KORONADAL, SOUTH COTABATO – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato strengthened its efforts to promote integrity, transparency, and accountable public service through the Integrity Forum 2026 held recently at the PDC Hall, Provincial Capitol Compound.
Hosted by the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (OPPDC) Special Projects Division as part of the province’s Integrity Week 2026, the forum carried the theme “From Integrity to Excellence: Fueling Competence for Quality Public Service.”
During the opening message delivered on behalf of Acting Provincial Administrator Atty. Renette B. Bergado, Julius Maniego emphasized that integrity must be practiced consistently in the performance of public duties.
“We do our responsibility even if no one is watching,” the message emphasized.
Maniego also encouraged civil society organizations (CSOs) and people’s organizations (POs) to strengthen integrity in their respective workplaces and organizations, recognizing their role in promoting accountability and citizen participation.
The forum brought together government personnel, CSOs, POs, and other stakeholders to discuss how open government and citizen participation can contribute to better public service delivery.
One of the key discussions was led by Atty. Francis Sariu U. Aldana, Project Development Officer V of the Philippine Open Government Partnership Project Management Office (PH-OGP PMO), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), who discussed the institutionalization of OGP commitments, national directives, and OGP localization.
Aldana emphasized that participatory governance should translate into responsible management of public resources and better outcomes for communities.
“Participatory governance boils down to public financial accountability and management,” Aldana said.
He also urged participants to examine whether public funds are actually responding to the needs of citizens.
“Did the money respond to the people’s needs? Did our financial decisions produce better results for the people?” he said.
Aldana further stressed that improper planning and implementation can undermine public trust.
“Wrong project, wrong location, wrong beneficiary, poor implementation—all of these can lead to poor public trust,” he said.
The forum also featured discussions on advancing integrity through open government and city government initiatives, the OGP Localization Flagship Program of the Municipality of Kalamansig, and the sharing of best practices from a Dangal Enterprise Awardee.
For Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., upholding integrity is reflected in how the provincial government translates its resources into programs that directly benefit South Cotabateños.
“Integrity must be reflected not only in our words, but in the way we deliver our programs and services. Through our flagship programs, we make sure that government resources are used properly and that the benefits reach the people who need them,” Tamayo said.
He added that proper planning, implementation, and monitoring of the province’s flagship programs help ensure that public funds are converted into tangible services and opportunities for constituents.
“Our commitment to integrity means that every program must have a clear purpose and must create a meaningful impact on the lives of our people. This is how we uphold their trust in government,” Tamayo said.
The forum provided participants with insights that can help strengthen accountability, citizen participation, and responsible decision-making, supporting the province’s continuing efforts to deliver quality, transparent, and people-centered public service.
