Category: Regulatory Reform

Implementing Agency: 

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented: 

12 March 2020 – 8 June 2020; 29 March 2021 – 12 April 2021

Theme: 

Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

As the number of COVID-19 cases were beginning to rise in March 2020, the City Government of Valenzuela adopted City Ordinance No. 669, otherwise known as the Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance of 2020. This was done to limit the maximum number of each particular product that may be purchased per consumer, thus preventing the hoarding of essential goods and ensuring that more people have access to them.

Background and Problem

Crises and disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and supertyphoons have triggered panic buying sprees among the Filipino public in the past, and in early March 2020 it seemed that this would also be the case for the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoarding was also evident in other countries as well during this period, leading to shortages in essential supplies such as canned goods, toiletries, and even toilet paper. While the items were purchased legally and not looted or stolen, this practice nonetheless deprives other citizens of the goods they need for themselves and their families. 

Solution and Impact 

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 922 on 8 March 2020, declaring a public health emergency and enjoining all national agencies and local government units to mobilize the necessary resources to undertake the urgent and appropriate measures to address the looming crisis. Just days later on 12 March, the Valenzuela City Council passed the Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance authored by 1^st District Councilor Rovin Feliciano and sponsored by 2^nd District Councilor Kim Galang-Tiangco.

The ordinance prevented consumers from buying excessive amounts of essential commodities and temporarily limited the number of each specific item that private consumers can purchase. Operators of retail businesses such as sari-sari stores would need to present their business permit before they could avail of bulk purchases for the products that their businesses would carry.

Prior to the adoption and implementation of the ordinance, the City Government conducted public consultations with barangay officials, representatives from retail establishments and malls, and other concerned individuals to identify the products and goods to be included in the list.

List of  items and amounts that citizens or retailers may purchased per day

(Source: Valenzuela City Facebook Page)

Included among the items are essential pantry items such as canned goods, powdered milk, coffee, bread, eggs, sugar, and rice, as well as hygiene products such as soap and toilet paper. The notable inclusions in the list are products of particularly high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic—rubbing alcohol, disinfectant, face masks, and vitamin supplements.

Copies of the list were posted within the premises of each establishment to inform consumers about the limitation on the goods and products that they are allowed to purchase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Violators of the ordinance will be penalized amounting to PHP 1,000 for the first offense; PHP 2,000 for the second offense; and PHP 3,000 and eight hours of community service for the third offense. Non-compliant business owners may face closure or revocation of their business permits.

Milestones 

The ordinance has been subject to constant review depending on the needs of the population and the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Its implementation has largely coincided with the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) protocols in Metro Manila.

As a result of its practicality and its fairness to all citizens affected by the pandemic, the ordinance has been replicated by Pasig City and other local government units.

The revised list of items under the ordinance during its second implementation from 29 March 2021, to 12 April 2021 (Source: Valenzuela City Facebook Page)

Photos

Special Session conducted on 12 March 2020 (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Special Session conducted on 12 March 2020 (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Special Session conducted on 12 March 2020 (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Sources

Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance of Valenzuela City, City Ordinance No. 669. (2020).

City Government of Valenzuela (2020, March 12). Valenzuela City Imposes Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Measures Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.

Galupo, R. (2020, March 14). Valenzuela passes anti-panic buying ordinance. Philstar. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/03/14/2000624/valenzuela-passes-anti-panic-buying-ordinance 

Garcia, V. (2020, March 20). LOOK: Supermarkets in Pasig, Valenzuela comply with anti-panic buying, anti-hoarding ordinances. Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1245104/look-pasig-valenzuela-supermarkets-comply-with-anti-panic-buying-anti-hoarding-ordinance#ixzz6zAmYhQIZ

Lolo, R. (2020, June 9). Valenzuela lifts hoarding, panic-buying ban. Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/06/09/valenzuela-lifts-hoarding-panic-buying-ban

Niviera, A. (2021, March 28). Valenzuela City imposes anti-hoarding, anti-panic buying ordinance anew. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/28/valenzuela-city-imposes-anti-hoarding-anti-panic-buying-ordinance-anew/

Niviera, A. (2021, April 12). Valenzuela city lifts anti-hoarding, anti-panic buying ordinance. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/12/valenzuela-city-lifts-anti-hoarding-anti-panic-buying-ordinance/ 

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Baguio

Year Implemented:

21 March 2020-present

Themes: 

• Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility
• Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

In response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in early March 2020, the City Government of Baguio enforced a systematic and efficient triage system for organizing and handling the various medical emergencies of its citizens.

Background and Problem

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the carrying capacity of health systems throughout the world, resulting in overwhelmed and crowded medical and healthcare facilities. Local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines struggled to provide an effective response to the crisis, particularly in the earlier days of the outbreak. Identifying potential COVID-19 cases and organizing where patients go and what services they receive quickly became critical in addressing the citizens’ needs while attempting to control the spread of the virus, particularly among healthcare professionals.

Solution and Impact 

The Baguio LGU first set up a triage system on 21 March 2020, covering all health centers, the main Health Services Office, City Hall, and other city government workplaces. This has since been expanded to include the Baguio City Central Triage, checkpoint triages at the various entries into the city, and several other triage centers implemented with partners such as the Diocese of Baguio, Camp John Hay, and the Parkway Molecular Laboratory.

For outsiders entering the city such as returning Baguio residents (RBRs) and tourists, documents such as medical certificates, PNP-issued travel authorities, and Health Declaration Forms are required for entry through the system’s multiple checkpoint triages. Those with symptoms are escorted to the triage of their chosen hospital, while those without symptoms proceed to the Central Triage to be processed.

Milestones 

The triage system has been managing potential COVID-19 cases efficiently and effectively. Records show that out of 1,048 workers who entered the city from 7 to 27 May 2020, 11.9% were found to have pneumonia, tuberculosis, and heart problems, which are comorbidities associated with coronavirus. Having a network of triages has also a positive on the healthcare system as a whole, as testing backlogs at major hospitals such as the Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center have been minimized, allowing work to proceed with the mass testing of priority health workers and other virus-prone jobs such as drivers and vendors.

As of 26 October 2021, the Baguio LGU extended its medical triage to all fully vaccinated tourists entering the city, requiring the presentation of travel documents, VISITA registration, vaccination certification, and confirmed bookings with IATF-approved hotels. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated adults and minors aged 12 to 17 must present negative results of an Antigen or RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before arrival or during health screening at the City Triage. Minors aged 11 and below may be tested with clearance from their accompanying parents or adult guardian.

Photos

Requirements for Entry and Exit in Baguio (Source: Dr. Celia Flor Cascolan-Brillantes, MD, MPH, PHSAE, FPSVI)

Requirements upon entering Baguio City as of October 2021

(source: Public Information Office – Baguio City FB Page)

Baguio City Central Triage (Source: Public Information Office – Baguio City)

Medical Triages for Outbound in PFVR Gymnasium and Athletic Bowl (Source: Dr. Celia Flor Cascolan-Brillantes, MD, MPH, PHSAE, FPSVI)

Sources

Cascolan-Brillantes, C. (2020, October 15). COVID-19: The Baguio experience. City Government of Baguio. [Presentation]

Catajan, M. (2020, May 20). Baguio City prepares for returning residents. Sunstar Baguio. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1857158/Baguio/Local-News/Baguio-City-prepares-for-returning-residents.

Geminiano, P. (2020, June 7). Baguio keeps strict quarantine checkpoints despite MGCQ. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105155

Public Information Office – City of Baguio. (2020, May 23). St. Vincent Central Triage – The city’s central triage had been set up at the St. Vincent gym along Naguilian Road 

[Status Update]. Facebook. 

https://www.facebook.com/pio.baguio/posts/564152374236889?_rdc=1&_rdr

Public Information Office – City of Baguio. (2021, October 26) We now welcome FULLY VACCINATED tourists (except those from ECQ, MECQ, Levels 4 and 5 areas) 

[Status update] Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/profile/100044399560402/search/?q=triage

https://www.facebook.com/baguiotourism/photos/a.358906537992256/990750304807873

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Baguio

Year Implemented:

22 October 2020 – present

Themes: 

• Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility
• Digitization & New Technologies
• Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

Baguio VISITA (Visitor Information and Travel Assistance) is an online portal implemented by the City Government of Baguio aimed at jumpstarting tourism while also monitoring travel movement to ensure safety from COVID-19. 

Background and Problem

A significant portion of Baguio City’s revenue comes from tourism, as evidenced by its moniker “the Summer Capital of the Philippines.” The outbreak of COVID-19 was thus a devastating blow to the LGU, affecting not just local business but also the city’s capacity to respond to the healthcare crisis caused by the pandemic.

Solution and Impact 

To address the loss in tourism revenues and the negative effects to the tourism industry, the Baguio City Government crafted a recovery and resiliency plan to revive the local tourism economy, refreshed tourism products and services, and rejuvenate travel confidence through strategic innovations by utilizing digital platforms.

VISITA is an online registration system for Baguio tourists and travelers designed to regulate the entry and monitor the mobility of visitors through a ticketing system using a QR-coded Tourist Pass (QTP). It allows tourism to restart in the city while maintaining the city’s health and safety protocols, from the mandated triages up to digital check-ins for contact tracing. 

The web application features online registration for auto-regulation and real-time data analytics, QR-coded e-tickets as electronic identification, health data for contact tracing and contactless processes, safe and compliant tourism establishments and services listings for travel confidence, tourism establishments dashboard for empowered marketing, and tourist sites and services directory with a feedback mechanism for an empowered tourist experience. 

Visits to the city can be scheduled by filling up an online questionnaire at least one day before arrival. Additional requirements include a health declaration and a COVID-19 test which can be done before or upon arrival. After pre-registration and arrival at Baguio City, tourists pass through triage and are continuously monitored through VISITA.

Milestones 

The VISITA web portal has allowed the Baguio City Government to reopen the city to tourism, even conducting the 2020 Ibagiw Creative Festival from 6 to 29 November 2020. The City Government has also garnered support from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). 

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) conferred Baguio City with the 2020 Business Friendly Award in recognition of VISITA’s success in addressing the impact of the pandemic to the city’s business community. The platform was also a finalist in the 2020 Digital Governance Awards of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). It was also featured as an example of good practice in promoting creative economy and e-commerce for tourism recovery by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation.

Moving forward, VISITA will serve as the online portal for tourists even after the pandemic, serving as a personal guide and assistant when traveling to Baguio. It has been upgraded to include booking assistance, itinerary planning, payment of regulatory fees, and on-site assistance for events, services, connectivity, and emergencies.

Testimony

“As with many places around the world, seeing the City devoid of tourists was very hard. Wanting to welcome them back and protect our residents at the same time, we turned to technology for the answer recognizing the efficiencies it could bring.” – Alec Mapalo, Division Head, Baguio City Tourism and Special Events office

Photos

Oracle Philippines x Baguio VISITA App (Source: Baguio VISITA website)

Landing Page of the Baguio VISITA webpage. (Source: Baguio VISITA website)

Data on Approved Travels through the Baguio VISITA (Source: City Government of Baguio)

Tourism Establishments Dashboards through the Baguio VISITA (Source: City Government of Baguio)

Consultation conducted by the City Government in the policy formulation (Source: City Government of Baguio)

Publicity Poster of the Ridge & Reef: Baguio City-Region 1 Travel Corridor (Source: City Government of Baguio)

Sources

City Government of Baguio. (2020, December 14). Baguio VISITA: Visitor Information and Travel Assistance [Presentation]. Webinar on Innovation and Productivity Initiatives in the Public Sector, Zoom.

City Government of Baguio. (n.d.). What is Baguio VISITA?. City Government of Baguio. https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/about

Manila Bulletin. (2021, August 6). Oracle Cloud powers Baguio City’s VISITA Online Registration System [System Updates]. https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/06/oracle-cloud-powers-baguio-citys-visita-online-registration-system/

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Baguio

Year Implemented:

21 March 2020-present

Themes:

Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility, Digitization & New Technologies, and Productivity and Public Sector Data Measurement and Analysis

General Description

The EndCov-19 Tracking System implemented by the City Government of Baguio allows law enforcement and health authorities to monitor and manage COVID-19 cases in the city using automated data analysis in order to curb the rapid spread of the virus.

Background and Problem

Given the contagiousness of COVID-19, particularly before the development of vaccines, the identification and isolation of potential cases through contact tracing was the optimal way to prevent transmission. In the early months of the pandemic, local government units (LGUs) were tasked with establishing their own methods and systems for detecting and tracking the spread of the virus in their territories.

Solution and Impact 

Established on 21 March 2020,  the EndCov-19 Tracking System (endcov19.baguio.gov.ph) uses a case management analysis system to identify, isolate, test, and trace individuals that may have been exposed to the virus. Using the system’s dashboard, contact tracing staff can input data for real-time monitoring in order to establish a timeline for potential cases under observation. The system combines aggregate and case-based surveillance to report and track potentially infected individuals, provides a mechanism for following up on possible contact with known cases, and allows travelers who have visited high-risk areas to log health declaration forms.

The LGU’s City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) provides guidance in determining the possible source of infection and who might have been infected. These individuals will be subjected to tests, quarantine, or medical interventions. The system also uses QGIS Geospatial Analysis to map out trends in the spread of COVID-19 within the city. It generates a map of COVID-19 cases by overlaying it on affected localities, checkpoints, barangay health centers, hospitals, and other critical public areas, thus revealing possible patterns in exposure and infection.

Dashboard of EndCov-19 Tracking System (Source: endcov19.baguio.gov.ph)

Milestones 

In response to the increasing COVID-19 cases in the city, more than 160 contact tracers from DILG, Baguio City Police, Philippine Military Academy, and partner business process outsourcing (BPO) companies underwent training to enhance their skills and capacity to utilize the EndCov-19 Tracking System. The training covered the retooled contact tracing process flow, the legal aspects of contact tracing, the use of the case investigation form, the system’s analytical tools, and the decontamination and management of the deceased.

Photo of Covid-19 Contact Tracer Training (FB post of Public Information Office – City of Baguio)

Photos

Geospatial data and information of COVID-19 case in Baguio City. (Source: Dr. Celia Flor Cascolan-Brillantes, MD, MPH, PHSAE, FPSVI)

Sources

Cabreza, V. (2020, May 28). ‘Out-of-the-box’ tracing helps Baguio contain COVID-19 spread. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1282085/out-of-the-box-tracing-helps-baguio-contain-virus-spread

City Government of Baguio. (n.d.). Covid-19 Monitor. eGov Baguio. http://endcov19.baguio.gov.ph/

Department of Health. (2021, May). COVID-19 FAQS. https://doh.gov.ph/COVID-19/FAQs#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20is%20transmitted,who%20has%20respiratory%20symptoms.

Local Government Academy (2020). Online Talakayan 9: Pioneering Ways in Fighting Covid-19: The Baguio City Contact Tracing and Detection Experience. L!stong Ugnayan, Covid-19 ay Labanan, Issue No. 6. https://v2v.lga.gov.ph/media/uploads/2/Publications%20PDF/Others/2020/Online%20Talakayan%20Series%20Publication%20Issue%2006%20s2020.pdf

Public Information Office – City of Baguio. (2020, May 7). Contact Tracing: Baguio City’s E-system of COVID-19 tracking explained [Status Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=279674376381686

Rola, A. (2020, April 8). Naming patients, mass testing key to Baguio City’s COVID-19 prevention – mayor. CNN Philippines. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2020/4/8/Baguio-no-new-COVID-19-cases-naming-patients-mass-testing.html

Public Information Office – City of Baguio. (2021, September 12). 160 Contact Tracers undergo Training [Status Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=846540859331371&id=306028116715984

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented:

23 March 2020 – 5 July 2020

Themes:

Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility, and Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

The City Government of Valenzuela implemented the Alagang Valenzuelano Food Voucher System to distribute food packs to its residents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The vouchers include pertinent details such as the date, time, and place where it can be redeemed. 

Background and Problem

The lockdowns, hoarding, and supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 has caused difficulties in procuring essential goods for a significant portion of the population. Community quarantines have affected businesses, with wage-earners struggling to find possible income sources to provide for their families.

Solution and Impact 

The Food Voucher System was developed to organize the distribution mechanism for food assistance employed by the local government unit (LGU). Through this system, LGU personnel are able to enforce social distancing protocols and avoid the transmission of COVID-19. To further eliminate the possibility of infection, residents must undergo temperature checks and sanitize their hands before receiving their food packs. 

The first wave of food vouchers that were targeted to accommodate 105,000 families. Health workers went door-to-door to distribute the food vouchers to low-income families, which make up almost 80% of the population of the city. Succeeding waves were expanded to include both low- and middle-income families, the elderly, as stranded workers affected by the lockdown in Metro Manila, and other vulnerable members of the community.

The food packs—which contained rice, noodles, sugar, canned goods, and energy drinks—were available to be claimed in any of the 24 emergency stations in the city.

Milestones 

The City Government supplied 581,901 food packs during the three waves of distribution, with every household in the city having been given at least one food pack. The food voucher system was also used for the Valenzuela City annual gift-giving program for senior citizens called Food Pack nina Lolo at Lola. A total of 55,466 senior citizens received the food packs which contained rice, canned goods, instant noodles, sugar, and a box of calcium carbonate tablets. 

Testimonials 

“Mas okay ang food packs than pera, talagang kailangan mo kumain eh, para sa pamilya mo, at maraming makikinabang. Wala kaming problema kasi supportive sila, kasi ang trato nila sa amin ay parang we belong to the same family talaga. Ang saya sa pakiramdam kasi parang pamilya, lahat inaalagaan nila. [It is better to receive food packs rather than money because you and your family need to eat, and many people will benefit from this food voucher. We have no problem because the local government is supportive, and they treat us as part of their family. I’m feeling happy because they take care of us like their family.]” – Grace Almazan, Resident of Valenzuela City

“The voucher system is effective in ensuring all the residents will receive food packs.” – Emmanuel Espino, Barangay Chairman of Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City

Photos

Wave 2 Distribution of Food Vouchers to Valenzuelanos (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Wave 3 Distribution of Food Vouchers to Valenzuelanos (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Alagang Valenzuelano Food Voucher (Source: Raffy Sison Santos Twitter Account)

Alagang Valenzuelano Food Pack (Source: Raffy Sison Santos Twitter Account)

Sources

Cerrudo, A. (2020, March 25). Valenzuela City implements food voucher system for food pack distribution. UNTV News and Rescue. https://www.untvweb.com/news/valenzuela-city-implements-food-voucher-system-for-food-pack-distribution/

City Government of Valenzuela (2020, April 21). Alagang Valenzuelano Food Pack Distribution Now On Its Second Wave.

City Government of Valenzuela (2020, May 5). Valenzuela Answers Extended ECQ Woes with 3rd Wave of Food Voucher Distribution.

Gavilan, J. (2020, June 28). Valenzuela City’s pandemic response: ‘Everything has to happen now’. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/everything-has-to-happen-now-coronavirus-response-valenzuela-city

Lolo, R (2020, July 4). 55,466 Valenzuela seniors to receive food packs. Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/07/04/55466-valenzuela-seniors-to-receive-food-packs/

Santos, R. (2020, March 24). Food vouchers sinimulan nang ipamigay sa Valenzuela. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/24/20/food-vouchers-sinimulan-nang-ipamigay-sa-valenzuela

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented:

29 March 2020 – present

Themes:

Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility, and Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

The Market on Wheels program, implemented by the City Government of Valenzuela in partnership with VALDECO Greenleaf Market, provides a means for citizens to purchase essential goods without having to leave their homes, thus ensuring their safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also generating livelihood opportunities for market vendors and tricycle operators.

Background and Problem

The lockdowns necessitated by the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Metro Manila during the first half of 2020 meant that access to markets, grocery stores, and malls was limited for most of the population. The demand for essential goods amidst the pandemic created the need to reestablish the flow of goods from sellers to consumers while enforcing safety protocols for both. This problem is exacerbated by the tight and narrow roads of Valenzuela, further limiting access particularly for inner city communities.

Solution and Impact 

The Valenzuela City Government replicated a similar program implemented in Pasig City, called Mobile Palengke, and tweaked it to adapt to the particular circumstances of their city. They employed electric tricycles or e-trikes, initially turned over to the local government unit (LGU) by the Department of Energy (DOE), to handle the transportation of goods to the hard to reach areas of the city and serve as mobile stores.

Commodities are organized into four groups: meat and poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and grocery items. E-trikes are assigned to each commodity group, with supplies provided by vendors organized by the local market administrator. The LGU then coordinates with the barangays to identify the most ideal areas where the e-trikes will set up shop, with consideration given to the requirements of social distancing, adequate air circulation, and the ability to disinfect afterward. The barangays also provided peace and security assistance through the barangay tanods and ensured that the customers are exercising social distancing with one another. Finally, to ensure safety not only from the COVID-19 pandemic but also from bacteria and other viruses, the City Government’s Clean and Green Disinfection Team conducts surface disinfection at the closing of the market.

Milestones 

The Market on Wheels program has been institutionalized and has had multiple runs in venues throughout the city.

Photos

Valenzuela City’s Market on Wheels (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Sources

Aguarino, J. (2020, March 31). “Market on Wheels” Brings Fresh Veggies and Meat, Basic Goods Closer to Valenzuelanos. Official Website of the City Government of Valenzuela. https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/article/news/13384

Hallare, K. (2020, March 28). Valenzuela emulates Pasig; launches own ‘market on wheels’. Inquirer.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1249957/kopyahannato-valenzuela-unveils-own-market-of-wheels-thanks-pasigs-vico-sotto-for-idea#ixzz6zrabiFMt 

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented:

29 May 2020 – present

Themes:

Digitization & New Technologies, and Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

The PasaBUY Valenzuela City TODA Program, implemented by the City Government of Valenzuela, enables tricycle drivers to deliver goods and conduct purchases and transactions on behalf of customers through the mobile application platforms of private sector partners JoyRide and Happy Move PH.

Background and Problem

Around 70% of the total transportation trips in the National Capital Region (NCR) are commuter trips consisting of public transportation going to work and buying essential goods. In Valenzuela City, where the terrain features narrow roads and tight quarters, tricycles are a major mode of public transportation, with an estimated 8,000 tricycles within the city covering 40 routes organized through Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODAs). The livelihood of these tricycle drivers were significantly affected by the community quarantine protocols imposed by both national and local governments during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Solution and Impact 

Through Ordinance No. 710, series of 2020, otherwise known as the PasaBUY sa TODA Ordinance, the City Government of Valenzuela signed a Memorandum of Agreement with JoyRide and Happy Move PH that would allow tricycle drivers in the city to use these mobile application platforms to receive bookings for purchasing goods or handling deliveries.

The City Government’s Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office helped jumpstart the transactions by providing funds to the tricycle drivers for the purchase of goods as well as a special uniform and identification card. The tricycle drivers, through their TODA presidents, were registered to the app’s platform and attended training for the use of the application for online bookings.

To avoid unfair competition, registered tricycle drivers may only accept delivery orders originating from within their respective TODA’s territory. The ordinance also sets fines ranging from Php 5,000 to Php 15,000 for market vendors who refuse to accept transactions with or provide services to accredited PasaBUY drivers. 

Milestones 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city government extended its program to include FoodPanda, an online food delivery service, which would benefit around 150 tricycle drivers.

Testimonials 

“Malaking tulong talaga. Para hindi na rin kami pasanin ni Mayor. Itong nakakabyahe kami ng MECQ malaking bagay talaga, kumbaga ingat lang talaga, [It is really a big help. We will not add to Mayor’s burden anymore. It is a huge help that we can now operate during the MECQ, just always be careful].” – Luis Jugueta, Gen. T. De Leon-Ugong (GTU) TODA President

“Our contribution is basically; we aim to deliver the food at the doorstep of every homeowner. So ‘yun ‘yung ating pangako sa ating komunidad and iyan ‘yung aming tulong sa panahon ng pandemiya (This is our promise and this is our assistance to the community during the time of the pandemic).” – Leopoldo de Castro, Jr., Finance Director, Food Panda Philippines Incorporated (FPPI)

Photos

Memorandum of Agreement Signing between City Government of Valenzuela and Food Panda 

(Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Publicity Materials for the PasaBVY Valenzuela City TODA  (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Sources

Kabagani, L. (2020, September 25). Valenzuela gov’t to train 150 trike riders on food delivery. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1116650

Porciuncula, A. R. (2020, May 29). Tricycles for Online Booking PasaBuy? Valenzuela City Says “Why Not?”. Official Website of the City Government of Valenzuela. https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/article/news/13417

Porciuncula, A. R. (2020, September 24). Valenzuela City Expands TODA Pasabuy System with foodpanda. Official Website of the City Government of Valenzuela. https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/article/news/13597

Adonis, M. (2020, June 18). Valenzuela taps app to augment tricycle drivers’ income. Inquirer.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1293420/local-govt-taps-app-to-augment-bikers-income#ixzz6RQqRglin

Implementing Agency:

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)

Year Implemented:

2019 – present

Theme:

Productivity and Public Sector Data Measurement and Analysis

General Description

The Assessing Information Disclosure Practices for FOI (AID-FOI) Compliance Tool, implemented by the Freedom of Information-Project Management Office (FOI-PMO), is an instrument that assists in the assessment of whether a government agency possesses the necessary critical elements to perform the proactive disclosure of open agency data required for FOI compliance.

Background and Problem

Despite the significant efforts of the FOI-PMO to increase awareness of and compliance with Executive Order (EO) No. 2, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in July 2016, its impact has remained limited. Only a small number of citizens invoke the law to access information, and agency response has been lethargic despite the inclusion of FOI compliance as a basis for performance-based bonuses.

Solution and Impact 

The Assessing Information Disclosure Practices for FOI (AID-FOI) Compliance Tool was crafted as a means to address the keys to FOI compliance: improved data management systems and processes, properly trained people, and quality leadership. The tool was developed as part of a research project funded by HIVOS, a development organization with headquarters in the Netherlands, and implemented by Step Up Consulting, a social enterprise based in the Philippines.

The AID-FOI Compliance Tool determines the capacity and performance of agencies in complying with FOI regulations and fulfilling information requests. This tool draws heavily from the work of the Carter Center’s Rule of Law Program that specifies a set of indicators to assess FOI implementation. Transformed into verifiable indicators in the AID-FOI questionnaire, these indicators include the following key essential components:

1. Leadership: High-level leadership engagement in the development and oversight of the implementation of necessary policies and procedures, development of systems, and application of resources.
2. Rules: Binding instructions, mandated actions, or standard operating procedures that serve to ordain the necessary response of public officials in handling various access to information regime functions.
3. Systems: Formal and informal processes by which an agency functions and applies rules and procedures.
4. Resources: Human, financial, and infrastructure resources that are needed to implement access fully and effectively to information legislation.
5. Monitoring: Identify advances and deficits and allow for necessary modifications and corrections for better establishment of rules, allocation of resources, and system adjustments.

Milestones 

As of January 2019, a total of 109 government agencies have submitted their accomplished AID-FOI Tool. And since July 2019, the FOI-PMO has been actively engaging agency FOI Receiving Officers (FROs) to endorse the use of the tool in assessing their systems, to teach the values and practices of information disclosure, to help others identify weaknesses in their data disclosure practices, and to provide feedback on their FOI implementation. 

The FOI-PMO, in cooperation with Step Up Consulting, has also conducted research on FOI compliance and the use of the AID-FOI tool by a number of large agencies. The research has also published case studies for DPWH, DOTR, and DOH, based on their participation in the study. In October 2020, the research team published their finalized AID FOI Tool and in May 2021, they also published their final report.

Photos

FOI Research Team conducts forward planning with the FOI Project Management Office of

the PCOO last March 2019 at Astoria Greenbelt, Makati, Philippines. (Source: PCOO)

Michael Canares, FOI Research Lead presents the initial findings of the FOI research in the

2019 FOI Midyear Conference held at Jen Hotel, Manila, on 26 June 2019. (Source: PCOO)

The research team conducted a validation workshop with pilot agencies for the FOI Research

Project last 14 June 2019 at the B Hotel in Quezon City. (Source: PCOO)

Since July 2019, FOI-PMO conducts FOI Receiving Officers’ (FROs)’ Hangout to convene agency FROs to discuss and provide feedback on FOI implementation. (Source: PCOO)

Mr. Michael Canares, FOI research lead facilitated the session on “Assessing Information Disclosure Practices”, using the experience of the Philippines in using the Assessing Information Disclosure Practices for FOI Compliance (AID-FOI Tool). (Source: PCOO)

Sources

Canares, M. (2020, February 18). FOI research team presents in annual FOI Summit. Increasing People’s Access to Public Contracting Information Through the FOI Program. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://foi-research.com/2019/12/17/foi-research-team-presents-in-annual-foi-summit/.

Canares, M. (2020, May 6). Research team publishes Department of Transportation Case Study on FOI. Increasing People’s Access to Public Contracting Information Through the FOI Program. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://foi-research.com/2020/05/06/research-team-publishes-department-of-transportation-case-study-on-foi/.

Canares, M. (2019, October 14). Research team conducts validation workshop with pilot agencies. Increasing People’s Access to Public Contracting Information Through the FOI Program. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://foi-research.com/2019/06/30/research-team-conducts-validation-workshop-with-pilot-agencies/.

Canares, M. (2020, March 23). DPWH case study on FOI. Increasing People’s Access to Public Contracting Information Through the FOI Program. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://foi-research.com/2020/03/23/dpwh-case-study-on-foi/.

Canares, M. (2020, May 11). How is the Philippines’ Department of Health providing access to contracting data? Increasing People’s Access to Public Contracting Information Through the FOI Program. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://foi-research.com/2020/05/11/how-is-the-philippines-department-of-health-providing-public-access-to-contracting-data/.

Canares, M. (2020, October 19). FOI research team publishes aid FOI Tool. Increasing People’s Access to Public Contracting Information Through the FOI Program. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://foi-research.com/2020/10/19/foi-research-team-publishes-aid-foi-tool/.

Canares, M. (2021, May 7). FOI Research Team publishes final report. Increasing People’s Access to Public Contracting Information Through the FOI Program. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://foi-research.com/2021/05/07/foi-research-team-publishes-final-report/. 

Presidential Communications Operations Office (2019). 2018/19 Freedom of Information (FOI) annual report: making waves as the cornerstone of democracy
Presidential Communications Operations Office (n.d.). Assessing information disclosure practices for FOI compliance (AID-FOI Tool).

Implementing Agency:

Office of the Vice President

Year Implemented:

12 May 2020 – present 

Themes:

Digitization & New Technologies, and Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

The Community Mart is an online grocery mobile application launched by the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines (OVP) that aims to help small-market vendors and tricycle drivers while ensuring community safety by encouraging people to stay home. Through this application, users can purchase vegetables, fruits, meat, and other products and have them delivered on the same day with a minimal fee.

Background and Problem

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of transactions have shifted to e-commerce platforms where people can purchase essential goods and other products online instead of going physically to markets and stores. Public market vendors, most of whom lack the means to participate in the shift to online transactions, have seen their sales dwindle as the public has avoided going out in fear of contracting COVID-19. Local public transportation such as tricycles and jeepneys have also struggled in this new context, as people have largely been staying at home.

Solution and Impact 

The Community Mart is a program spearheaded by the OVP, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), that aims to provide public market vendors and tricycle drivers an opportunity to improve their income by becoming part of an online service that delivers fresh goods to the doorsteps of customers within their communities. The program was launched on 12 May 2020, with the Kamuning Market in Quezon City as the initial partner. The Pasig City  Mega Market and the Muntinlupa City Public Market later also became part of this initiative.

Unlike most e-Commerce platforms that centralize transactions, goods, and control, thus disrupting the local economy, the Community Mart is designed to favor local enterprises in the community, allowing them to maintain their customers and revitalize the local economy depleted by the social restrictions that became necessary because of COVID-19.

The key stakeholders involved in the program’s implementation include the LGUs, Public Market Offices (PMOs), Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODAs), and Market Vendors’ Associations. LGUs are in charge of the overall coordination and supervision of the project by providing a list of existing public markets to be considered for enrollment in the program, identifying vendor groups, assessing the capacity of the public market to operate using the online platform, and issuing the necessary licenses and permits to operate. PMOs coordinate with the market vendors and tricycle drivers on the specific orders that need to be supplied and delivered. They are in charge of preparing and organizing the flow of transactions, which includes posting photos and prices of products on the app, dispatching delivery riders, managing collections, and ensuring that the revenue generated is distributed to all stakeholders properly.

For their part, market vendors coordinate with the PMO to ensure the quality of goods, prepare orders, and update the availability of items for sale. The TODAs handle the delivery of goods to respective customers, and collect remittances and payments for each order to be given to the Officer-in-Charge after every trip. As for the Community Mart team, they are in charge of setting up the eStore with the data provided by the PMO, train personnel, provide eStore account access, and regularly update content in coordination with the PMO.

Adopters of the Community Mart are provided with PHP 20,000.00 per month which covers the one-time eStore set-up and training, monthly maintenance of servers, and customer support personnel handling customer follow-ups, feedback, and technical support. A small fee of PHP 15.00 per delivery goes towards other back-end fees and the sending of system-generated SMS messages.

Using the Community Mart application is straightforward which includes the following steps:

1. Download the Community Market app which is available on Google Play or the Apple Store.
2. Sign up and verify the customer’s account.
3. Indicate the address, which could be labeled home, work, etc., to deliver the goods.
4. Shop for groceries that must be placed before 10:00 A.M. every day so that these can be delivered on the same day.
5. Check out and pay for the groceries.

Steps on Using the Community Mart App (Source: Yugatech)

Milestones 

As of May 2021, the total sales of the 3 markets combined has reached PhP 29.1 million and has involved 248 vendors and 41 tricycle drivers. This success has led to wider adoption of the model, both through the Community Mart app itself or other similar approaches. For instance, a similar project, using Facebook Messenger in place of a dedicated mobile app, has been launched in Zamboanga called Angat Buhay Mart – Compra Yo. As of May 2021, its total sales has reached almost 245,000 and has reached 41 barangays in the city.

The project has also facilitated financial literacy training for 44 market vendors and 7 TODA members in Kamuning Market, who also received Small Engine Preventive Maintenance training last December 2020. Other associated activities such as livelihood assistance, bike maintenance training, and direct financial support have also been conducted as part of the Community Mart program.

Table: Summary Report on Community Mart’s Branches as of November 21, 2020 (Source: OVP)

Testimonial 

“This is an innovative idea that potentially hits three birds with one stone. It will provide a source of income for tricycle drivers who have few passengers right now, increase the sales of our vendors while minimizing the number of close contacts that buyers have.” – Hon. Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto, Mayor of Pasig City

Photos

The Community Mart App and Interface (Source: Office of the Vice President)

The Community Mart Process and Stakeholders (Source: Office of the Vice President)

Sources

Enano, J. O. (2020, May 28). Robredo rolls out Community Mart app in Pasig. Inquirer.net. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1282071/robredo-rolls-out-community-mart-app-in-pasig. 

Lalu, G. P. (2021, February 4). OVP awards certificates to QC trike drivers who finished bike maintenance training. Inquirer.net. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1391863/ovp-awards-certificates-to-qc-trike-drivers-who-finished-bike-maintenance-training. 

Maquinto, A. (2020, May 12). OVP, QC gov’t launch community mart online delivery service. Yugatech. https://www.yugatech.com/news/ovp-qc-govt-launch-community-mart-online-delivery-service/#sthash.M7RjZXLD.wYDT86em.dpbs

Office of the Vice President. (n.d.) Community mart public markets: Innovating, elevating & alleviating our public market vendors through eCommerce. Deck.

Perez, R. (2020, May 29). Shop at this online palengke where tricycle drivers provide delivery. Smart Parenting. https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/life/home/community-mart-app-a00041-20200529 

Sarao, Z. (2021, May 13). More tricycle drivers get financial aid from OVP’s Community Mart Project. Inquirer.net. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1431007/more-tricycle-drivers-get-financial-aid-from-ovps-community-mart-project.

VP Leni Robredo. (2021). Watch: Recap of the Ovp’s Community Mart initiative in Kamuning, Pasig, Muntinlupa, and Zamboanga. Facebook Watch. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://www.facebook.com/283945495056459/videos/106020124929141/. 

Implementing Agency:

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)

Year Implemented:

2016 – present

Themes:

Digitization & New Technologies, and Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

The eFOI Portal (www.foi.gov.ph), implemented by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), allows users to request any information about government transactions and operations, subject to limitations set by privacy, and national security concerns. Users can also use the portal to track their requests and receive the information that they requested online.

Background and Problem

One of the key indicators of good governance is transparency and citizens’ access to information. It is a universal and fundamental right that is textually committed in both international legal and policy frameworks such as the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and locally through the 1987 Constitution’s Bill of Rights. As such, legislation that guarantees Freedom of Information (FOI) and democratizes access to government documents is vested with the public interest. 

Solution and Impact 

On 23 July 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 2, s. 2016 which provided access to government information within the Executive Branch. Through this order, government agencies are required to submit their People’s FOI Manual that defines how their agency facilitates FOI requests. Particular guidelines regarding appeals, redaction, extraction, and privacy notices have also been issued to further implement the program and comply with existing laws and regulations. The eFOI Portal is the main access point for citizens to access the government information guaranteed by the FOI EO.

Other means of policy enforcement and monitoring include:

• FOI Awards to recognize efforts of agencies, individuals, and organizations who contributed to the FOI program;
• Inclusion of FOI program requirements in the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) Compliance; 
• FOI Quarterly Registry and Summary Sheet accomplished by FOI Receiving Officers as the basis for measuring agency performance and compliance;
• eFOI Portal Audit Monitoring System to check whether personally identifiable information has been posted in the eFOI portal;
• Records Management System – Agency Information Inventory which includes a master list of all the information they hold, store, maintain, and archive; and
• Feedback mechanism includes Events Feedback Form, eFOI Portal Report feature, and the FOI Facebook page.

Various types of information can be requested by the public through the eFOI Portal, including official records, public records, documents on official acts, transactions, or decisions, and government data used as a basis for policy development. For such requests, FOI Receiving Officers and Decision Makers’ standard processing time for a request is 15 working days. In some instances, an agency may need more time to review a person’s request and thereby extend the processing time. Under such circumstances, an agency will inform him/her of an extension, which shall not be longer than 20 working days, for a total of 35 working days.

Diagram on the process of making an FOI request (Source: FOI Philippines)

eFOI Website (Source: FOI Philippines)

Milestones 

A total of 543 government units were included in the eFOI Portal in 2021, including 186 out of 188 (or 99%) National Government Agencies (NGAs), 100 out of 107 (or 93%) Government-Owned and/or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), 108 out of 111 (or 97%) State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and 260 out of 520 (or 50%) Local Water Districts (LWDs). This is up from 447 units in 2019. Of the registered government agencies that are in the eFOI Portal, the top five agencies comprised 27% of the total number of requests:

1. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with 4,761 requests;
2. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with 4,414 requests; 
3. Department of Health (DOH) with 4,086 requests; 
4. Social Security System Development (SSS) with 3,478 requests; and, 
5. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) with 3,457 requests.

The eFOI Portal has also been extended beyond the executive branch to include other government institutions such as the judiciary, constitutional commissions, and even various local government units (LGUs). As of the 15 September 2021 FOI report, 57 LGUs had successfully passed their FOI ordinances.

In five years of implementation, there have been a total of 73,860 requests lodged to 543 government agencies by 48,005 registered users of the eFOI Portal.

Testimonials 

“Kung noon kailangan may kakilala ka sa loob, ngayon pantay-pantay na lahat. [Before a person should have a connection inside the agency but now, anyone has equal opportunity.] I got my updates on my appointment papers from the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Justice within 10 days.” – Clark Nino, Cagigas Parole and Probation Administration, Cebu City

“Dahil naisapubliko na ang kopya ng Concession Agreement ng LRT1 sa pagitan ng LRTA at LRMC, natuldukan na ang mga haka-haka noon. Kung wala ang FOI, malamang ay baon pa rin sa misteryo ang taumbayan tungkol sa mga pinapasok na kontrata ng pamahalaan.” [Because the copy of the Concession Agreement of LRTI between LRTA and LRMC was publicized, the speculations stopped. If the FOI did not exist, the government contract remains mysterious to the public.] – Franz Zildjian B. Zulueta, BS in Information Systems student of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde

Photos

2018 FOI Awards and Summit (Source: FOI Philippines)

2019 FOI Mid-year Conference (Source: FOI Philippines)

FOI-Project Management Office (FOI-PMO) (Source: FOI Philippines)

Sources

Presidential Communications Operations Office (2019). 2018/19 Freedom of Information (FOI) Annual Report: Making waves as the cornerstone of democracy

Presidential Communications Operations Office (n.d.). Freedom of Information. FOI Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.foi.gov.ph/

Presidential Communications Operations Office. (2021, September 15). Status of Implementation of Executive Order No. 2, S. 2016 or The Freedom of Information (FOI) Program in the Executive Branch as of 15 September 2021. Ermita. Retrieved from: https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHgsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEVBDT08tNzI0NDc2NjgwMTA0DA