KORONADAL CITY – Amidst the Covid-19, the South Cotabato integrity Circle (SCIC) continues to deliver its commitments under the South Cotabato –Open Government Partnerships. During its 3rd Quarterly meeting held today at the PDC Hall, Capitol Compound this city, the SCIC presented its accomplishments on the following five thematic areas which include the following: 1. Open Information which focuses on Increasing Inclusivity in Public Access to Government Information; 2. Open Legislation on Establishing Online Channels to Broaden Civic Engagement and Increase Relevance of Local Legislations ; 3. Open Monitoring on Open and Participatory Monitoring For Quality Infrastructure 4. Open Mining Information on Engaging Citizen’s Participation by Developing EI-TECh (Extractive Industry-Transparency E-system & Channels) and; 5.Open Contracting which focuses on Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency of the Public Procurement Process.
One of the milestone accomplishment of the SCIC was the Enactment and Passage of the Provincial Ordinance on Freedom of Information (FOI) last March 20, 2020, by the Sangguniang Panlalwigan of South Cotabato under the Chairmanship of Hon. Hilario De Pedro VI. This makes 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.
Under the assistance of PCOO’s Asec. Kristian Ablan, who formally joined the meeting via zoom, South Cotabato’s FOI will soon to be included under its national portal. To date, there are only three LGUS who were included under the foi.gov.ph and if it will be pushed through, South Cotabato will be the fourth inclusion.
Asec Ablan said he is happy that the province has been very active in the implementation of the SCIC more so with its FOI since the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) is underway.
