From Symbolic Participation to Civic Agency: Developing the ADDA A Framework of Youth Governance in the Philippin

Abstract

Youth participation is increasingly recognized as essential to democratic governance, participatory development, and the long-term sustainability of local political institutions. In the Philippine context, particularly in the province of La Union, Republic Act No. 10742 institutionalized youth engagement through the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK), positioning young people as formal actors in local governance. Despite these institutional mechanisms, youth participation in many barangays remains largely symbolic, often constrained by adult-dominated political structures, limited decision-making influence, and procedural tokenism. This study examined how KK members in La Union, Philippines construct meanings around participation, navigate institutional and sociopolitical constraints, and assert civic agency within barangay governance spaces. Anchored in participatory governance theory and civic agency perspectives, the study argues that meaningful youth engagement extends beyond mere representation and requires the active cultivation of political consciousness, autonomy, and accountability. Participatory governance emphasizes collaborative and inclusive decision-making processes, while civic agency perspectives highlight the capacity of young people to negotiate power structures and shape public outcomes despite institutional limitations. The study employed a qualitative design using Critical Discourse Analysis complemented by grounded thematic analysis. Data were gathered from twenty-five KK members through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, document analysis, and youth-related social media materials. Findings revealed that youth participation is a negotiated civic process shaped by structural barriers, political patronage, adult-centric governance cultures, and adaptive youth practices. The study developed the ADDA A Framework—Awareness, Discipline, Decision, Action, and Accountability—which explains how young people move from symbolic inclusion toward substantive and ethically grounded civic engagement. The framework offers a localized yet transferable model for strengthening youth participation, democratic citizenship formation, and grassroots governance in Philippine local communities.