A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2002

Local Agenda 21 initiatives are not very numerous in the Philippines or in other developing countries. Likewise, they have not received much attention in the literature either. This case study contributes to filling up the dearth in research on this topic and to illumine possible replicability of the experience in other cities of roughly similar characteristics. Between mid seventies and mid nineties, the city of Puerto Princesa was transformed from being a victim of careless resource and environmental exploitation to a model of local sustainable development programme. After mid twentieth century, uncontrolled immigration to Palawan province and its capital Puerto Princesa attracted by the rich natural resources, and the use of illegal extractive activities led to severe degradation of the environment. Critical degradation of local environment created stirrings of protest among domestic environmental groups and, later on, became a national and local public issue that solicited an urgent national government policy response. Much of this development could be attributed to the rise of strong global environmentalism and environmental groups, and the Philippine government's commitment to Agenda 21 in mid-1990s. A parallel and simultaneous decentralization programme in the Philippines during the period also provided the favourable legal framework for boosting environmental initiative by the local government in Puerto Princesa. The research describes the programme of environmental reform that the local government developed during the last decade, in partnership with local NGOs and the civil society, to reverse the effects of environmental degradation of the city. Although this programme of the city was not conceived as a LA21, later it was recognized as a LA21 initiative in substance and in claim. The research discusses the key factors that led to success, which consists of a confluence of events and actors, namely the hegemonic status of the local policy based on environmental protection; the government structure with the support of the central government also committed to Agenda 21; availability of resources; a great array of robust and active NGOs and civil society; and a charismatic and populist mayor who made environmental protection the centrepiece of his administration and who promoted partnerships with NGOs and civil society. The paper concludes that certain conditions such as existing ongoing local processes towards environmental protection; close partnerships between government and civil society; tradition of civil society activism; a charismatic and democratic leader who fosters public participation; significant local NGO activity; a decentralized, transparent and accountable local government and a supportive central government are required to likely determine the progress or success of LA21 in a developing country city context.