“Effect of Employees’ Moral Integrity on Poverty Alleviation: The Case of the BARMM Central Offices”

Abstract

This study is a modest attempt to determine the perceived impact of moral integrity on poverty alleviation in the BARMM central offices. The study used a descriptive research design and a survey questionnaire in gathering the primary data from a purposively selected official and employee respondents at the BARMM central offices. In terms of its significant findings, the study has found that majority of the respondents were aware of the important provisions of RA 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The study results also showed that the respondents agreed with majority of the statement indicators of moral integrity as practiced in the BARMM. More importantly, the respondents also believed that poverty has a great negative impact on the socio-economic condition of the Moro population. The important implications of these findings include the need to continuously conduct awareness campaign on moral governance not only among BARMM officials and employees but also the general Moro population. The study findings also suggest that BARMM officials and employees are generally perceived as practicing high standards of honesty, transparency, accountability, and fairness in their work. Moreover, it was also concluded by the study that there is no significant relationship between respondents' profile and their perception on moral integrity. At any rate, amidst the study findings and their implications, the study recommends for the institutionalization of moral integrity in public service or good governance within the BARMM by adopting effective measures and strategies which should focus on integrating moral values and ethics into the school curriculum, conducting workshops or seminars for students, teachers, and community members. The study also recommends for the active involvement of the Moro population in the BARMM governance through effective citizen participation as symbolically represented by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).