In other words, can youth handle social accountability?