Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 4 no. 4 (2026)

Influence of Governance Peacebuilding: Insights from Local Institutions, Corruption Control, and Civil Society

Filibert Patrick F. Tad-awan | Laureano Alexis R. Marinas

Discipline: Politics

 

Abstract:

This study analyzes the influence of governance structures on peacebuilding, focusing on institutional arrangements, corruption dynamics, transitional justice, and civil society engagement. Using a qualitative case study design, the research was conducted in Baguio City, Philippines, with 30 members of the Peace and Order Council (POC) as respondents. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically to generate insights into the role of governance in sustaining peace. Findings revealed that governance structures shape peacebuilding outcomes in multiple ways. Decentralization enhances responsiveness and local ownership, centralization ensures uniformity but restricts flexibility, while hybrid and collaborative models foster inclusivity and balance. At the community level, local governance institutions sustain peace through policy support, community participation, and conflict resolution mechanisms. However, corruption emerged as a critical barrier, undermining trust, diverting resources, and weakening institutional credibility. Challenges in transitional justice included governance constraints, political barriers, socio-cultural dynamics, and limited awareness, while civil society organizations were found to strengthen peacebuilding through advocacy, service delivery, mediation, and accountability. The study concludes that sustainable peacebuilding requires governance models that are inclusive, transparent, and accountable, where state institutions, local governments, and civil society actors collaborate effectively. These findings offer important implications for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars designing adaptive governance frameworks to promote long-term peace.



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