Gocela Final Manuscript

FEDERALISM AS A POLICY OPTION TO ADDRESS THE
LONG-STANDING MINDANAO PROBLEMS: PERCEPTIONS OF

THE FACULTY MEMBERS OF SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF
TECHNOLOGY (SSCT), SURIGAO CITY
JAY MARIE ORIAS GOCELA
UNDERGRADUATE THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF ARTS
AND SCIENCES, CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY,
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
MAY 2018
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGES
TITLE PAGE i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ii
LIST OF FIGURES iii
CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Statement of the Problem 5
1.2 Objectives of the Problem 6
1.3 Significance of the Study 7
1.4 Scope and Limitations 8
1.5 Conceptual Framework 9
1.6 Definition of Terms 11
2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 13
3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design 24
3.2 Locale of the Study 24
3.3 Respondents of the Study 25
3.4 Research Instrument 26
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Demographic Profile of the Respondents 27
4.2 Reasons perceived by the respondents
behind the long-standing Mindanao
problems of secessionism, oligarch monopoly
and terrorism 37
4.3 Ways perceived by the respondents where
federalism can solve the long-standing
Mindanao problems of secessionism,
3
oligarch monopoly and terrorism 44

4.4 General Conclusion 50
5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary 53
5.2 Conclusion 56
5.3 Recommendation 57
6. REFERENCES 58
4
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE
PAGES
1.0 Frequency Distribution of Respondents 29
by School
1.1 Frequency and Percentage Distribution of 30
the Respondents by Civil Status
the Respondents by Sex
the Respondent by Educational Attainment
the Respondents by Annual Income
the Respondents by Religious Affiliation
the Respondents by Ethnic Origin
the Respondents by Region of Origin
the Respondents by Number of Years’ Service
the Respondents by Subject Taught
the Respondents by Position/Rank
5
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE
PAGES
1 Conceptual Framework 9
2 Map of Surigao City 25
3.1 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents 30
by Civil Status
by Sex
by Educational Attainment
by Annual Income
by Religious Affiliation
by Ethnic Origin
by Region of Origin
by Number of Years’ Service
by Subject Taught
by Position/Rank
6
CHAPTER I
Introduction
The Philippines is composed of several islands and politically, has

been organized as a unitary government for centuries. Being a highly
centralized government where the administration and power is
concentrated in Manila results to inequitable development among the
different regions (Brillantes, 2010). With that, decentralization was seen by
many as a factor in developing the entire nation bringing the government
closer to the people through administrative de-concentration and political
devolution. It was further believed that Federalism is the next logical step
after devolution. Federalism which according to Partido Demokratiko
Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) group, one of its advocates defined
federalism as a system of government where governmental powers and
responsibilities are assigned or shared between the federal (national)
government and the state (regional and local government). Nene Pimentel
speech on federalism cited by (Atienza, 2016), defined federalism as the
principle of sharing of sovereignty between central and state governments.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the current president who came

from Mindanao supported the plan of shifting the government from unitary
to federal. According to his statement, it is hard to achieve economic
progress under a unitary government. How can we move forward if all the
money is forwarded to the National Treasury? With federalism, we will bring
development to all regions of the country. With a federalized structure, we
will accelerate the country’s development and will end the Mindanao
problems such as secessionism, oligarchy monopoly and terrorism.
Duron (1992) stated that, political philosophers like John Locke,

Thomas Hobbes and Jean Jacques Rousseau espoused the idea that a
formal understanding must exist between the governed, the people, on the
one hand, and the governor, the government, on the other. This vision has
been institutionalized as a theoretical construct more precisely known as
the Social Contract Theory, which proposes that any change in the policy
7
and process of governing must have the approval and acquiescence of the
governed. To determine the suitability or the adaptability of a federal
system as an alternative to the unitary system of the Philippines, this study
would be able to determine the perceptions of the respondents in the
academe in making Federalism as a policy option in solving the long-
standing problems of Mindanao. The study focuses on academe for they
are considered as the molder and a great agent in inculcating knowledge to
its students about federalism. This study will also gauge the possible
impact of adopting a federal system of government in the Philippines in
political, economic, and social life of the Filipino people.
8
Statement of the Problem
The study aims to determine the opinions of the faculty members

on federalism as a policy option to address the long-standing
Mindanao problems of secessionism, oligarchy monopoly and
terrorism.
Specifically, the study seeks to determine the opinions of the

respondents in terms of the following questions:
1. What are the reasons for the existence of the following?

a. Secessionism
b. Oligarch monopoly
c. Terrorism
2. How can federalism solve these problems?
3. What are the opinions of the respondents if Federalism is the best
policy option to solve the Mindanao problems?
9
Objectives of the Study
This study sought to determine whether federalism can be the best

policy option to solve the long-standing Mindanao problems of
secessionism, oligarch monopoly and terrorism. Specifically, the main
objectives of the study are:
The study is mainly focused on the following objectives:
1. To determine what are the reasons behind the long-standing

Mindanao problems of
a. Secessionism
c. Terrorism
2. To determine in what way can federalism help solve the long-
standing Mindanao problems of:
a. Secessionism
c. Terrorism
3. To determine the opinions of the respondents if Federalism is the
best policy option to solve the Mindanao problems.
10
Significance of the Study
This study is deemed significant for the reason that it will provide at
a glance in State, Universities and Colleges (SUC’s) in Mindanao the level
of receptivity of the academic community on the issue that will serve as
policy inputs to the policy makers in order to support Duterte’s plans on
federalism.
Furthermore, this study is significant to help provide understanding

of federalism. This is to enhance people’s awareness and knowledge about
the essential functions of federalism. Hence, encourage them to participate
or engage in the discourse on federalism.
The study would also be deemed beneficial to future researchers as

this study will serve as a ready reference to future studies related to the
same subject.
11
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study is focused and limited only to the opinions of the faculty
members in relation to federalism as a policy option to address the long-
standing Mindanao problems of secessionism, oligarch monopoly and
terrorism. The study focuses mainly in identifying the reasons why such
problems exist in Mindanao and how federalism will help solve the
problems from the perspective of the respondents.
This study is limited solely to the randomly selected faculty members

of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), Surigao City of School
Year 2017-2018.
12
Conceptual Framework
Perceptions of
the faculty
members of
Long-standing Surigao State
Mindanao College of
problems of: Technology
(SSCT) as to
 Secessionism federalism as a
 Oligarch solution to the Federalism
Monopoly
long-standing
 terrorism
Mindanao
problems of
secessionism,
oligarch
monopoly and
terrorism
FEEDBACK
Fig. 1
13
Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework which guides the flow

of the study. With the existence of the problems in Mindanao identified
as Secessionism, Oligarch monopoly, and Terrorism, this study will
gather the perceptions/opinions of the respondents on the reasons why
such problems exist in Mindanao. It will then aim to determine how
federalism would help solve these identified problems in Mindanao. This
study would then reflect the opinion of the respondents on the capacity
of federalism in solving the long-standing Mindanao problems which will
be taken as a feedback. It is assumed that the problems in Mindanao
shape the perceptions/opinions of the people towards federalism as a
policy option to solve the said problems. The gathered perceptions of the
respondents will help gauge the feasibility or acceptability of federalism
as a policy option to address the long-standing Mindanao problems of
secessionism, oligarch monopoly and terrorism.
14
Definition of the Terms
To further understand the proposed study, the following terms were

defined:
Decentralization refers to the delegation or dispersal of

administrative powers and authority from the central government to
the local government.
Devolution is a feature of decentralization which refers to the transfer

of powers and authority by the central government to the local
government.
Ethnic origin refers to the ethnic group from where the respondents
came from.
Federalism a proposed system of government in the Philippines by

the advocates including President Duterte, where powers and
responsibilities are shared between the central and state
governments. It is believed as a key to the development of the
country.
Mindanao Problems refers to problems that exist in Mindanao such

as secessionism, oligarch monopoly and terrorism.
Oligarch monopoly problem in Mindanao which refers to elite people

who dominated the politics in the Philippines or often said to be as
political dynasty.
Perception/Opinion refers to the opinion of the faculty members with

regards to federalism as the respondents of the study.
Secessionism problem in Mindanao that Muslim fight for by granting

them a special Islamist region
15
Terrorism one of the long-standing problem in Mindanao that refers

to the separatist movement who wanted to be granted separate
government and is against the central government of the Philippines.
Unitary Government the system of government in the Philippines

that exist for centuries where the power and administration is
centered in the national government.
16
CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature
Government of any country in the world should be able to deal with

various problems of different groups and areas of the country. In dealing
with these problems, government must take alternative solutions and
strategies to be applied. By doing so, it is expected that the government
would be able to attain its goals effectively and pursue its objectives as
envisioned by individuals.
Philippine Diversity
Spanish explorers landed here centuries ago and they had initially
observed that the aboriginal people of these islands were one ethnic stock.
Later on however, they realize that despite the apparent homogeneity in
the population, the native inhabitants were actually divided into sub-ethnic
groups with each having their own language, traditions and rituals.
Diversity still exists today in the Philippines. Different indigenous

identities are still evident among Filipinos despite other people’s view that
as a people, according to (Yusingco, 2017) we have become too
Hispanized, Amercanized or Westernized.
Philippines with a diverse society practice a unitary government for

many years where the power and administration is centered into the
national government. According to some political thinkers, a highly
centralized unitary form of government is ineffective in dealing the
contingencies in the far-flung parts of the country. Development is
inequitable and stunted because there is difficulty in reaching and
responding to the remote areas. Decentralization and devolution was seen
as a response to this dilemma in governance (Brillantes, 2010).
Decentralization and Devolution in the Philippines

17
Most political historians agree that the Philippines had a long

tradition of centralized government. Ever since the arrival of Spain in the
Philippines in 1521, the Philippine islands have always been ruled from the
national capital, Manila, to a point that because of the excessive
centralization it has been derisively referred to as “imperial Manila”. Almost
five hundred years later, the vestiges of centralization remain due largely to
the inertia brought about by deeply rooted centralized administrative and
bureaucratic procedures, hierarchical and organizational arrangements.
The roots of autonomy among local units and institutions have been
in existence even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Fast forward, it has
been over many years had gone since the Marcos dictatorship was
overthrown. Its overthrow in 1986 ushered in a period of transition to
“democracy”. According to Brillantes, (1996) one major development is that
with the return to non-dictatorial processes by year 1986, and the adoption
of the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code in 1992, the
beginnings of a power shift has occurred. A decentralized politico-
administrative set-up has been adopted with powers being transferred to
lower-level local institutions thus widening the base for participation in
governance and simply making the political system more open and
accessible.
Decentralization according to Raul De Guzman, it generally refers to

the systematic and rational dispersal of power, authority and responsibility
from the center to the periphery, from top to lower level, or from the
national to local governments. According to Brillantes (1996), there are two
major reasons why governments decentralize. First, decentralization
hastens decision-making processes by decongesting central government
and decreasing red tape. Second, it increases people’s participation and
empowers them, therefore leading to a more open and democratic
government.
Within the context of the Philippine politico-administrative system,

and in the light of the Local Government Code of 1992, decentralization
18
may take three major forms: (1) deconcentration, (2) devolution and (3)
debureactization.
Deconcentration involves the transfer of functions to lower-level

administrative units designated by the central office. It is essentially a
management tool to decongest the central office and spare it from having
to act in the matters including routine and administrative ones that may be
addressed by lower levels. However final and substantive authority still
rests on the central authorities.
Devolution involves the transfer of powers and authorities to lower-

level political or local government units. A local government must have an
elected local executive, it must have an elected local legislative body that
passes local laws or ordinances, it must have specific taxing powers, and it
must have jurisdiction over a certain defined geographical area. The notion
of devolution has always been related to that of local autonomy. Devolution
is political in nature.
Final the third mode of decentralization in the Philippine context is

debureacratization which involves transfer of powers and authorities to
units not within the purview of the government. This involves the transfer of
such to non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and people’s
organizations (PO’s), including the private sector all of which sometimes
collectively referred to as civil society. Debureacratization also harnesses
the energies of the private sector to bring about good governance.
A review of Philippine history will show that decentralization and the

accompanying notion of autonomy is not really a new phenomenon. There
were essentially autonomous local institutions as seen in the operations of
the local villages or barangays even before the arrival of the Spanish
colonizers. The promulgation of Local Government Code is a culmination of
decades of struggle for genuine autonomy on the part of local governments
who were frustrated with the continued dominion of their affairs by a
centralized government.
19
The Code has been in operation for over many years till now. While
its implementation may not have been a smashing success, it has not been
a failure either. There are a number of pressing issues that have to be
addressed. These range from clarifying the intergovernmental relations to
resolving the issue of unfunded mandates, creatively using the new powers
devolved by the Code to LGU’s to adopting strategies to develop and build
local capabilities.
Federalizing Philippines
The past decades has witnessed an increasing interest in federalism

from around the globe. According to Professor Ronald Watts (2002), he
noticed that political leaders, leading intellectuals and even some journalist
increasingly speak of federalism as a healthy, liberating and positive form
of organization. Belgium, Spain, South Africa, Italy and United Kingdom
appear to be emerging towards new innovative federal forms, and in a
number of other countries some consideration has been given to the
efficacy of incorporating some federal features, although not necessarily all
the characteristics of a full-fledged federation.
Still according to Professor Ronal Watts (2002), he mentioned that

federalism provides a constitutional organization that allows action by a
shared government for certain common purposes while permitting for
autonomous action by constituent units of government for purposes that
relate to preserving their distinctiveness, with each level directly
responsible to its electorate. He also cited three major lessons from the
various experiences on federalism since 1945: “First, federal political
systems do provide a practical way of combining, through representative
institutions, the benefits of unity and diversity, but they are no panacea for
all of humanity’s political ills. Second, the degree to which a federal political
system can be effective will depend upon the extent to which there is
acceptance of the need to respect constitutional norms and structures and
upon an emphasis on the spirit of tolerance and compromise, Third,
effectiveness also depends upon whether the particular form or variant of
20
federal system that is adopted or evolved gives adequate expression to the

demands and requirements of the particular society in question.”
A federal government would enable the needs of a nation to be

achieved while providing a space for diversity. As a phrase goes, it
provides “unity in diversity”. The federal structure devises a flexible
arrangement for varying forms of self-government to suit different
circumstances and contingencies. History would show us several countries
that used federalism in dealing with diversity. According to the study of
In Switzerland and Canada for instance, the adoption of federalism
was, to some extent, a result of a need to accommodate diverse
communities. After World War 2, India, Malaysia and Nigeria used the
federal mechanism to settle ethnic diversity. Pakistan also used the federal
design to manage ethno-national diversity after it emerged as an
independent state.
In the Philippines for more than four centuries, Filipinos have

expressed their love of freedom and liberty. Through historic struggles and
endeavors, the Philippines political system culminated to an independent
state ruled under the principles of democracy. The problem arises from the
possibility that the democratic can be abused or mismanaged by those who
governed. According to the study of Castillo (2011), the constraint of the
Philippine democratic system is due to the centralization of power in the
hands of national government created by present constitution. The 1987
Constitution has provided for a degree of decentralization and local
autonomy. It is where the powers to plan, organize and control exists and
remains largely in the hands of the national government. The economic
means to pursue development are also concentrated in the same way
(Castillo, 2011). It is the national government who will decide what
responsibilities are to be given to the local government.
With that, some scholars, politicians and experts have been

discussing the prospects of federalism as an approach to Philippine
governance.
21
Not all systems remains as it is, some of the countries wanted a shift
in order to attain development and for the benefit of the public. The law
may be altered only if such change can produce greater benefit for the
common good, thus furthering its capacity to bind (Dyson, 2002).
Federalism can be an option for a change. According to the work of Li
(2002), which he consider federalism as possible solution for state
fragmentation.
Senator Aquilino Pimentel, a major proponent of the move to adopt a

federal system of government, in a primer presented at the annual
convention of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines at Tacloban City last
April 2002 identified two main reasons why the federal system is better
than the present unitary system. According to him the federal system has
the structures needed to: a) hasten the economic development among the
various regions of the country by allocating power which at present is
concentrated in the central government to the regions that will be converted
to federal states. The devolved powers will allow the federal states to
mobilize their resources for development without being hindered or
controlled by the central government; and b) dissipate the causes of the
recurrent armed Moro challenges against the government and, thereby, lay
the basis for a just and lasting peace in Central and Southwestern
Mindanao.
Another advocate of federalism is Partido Demokratiko Pilipino

Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) one of the advocates of federalism in the
Philippines, defined federalism as a system of government where
governmental powers and responsibilities are assigned or shared between
the federal (national) government and the state (regional and local
government). Each level has some genuine autonomy from each other and
each level is primarily accountable to their respective electorates or
constituencies. Another study about federalism also added, it defines the
complex intergovernmental relationship of federalism in one of two ways.
One emphasizes the distribution of authority between two levels of
22
government, and the other emphasizes the relationship between the

governments and the public (Bednar, 2011).
Long-Standing Mindanao Problems
Philippines faced problems that threaten to destabilize the state

which includes the (1) secessionism, (2) terrorism and (3) oligarch
monopoly that is centered in Mindanao area. Federalism as an option to
resolve Mindanao conflict is not a novel idea nor it is advocated only and
for the first time by President Duterte. Revolutionary front leaders believed
that federalism is the most viable option.
Secession in Mindanao is accompanied by varied ethnolinguistic
and religious groups such as attributing the differences between Christian
and Muslim culture and religion. Moro insurgency problem that has for
years persisted in the Mindanao area of the Philippines, Nathan Gilbert
Quimpo (2001) narrated experiences by Presidents such as Presidents
Estrada and Ramos that lead to temporary arrangements but not lasting
solutions to the hostilities in Mindanao. According to Quimpo, the Muslims
resent being placed under the authority of state whose power mainly
comes from the majority of its populace, a populace which is composed by
a majority of Christians. This situation creates the thinking of the Muslims
as inferior towards Christians. Such hostilities can be solved according to
Quimpo through the following options for Moro self-governance which can
be granted through federalism. In the “Constitutional Accommodation of a
Bangsa Moro Islamic Region”, Santos (2003) state that there shall be a
special Islamic region to create to meet the aspiration for a system of life
and governance suitable and acceptable to the Bangsa Moro people who
opt for it. This region shall exercise maximum autonomy with independent
legislative, executive and judicial powers under an Islamic system, as the
Philippine constitutional system shall not be practiced there. This region
shall be established pursuant to the peace agreement which shall have
constitutional status. The constitutional arrangements shall include
personal or cultural autonomy for Moros outside the region and guarantees
23
for the protection of human right. Among the special considerations for this
constitutional arrangement is upholding national unity, territorial integrity,
securing the blessings of cultural diversity and lasting peace, and taking
account the history and realities of Mindanao.
Atty. Reuben Canoy of Cagayan de Oro City is one of the credible
and consistent advocator of federalism. With the Mindanao Leaders’
Summit held in Davao City, Atty. Canoy said about political dominion of
some leaders that the fact that the motives of the federal movements
vociferous leaders are suspect, for they stand to benefit from the shift, just
like the talking heads on the MILF side of the peace talks.
Terrorism which is considered as number one problem of Mindanao
with the recent event of war against the ISIS people, Dyanghirang (2017)
sees federalism as one solution to end terrorism and rebellion crisis in the
country, specifically in Marawi City. He also added that the systemic
structure of the Philippine government led to the current situation in
Mindanao. The government structure, the allocation of budget and
privileges are not distributed fairly, resulted to the birth of rebellions asking
the government to provide them what they believe they deserve. According
to President Duterte, federalism is the key in solving longstanding conflict in
Mindanao wherein the country must need to prepare for terrorism as the
extremists Islamic State (ISIS) is seeking to establish a caliphate in
Southeast Asia.
Philippines is surrounded with rich and elite class people which are
considered as oligarchs: “monsters” by President Duterte. Ming Wan
(2008) state that the reason of Philippines poor economic results is the
dominance of oligarchic, landowning families that captured the state to
advance their own interests putting simply oligarchs defines the Philippine
political system. In contrast, the central government is weak because the
civil servants are beholden to their political patrons outside the
bureaucracy. The governance of oligarchs was characterized by political
favors in exchange for support through the kinship system. Monopoly of
land ownership, industry, political power and wealth created inequitable
24
distribution of income and opportunity, thus nurturing the extreme poverty

of everyone.
Successful and Failure of Implementation

There are currently 25 federal countries which account for more than
40% of the world’s population. With the implementation, there are sort of
success and failure of the implementation. Some of the successful
countries are US and Switzerland, according to a political analyst US
should be considered as political blueprints to achieve a balance of
interests between ethnic, social or religious groups within large and
heterogeneous countries. The clash of interests between religious and
ethnic groups eroded both economically and socially. US were able to
come together the groups by sharing works and schools as well as
identification with a common identity.
According to Franck (1968), East African is also considered as
successful in federalism for it successfully reached the economic, social
and cultural objectives, certain important goals were achieved especially in
the awakening and mobilization of African national self-awareness. Still in
his study, Canada was also successful. Canada’s one of the primary goals
was the bifocal commitment to two equal, distinct English-speaking and
French-speaking communities, the former an expanding majority and the
latter a large minority whose socio-economic and cultural-ideological
development during the 140 years has gravitated territorially to produce a
Quebec that constitutes simultaneously a province, a distinct society and a
nation while sustaining an important majoritarian provincial outlook from a
minoritarian federal perspective. With that the primary purpose of Canada
as a federation has been successful, as has the extension of peace, order
and good government.
Despite of the successful implementation, there are also failures
considered. One of it is Malaysia, wherein its federalism is more than 50
years old rather than decentralizing (Hutchinson, 2014) the country has
pursued a sustained centralization drive. Its failure is due to the
25
unsuccessful division of powers in the central government and state

government that diminished responsibilities.
In the Philippines context, the study conducted by Viray (2010) he
enumerated some of the disadvantages or problems that may exist in the
implementation in federalizing the Philippines. Such as: (1) States and local
governments some lacks sufficient expertise in several areas like defense,
environmental problems, advent of international criminality and disaster
avoidance and management, (2) State and local officials tend to be
parochial, wherein local leaders like governors, mayors and others would
tend to be bothered so much with their local concerns, disregarding
national interest, (3) Federalism cannot solve the problem of poverty,
according to Viray there were already studies conducted about an
argument of decentralization has no impact on economic growth, and (4)
Federalism cannot addressed the continuing cry for cultural recognition.
By shifting to federalism it will not solve all the problems but it can
help to ease the problems and allow more possibilities for solutions.
According to PDP Laban, federalism will allow people to take greater
control over their own lives and satisfy their preferences. A Federal system
will also improve economic performance significantly as it would greatly
assist the private sector.
With all these ideas and facts, the answers are still not clear.
According to the study of Atienza (2016), that shifting to federalism of the
country must need discussion on the details of these proposals to involve
and inform the public. Still according to him, it appears that majority of
Filipinos are not aware of the proposal to change the constitution, and more
importantly a large number are not even knowledgeable of the 1987
Constitution. The recent Pulse Asia survey July 2016 Ulat ng Bayan
national survey done before the State of the Nations Address of President
Duterte reports that less than half of the respondents (41%) are aware of
the proposal to amend the constitution. Another aspect as alarming results
on the survey is that the most respondents (73%) have little or no
knowledge at all about the current constitution. Higher levels of
26
“sufficient/great knowledge is registered in Metro Manila than in Mindanao

(34% versus 22%). And another, there are 77% Filipinos have little
knowledge about Federalism based in 2016 Pulse Asia Survey. With that
this study sought to focus the academe where faculty members are
respondents for we all know they are the source of knowledge and a very
great asset in inculcating knowledge about federalism to the students. The
demographic profile of the respondents are also considered that affects the
opinion of every individual, according to Defranzo (2012), demographic
profile are the characteristics of the people. Which in this study, it will seek
to determine the perceptions or opinion of the faculty members based on
their demographic profile regarding making federalism as the policy option
in solving long-standing Mindanao problems.
27
CHAPTER III
Research Methodology
This section represents the procedure used in gathering data that is

needed in this study. The study includes research design, research tool,
research instrument and the respondent of the study.
Research Design
The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative-descriptive

method in this study. The data were gathered and collected with the use of
frequencies and percentages to come up with descriptive analysis..
Locale of the Study
The locale of the study is focused in Surigao State College of

Technology (SSCT), Surigao City which is under Region 13. It is located at
Corner Narciso and Magallanes St., 8400 Surigao City . This university is
center of excellence in their Teachers Education department. SSCT was
also granted deregulated status in recognition of its quality of education,
integrity and untarnished reputation as an academic institution.
This University is composed of 4 schools with a total of over 5,000

students enrolled, 250 administrative staff and 154 academic staff.
28
Fig. 2 Map
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the faculty members of the four
(4) different schools of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT),
Surigao City. The research study has 100 randomly selected respondents .
In determining the number of respondents per school, the

researcher divided the total number of respondents needed (100) over the
total number of schools (4).
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙

Where, 𝑥 100 = 𝑁
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑆𝐶𝑇
N= total number of respondents per school

29
Table 1.0 Frequency Distribution of Respondents by School

Division/College Number of Respondents
per division
Engineering & Information Technology School 23
Teacher Education School 39
School of Arts and Sciences 27
School of Industrial Technology 11
Total 100
Research Instrument
The study used survey questionnaires that were distributed among

the respondents for convenience. The survey questionnaires both used
closed-ended questions and open-ended questions in order to gather
information from the respondents.
An actual survey was conducted through the distribution of

questionnaires to the target respondents who were faculty members of
Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), Surigao City.
30
CHAPTER IV
Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion
This chapter duly presents the results of the study by the researcher
based on the respondents’ answers to the survey questionnaires provided.
The data were thoroughly analyzed and interpreted in relation to the
questions raised. Tables and figures were then used to present the results
followed by the interpretation and analysis.
PART I: Demographic Profile
Table 1.1 Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Respondents

by Civil Status
Civil Status Frequency Percentage (%)
Married 55 55
Single 39 39
Separated 4 4
Widow 2 2
Total 100 100%
Civil Status. The table shows that out of 100 total respondents in
Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), Surigao City, 55 (55%) of
them were married; 39 (39%) were single; 4 (4%) were separated and 2
(2%) were widow. The table shows that majority of the respondents were
married.
31
Figure 3.1 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Civil Status
CIVIL STATUS
1%
4%
39% Married
56% Single
Separated
Widow
32

by Sex
Sex Frequency Percentage (%)
Female 64 64
Male 36 36
Total 100 100%
Sex. Table 1.2 shows that out of 100 respondents the highest
percentage of respondents were female with 64 (64%) compared to males
with 36 (36%).
In terms of the sex of the respondents, the above table shows that
majority of the respondents were females and the rest were males.
33
Figure 3.2 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Sex
SEX
36%
Female
64%
Male
34

by Educational Attainment
Educational Attainment Frequency Percentage (%)
College Graduate 55 55
MA, PhD 45 45
Total 100 100%
Educational Attainment. Table 1.3 shows that out of 100

respondents 55 (55%) were college graduates and 45 (45%) of the
respondents already earned their master’s degree and doctorate.
The table illustrates that majority of the respondents were college

graduates.
35
Figure 3.3 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Educational

Attainment
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
45%
55% College Graduate

MA, PhD
36

by Annual Income
Annual Income Frequency Percentage (%)
100,000-200,000 pesos 40 40
200,001-300,000 pesos 21 21
Below 100,000 pesos 19 19
300,001-400,000 pesos 16 16
600,001-700,000 pesos 4 4
400,001-500,000 pesos 0 0
500,001-600,000 pesos 0 0
Total 100 100%
Annual Income. The table 1.4 shows that most of the respondents
had an annual income of 100,000-200,000 pesos with 40 (40%), followed
by 21 (21%) who had an annual income of 200,001-300,000; 19 (19%)
were those who had below 100,000 annual income, 16 (16%) who had
300,001-400,000 pesos and 4 (4%) who had 600,001-700,000 pesos
annual income.
The table describes that majority of the respondents had an annual

income of 100,000-200,000 pesos.
37
Figure 3.4 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Annual Income
ANNUAL INCOME
0% 0%
4% 19% Below 100,000 pesos

16%
100,000-200,000 pesos
200,001-300,000 pesos
21%
300,001-400,000 pesos
40% 400,001-500,000 pesos
500,001-600,000 pesos
600,001-700,000 pesos
38

by Religious Affiliation
Religious Affiliation Frequency Percentage (%)
Roman Catholic 72 72
Others 15 15
Protestant 9 9
Islam 0 0
Total 100 100%
Religious Affiliation. Table 1.5 shows the frequency and

percentage distribution of respondents by religious affiliation. The table
shows that 72 (72%) of the respondents were Roman Catholic which has
the highest percentage followed by 9 (9%) of Protestants and with a 0
Islam.
The table shows that majority of the respondents were Roman

Catholic with 72 (72%).
39
Figure 3.5 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Religious

Affiliation
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
0% 1%
11%
Roman Catholic
Protestant
Islam
88% Others
40

by Ethnic Origin
Ethnic Origin Frequency Percentage (%)
Cebuano 21 21
Boholano 9 9
Ilonggo 1 1
Moro 0 0
Others 69 69
Total 100 100%
Ethnic Origin. The table 1.6 shows the different ethnic origin of the
respondents. The 59 (59%) were Surigaonon from the others followed by
21 (21%) were Cebuano; 9 (9%) were Boholano and there was 0 of Moro.
The remaining 10% were made up of Ilonggo and the others.
The table above means that majority of the respondents with 59%
were Surigaonon.
41
Figure 3.6 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Ethnic Origin
ETHNIC ORIGIN
21%
Cebuano
9%
Boholano
Ilonggo
69%
1% Moro
0% Others
42

by Region of Origin
Region of Origin Frequency Percentage (%)
CARAGA 93 93
Region 10 3 3
Davao Region 2 2
Region 1 1 1
NCR 1 1
Total 100 100%
Region of Origin. The table 1.7 shows that out of 100 respondents
93 (93%) were from CARAGA region or Region 13 followed by Region 10
with 3 (3%); 2 (2%) from Davao region and each 1 (1%) were Region 1 and
NCR.
With regards to the respondents region of origin, the table above

means that majority of the respondents with 93 (93%) were from CARAGA
region.
43
Figure 3.7 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Region of Origin
REGION OF ORIGIN
3% 2%1%
Caraga
Region 10
Region 11
Region 1
94% NCR
44

by Number of Years in Service
Number of Years in Service Frequency Percentage (%)
0-5 years 49 49
6-10 years 19 19
16-20 years 11 11
21-25 years 7 7
11-15 years 6 6
26-30 years 5 5
Over 35 years 2 2
31-35 years 1 1
Total 100 100%
Number of Years in Service. Table 1.8 shows the number of years

in service of the respondents. The 0-5 years got the highest with 49% while
31-35 years got the lowest with only 1%. This means that majority of the
faculty respondents served the college for 0-5 years of which majority
comprises the guest lecturers or those part time faculty.
45
Figure 3.8 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Number of Years

in Service
NUMBER OF YEARS IN SERVICE

1% 2%
5% 0-5 years
7%
6-10 years
11%
49%
11-15 years
6% 16-20 years
21-25 years
19% 26-30 years
31-35 years
Over 35 years
46

by Subject Areas
Subject Taught Frequency Percentage (%)
English 26 26
Science 18 18
Math 15 15
Filipino 13 13
IT 10 10
P.E. 7 7
Electronics Technology 6 6
Computer Engineering 1 1
Environmental Science 1 1
Astronomy 1 1
Management 1 1
No answer 1 1
Total 100 100%
Subject Taught. The table 1.9 shows that 26 (26%) of the

respondents were teaching English subject. The 17 (17%) were teaching
Science; 15 (15%) were Math; 13 (13%) were Filipino; IT with 10 (10%);
P.E with 7 (7%); Electronics Technology with 6 (6%) and remaining 5%
were Computer Engineering, Environmental Science, Astronomy,
Management subjects and 1 unanswered.
The table means that majority of the respondents of Surigao State

College of Technology (SSCT) were teaching English subject.
47
Figure 3.9 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Subject Areas
SUBJECT TAUGHT
1%
1% 1% 1% English
1%
Science
8% 10%
9% Math
22%
Filipino
12%
IT
P.E
16% 18%
Electronics Technology
Computer Engineering
Environmental Science
Astronomy
48

by Position/Rank
Position/Rank Frequency Percentage (%)
Instructor 1 26 26
Guest Lecturer 23 23
Instructor 3 21 21
Instructor 2 14 14
Asst. Prof. 3 8 8
Asst. Prof. 2 4 4
Asst. Prof. 1 2 2
Asst. Prof. 4 2 2
Total 100 100%
Position/Rank. The table 1.10 shows the frequency and percentage

distribution of the respondents’ base on their position or rank. The
Instructor 1 got the highest percentage of 26 (26%) followed by the Guest
Lecturers with 23 (23%); Instructor 3 with 21 (21%); Asst. Prof 2 with 4
(4%) and Asst. Prof. 1 and Asst. Prof. 2 with the lowest percentage of 2%.
This means that majority of the respondents were Instructor 1 as their
position or rank considering that in the table 1.4 which is the annual income
of the respondents, an annual income of 100,000-200,000 is the majority
because it is composed of Instructor 1 as their position or rank.
49
Figure 3.10 Percentage Distribution of the Respondents by Position/Rank
POSITION/RANK
2%
4%
2% 8% Guest Lecturer
23%
Instructor 1
Instructor 2
21%
Instructor 3
26% Asst. Prof. 1
14% Asst. Prof. 2
Asst. Prof. 3
Asst. Prof. 4
50
PART II: Perceived Reasons by the Respondents behind the long-

standing Mindanao Problems of Secessionism, Oligarch Monopoly
and Terrorism
This part of the study shows the results of the responses of the
respondents of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), Surigao City
pertaining to the reasons behind the long-standing Mindanao problems of
secessionism, oligarch monopoly and terrorism. The results are presented
in tables in frequency.
SECESSIONISM
Table 2.1 Frequency Distribution on the Reasons behind the Problem

of Secessionism
Reasons Frequency Rank
Improper distribution of wealth and 83 1st
resources for development purposes
Development being mainly focused on 74 2nd
Imperial Manila
The presence of different cultures in 54 4th
Mindanao i.e. Moro culture and Christian

Culture
The lack of solidarity and unity among the 73 3rd
Moro people and the Christian people
As it was shown on Table 2.1, respondents had the option and

obligation to choose as many as they could from the choices above about
reasons behind the problem of secessionism; 83 of the total 100
respondents who believe that an improper distribution of wealth and
resources for development purposes is the reason, 74 of them also thought
that development being mainly focused on Imperial Manila; 73 of them
choose that lack of solidarity and unity among the Moro people and the
51
Christian people, lastly 54 says that the presence of different cultures in

Mindanao i.e. Moro culture and Christian culture is the reason behind
secessionism.
The data above exhibit a fact that most of the faculty members of
SSCT believe an “improper distribution of wealth and resources for
development purposes” as the number one reason for secessionism.
Respondents supported this argument because referring from table 1.7
wherein majority of the respondents were from CARAGA region which is
basically part in Mindanao. According to Teehankee (2017), the long
experimentation with decentralization resulted to Metro Manila,
CALABARZON (Region IV-A) and Central Luzon (Region III) account for 62
percent of GDP while fourteen out of seventeen regions account for only 38
percent. And according to Habito (2011) Mindanao has the worst human
development and poverty status in the country, having six out of the 20
poorest provinces including Caraga region and 14 out of the 20 poorest
municipalities in the country. Mindanao also has the tremendous
requirements for reconstruction and rehabilitation of war-damaged
communities. And Mindanao suffers a continuing lag in infrastructure
relative to other parts of the country.
Another, 54 respondents believed that the reason for secessionism

is the presence of different cultures in Mindanao i.e. Moro culture and
Christian. The conflict between these two has long been issued throughout
the history of the Philippines. According to the study of Ricardo (2003), the
conflict in Mindanao is more of a cultural and a political issue. It began to
an ethnic problem associated with nation-building wherein Muslim claimed
themselves as the first inhabitants of the Philippines before the coming of
the Spaniards that inject the Christianity among the people. With the
existence of the Christian people, the Muslim people have been regarded
as inferior especially in Mindanao. There is a majority and minority relations
wherein Muslim felt that they are the minority in the society in terms in
education and in politics.
52
OLIGARCH MONOPOLY

of Oligarch Monopoly
The presence of political dynasty 86 1st
The rampant vote buying in Mindanao thus, 74 2nd
creating unfair competition between two

candidates or two parties during elections
People are not well-educated enough 59 3rd
People are not encouraged enough to form 50 4th
their own political organizations that can

create more competition in the political arena
Others 1 5th
Table 2.2 shows that 86 of the respondents believed that the

presence of political dynasty is the main reason of oligarch monopoly. 74
on the other hand also thought that the rampant vote buying in Mindanao
thus, creating unfair competition between two candidates or two parties
during elections. Also there were 59 respondents conceived that people are
not well-educated enough. Another, 50 of respondents believed that people
are not encouraged enough to form their own political organizations that
can create more competition in the political arena. Lastly, 1 respondent
believed that it is the political interest of the other officials.
The table above presented that most of the respondents believed

that the presence of political dynasty is the main reason of oligarch
monopoly. According to Abueva (2013), political dynasties in the
Philippines weaken the state. A country that is ruled by oligarchs wherein it
is associated by political dynasty is the main problem that Philippines never
53
had a strong state. Provinces especially elites in Mindanao enjoy a

monopoly of electoral power to the disadvantage of the rival leaders and
the general public. And according to Mendoza (2017), in the Philippine
context where the fall of Marcos dictatorship was succeeded by
decentralization through the Local Government Code of 1991. The
decentralization produced good results on some aspects and at the same
time it produces some dysfunctional that resulted to the rise of political
clans in different provinces of the Philippines wherein one leader named
Alex Lacson described this period as “the rise of many mini-dictatorships”.
Another is 1 of the respondent added its knowledge that political interests
of other officials is the reason why oligarchs exists maybe because
oligarchs inject their self-interests in monopolizing politics, crafting and
implementing decisions in its own interest and not to the general public.
54
TERRORISM

of Terrorism
The armed forces of the Philippines in 62 4th
Mindanao are not well-strengthened enough

to suppress the insurgency in Mindanao
Less educated people resulting to high 80 1st
recruitment of terrorists members in Mindanao
People having less income or no job forcing 79 2nd
them to join terrorists groups
Mindanao is not a well-secured area that 68 3rd
international terrorists groups can enter the

island
Others 4 5th
Table 2.3 shows the reasons behind the problem of terrorism in

Mindanao. There were 80 out of 100 respondents believed that the reason
for the problem in terrorism is the presence of less educated people would
result to an increase in the recruitment of terrorist’s members in Mindanao;
There were 79 respondents who also believed that the presence of people
having less income or no job forced them to join terrorists groups while 68
of the respondents perceived that Mindanao being an island is porous and
therefore is not a well-secured area hence, international terrorists groups
can easily enter the island along its coastlines. There were also 62
respondents who believed that the armed forces of the Philippines in
Mindanao are not well-strengthened enough to suppress the insurgency in
Mindanao. Moreover, other respondents shared their personal knowledge
wherein one (1) respondent believed that the atrocities and wrongdoings
committed by NPA’s in Mindanao are being tolerated that is why they
55
continue to exist. Another one (1) respondent’s opinion that it is possibly

due to the Muslims line of thinking that they are being oppressed that
contributed to the presence of terrorism in Mindanao.
The table illustrates that most of the respondents believed that less
educated people resulting to high recruitment of terrorist’s members in
Mindanao. This greatly emphasizes students especially youth that are more
likely prone to this event. According to the study of Bhatia (2017) the
support for Islamist terrorism is highest among the urban poor including
those typical radicalized individual like young, unemployed, uneducated
and not as religious person as the target of recruitment. Another
respondent share its knowledge that NPA’s are being tolerated that is why
they continue to exist. They continue to exist because maybe the
government still not taking a stronghold in making peace agreement to
each of the terrorists groups. Maybe the government must take more effort
in pushing through these agreements to attain a peaceful country.
Additionally, the other 1 respondent perceived that another reason is that
Muslim way of thinking that they are oppressed. Muslims were being
discriminated based on their culture and values. That is why some of our
Muslim brothers continue to wage war against the government because
they feel that their rights were being ignored. And it is also the reason why
President Duterte continues to push through the BBL or the Bangsa Moro
Basic Law to create an independent Islamic region that meets the
aspiration for a system of life and governance suitable and acceptable to
Bangsa Moro people in order to attain peace in Mindanao.
56
PART III: Ways perceived by the respondents where federalism can

solve the long-standing Mindanao problems of secessionism,
oligarch monopoly and terrorism
SECESSIONISM
Table 3.1 Frequency Distribution on the Solutions where Federalism

can solve the Problem of Secessionism
Solutions Frequency Ranks
A federal type of government will promote 72 4th
and preserve the diverse cultural and

religious identities of people in Mindanao
A federal type of government will eradicate 74 3rd
inequalities in terms of economic development
A federal form of government will promote 78 2nd
respect for minority groups in Mindanao
In federalizing the Philippines, it would help 45 5th
make way for the success of the Bangsa

Moro Basic Law or BBL
A federal form of government promotes and 80 1st
ensure proper representation of the people

which will enhance their political participation
Table 3.1 illustrates the solutions where federalism can solve the
problem of secessionism. These were the following, 80 of the respondents
answered that a federal form of government promotes and ensure proper
representation of the people which will enhance their political participation.
78 of the respondents also thought that the federal type of government will
eradicate inequalities in terms of economic development. Another is 72
said that a federal form of government will promoted respect for minority
groups in Mindanao. Lastly, 45 of the respondents believed that in
57
federalizing the Philippines, it would help make way for the success of the
Bangsa Moro Basic Law or BBL.
The result shows that most of the respondents believed that a

federal form of government promotes and ensure proper representation of
the People which will enhance their political participation. It is supported by
the study of Lacea (2017) it is believed that by federalism it can create
consensus among the people. Another 45 of the respondents thought that
in federalizing the Philippines it would help make way for the success of the
Bangsa Moro Basic Law or BBL. That is why the current administration of
President Duterte is making an effort to push this through in order to give to
the Moro people their desire to establish an independent Islamic region and
with this Mindanao can attain peace.
58
OLIGARCH MONOPOLY

can solve the Problem of Oligarch Monopoly
Solutions Frequency Rank
A federal form of government will eradicate 63 4th
a government dominated by oligarchs or the

elites of the society
A federal form of government will end political 62 5th
dynasties in Mindanao
A federal form of government will help stop 69 2nd
the act of corruptions of the oligarchs in the

government
A federal form of government can create a 64 3rd
free and fair election arena for politicians

and seat seekers in the government
A federal form of government will help ensure 77 1st
that power in the government will be evenly

distributed among different political parties
Table 3.2 shows the solutions where federalism can solve the
problem of oligarch monopoly. In the table, 77 of the respondents believed
that a federal form of government will help ensure that power in the
government will be evenly distributed among different political parties. 69 of
the respondents also thought that a federal form of government will help
stop the act of corruptions of the oligarchs in the government. Another 64
respondents believed that a federal form of government can create a free
and fair election arena for politicians and seat seekers in the government.
63 respondents also perceived that a federal form of government will
eradicate a government dominated by oligarch or the elites of the society.
Lastly, 62 of the respondents believed that a federal form of government
will end political dynasties in Mindanao.
59
The table above mentioned illustrates that most of the respondents

believed that a federal form of government will help ensure that power in
the government will be evenly distributed among different political parties. It
is because the current government system where the power is
concentrated in the central government. With federalism, respondents
believed that it will lessen or maybe solve the oligarch monopoly where
elites in central government overpowered the use of their authority given
that in federalism the inherent powers of the government will be delegated
to each of the federal states through devolution. Other respondents also
believed that a federal form of government will end political dynasties.
Maybe because as the federalism would be implemented there would also
be new constitution to be crafted, by this according to Pimentel (2018) the
government will spell out correctly in the provision of the constitution about
prohibiting political dynasty.
60
TERRORISM

can solve the Problem of Terrorism
Solutions Frequency Rank
A federal form of government will help 68 2nd
stop hostilities in Mindanao caused by

different factors like secessionism,
poverty, corruption, etc.
In federalizing the Philippines, it would 61 4th
help make way for the success of the

government’s peace talks with the
communist party of the Philippines
(CPP-NPA-NDF)
A federal form of government can help 70 1st
control international terrorist group from

entering Mindanao
A federal form of government will help end 63 3rd
the problem of poverty in Mindanao
A federal form of government will solve the 68 2nd
problem of corruption which can be regarded

as one of the reason why people engage in
terrorist attacks
Table 3.3 shows the solutions where federalism can solve the
problem of terrorism. In the table above, 70 of the respondents believed
that a federal form of government can help control international terrorists
group from entering Mindanao. 68 of them also thought that a federal
form of government will help stop hostilities in Mindanao cause by
different factors like secessionism, poverty, corruption, etc. Another 68
of them also believed that a federal form of government will solve the
problem of corruption which can be regarded as one of the reason why
people engage in terrorist attacks. Also, 63 of the respondents answered
that a federal form of government will help end the problem of poverty in
61
Mindanao. Lastly, the 61 of the respondents believed that in federalizing

the Philippines, it would help make way for the success of the
government’s peace talks with the communist party of the Philippines
(CPP-NPA-NDF).
The results above illustrated that most of the respondents

believed that a federal form of government can help control international
terrorist group from entering Mindanao. This has something to do with
the recent Marawi siege which involved government armed forces
versus the Maute group that was supported by international terrorist the
ISIS. This can be started by stopping the century-old rivalry of terrorist in
Mindanao and the government and by that terrorist in Mindanao will be
gone and the international terrorists can no longer have someone to
support to, and in order for it to be possible a good policy must be made
that would enable both sides to cooperate with each other. This is also in
connection to 61 respondents answer that in federalizing the Philippines,
it would make way for the success of the government’s peace talks with
the communist party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF) wherein
President Duterte (2017) stated that by federalism they wanted to carry
out the negotiations correctly in the communist party at a faster pace
because for him it is the only last chance of the government to gain
peace with the rebel organization.
62
PART IV: General Conclusion
Table 4.1 Frequency Distribution on the Opinions of the

Respondents if Federalism is the best policy option to solve the
Mindanao Problems
General Conclusions Frequency Rank
Yes, federalism can solve the problems 49 1st
No, federalism is not a solution to the problems 11 3rd
I think it can solve 11 3rd
Don’t have better understanding of Federalism 2 4th
Federalism is good but still it is difficult to 1 5th
change a government system
Undecided 26 2nd
Table 4.1 presents the responses of the respondents in making

federalism as a solution to the long-standing problems of Mindanao such
as secessionism, oligarch monopoly and terrorism. In the table above 49
of the respondents answered “yes, federalism can solve the problems”
as the table 1.7 represent that most of the respondents were from
Caraga region which is basically in the Mindanao. Being a Mindanaon it
has a strong sentiment to federalism because President Duterte who is
the key advocate of federalism is from Mindanao. And based on recent
survey of Pulse Asia on trust ratings which was December 2017, 80%
was associated to President Duterte and the large number of it is from
the Mindanao. So basically it can be perceived that most of the
Mindanao would go and support federalism. And based on respondents
supporting reason, some answered that by implementing federalism it
can help the local government units in Mindanao to gain equal
distribution of wealth. Some also answered that federalism can solve if
63
the leaders or authorities who would be in the position would be

responsible enough in representing the people’s interest and would be
able to exercise its power in a way that benefits the public. The
government still lies of those authorities who will govern. And some of
the respondents also just answered yes without further reason.
Another is 26 of the respondents were undecided maybe because

they still cannot decide on which side would go or maybe they have still
doubts about implementing federalism. The 11 respondents also
answered “no, federalism cannot solve” based on their reasons they
believed that federalism will only divide the Philippines and its people
instead if uniting it and one also reasoned out that federalism will only
worsen the problem of political dynasty by oligarchs. The other 11
respondents answered “I think it can solve” and their further reason were
because it can only be assess as effective if federalism would be tried or
maybe because some also “don’t have better understanding of
federalism” maybe because there still a problem in the government in
information dissemination about federalism. That is why government
must take more effort to educate citizens especially in the academe in
order to have further knowledge about federalism. And lastly, one
answered “federalism is good but still it is difficult to change a
government system” it is because changing a government system
cannot be done overnight, it will take a lot of effort and also money from
the government in order for it to be possible.
64
CHAPTER V
Summary, Conclusion, Recommendation
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the perception of the

faculty members on federalism as a policy option to address the long-
standing Mindanao problems of secessionism, oligarchy monopoly and
terrorism. The study aimed to answer the following objectives: (1) to
determine what the reasons are behind the long-standing Mindanao
problems: a. secessionism, b. oligarch monopoly and terrorism. (2) to
determine in what way can federalism help solve the long-standing
Mindanao problems: secessionism, oligarch monopoly and terrorism. (3)
to determine the what is the opinion of the respondents on the capacity
of federalism to solve the long-standing Mindanao problems based on
the following categories: religious affiliation, ethnic origin, region of origin
and annual income.
The study was conducted with the use of survey questionnaire for
convenience through the respondents. The data gathered was analyzed
using the descriptive analysis, frequencies and percentages. There were
100 respondents selected for the purpose.
The study revealed some of the reasons in the long-standing

Mindanao problem in secessionism. The respondents believed that the
reason for secessionism is the improper distribution of wealth and
resources for development purposes with the highest frequency of 83.
Next is that the development being mainly focused on Imperial Manila.
Moreover, is the lack of solidarity and unity among the Moro people and
the Christian people. Lastly, the presence of different cultures in
Mindanao i.e. Moro culture and Christian culture is the reason. For
oligarch monopoly wherein most of the respondents believed that it is
the presence of political dynasty with a frequency of 86. It is followed by,
the rampant vote buying in Mindanao thus, creating unfair competition
65
between two candidates or two parties during elections. Another is that

people are not well-educated enough, followed by people are not
encouraged enough to form their own political organizations that can
create more competition in the political arena. And others also thought
that it is the political interests of officials in which it is a knowledge
shared by one of the respondents. Lastly is about terrorism, wherein
respondents believed that the reason is that less educated people
resulting to high recruitment of terrorist’s members in Mindanao with the
highest frequency of 80. The second is that the people having less
income or no job forcing them to join the terrorists groups. Another is
that Mindanao is not a well-secured area that international terrorists
groups can enter the island. Some also believed that the armed forces of
the Philippines in Mindanao are not well-strengthened enough to
suppress the insurgency in Mindanao. And the last are NPA’s are being
tolerated and the other one believed that it is the Muslim way of thinking
that they are oppressed.
The study further revealed the ways that federalism can solve the
long-standing Mindanao problems of secessionism, oligarch monopoly
and terrorism. On secessionism, the respondents believe that a federal
form of government promotes and ensure proper representation of the
People which will enhance their political participation with the highest
frequency of 80. Followed by, a federal type of government will eradicate
inequalities in terms of economic development. Next is that a federal
form of government will promote respect for minority groups in
Mindanao. Another is that a federal type of government will promote and
preserve the diverse cultural and religious identities of people in
Mindanao. And the last is that in federalizing the Philippines, it would
help make way for the success of the Bangsa Moro Basic Law or BBL
with the least of frequency of 45. In oligarch monopoly, the highest
frequency of 77 is that a federal form of government will help ensure that
power in the government will be evenly distributed among different
political parties. Next is that a federal form of government will help stop
66
the act of corruptions of the oligarchs in the government. Followed by a

federal form of government can create a free and fair election arena for
politicians and seat seekers in the government. Another is that a federal
form of government will eradicate a government dominated by oligarchs
or the elites of the society. Lastly, is that a federal form of government
will end political dynasties in Mindanao with a frequency of 62. In
terrorism, respondents believed that a federal form of government can
help control international terrorist group from entering Mindanao with the
highest frequency of 70. Next is that a federal form of government will
solve the problem of corruption which can be regarded as one of the
reason why people engage in terrorist attacks and one is that a federal
form of government will help stop hostilities in Mindanao caused by
different factors like secessionism, poverty, corruption, etc. having both
the same frequency of 68. Followed by a federal form of government will
help end the problem of poverty in Mindanao. And the last, is that in
federalizing the Philippines, it would help make way for the success of
the government’s peace talks with the communist party of the
Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Lastly the study shows that from 100 respondents, there were 49
respondents who believed that federalism is the solution to the long-
standing problems of Mindanao and there were 11 who did not believed
about federalism being a solution to the long-standing Mindanao
problems. 26 of the respondents also were undecided, and some also
do not have a better understanding about federalism.
67
Conclusions
Based on the data gathered the possible problem of

secessionism is the improper distribution of wealth and resources for
development purposes which on the other hand the possible solution for
secessionism is that a federal type of government promotes and ensure
proper representation of the People which will enhance their political
participation. For oligarch monopoly, the possible problem of it is the
presence of political dynasty and the possible solution for it is a federal
form of government that will help and ensure that power in the
government will be evenly distributed among different political parties.
Lastly is for terrorism, the possible problem that respondents believed is
less educated people resulting to high recruitment of terrorists members
in Mindanao and the solution for it on the other hand is a federal form of
government that can help control international terrorist group from
entering Mindanao.
And lastly, in determining the opinion of the respondents if

Federalism is the best policy option to solve the Mindanao problems
majority of the respondents of Surigao State College of Technology
(SSCT) believed that federalism is the best policy option that can solve
the long-standing Mindanao problems of secessionism, oligarch
monopoly and terrorism.
68
Recommendations
Based on the findings and the conclusion of the study the researcher
recommends that in order to make the study more conclusive and reliable
the following should be conducted:
1. Majority of the respondents believed that federalism can solve the

long-standing Mindanao problems such as secessionism, oligarch
monopoly and terrorism but some of the respondents were not
knowledgeable enough about federalism even though they are in the
academe. There is a need for them to be provided by with more
information about federalism, so that they can also share the
information to its students which maybe become our future leaders.
2. The study can be used as a basis to improve the policy making of
the government officials. It will serve as a guide for them how to
make a sound policy which is based on the current situation and the
necessary adjustment if federalism will be implemented.
3. Since the study focused on the academe as the local of the study,
the study also recommends other sectors to conduct study regarding
federalism for religious sectors, business or even NGO’s to integrate
differing views about federalism. This will help to eliminate the
biases that may occur and to further give more solutions to the
problems and the possible outcomes it may provide about
federalism.
69
References
Bednar, J. (2011). The Political Science of Federalism. Retrieved from

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jbednar/WIP/annrev.pdf
Bhatia, K. (2017). How do education and unemployment affect support for

violent extremism? Retrieved from https://www.think-
asia.org/bitstream/handle/11540/7126/global_20170322_violent-
extremism.pdf?sequence=1
Castillo, R. (2011). Federalism and its Potential Application to the Republic

of the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/37987548/CA
STILLO__FEDERALISM_AND_ITS_POTENTIAL_APPLICATION_T
O_THE_REPUBLIC_OF_THE_PHILIPPINES.pdf
DeFranzo, S. (2012). Why Use Demographic Questions in Surveys?.

Retrieved from https://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/demographics-
questions-surveys/
Dayanghirang, D. (2017). Councilors league: Federalism can end terrorism.

Retrieved from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-
news/2017/07/10/councilors-league-federalism-can-end-terrorism-
551865
Duron, J. (n.d). Federalism: An Alternative System of Government for

Philippines. Retrieved from
http://asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-30-1992/duron.pdf
Habito, C. (2011). Wanted: Higher budgets for Mindanao. Retrieved from

http://opinion.inquirer.net/13351/wanted-higher-budgets-for-
mindanao
Hutchinson, W. (2014). Malaysia’s Federal System: Overt and Covert

Centralization. Retrieved from
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00472336.2013.878374
?src=recsys&journalCode=rjoc20
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Li, J. (2002). "State Fragmentation: Toward a Theoretical Understanding of

the Territorial Power of the State." Sociological Theory 20 no. 2
(2002): 139-156.
Malaya, J. (2016). Federalism 101: Pederalismo para sa Pilipinas (PDP)

Nararapat na Pagbabago, Tungo sa Kaunlarang Daman g Lahat.
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content/uploads/2016/11/FEDERALISM-101.-A-PRIMER-
PUBLICATION-COPY2-11122016.pdf
Ming, W. (2008). The Political Economy of East Asia. Retrieved from
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for-the-oligarchs/
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Stable Peace in the Southern Philippines." Asian Survey (2001):
271-289.
Ricardo, D. (2003) The causes and prospect of the Southern Philippines
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pdf?sequence=1
Santos, T. (2003). Is a Bangsa Moro State within a Federation the
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71
Republic of the Philippines

Central Mindanao University
Department of Social Sciences
LETTER TO THE RESPONDENT
Dear Maam/Sir:
Good day! I am a graduating student of Central Mindanao University

taking up Batchelor of Arts in Political Science. As a requirement for my
course, I am currently conducting a survey about the title of my study
“FEDERALISM AS A POLICY OPTION TO ADDRESS THE LONG-
STANDING MINDANAO PROBLEMS: PERCEPTIONS OF THE
FACULTY MEMBERS OF SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF
TECHNOLOGY (SSCT), SURIGAO CITY”. The respondents of this study
are selected faculty members of each colleges and departments of Surigao
State College of Technology (SSCT).
In line with this, I have chosen you to be one of my respondents in

my study and I hope that you will take time answering questions honestly.
Rest assured that all the data gathered will be treated with utmost
confidentiality and will be used for academic purposes only.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. I will appreciate

receiving the accomplished form right after you answer the questionnaire.
Respectfully yours,
JAY MARIE ORIAS GOCELA

AB- Political Science Student

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FEDERALISM AS A POLICY OPTION TO ADDRESS THE

LONG-STANDING MINDANAO PROBLEMS: PERCEPTIONS OF

JAY MARIE ORIAS GOCELA

UNDERGRADUATE THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

oligarch monopoly and terrorism 44

The Philippines is composed of several islands and politically, has

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the current president who came

Duron (1992) stated that, political philosophers like John Locke,

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to determine the opinions of the faculty members

Specifically, the study seeks to determine the opinions of the

1. What are the reasons for the existence of the following?

Objectives of the Study

This study sought to determine whether federalism can be the best

The study is mainly focused on the following objectives:

1. To determine what are the reasons behind the long-standing

Significance of the Study

Furthermore, this study is significant to help provide understanding

The study would also be deemed beneficial to future researchers as

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study is limited solely to the randomly selected faculty members

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework which guides the flow

Definition of the Terms

To further understand the proposed study, the following terms were

Decentralization refers to the delegation or dispersal of

Devolution is a feature of decentralization which refers to the transfer

Federalism a proposed system of government in the Philippines by

Mindanao Problems refers to problems that exist in Mindanao such

Oligarch monopoly problem in Mindanao which refers to elite people

Perception/Opinion refers to the opinion of the faculty members with

Secessionism problem in Mindanao that Muslim fight for by granting

Terrorism one of the long-standing problem in Mindanao that refers

Unitary Government the system of government in the Philippines

Review of Related Literature

Government of any country in the world should be able to deal with

Diversity still exists today in the Philippines. Different indigenous

Philippines with a diverse society practice a unitary government for

Decentralization and Devolution in the Philippines

Most political historians agree that the Philippines had a long

Decentralization according to Raul De Guzman, it generally refers to

Within the context of the Philippine politico-administrative system,

Deconcentration involves the transfer of functions to lower-level

Devolution involves the transfer of powers and authorities to lower-

Final the third mode of decentralization in the Philippine context is

A review of Philippine history will show that decentralization and the

The past decades has witnessed an increasing interest in federalism

Still according to Professor Ronal Watts (2002), he mentioned that

federal system that is adopted or evolved gives adequate expression to the

A federal government would enable the needs of a nation to be

In the Philippines for more than four centuries, Filipinos have

With that, some scholars, politicians and experts have been

Senator Aquilino Pimentel, a major proponent of the move to adopt a

Another advocate of federalism is Partido Demokratiko Pilipino

government, and the other emphasizes the relationship between the

Long-Standing Mindanao Problems

Philippines faced problems that threaten to destabilize the state

distribution of income and opportunity, thus nurturing the extreme poverty

Successful and Failure of Implementation

unsuccessful division of powers in the central government and state

“sufficient/great knowledge is registered in Metro Manila than in Mindanao

This section represents the procedure used in gathering data that is

The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative-descriptive