%0 Journal Article
%T E-Participation of Selected Professional Students in the Governance of Cabanatuan City in the Philippines
%A Ofelia M. Bawan
%A Maria Isidra P. Marcos
%A Arneil G. Gabriel
%J Open Journal of Social Sciences
%P 126-139
%@ 2327-5960
%D 2017
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/jss.2017.512010
%X <div style=\"text-align:justify;\">
	The strength of democracy is measured through citizens¡¯ participation in governance. To check the applicability of this theory in local context, the study determined the actual observance of a purposively selected group of professionals pursuing post graduate degree in Public Administration in the Philippines. Using Arnstein Measure of Community Participation, the paper found that there is low level of e-participation among participants as shown by their frequency of access and level of awareness on the city website. Strict adherence to the principle of e-democracy in actual practice is necessary. The paper concluded that electronic participation in governance is both a responsibility and a privilege. There is a need to improve citizens¡¯ willingness to participate in local governance via electronic means. E democracy cannot stand in isolation from citizens¡¯ participation. The study recommended that the Local Government Unit (LGU) should look for ways to bolster citizens¡¯ use of the city website as a vehicle for democratic reforms and participation.
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%K Information and Communications Technologies
%K E-Democracy
%K E-Participation
%K Graduate Students
%K Local Governance
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=81141