Participatory development seeks to engage local populations in development projects to strengthen their influence over decisions and resources. It empowers groups to negotiate with institutions, improves efficiency and sustainability of programs, and checks government power. Effective participatory development requires identifying stakeholders like community groups, governments, NGOs and donors, and incorporating their input at all stages through methods ranging from information sharing to shared control. Examples from Philippines projects demonstrate how participatory planning at village, municipal and provincial levels built social capital and empowered communities.