These are the FIVE (5) Open Government Partnership (OGP) Commitments of South Cotabato. Each commitments were formulated through the thorough evaluation of the needs of the public. Certain departments from the Province of South Cotabato, CSOs, and Private Sectors plays a vital role in the accomplishment of these commitments. 

OPEN INFORMATION

Increasing Inclusivity in Public Access to Government Information for Inclusive Growth

Problem:

Poverty level is still high especially in isolated communities of indigenous peoples. How can the government respond to what people really need when citizens have limited access to government information?

Solution: 

The public will be better able to access government data and provide feedback both online and offline. They can view and save info on programs and services anywhere with Internet. If they have no Internet, a direct community engagement program will record what citizens want to ask the Governor. They will then air the Governor’s response over radio.

OPEN MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Open and Participatory Monitoring Towards Quality Infrastructure for Increased

Urban-Rural Integration

Problem:

Infrastructure projects sometimes suffer from delayed implementation and completion. There are times when project quality and fund utilization is poor. Ideally, isolated communities should have better access to basic social services while being economically interdependent. Goods, services and mobility should also be improved. How can the government deliver the results they want?

Solution:

The public will be able to access real-time project monitoring results through an application. They can also give feedback and comments on infrastructure project status. Improved collaboration will help address issues faced in project implementation. Any findings and recommendations will be publicized for better accountability

OPEN CONTRACTING

Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency of the Public Procurement Process

Problem:

Completion of infrastructure projects are delayed due to problems in procurement, including not enough suppliers/contractors bidding and delays in service delivery by contractors. Problems like these hinder the timely completion of projects. How can the government improve the project procurement process?

Solution:

This commitment will make the procurement process more open both online and offline. They will then be better able to implement quality infrastructure projects as scheduled. The commitment also allows service delivery that is more effective and efficient.

OPEN MINING INFORMATION

Developing and Integrating Transparency Standards and Systems for Increased Accountability and Social Responsibility in Extractive Industries of South Cotabato

Problem:

People are misinformed about mining activities in the province. They either do not have access to information about such activities, or they are not capable of understanding the information. This has caused tension and conflict within communities affected by mining, and between anti and pro-mining groups. How can the government solve this?

Solution:

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards will be integrated. Transparency about mining, quarrying and energy industries in the province will be improved. People will also be better engaged through the systems this commitment will implement.

OPEN LEGISLATION

Broadening Civic Engagement towards Relevant Local Legislation

Problem:

Policies affect how localities develop. To reduce poverty, ordinances need to be relevant and effective. The general public must be better engaged for this to happen. Unfortunately, not all legislative measures are open for public hearing. Most people have limited knowledge on these measures. How can the government improve the public’s capability to provide input and propose new legislative measures?

Solution:

Legislative processes and measures will be distributed both online and offline. Citizens can also be consulted on pieces of legislation over these platforms. This will ensure that the government will pass legislative measures and processes that are relevant.