Civil Society: Liberation from State Rule

(July 14 - 26, 2002)
by Atty. Ma. Araceli Basco Habaradas

Highlights

The seminar principally focused on two areas -- the concept of civil society, and the factors and conditions surrounding a country's struggle before and after its "liberation" from state rule. Corollary to these two areas is the discussion on the elements and conditions that promote genuine liberal democracy.

More specifically, the seminar covered the following subjects:

• Liberal concepts of democracy and civil society;
• Methods of promoting democracy and civil society;
• Liberal priorities in the transition process;
• Comparative international survey of problems of transition;
• Reasons for transition to democracy and for the formation of civil society;
• Obstacles in the course of transition; and
• Democracy, civil society and development.

Significant Areas of Learning

While the facilitators managed to inject a fairly wide scope of issues as enumerated above, I found several parts of the seminar more significant in relation to my sphere of responsibility and influence as a lawyer and a civil servant. Among those I found useful are the discussions on the proliferation and limitation to the growth of civil society, and the comparative sharing of individual nations' obstacles in the process of transition to democracy.

In the course of the seminar, my significant areas of learning relate to the following:

• The concept of civil society -- the relativity in perception, its evolving and dynamic nature;
• Various reasons for transition to democracy;
• Conditions that motivate the formation and proliferation of civil society groups in the country;
• Similarities and differences in the obstacles encountered by countries in the course of transition to democracy;
• The different dynamics that govern the operation of "democracy" in different countries;
• Formulating the exact formula or balance between the implementation of fully liberal policies and of state interventionist policies taking in context the existing economic and political conditions in a particular country; and
• The techniques used during the seminar.

Participation

There was a very active exchange among participants during the workshops and the plenary sessions. Much of my inputs referred to the Philippine situation, and how it can be a good basis, and maybe an example to duplicate in other countries, particularly in the area of development of civil society.

Like the other participants, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to present before the entire group on several occasions -- during the presentations of the working group on the elements that a Constitution must contain, and of the working results of the regional group on how civil society work out.

I also had the chance to be one of the debaters in the American debate on State vs. Citizen, and one of the debaters-panelists in the panel discussion on Reconciliation vs. Justice. On both counts, I found it fulfilling to share a cooperative effort in presenting arguments, and at the same time, challenging in meeting the arguments of the participants from other groups.

Observations

While all points attempted to be imparted are ideals of liberal democracy, most of which, if not all, I basically adhere to, there are suggestions that may not be fully applicable to the Philippine situation. The differences in economic and political situations, as well as cultural and religious conditions among countries call for the adjustment of application of liberal ideals in every country. This is a matter that is, of course, left to the better judgment of all participants as we put into practice in our respective countries what we have learned in the seminar.

On another point, the chance to watch closely how efficient the seminar was conducted in the academy was a welcome opportunity for me. The methods used in the conduct of the seminar and the amount of preparation and degree of precision in the execution of each segment of the seminar are well noted as they serve as ideal reference for the future conduct of similar endeavors in the Philippines.

Further, the brief glimpse of the German way of life constitutes a good part of my education in this two-week program. Certainly, there is a lot to be admired about, and so much to be learned from the discipline they have shown, as well as their methods and ideals in dealing with governance and society. The gracious hospitality is likewise greatly appreciated.

Minor Limitation

Unavoidably, the language factor caused limitations in the conduct of free-flowing discussions on issues and concerns within and without the seminar. A more in depth exchange could have been achieved. Considering this unavoidable factor, it was fortunate that the presence of able interpreters assisted in bridging the linguistic gap among participants. With the aided communication, the participants endeavored to absorb as much from what their co-participants have to express.

Other Realizations

It provides some comfort to learn that the obstacles to a successful transition to "real" democracy, and the conditions to overcome such obstacles are not as grave in relation to other countries. This is perhaps attributable to the fact that the Philippines was relatively "ahead" than other countries in obtaining the so-called liberation from state rule and in venturing into democracy. Thus, I take this comfort as an indication for optimism for the country considering the "headway" it has achieved from the time it ended a dictatorship.

Arguably more significant in the two-week program is the exchange of political, cultural and social ideals among participants outside the formal lectures and workshops. Over meals or drinks, we were able to reveal more to each other about the problems in our countries, and the difficulties we encounter in our respective professions. The sharing involved more than what can be read and seen in newspapers and television respectively, thus, giving each one probably a totally new understanding of what actually happens in other countries.

Post-Seminar Introspection

Most important, above all, is the broader perspective and understanding of liberal policies and of societies gained after the seminar. This comes with the concomitant realization that one's views on what is happening in his or her own country is enlarged or affirmed after hearing what other people have to say about their own countries' experiences.

Overall, the experience in this seminar may be described as enriching and inducing. Enriching because of everything learned and of the broadened perspective gained by interacting with young leaders from different nations. Inducing because this broader perspective incites the generation of better ideas for the Philippines.