Enhancing Transparency through Information and Cybercrime Education (PHSC0002)

Commitment ID

PHSC0002

Commitment Title

Enhancing Transparency through Information and Cybercrime Education

Problem

Majority of the general public has limited knowledge on the available services, records or vital information the provincial government offers at what particular office and on how these can be accessed.

Status quo

While a variety of combination of online and offline channels of providing information was already implemented, still the number of constituent reached was not fully recorded for impact assessment.

Oftentimes information is not derived from the implementing office resulting in miscommunication in social media and unnecessary conflict which can lead to lawsuits.

Action

The Open Information Commitment under the First OGP Action Plan 2018-2020 was realized with the passage of the Provincial Ordinance on Freedom of Information (FOI) last March 20, 2020, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Hilario De Pedro VI. This marked South Cotabato as the 28th Local Government Unit in the country to localize the implementation of the FOI.

With its approval, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato is aligned with the vision of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to empower local communities to have access to government information, records, and documents in LGUs.

In order to inform the general public on such measures, massive information education and communication or IEC must be conducted targeting civil society organizations (CSOs) through the organized People’s Council per component LGUs of South Cotabato per district.

The dissemination of FOI Ordinance coupled with RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 “ensure that personal information in information and communications systems in the government and in the private sector are secured and protected.”

Additionally, in order to prevent any untoward incidents, RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 should also be included in the IEC, particularly the proper usage of electronic devices when airing out complaints regarding encounters with the frontline service providers of the provincial department offices.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The orientation on the two republic acts will provide people access to government information and will enable them to communicate their feedback on public services, records or vital information. This will be further advanced by the orientation on the FOI Ordinance, which will provide people with the information they need for better decision-making for their economic, social, institutional development, in addition to minimizing miscommunication.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

In line with the province's development direction supporting the international agenda for sustainable development, the commitment will contribute to all the 17 SDGs but particularly on Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Primary Policy Area

Open Data, Right to Information

Primary Sector

Media and Telecommunications, Private Sector

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?