Digital Governance, Participatory Planning, and Sustainable Urban Development: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Method Study in Emerging Philippine Cities

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in emerging Philippine cities presents significant and complex challenges in infrastructure, governance practices, digital transformation, and citizen participation in promoting sustainable urban development. This study investigates the impact of governance frameworks, digital governance systems, and citizen participation on sustainable urban development using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 100 respondents, including local government officials, urban planners, and community members, and analyzed employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Qualitative data from interviews were used to support and explain statistical findings. Results reveal that governance frameworks significantly predict sustainable urban development (β = 0.45, p < 0.01), followed by digital governance (β = 0.30, p < 0.01) and citizen participation (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), while governance structures are participatory and inclusive. The findings underscore the need for integrated governance approaches that combine institutional capacity, technological innovation, and inclusive citizen engagement.