Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals: Governance Strategies, Communication Practices, and Implementation Challenges Among Local Government Units in Isabela Province, Philippines

Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) involves local governments adapting global priorities into governance practices that address community needs. A qualitative descriptive design using reflexive thematic analysis was employed to explore the experiences and perspectives of ten local chief executives from selected local government units in Isabela Province. Participants were chosen through purposive sampling, and data were gathered using a semi-structured interview guide. Six themes emerged from the analysis: institutionalizing SDGs as strategic governance practice, bridging the global-local communication gap, transitioning from SDG tagging to multi-goal program design, resource and data deficits constraining local delivery, collaborative networks and divergent role trajectories, and data capacitation as the central reform imperative. The findings indicated that participating LGUs integrate the SDGs into local plans, programs, projects, and community activities, although the depth of integration varies. Local chief executives also employ different communication approaches to make global goals more understandable and relevant to communities. However, limited financial resources, insufficient local data, and technical capacity gaps remain significant barriers to effective implementation. Therefore, strengthening local data systems, technical capacity, community participation, and collaboration between local and national governments is crucial to advancing effective and sustainable SDG localization in Isabela Province.