The output component of the systems framework is in essence the focal point of this study – that is good metropolitan governance – defined simply as the desired standards in the practice of metropolitan governance. In this study, these desired standards are identified as: (1) institutional stability and financial sustainability; (2) practice and adherence to the principles and norms of good governance, and; (3) achievement of goals and objectives. These three (3) factors are seen in this study as indicators and standards of a well managed and governed metropolis, which are prerequisites to achieving an improve quality of urban life. Institutional stability mandates that the alliance possesses strong leadership, participative membership, enabling structures and established purpose, plans and operations. On the other hand, financial sustainability necessitates commitment to fund and finance the alliance, determined sources of funds, payment and collection mechanisms, capability to generate own income, capability to tap external funding sources, established fund management schemes and accountability and transparency in all financial transactions. Practice and adherence to the norms and principles of good governance was determined based on the major indicators of participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency, and accountability and transparency. Other indicators of good governance were used as supplementary factors, given that they are all interrelated and mutually reinforcing of the other. Lastly, achievement of goals and objectives were analyzed and evaluated through the alliance’s actual performance vis-à-vis the declared functions and mandates and goals and objectives. The agreed areas of collaboration and the general goals and objectives of the alliance as supplemented by Laquian’s (1995) four (4) Es of metropolitan governance were used as key points of analysis on the aspect of achievement of goals and objectives by MIGEDC.
Good metropolitan governance is envisioned to be the answer to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and the ever-dynamic and changing metropolitan environment. This is perfectly captured by the remark of MIGEDC Champion, Cong. Jerry Treñas that “good governance at the metropolitan level is the imperative first step towards the pursuit of improved quality of urban life in large cities”. When good metropolitan governance is practiced by metropolitan alliances like MIGEDC, the very outcome of the systems framework – that is, improved quality of urban life – will be attained.