Ipil, ZSP)- More than just posting of documents in three conspicuous places using the Full Disclosure Policy Board, the municipality of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay, a first class town, transcends into an advance mechanism of advancing transparency and promoting accountability. For more than two years, this optimistic venture that started on 2013 under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan continues to reach their constituents through the use of one of the local TV Channels that circulated 24/7 in the area.

How it all begins?

To strengthen ties with the existing service provider, the Local Government Unit of Ipil also inked Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ipil Cable Telecommunications and to reach the public, there were also widescreen televisions installed in the terminals, markets and in the municipal hall. “ The concept of such undertaking is not only limited on financial transactions but it also covers the accomplishments and performance of the LGU, said Benonie Galambao, DILG Officer. “ People look at the results and they can appreciate more if they can visually see it in a creative way, right at their homes” he added. Likewise, the LGU utilized the Social Media such as Facebook to reach their constituent. At present, the LGU having 2.5K followers can be accessed via FB Page: Municipality of Ipil Transparency Board to help communities having access to LGU operations including the PDF file of the Daily Check Disbursement, announcements and other related updates.

CHALLENGES

In an interview, Mark Aposaga, the uploader of the data, said that with regards to the initiative, some challenges might be encountered such as the constant follow up from the concerned agencies for the consolidation of reports to be displayed on screen. Manpower can likewise be the constraint especially when only few have technical know-how of the process. “ It is not just going to collect the documents but we have to convert the documents into a powerpoint and then readily available into video format. Aside from that, we also uploaded advocacy materials from various agencies as well as certain replay of some activities undertaken by the LGU.

Such initiative, which triggers reform within the LGU, is a response from the call on the Full Disclosure Policy issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, to help curb corruption and misuse of public funds.

Moreover, it also helps increase people’s awareness regarding available public funds, and accomplishments where transparency is counted prime.#