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A. THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development is a process of taking collective action to improve communities.

(PDF) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY

PARTICIPATION: A CONCEPTUAL Community development is a
process where members of the community are supported by
government, individuals, and agencies to identify and take
collaborative actions on issues affecting members researchgate.net

Community Development Social Work – Oxford

Bibliographies Chaskin, et al. 2001 outline four areas of community
development—leadership development; organizational development;
community organizing; and collaboration, partnerships, and
organizational networks—as key elements of community development

National Association of Community Development, Extension

Professionals Community development is a practicebased profession
and an academic discipline that promotes participative democracy,
sustainable development, rights, equality, economic opportunity, and
social justice, through the organization, education, and empowerment
of people within their communities, whether these be of locality,
identity or interest, in urban and rural settings.
https://www.nacdep.net/whatiscommunitydevelopment
Definition
The United Nations defines community development as “CD is the
process by which the efforts of the people themselves are united with
those of governmental authorities to improve the economic, social and
cultural conditions of communities, to integrate these communities
into the life of the nation, and to enable them to contribute fully to
national progress.”

The International Association of Community Development defines it

as “a practicebased profession and an academic discipline.”

The Community Development Foundation definition is “a set of

values and practices which plays a special role in overcoming poverty
and disadvantage, knitting society together at the grass roots and
deepening democracy”.

International Cooperation Administration of the United States

CD is a process of social action in which the people of the community
organize themselves for planning and action; define their common and
individual needs and problems; execute these plans with a maximum
reliance upon community resources; and supplement these resources
when necessary with services and materials from governmental and
nongovernmental agencies outside of the community.

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Improving various aspects of communities to build stronger and more

Key Focus
resilient local communities
Professional Promotes participative democracy, sustainable development, rights,
Discipline economic opportunity, equality, and social justice
Empowermen Seeks to empower individuals and groups with skills to effect positive
t change within their communities
Global Recognized internationally for its significance in social, economic,
Recognition cultural, environmental, and political development

B. Historical Evolution of CD

a. In the Global North

⮚ Early Beginnings
18th Century:
▪ Robert Owen (17711851): Early socialist thinker who sought to create the perfect
community through community planning at New Lanark and other utopian
communities like Oneida in the USA and the New Australia Movement in Australia.
These attempts at intentional utopian communities had mixed success.
⮚ Colonial and PostColonial Era
1920s1930s:
▪ Antigonish Movement, Canada: Started in the 1920s in Nova Scotia by Doctor
Moses Coady and Father James Tompkins, this movement influenced community
economic development across Canada.
⮚ PostWar Era
1950s1960s:
▪ United States: In the 1960s, the term "community development" began to
complement and generally replace the idea of urban renewal, which typically
focused on physical development projects often at the expense of workingclass
communities. Philanthropies such as the Ford Foundation and governmental
officials like Robert F. Kennedy took an interest in local nonprofit organizations. A
pioneer was the BedfordStuyvesant Restoration Corporation in Brooklyn, which
attempted to apply business and management skills to the social mission of
uplifting lowincome residents and their neighborhoods. These groups eventually
became known as "Community Development Corporations" or CDCs.
1970s1980s:
▪ Federal Laws and Organizations: The 1974 Housing and Community Development
Act provided a way for state and municipal governments to channel funds to CDCs
and other nonprofit organizations. National organizations such as the
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (founded in 1978), the Local Initiatives
Support Corporation (founded in 1980), and the Enterprise Foundation (founded in
1981) built extensive networks of affiliated local nonprofit organizations, providing
financing for countless physical and social development programs in urban and
rural communities.

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▪ Integrated Rural Development: Promoted by UN Agencies and the World Bank,
focusing on:
▪ Adult Literacy Programs: Inspired by Paulo Freire and Frank Laubach.
▪ Youth and Women's Groups: Following Botswana's Serowe Brigades by Patrick van
Rensburg.
▪ Community Business Ventures and Cooperatives: Drawing on José María
Arizmendiarrieta's Mondragon Cooperatives.
▪ Compensatory Education: Influenced by Michael Young's Open Education.
▪ Alternative Technologies: Based on E.F. Schumacher's "Small is Beautiful."
▪ Village Nutrition Programs and Permaculture: Developed by Australians Bill
Mollison and David Holmgren.
▪ Village Water Supply Programs.

⮚ Contemporary Era
1990s2000s:
▪ Participatory Approaches: Shift towards more inclusive methods like assetbased
community development, faithbased community development, and
communitybased participatory research (CBPR).
▪ Social Capital Formation: Influenced by Robert Putnam’s work, emphasizing social
capital. Muhammad Yunus' Grameen Bank in Bangladesh popularized
microenterprise credit schemes, earning the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.
2010s:
▪ Big Local Program, UK: Allocated £1 million to 150 areas for communityled change,
marking a significant shift towards communityled development.

⮚ Theoretical and Practical Developments

▪ Community Economic Development (CED): Emphasized alongside community
capacity building, social capital formation, political participatory development,
nonviolent direct action, ecologically sustainable development, and community
practice social work.
▪ Manfred MaxNeef: His "Human Scale Development" focuses on fundamental
human needs and the characteristics of satisfiers (violators, pseudo satisfiers,
inhibiting satisfiers, singular satisfiers, synergic satisfiers). He illustrates how
certain satisfiers can inhibit the fulfillment of other needs, advocating for synergic
satisfiers like selfmanaged production and democratic community organizations.

⮚ Personal Histories and Reflections

▪ David Warner: His reflections highlight the evolution of community development
through individual experiences.

⮚ Current and Future Directions

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Emerging Approaches: Transformative economic projects, anchorbased strategies,
▪
cooperative ownership, and innovative sectoral practices in renewable energy,
mobility, food justice, and art.
▪ Future Trends: Focus on innovation, adaptation to global trends, and a commitment
to equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
⮚ Additional Notes on Regional Developments
▪ Canada: Community development roots in cooperatives, credit unions, and caisses
populaires. The Antigonish Movement was particularly influential.

b. In the Global South

⮚ Early Beginnings
1920s1930s:
▪ East Africa: Community development proposals aimed at helping local people
improve their lives with indirect assistance from colonial authorities.
⮚ PostWar Era
1950s1960s:
▪ India: Mohandas K. Gandhi adopted African community development ideals in his
South African Ashram, integrating them into the Indian Swaraj movement to
promote villagelevel economic interdependence. During the 1950s and 1960s, India
ran a massive community development program focused on rural development
activities through government support. This was later expanded in scope and called
the Integrated Rural Development Scheme (IRDP).
▪ Tanzania: Julius Nyerere incorporated community development into the Ujamaa
Villages, aiding rural education services.
⮚ Contemporary Era
1990s2000s:
▪ Social Capital Formation: Influenced by Robert Putnam’s work, emphasizing social
capital. Muhammad Yunus' Grameen Bank in Bangladesh popularized
microenterprise credit schemes, earning the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.

c. Historical Background of CD in the Philippines

Community Development in the Philippines: A Historical Overview

Community development in the Philippines has a rich history dating back to the 1950s
and 1960s when it was adopted as an official strategy by the government. This period
saw significant efforts to enhance the socioeconomic conditions of rural communities
through various programs and initiatives.

⮚ Early Beginnings: The 1950s and 1960s

1950s: Presidential Initiatives
▪ President Ramon Magsaysay's Administration: During the presidency of Ramon
Magsaysay, community development was embraced to help the country's
numerous small villages (barrios) improve economically and socially. This approach
was intended to restore faith in the government, improve the delivery of social

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services, and increase productivity and income through selfhelp and communal
labor projects.

Key Elements of the Approach

▪ Productivity and SelfHelp: The Philippine community development strategy focused
on increasing productivity, fostering selfhelp initiatives, constructing infrastructure
like roads, and expanding social services.
▪ Integration into National Plans: These programs were often integrated into the
country's national development plans to ensure adequate resource allocation.
▪ VillageLevel Implementation: The basic unit of implementation was the "block,"
which comprised 100 villages. Multipurpose villagelevel workers assisted residents
in identifying needs and provided technical assistance.
▪ Influences from Other Nations: The Philippines’ community development efforts
were influenced by similar initiatives in other developing countries, all striving for
modernization and development postindependence.

⮚ Institutional Developments and Shifts

Community Development Planning Council (CDPC)

▪ Establishment and Objectives: On August 16, 1954, President Magsaysay signed
Executive Order No. 57, creating the Community Development Planning Council
(CDPC) to coordinate and integrate national efforts to improve living conditions in
rural areas and eliminate inefficiencies among various agencies.

FiveYear National Plan for Community Development

▪ Proposal and Rejection: In 1955, a FiveYear National Plan for Community
Development was proposed by Ramon P. Binamira, which emphasized a partnership
between the government and local communities to accelerate rural improvement.
However, this plan was ultimately rejected.

Creation of the Presidential Assistant on Community Development (PACD)

▪ Transition from CDPC to PACD: Due to the CDPC's lack of authority, it was abolished
in 1956 and replaced by the Presidential Assistant on Community Development
(PACD), with Executive Order No. 156 empowering PACD to plan and implement the
President's community development program across barrios, municipalities, and
cities.

Further Developments Under Subsequent Administrations

▪ Under President Marcos: The PACD was elevated to Cabinet rank and renamed the
Presidential Arm on Community Development. In 1972, it was absorbed by the
newly established Department of Local Government and Community Development
(DLGCD) under Marcos, who emphasized that community development would be a
cornerstone of his administration.

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▪ Transfer to Ministry of Human Settlements: In 1980, the community development
function was transferred to the Ministry of Human Settlements, which was later
abolished after Marcos was overthrown in 1986.

⮚ Evolution to GrassrootsDriven Approaches

Transition to Participatory Models

▪ Shift from TopDown to Grassroots: Over time, community development in the
Philippines evolved from a topdown government program to a more participatory,
grassrootsdriven approach. This transition is exemplified by models like the
Community Life School, which emphasizes community empowerment and local
initiative.

⮚ Challenges and Drivers

Problems Addressed by Community Development Programs

▪ Persistent Poverty and Isolation: The initial impetus for community development
programs included addressing persistent poverty, relative illiteracy, disease
prevalence, and the general apathy among the populace.
▪ Widespread Dissatisfaction and Low Morale: Widespread dissatisfaction with the
government, low morale among village people, and the isolation of villages were
significant challenges. Community development aimed to mobilize local resources
and initiatives, counteracting these issues.

Summary

Community development emerged as a key strategy for rural and national development in
the Philippines during the mid20th century. It began as a governmentled initiative under
President Ramon Magsaysay, focusing on selfhelp, infrastructure development, and social
services improvement. Over time, the approach shifted towards a more participatory,
grassrootsdriven model, empowering local communities to take charge of their
development. This historical trajectory highlights the evolving nature of community
development in response to the sociopolitical context of the Philippines.

References:

1. https://www.coursehero.com/file/68399215/HandoutsinComDev1docx/
2.
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/428981882issuesincommunitydevelopmentplannin
ginthephilippinespptx/253850731
3. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/thehistoricaldevelopmentofcommunity
organization/237777414
4. https://www.aisf.or.jp/sgrainenglish/seminar14/DrsMedinaBaconguis.pdf
5. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/43540988.pdf

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d. The Beginning of Community Development (CD) as an Academic Discipline

⮚ The Training of Development Workers
Community Development (CD) under the Presidential Assistant on Community
Development (PACD) was implemented in the field through barrio development
workers (BDWs) who performed four distinct roles:
▪ Educator for Community Development
▪ Stimulator and/or Organizer of SelfHelp Activities
▪ Connecting Link between Barrio People and Government Technical Agencies
▪ Aide to Government Technical Agencies
⮚ Characteristics of a Barrio Development Worker (BDW)
▪ Understanding of the Barrio People: BDWs are needed to comprehend the
culture and needs of the barrio people.
▪ Persuasive Ability: They require the personality and ability to involve people in
group actions.
▪ Proficiency in Community Organization: BDWs had to be skilled in organizing
communities.
BDWs were recruited after passing an examination for community development
workers administered by the Civil Service Commission and undergoing six months
of preservice training at a Community Development Center at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The training included both theoretical instruction and
practical application in the field. The basic training curriculum covered:
1. Rural Sociology
2. Community Development
3. Local Government and Community Development
4. Group Development and Human Relations
5. Community Planning
6. Research and Evaluation
7. Information on Agriculture and Related Practices
8. Community Training

e. The Birth of Community Development Schools for Professional Training

Early Academic Programs

▪ MS in Community Development (MSCD): The first academic program for
professional training in CD was the MS in Community Development at the University
of the Philippines College of Agriculture in 1962. Initially, the students were
professionals with degrees in agriculture, and later, graduates from various
disciplines joined.
▪ College of Community Development and Public Administration at Mindanao State
University (MSU): Established in the academic year 19621963, it was the first to
offer a fouryear course leading to a BS in Community Development. The MSCD
program was instituted in 1979 and implemented in 1981. This program aimed to
assist in improving rural communities in the Muslim areas of Mindanao.

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The six month training at UPLB was successful, but formal professional training in the
community development discipline was deemed necessary. According to Luis Ladonga,
former dean of CDPA at MSU and a pioneer of PACD professional education:

“...if we may take the liberty of comparing the professional of the discipline and the worker,
it is about the difference between an electrical engineer and the electrician; the civil
engineer and the chief mechanic. The professional of the discipline is not only a doer
hence, he may work as a worker in the program but is an idea man, an intellectual imbued
with the scientific habit of thought and action who can plan, organize, and manage
programs, educate, do researches necessary for preplanning and evaluation of programs.
The professionals of the discipline are those who hold baccalaureate, graduate, and
postgraduate degrees in community development science.”

Expansion of Community Development Academic Programs

▪ Institute of Social Work and Community Development (ISWCD) at UP Diliman:
Established in 1967 by Republic Act No. 5174, ISWCD offered the BS and Master in
Community Development programs starting in 1969.
▪ UP Visayas: Community development was introduced in 1976 as one of the social
science disciplines. An AB Community Development program was offered the
following year, with a curriculum patterned after the 1977 ISWCD curriculum. This
curriculum was later revised in the early 1990s with reference to the BSCD
curriculum of the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD).

Organization of Community Development Professionals and Schools

Early Efforts and Challenges

▪ In 1983, the faculty of the Department of Community Development (CSWCD) and
alumni initiated the formation of the Community Development Society of the
Philippines. However, the organization became inactive by the 1990s. Efforts to
organize CD schools were also hindered by political crises, particularly following
the assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino, which led to increased involvement in
the protest movement.

Impact of Political Climate

The practice of community development in the Philippines during different administrations
left various impacts:
▪ Marcos Era: Community organizing was seen as a strategy to combat poverty and
the Marcos dictatorship, often associated with subversive activities. Community
organizers faced harassment, arrest, detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
▪ PostMarcos Era: After Marcos was ousted through the People Power Revolution in
1986, the new government recognized people's empowerment as a potent force.
Community organizing, people's power, and NGOs, previously suppressed, were
embraced by the new administration. Consequently, various governmental

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agencies began to incorporate participatory strategies, community development,
and organizing principles into their program guidelines.

Summary
Community development in the Philippines evolved significantly from its inception in the
1950s under President Ramon Magsaysay. Initially a governmentled initiative, it aimed to
improve rural socioeconomic conditions through selfhelp, infrastructure development, and
social services. Over time, CD became more participatory and grassrootsdriven, especially
after the People Power Revolution. Academic institutions played a crucial role in
professionalizing the field, offering formal education and training programs to develop
skilled community development professionals. Despite political challenges, the spirit of
community empowerment and organizing persisted, shaping the development landscape
of the Philippines.

C. The Importance of Community Development in Nation Building

Community development is crucial for nationbuilding and the overall development of a
country. Here are some key reasons why:

1 Promotes Cooperation and Empowerment: Community development fosters

cooperation among community members, empowering them to work together
towards shared goals, such as neighborhood cleanups or community gardens. This
promotes social cohesion and collective action [1][2].

2 Improves Access to Resources: Community development projects provide access

to resources, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are
essential for the wellbeing of community members. This helps to bridge the gap
between the haves and havenots [2][4].

3 Foundation for Economic Development: Community development lays the

groundwork for economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship, creating wealth
opportunities, and improving the quality of life. This leads to sustainable
development and empowerment principles [2][4].

4 Addressing Root Causes of Issues: Community development addresses the root

causes of issues like employment, education, housing, infrastructure, health, and
sanitation. This helps to eradicate problems at the grassroots level and ensures
longterm development [2][4].

5 Empower Citizens to Exercise Their Rights: Community development encourages

equal participation and awareness of rights and responsibilities among community
members. This empowers socioeconomically vulnerable sections of society,
including women, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes [2][4].

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6 Provides Sense of Inclusion: Community development projects promote inclusion
by encouraging participation from all members, regardless of their background or
socioeconomic status. This fosters a sense of belonging and unity among
community members [2][4].

7 Supports Sustainable Development: Community development is a key component

of sustainable development, ensuring that communities are developed in a way that
is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable [3].

8 Enhances Community Capacity: Community development enhances the capacity

of local institutions, enabling them to manage and govern themselves effectively.
This leads to increased selfreliance and selfdetermination [2].

9 Fosters Human Development: Community development contributes to human

development by improving social, economic, and political power within
communities. This enhances skills and knowledge, ultimately contributing to
capacity building [2].

10 Supports Global Community Development: Community development is essential

for global community development, as it recognizes that every individual has a role
to play in the wellbeing of their society. This promotes global unity and
cooperation[2].

In summary, community development is vital for nationbuilding and overall development

because it promotes cooperation, improves access to resources, lays the foundation for
economic development, addresses root causes of issues, empowers citizens, provides a
sense of inclusion, supports sustainable development, enhances community capacity,
fosters human development, and supports global community development.

Citations:
[1] https://www.scribd.com/document/532319934/Nationbuilding
[2]
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whycommunitydevelopmentimportantnationbuildinghap
uarachchi
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_development
[4] https://www.future.edu/2022/10/communitydevelopment/
[5]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297465785_The_importance_of_community_de
velopment

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D. Key Principles and Objectives of CD

a. Key Principles and Objectives of Community Development
The key principles of community development are:

1 Empowerment: Community members should be empowered to act for

improvements and have genuine motivation to do so, rather than feeling
obligated [1][3]. Empowerment is a powerful motivator that prompts positive
change.

2 Collaboration and Participation: Community development requires the

involvement and collaboration of community members working together [3].
Participation allows community members to provide input, offer feedback, and
support decisions that directly impact them [3][4].

3 Awareness: Being aware of community resources, needs, and issues is crucial so

that appropriate actions can be taken to address them [1][3]. Awareness is the
first step in the community development process.

4 Planning and Preparation: Careful planning and preparation can help a

community acclimate to changes, gather necessary resources, and mitigate
potential problems [3]. Planning provides a safety net against errors during the
implementation process.

5 Communitydriven: Development should be locally led, with the community being

the primary beneficiaries [4]. Community members should be involved in all
aspects including decisionmaking, implementation, management, design, and
planning [4].

6 Respect for Indigenous Worldviews and Local Culture: Community development

should respect and incorporate Indigenous holistic values and local cultural
norms while addressing any harmful practices [2].

7 Resilience and Empowerment: The ultimate goal is to make the community

resilient and empowered so that people can control their assets, make their own
choices, and take collective action for development and wellbeing [2].

By adhering to these key principles, community development initiatives can effectively

bring about positive change that is driven by and benefits the community.

Citations:
[1] https://ced.msu.edu/aboutcced/principlesofcommunitydevelopment
[2]
https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/communitydevelopmentpractice/chapter/27/

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[3]
https://www.universalclass.com/articles/business/basicfundamentalsandprinciplesof
communitydevelopment.htm
[4] https://cocollaborative.org.uk/basicprinciplesofcommunitydevelopment/
[5]
https://www.scribd.com/doc/50350150/PrinciplesofCommunityDevelopmentCommun
ityWorkandCommunityOrganization

b. Goals of Community Development

The main goals of community development are:

i. Improving quality of life and wellbeing: Community development aims to enhance the
overall living conditions and socioeconomic status of community members through
initiatives in areas like education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure [1][2].

ii. Fostering economic growth and sustainability: Community development projects

often focus on supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities, and
promoting entrepreneurship to drive economic development and reduce poverty
[2][4].

iii. Promoting social inclusion and empowerment: A key goal is to empower marginalized
or vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities
by ensuring their rights, and voices are heard, and they have equal opportunities
[2][4].

iv. Enhancing community participation and capacity: Community development seeks to

strengthen the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities of community members
and local organizations to enable them to actively participate in decisionmaking and
take charge of their own development [2][3].

v. Preserving cultural heritage: Supporting the preservation of local cultural traditions,

practices, and heritage is important to build a sense of identity and pride within the
community[2].

vi. Ensuring environmental sustainability: Many community development projects aim to

promote environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and
ecofriendly practices to protect the environment for future generations [2].

vii. Improving infrastructure and public facilities: Enhancing or creating essential

physical infrastructure like roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water supply
systems, and public spaces is a key goal to improve living standards [2][4].

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viii. Promoting peace and conflict resolution: Community development initiatives often
aim to resolve conflicts, build harmonious relationships, and enhance social stability
and cohesion within the community [2].

By working towards these multifaceted goals in collaboration with community

members, community development projects can bring about positive, sustainable
change that improves lives and empowers people.

Citations:
[1]
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/objectivesofcommunitydevelopment/20099542
2
[2]
https://howtoapplyforgrants.com/continue/objectivesgoalsofcommunitydevelopment
project/
[3] http://starr.tamu.edu/files/2013/01/cg_color.pdf
[4] https://www.cityofnapa.org/184/CommunityDevelopmentObjectivesGoals
[5]
https://www.agoodcommunity.org/aimsandobjectivesofcommunitydevelopment.html

E. The Difference between Community Development and other related fields and Concepts
(e.g., social work, urban planning, sociology, public administration, community
engagement, etc.)

Here is a summary of the key differences and similarities between community development,
social work, public administration, and environmental planning:

Differences:

1. Focus:
▪ Community development focuses on improving the overall wellbeing and
capacity of entire communities.
▪ Social work focuses on helping and empowering individuals, families, and
small groups.
▪ Public administration focuses on the management and operation of
government agencies and public organizations.
▪ Environmental planning focuses on ensuring the environmental sustainability
of development projects and creating sustainable communities.

2. Approach:
▪ Community development emphasizes a collective, participatory, and
grassroots approach.
▪ Social work often takes a more individualized, case by case approach.

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▪ Public administration takes a more top down, managerial approach to governing
and delivering public services.
▪ Environmental planning takes a more regulatory approach, assessing
development plans for compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

3. Scope:
▪ Community development works at the macro level, tackling systemic and
structural problems in communities.
▪ Social work operates at the micro level, addressing personal and interpersonal
issues.
▪ Public administration operates at the micro level, managing the internal
operations and policies of public organizations.
▪ Environmental planning operates at the micro level, evaluating the
environmental impacts of specific development projects.

4. Objectives:
▪ Community development aims to foster economic, social, political, and
environmental improvements for the entire community.
▪ Social work aims to enhance individual and family well-being.
▪ Public administration aims to ensure efficient, effective, and ethical governance
and public service delivery.
▪ Environmental planning aims to conserve natural resources, protect
undeveloped land, and restore environmental degradation caused by
development.

Similarities:

1. Shared Values: All four disciplines share common values of social justice, human
rights, and empowerment of people and communities.

2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: There is significant overlap and interaction between

these fields, as they often work together to address complex community issues.

3. Community-oriented: All four disciplines emphasize the importance of engaging

with and serving the needs of local communities.

4. Promoting Positive Change: The ultimate goal of all these disciplines is to bring
about positive, sustainable change that improves the lives of community members.

By understanding the unique characteristics and complementary nature of these fields,

practitioners can more effectively integrate their approaches to achieve comprehensive
and impactful community development outcomes.

Citations:

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[1]
https://www.socialworkin.com/2021/09/11differencesbetweencommunityorganization
communitydevelopment.html
[2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02615479.2023.2252844
[3]
https://homework.study.com/explanation/whatisthedifferencebetweencommunitydev
elopmentandsocialwork.html
[4]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318539756_Understanding_Different_Form
s_of_Community_Development_A_Review_of_Literature
[5] https://www.luptoncenter.org/communitydevelopmentandcommunityorganizing/

F. Principles of a Development Vision

Justice

HUM
AN
DIGNI
Participation TY Empowerment

HUMAN DIGNITY
At its most basic, the concept of human dignity is the belief that all people hold a special value
that’s tied solely to their humanity. It has nothing to do with their class, race, gender, religion,
abilities, or any other factor other than their being human.

The term “dignity” has evolved over the years. Originally, the Latin, English, and French words for
“dignity” did not have anything to do with a person’s inherent value. It aligned much closer with
someone’s “merit.” If someone was “dignified,” it meant they had a high status. They belonged
to royalty or the church, or, at the very least, they had money. For this reason, “human dignity”
does not appear in the US Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. The phrase as we
understand it today wasn’t recognized until 1948. The United Nations ratified the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.

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The original meaning of the word “dignity” established that someone deserved respect because
of their status. In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that concept was turned on its
head. Article 1 states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and
rights.” Suddenly, dignity wasn’t something that people earned because of their class, race, or
another advantage. It is something all humans are born with. Simply by being human, all people
deserve respect. Human rights naturally spring from that dignity.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted in 1966, continued this
understanding. The preamble reads that “…these rights derive from the inherent dignity of the
human person.” This belief goes hand in hand with the universality of human rights. In the past,
only people made dignified by their status were given respect and rights. By redefining dignity as
something inherent to everyone, it also establishes universal rights.

The concept of human dignity isn’t limited to human rights. In fact, for centuries, religions around
the world have recognized a form of human dignity as we now understand it. Most (if not all)
religions teach that humans are essentially equal for one reason or another. In Christianity,
Islam, and Judaism, it’s because humans were created in the image of God, becoming children
of God. Dignity is something that a divine being gives to people. In Catholic social teaching, the
phrase “Human Dignity” is used specifically to support the church’s belief that every human life
is sacred. This defines the denomination’s dedication to social issues like ending the death
penalty.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, respectively, dignity is inherent because humans are manifestations
of the Divine or on a universal journey to happiness. In the Shvetasvatara Upanishad, an ancient
Sanskrit text, it reads “We are all begotten of the immortal,” or “We are children of immortality.”
Buddhism begins with the understanding that humans are “rare” because they can make
choices that lead to enlightenment. Our dignity arises from this responsibility and ability, uniting
all humans in their quest.

When everyone is equal, they are all equally deserving of basic respect and rights, at least in
theory. Countless people have had their dignity disrespected over the years by religious
institutions and others using religion as justification.

Why is human dignity so important when it comes to human rights? Human dignity justifies
human rights. When people are divided and given a value based on characteristics like class,
gender, religion, and so on, it creates unequal societies where discrimination runs rampant.
People assigned a higher value get preferential treatment. Anyone who doesn’t fit into the
privileged category is abandoned or oppressed. We’ve seen what happens in places where
human dignity isn’t seen as inherent and human rights aren’t universal. While the privileged few
in these societies flourish, society as a whole suffers significantly. Inevitably, violence erupts. If
a new group takes power and also fails to recognize human dignity, the cycle of destruction
continues, only with different participants.

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Recognizing human dignity and the universality of human rights isn’t just so individuals can be
protected and respected. It’s for the good of the entire world. If everyone’s rights were
respected and everyone got equal opportunities to thrive, the world would be a much happier,
more peaceful place.

HUMAN DIGNITY is the core from which the above three principles emanate. It is the point
behind all development. The sum of man’s inherent potential to be fully human. A reason for
respecting everyone for what he/she is. The basis for protecting human rights. Both the social
order and individual rights emanate from the dignity of each person, who by nature is
endowed with intelligence and free will.

By virtue of this, he (the human person) has rights and qualities which are universal, inviolable,
and inalienable. These rights include the means which are necessary for the proper
development of life
● Planned change should be guided by principles.
● The complete development of man, following human dignity, is to be more rather than
merely to have more.

Poverty and Misery are a result of not according to the human person's centrality in the
organization of social order. Development is not measured only by the amount of money
spent or the amount of macro-economic benefits generated, but by how much people
can take responsibility for development as their own.

A community of rural poor taking an active part in developing their village and
demonstrating their worth is putting their dignity into practice.

PARTICIPATION

Participation refers to the act of taking part in an event, activity, or process. It involves actively
engaging, contributing, or being involved in something. Some key points about participation:

● Participation is vital for the success of an investigation or project, as it requires the active
involvement of all relevant individuals or groups [1][2][4].
● Full participation by all members is often compulsory or necessary for the proper
functioning of a group or organization [2].
● Participation in extracurricular activities can make a person well-rounded, and
educational, and help them make lifelong friends [3].
● Meaningful participation goes beyond symbolic gestures and ensures that individuals or
groups have a real say in decision-making processes that affect them [4].
● Tokenism, on the other hand, is a form of fake participation that is merely a perfunctory
effort or symbolic gesture without real impact [4].
● Participation can take place at different stages of a process, and it is important to ensure
that there is still time and possibility for changes based on the feedback provided [4].
● In a political context, participation refers to the involvement of citizens through elections,
political party activities, demonstrations, and protest culture [4].

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Citations:
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participation
[2] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/participation
[3] https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/participation
[4] https://participation.cbm.org/why/disability-participation/participation
[5] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/participation

According to the search results, there are several key aspects and types of participation:

Types of Participation
▪ Social participation: Involvement in formal voluntary organizations, informal
community groups, and mutual aid/self-help groups [2].
▪ Public participation: Engagement with democratic structures like voting, contacting
representatives, campaigning, consultations, and demonstrations [2].
▪ Individual participation: Personal actions and choices that reflect the kind of society
one wants to live in, such as ethical consumption, recycling, petitions, and informal
helping gestures [2].

Qualities of Participation
▪ Voluntary: Participation is a free choice without coercion [2].
▪ About action: Participation requires some action, even if relatively passive [2].
▪ Collective or connected: Participation means being part of something collective, even if
the action is individual [2].
▪ Purposeful: Participation aims to do something worthwhile and have consequences, at
least for the individual [2].

Levels of Participation
▪ Nominal participation: Participation that gives legitimacy but results in little change [4].
▪ Instrumental participation: Using community participation as a means to an end, like
efficient project implementation [4].
▪ Representative participation: Giving a voice in decisions that affect people, increasing
sustainability for the powerful, and offering leverage for the less powerful [4].
▪ Transformative participation: Results in empowerment and alters structures that lead
to marginalization, with the powerful in solidarity with the less powerful[4].

Experiential Aspects of Participation

▪ Autonomy: Feeling free to make one's own choices [5]
▪ Belongingness: Feeling accepted by others and fitting in [5]
▪ Challenge: Feeling one's skills match the level of difficulty [5]
▪ Engagement: Feeling focused and absorbed, with time passing quickly [5]
▪ Mastery: Feeling confident in one's abilities and achieving goals [5]
▪ Meaning: Feeling a sense of purpose and responsibility to others [5]

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In summary, participation encompasses a wide range of social, political, and individual
activities, with varying degrees of voluntariness, collectivity, and transformative potential.
Experiential aspects like autonomy, belongingness, and mastery are also important facets of
participation.

Citations:
[1]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258101920_Important_aspects_of_participation_an
d_participation_restrictions_in_people_with_a_mild_intellectual_disability
[2] https://www.involve.org.uk/resources/knowledge-base/what/participation
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24160858/
[4] https://www.participatorymethods.org/method/levels-participation
[5]
https://cdpp.ca/sites/default/files/CDPP%20Measure%20of%20Experiential%20Aspects%20o
f%20Participation%20%28MeEAP%29%20%26%20Guide.pdf

The benefits of high participation rates in community projects are numerous:

▪ It builds a sense of community engagement and ownership among citizens, who feel
their voices are heard [3]. Engaged citizens are more likely to have a deeper knowledge
of local issues and provide valuable insights to decision-makers [3].
▪ Participation empowers all community members, including those who may be less
outspoken, by giving everyone an equal voice through democratic processes [3]. This
avoids decisions being made solely by select individuals or groups [3].
▪ Volunteering and community service provide opportunities to connect with others,
make new friends, expand social networks, and develop social and relationship skills
[4]. Volunteering as a family also teaches children the value of giving back [4].
▪ High participation rates in community projects can lead to better outcomes, as funds
are used in ways that make the biggest impact and make the most sense for the local
community [3]. The rate of return on public infrastructure spending is estimated at 20%,
meaning for every $1 spent, the region's GDP increases by 20 cents [3].
▪ Community service and volunteering help students acquire knowledge, and life skills,
and provide service to those in need [5]. It increases social awareness and
responsibility, builds relationships, and makes a positive societal impact [5].
▪ Volunteering provides mental health benefits like increased self-confidence, combating
depression, and staying physically healthy, especially in older adults[4]. It kindles
happiness and a sense of accomplishment [4].

In summary, high participation rates in community projects foster a sense of ownership,

empower diverse voices, build social connections, improve outcomes, and provide individual
mental and physical health benefits. Encouraging broad participation is key to realizing the full
potential of community initiatives.

Citations:
[1] https://granicus.com/blog/participation-phenomenon-getting-involved-in-your-community/

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AND PRACTICES
[2] https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/blogs/articles/students-can-benefit-from-participation-
in-community-service-studies-show
[3] https://thoughtexchange.com/blog/benefits-of-community-participation-in-public-
infrastructure-spending/
[4] https://www.wcsu.edu/community-engagement/benefits-of-volunteering/
[5] https://habitatbroward.org/blog/top-8-benefits-of-community-service-for-students/

The main barriers to participation in community activities include:

1 Lack of Trust - Negative experiences with past participation programs and a lack of trust
in community leaders and officials are major barriers to participation. People may be
hesitant to get involved if they feel their input will not be valued or acted upon [1][4].

2 Lack of Awareness - Many people are simply unaware of opportunities to participate in

community projects and consultations. Effective communication through multiple
channels is needed to raise awareness [1][5].

3 Accessibility Issues - Engagement methods and materials need to be accessible to all

community members. Barriers can include language differences, disabilities,
transportation challenges, and inconvenient meeting times and locations [1][3].

4 Socioeconomic Factors - Poverty, illiteracy, and low socioeconomic status can prevent
people from participating meaningfully in community activities. Lack of resources and
civic education are obstacles [3].

5 Cultural and Institutional Barriers - Cultural norms, centralized decision-making, lack

of local structures, and inadequate funding and staffing for participation programs are
institutional barriers that hinder community involvement [2][4].

To overcome these barriers, community engagement efforts need to build trust over time through
open communication and by demonstrating that participation is valued. Flexible, inclusive
methods, targeted outreach, and providing resources to marginalized groups can also increase
participation [1][5].

Citations:
[1] https://blog.jambo.cloud/how-to-remove-barriers-to-participation-inclusivity-in-
community-engagement
[2] https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-023-02062-0
[3] https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=127788
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10186278/
[5] https://www.commonplace.is/blog/barriers-to-community-engagement

JUSTICE

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Justice is a complex concept that encompasses fairness, equity, and the administration of law.
Some key aspects of justice include:

Fairness and Impartiality - Justice involves treating people fairly and impartially, without
discrimination or favoritism. It means upholding the principle of equal rights and ensuring that
everyone is subject to the same laws and standards [1][2][3].

Moral Rightness - Justice is closely tied to morality and doing what is right. A just society is one
that upholds moral principles like honesty, integrity, and respect for human dignity [1][2][4].

Legal System - The justice system, including courts and law enforcement, is responsible for
administering justice by determining rights, meting out punishments for crimes, and ensuring the
rule of law is followed [2][4].

Philosophical Theories - Philosophers have long grappled with defining justice. Plato saw it as
harmony and balance, with each person doing what they are responsible for. Social contract
theory holds that justice derives from the mutual agreement of society to be governed [5].

Types of Justice - Modern frameworks include distributive justice (fair allocation of benefits and
burdens), retributive justice (punishment of wrongdoers), and restorative justice (repairing harm
and restoring relationships)[5].

In summary, justice is a multifaceted concept that involves fairness, morality, the legal system,
and philosophical ideals. Achieving justice is a fundamental goal of any society.

Citations:
[1] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/justice
[2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice
[3] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/learner-english/justice
[4] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/justice
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice

According to the search results, there are several key aspects and types of justice:

Types of Justice
1 Distributive justice: Determining who gets what and ensuring a fair allocation of benefits
and burdens in society[1][2][4].
2 Procedural justice: Ensuring people are treated fairly and impartially by the legal system
and decision-making processes[3][4].
3 Retributive justice: Punishing wrongdoers and meting out consequences for crimes and
transgressions[3][4].
4 Restorative justice: Repairing harm, restoring relationships, and healing victims,
offenders and communities affected by crime and conflict[3][4].

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Philosophical Perspectives
1 Justice as fairness: Treating people equitably and impartially, correcting power
imbalances, and ensuring due process [3].
2 Social contract theory: Justice derives from the mutual agreement of society to be
governed by certain rules and principles [5].
3 Utilitarianism: Maximizing overall welfare and the greatest good for the greatest number
[5].
4 Deontology: Upholding moral duties, rights, and absolute principles of justice
regardless of consequences [5].

Levels of Justice
1 Moral justice: Upholding moral principles and doing what is right [2].
2 Social justice: Ensuring a fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges in
society [2][5].
3 Legal justice: Administering justice through the legal system and courts [2].

In summary, justice encompasses fairness, equity, rights, punishment, restoration, and moral
philosophy. Distributive, procedural, retributive, and restorative justice are key frameworks for
analyzing issues of justice in society. Achieving justice requires balancing competing
philosophical perspectives and ensuring fair treatment at the moral, social, and legal levels.

Citations:
[1] https://www.jstor.org/stable/42761831
[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1540-6253.1978.tb00062.x
[3] https://jswve.org/volume-18/issue-1/item-06/
[4] https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/types_of_justice
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

Justice plays a crucial role in maintaining social order by:

Upholding the Rule of Law - The judicial system is responsible for ensuring everyone follows
the law and resolving disputes fairly. Impartial enforcement of the law is essential for social
stability[1].

Promoting Fairness and Equity - Justice involves treating all people fairly and providing equal
access to opportunities and resources. Unfairness and discrimination undermine social
cohesion [4].

Securing Human Rights - Protecting fundamental human rights is a core principle of social
justice. Respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals is necessary for a well-functioning
society[4][5].

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Empowering Marginalized Groups - Social justice initiatives aim to improve the lives of
disadvantaged groups facing discrimination. Giving a voice to the marginalized and addressing
systemic barriers helps create a more equitable social order[4][5].

Enabling Participation - Justice requires allowing all members of society to participate in

decision-making that affects their lives. Excluding people's voices leads to resentment and
instability [4].

Providing a Social Contract - Justice, along with order and power, forms the basis of the social
contract that binds society together. A just social contract creates trust and commitment to
shared values [2].

In summary, justice is a fundamental pillar of social order. By upholding the rule of law,
promoting fairness, securing rights, empowering the marginalized, enabling participation, and
providing a social contract, justice helps maintain a stable and cohesive society. Injustice, on
the other hand, breeds disorder, conflict and chaos.

Citations:
[1] https://study.com/learn/lesson/social-order-overview-examples.html
[2] https://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/TJP.CHAP8.HTM
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice
[4] https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/esg/social-justice/
[5] https://onlinesocialwork.vcu.edu/blog/social-work-and-social-justice/

G. The Shift of Focus of Community Development: SD and SDG

The shift from traditional community development to sustainable community development
involves a fundamental change in focus and approach:

Traditional Development Focus

▪ Prioritizing economic growth and progress
▪ Exploiting natural resources without consideration for environmental impacts
▪ Top-down planning and decision-making by experts and authorities
▪ Lack of integration between economic, environmental, and social aspects

Sustainable Development Focus

▪ Recognizing the interrelated nature of economic, environmental and social factors in
communities[3]
▪ Balancing development needs with environmental protection and social equity
▪ Engaging diverse stakeholders in collaborative, bottom-up planning processes[2]
▪ Emphasizing sustainability principles like resource efficiency, renewable energy, and
green infrastructure
▪ Fostering sustainable lifestyles and behaviors among community members[3]

Key Aspects of Sustainable Community Development

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▪ Integrating environmental considerations into development decisions[1]
▪ Promoting sustainable building practices, green spaces, and low-impact
transportation[3]
▪ Providing affordable housing and economic opportunities for all residents[3]
▪ Empowering marginalized groups and ensuring equitable access to resources[4]
▪ Catalyzing thriving social-ecological systems that regenerate natural and human
capital[5]

In summary, the shift to sustainable community development represents a move away from
conventional growth-oriented models towards more holistic, participatory, and ecologically
grounded approaches. It requires rethinking development priorities, planning processes, and
the relationship between people and the environment. Achieving sustainable communities is
an ongoing challenge that necessitates a fundamental shift in thinking and worldviews [5].

Citations:
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305900600000039
[2]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275543281_Learning_about_Sustainable_Commun
ity_Development
[3] https://www.viurrspace.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/66730274-0a9d-44b9-83f4-
e58e94f0fd15/content
[4] https://www.jstor.org/stable/44257342
[5] https://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jsd/article/view/0/42386

Communities face several key challenges when transitioning to sustainable development:

i. Balancing Economic, Environmental and Social Priorities

Sustainable development requires balancing and integrating economic growth, environmental

protection, and social equity. This can be difficult when these priorities seem to conflict in the
short-term[1][2].

ii. Overcoming Entrenched Interests and Mindsets

Shifting away from traditional development models that prioritize growth at all costs requires
overcoming powerful vested interests and changing mindsets that are resistant to new ways of
thinking[4].

iii. Ensuring Equitable Participation and Benefits

Sustainable development must engage diverse stakeholders, especially marginalized groups,

in collaborative planning processes. Ensuring equitable access to resources and benefits is
critical but challenging [1][2].

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iv. Building Institutional Capacity and Governance

Implementing sustainable development requires strong institutions, policies, and governance

structures. Many communities lack the capacity and resources to make this transition [3][4].

v. Measuring Progress and Demonstrating Impact

Defining and measuring progress towards sustainability is complex. Demonstrating the

benefits of sustainable development to skeptical stakeholders is an ongoing challenge [2][5].

vi. Scaling Up Successful Initiatives

While many communities have pioneered innovative sustainable development projects, scaling
these up to achieve systemic change is difficult. Replicating successes in different contexts
requires adaptation [4].

In summary, the key challenges are reconciling competing priorities, overcoming resistance to
change, ensuring equity, building capacity, measuring impact, and scaling up. Overcoming
these barriers requires sustained commitment, collaboration, and innovation in communities
transitioning to sustainable development.

Citations:
[1] https://academic.oup.com/cdj/article-abstract/32/3/210/350280
[2] http://sustainablecommunitydevelopmentgroup.org/wordpress/issues/
[3] https://www.jstor.org/stable/44257342
[4] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227736698_Challenges_to_Community-
Based_Sustainable_Development_Dynamics_Entitlements_Institutions
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sustainable-community-development-why-needed-how-
achieve-aditya-ayy3c

H. What Facilitates Community Development

The CD general literature generally refers to this as social capital or social capacity, which
describes the abilities of residents to organize and mobilize their resources for the
accomplishment of consensual defined goals (Christenson and Robinson 1989) or the resources
embedded in social relationships among persons and organizations that facilitate cooperation
and collaboration in communities (Committee for Economic Development 1995).

MODULE 3: The Beginning of CD: Definition, History, Concepts and Practices

CD 111 – Introduction to Community Development
Roel S. Sayson, MSCD | USeP CDM, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines
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MODULE 3: THE BEGINNING OF CD: DEFINITION, HISTORY, CONCEPTS
AND PRACTICES

This figure depicts the CD chain. The solid lines show the primary flow of causality. However,
there is a feedback loop shown by the dotted lines. Progress in the outcome of community
development (taking positive action resulting in physical and social improvements in the
community) contributes to capacity building (the process of CD) and social capital. For example,
better infrastructure (e.g., public transportation, internet access) facilitates public interaction,
communications, and group meetings. Individuals who are materially, socially, and
psychologically better off are likely to have more time to spend on community issues because
they have to devote less time to meeting basic human and family needs. Success begets success
in community development. When local citizens see positive results (outcome), they generally
more enthused and plow more energy into the process because they see payoff.

MODULE 3: The Beginning of CD: Definition, History, Concepts and Practices

CD 111 – Introduction to Community Development
Roel S. Sayson, MSCD | USeP CDM, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines