International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
City Diplomacy amid Regional Integration: A Philippine Perspective on the ASEAN Smart Cities Network
Jovito Jose P. Katigbaka, Jeremie P. Credob
aInternational Studies Department, Far Eastern University
bSchool of Diplomacy and Governance, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde
Abstract: The significance of local actors in regional integration was reaffirmed in November 2018 upon the adoption of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Framework. The ASCN is envisaged as a collaborative platform where member cities can discuss and resolve the challenges brought about by rapid urbanization. It can thus be said that it fundamentally espouses the role of city diplomacy as an important means and end in the successful realization of sustainable urbanization. In the Philippines’ case, the involvement of Manila, Cebu, and Davao as pilot cities is mainly catalyzed by two factors, namely, the need to address the interests of their communities and as an expression of solidarity with other ASEAN cities. Further, the participation of these local government units (LGUs) in diplomatic activities at the regional level primarily focus on economic, cultural, cooperative, and representative dimensions. To effectively address enforcement-related challenges, LGUs may undertake capacity-building activities, advance a whole-of-society approach, tap new financing schemes, ensure project continuity, and expand the ASCN to include other cities.
Keywords: ASEAN affairs, ASEAN Economic Community, city diplomacy, regional integration, smart cities
I.INTRODUCTION
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognizes rapid urbanization as both a challenge and an opportunity. Notably, there is a need for governments to monitor processes and projects rigorously, or else urbanization would perpetuate socio-economic and environmental problems such as income disparity, pollution, and traffic congestion, among others. However, when managed efficiently and effectively, urbanization may bear fruits such as employment opportunities, business efficiency, and global networks and partnerships.
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) is a landmark undertaking as it formalizes the regional grouping’s goal to secure greater involvement from localities in addressing regional issues amid a shifting environment (ASEAN Secretariat, 2020a). Moreover, the ASCN’s primary objective of fostering sustainable urban areas through synergistic partnerships would entail and lead to the empowerment of local actors as the official voice of their respective cities at the regional level. The conduct of city