The Fruits of Hard Work
Quantifiable results achieved through the "Run Like a Corporation" mindset and community participation.
Public Health Impact
Malnutrition cases dropped significantly, earning the "Best Nutrition Program" award.
Fiscal Performance
Annual tax revenue targets were not just met, but more than doubled.
"Run like a corporation"
Service Efficiency
The "Citizen's Charter" mandates strict wait and processing times.
The Three Pillars of Reform
Click below to explore the strategies used to transform Santa Fe.
The Quick-Response System
Before the reforms, getting permits could take days. The Citizen's Charter embedded a "quick-response practice" into law. It outlines exactly how employees must respond to client needs.
- ✓ 15 Minute Rule: No client waits idly for attention.
- ✓ 1 Hour Turnaround: Ordinary transactions finished within the hour.
- ✓ Comfort: Air-conditioned offices and plush seats to show respect for taxpayers.
"We require that under ordinary circumstances, a client should have been able to accomplish his purpose in that office within an hour." — Mayor Gerdan
Impact Case Study: The Wedding
The Couple
Salvador Soliven & Rowena Ricaide (OFW)
The Process
Securing requirements & Marriage License
The Result
Finished in just 2 hours
Mulawin Project (Environment)
"Muling Luntiang Ating Wagas na Inang Kalikasan". This project solved the "dole-out" mentality problem by requiring citizens to contribute to the environment in exchange for services. It instilled the "Bayanihan" spirit.
Community Participation Model
Distribution of planting responsibilities based on transaction type.
Paradigm Shift: Employee to Manager
Mayor Gerdan, a former Army Colonel, focused on transforming the mindset of the bureaucracy. The goal was to shift from a "just-an-employee" attitude to performing like empowered managers.
- Empowerment Dept heads now draft policies and assess employee performance, rather than just following orders.
- Incentivization "Employee of the Month" awards include cash incentives and plaques. Bigger rewards at year-end.
Employee of the Month
Recognition Strategy
Case Assessment & Analysis
Analysis of the case study questions based on the provided text.
Q1. What aspect of the case do you like? Why?
+Analysis The most compelling aspect is the synergy between Civic Duty and Environmental Stewardship (The Mulawin Project).
Unlike typical bureaucratic reforms that only focus on speed, Santa Fe's approach integrated community responsibility. By requiring tree planting for permits and licenses, the government transformed a passive "client" relationship into an active "partner" relationship. It simultaneously solved an ecological goal (reforestation) and a cultural problem (dole-out mentality).
Q2. How is this Public Service done in your area?
+Comparative Reflection This answer depends on your location, but use this comparison tool to evaluate:
| Metric | Santa Fe Model | Typical Model |
|---|---|---|
| Wait Time | Max 15 Mins | Often Hours/Variable |
| Requirements | Contribution (Trees) | Fees Only |
| Environment | Comfortable (AC/Plush) | Basic/Crowded |
Q3. Would you like this kind of Governance in your area?
+Affirmative Yes.
The case demonstrates that "Good Governance" yields tangible results: reduced malnutrition, increased revenue, and faster services. The shift from "patronage politics" to "corporate-style efficiency" benefits the end-user (the constituent) directly, as seen with the couple obtaining their license in 2 hours instead of days.
Q4. Characteristics of Good Governance Identified
+Based on the text, the following characteristics of Good Governance are evident:
Efficiency & Responsiveness
Evident in the Citizen's Charter mandate: 15-minute response time and 1-hour transaction completion.
Participation
Evident in the Mulawin Project. Citizens are not just receivers but active participants (planting trees) in governance.
Accountability
Department heads are empowered to assess performance and draft policies, creating clear lines of responsibility.
Strategic Vision
Moving from "Gateway" to "Eco-Tourism Destination" and treating the LGU like a corporation with ROI.