Category: Regulatory Reform

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

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented:

19 March 2020 – present

Themes:

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

General Description

On 19 March 2020, the City Government of Valenzuela established two isolation centers as a response to the spread of COVID-19 in Metro Manila. These isolation centers utilized modular tents and military cot beds to separate people infected with COVID-19 from other non-infected individuals. Those isolated include individuals who display symptoms, or individuals who are asymptomatic but have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The use of isolation centers, instead of relying on home quarantine, helps ensure that the city’s health care system is not overwhelmed and is able to direct its efforts and resources to more severe cases.

Background and Problem 

The first case of COVID-19 in the Philippines was confirmed on 30 January 2020, but it was not until March that the number of cases began to escalate. From 6 to 14 March, 107 new cases were confirmed, leading to the declaration of community quarantine in Metro Manila and Cainta, Rizal on 15 March. This was immediately followed by the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) for the entire Luzon island group on 16 March, and the confirmation by the Department of Health (DOH) of community transmission in the Philippines on 17 March.

Solution and Impact

On the third week of March 2020, acting upon the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for local government units (LGUs) to establish their barangay isolation units (BIUs) and mobilize barangay health emergency response teams (BHERTs) to promote health and safety and bolster response at the local level, the City Government of Valenzuela set up two isolation centers for COVID-19 cases. The local government has set up modular tents in Balai Banyuhay, the city’s new and unused drug rehabilitation center in Barangay Punturin, and the Valenzuela City Astrodome, and has been strictly implementing a no home quarantine policy in the city.

Isolation Center in Valenzuela City Astrodome (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Disinfecting rooms at Balai Banyuhay (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

The Isolation Centers are meant to house persons under investigation (PUIs) and recovering COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, freeing up bed space in the city’s hospitals for more severe cases. The LGU has also retrofitted the town hall to serve as the new quarantine facility for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Isolation tents pitched inside Valenzuela Town Hall (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Milestones

Arkong Bato Quarantine Facility (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

In September 2020, the Arkong Bato Quarantine Facility was launched under the COVID-19 Makeshift Quarantine Facility Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The 15.23 million-peso quarantine facility has twelve container vans that were repurposed and converted into 44 air-conditioned rooms, two nurses’ stations, one radiology room, and one x-ray room for this facility. Each of the 44 rooms has a hospital bed, a table, a chair, and a private comfort room.

Sources

Aguarino, J. (2020, September 9). Valenzuela City Opens New Quarantine Facility in Arkong Bato. Official Website of the City Government of Valenzuela. Retrieved from https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/article/news/13540

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 18). Quarantine and isolation. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/isolation.html. 

The Daily Tribune. (2020, May 8). Valenzuela isolation center. Retrieved from https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/05/08/valenzuela-isolation-center/
The Manila Times. (2020, March 29). Gatchalian urges LGUS to set up isolation facilities. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/29/latest-stories/breakingnews/gatchalian-urges-lgus-to-set-up-isolation-facilities/707924

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Marikina

Year Implemented:

30 April 2020 – present 

Themes:

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

General Description

The Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory is the first molecular laboratory in the country to be owned by a local government unit (LGU), and it is one of the first LGU-initiated COVID-19 testing facilities to be accredited by the Department of Health (DOH). The facility, which introduces efficient mass testing and prioritized sampling based on the Marikina LGU’s “link map,” can release COVID-19 test results within 24 hours.

Background and Problem

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the country’s primary testing facility was the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City. However, given the steady rise of cases at the time, the RITM was quickly overwhelmed with the number of tests that had to be conducted. This issue cascaded to individual LGUs that then struggled to make decisions and implement policies to address the pandemic due to the slow turnaround on test results, which could take around one to two weeks of processing time.

Solution and Impact 

The Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory was established by Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro as a means of addressing the necessity of having an independent facility to ensure efficient testing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 160-square-meter laboratory, located along Bayan-Bayanan Avenue in Barangay Concepcion Uno, took the LGU fourteen days to convert into a COVID-19 testing facility.

On 30 April 2020, the Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory was certified by the RITM and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and issued a license to operate by the DOH. It boasts a complete facility including specimen receiving, sample preparation, reagent preparation, PCR room, and competent medical technologists, data encoders, maintenance and sanitation staff, and other essential staff. 

Initially, the laboratory could only accommodate an average of 500 RT-PCR tests daily but has since reached daily averages of 1,000 or more. Results are encoded and distributed within 24 hours for positive cases and within 48 hours for negative cases. To further bolster the city’s efforts to increase efficiency in COVID-19 testing, other testing facilities were also established which could accommodate walk-in, drive-thru, and home swabbing modalities. 

Efficient testing has also improved the LGU’s capacity for contact tracing. Positive test results are sent to contact tracers made up of personnel from the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and the Philippine National Police (PNP). To prevent the further spread of infection, these positive cases are assessed and referred to hospitals depending on the severity of the symptoms. Test results are also used to identify the infection rates in specific high-risk places, providing critical information that may be used as a basis for lockdowns.

The facility has also helped the LGU monitor individuals working in high-exposure situations or providing essential services. Rapid test screening was conducted for city employees, barangay employees, tricycle and pedicab drivers, shoemakers, factory workers, and market vendors, allowing them to return to work.

Milestones 

As of 23 November 2021, the laboratory has tested 110,892 samples from 107,636 individuals, identifying 17,274 positive cases.

Since the recording of its first COVID-19 case, Marikina City has shifted its programs to adapt to life after the pandemic. The LGU has expressed plans to enhance the Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, adding more RNA Extraction and PCR machines which will further increase the facility’s testing capacity. They are also looking into augmenting the facility’s manpower complement in order to have 24/7 processing without overworking the current laboratory staff. 

Testimonial

“It is okay. It is good. It is one of the best laboratories I’ve seen. The construction is good. The layout is organized, and the equipment is compliant with the standards. The furnishing is tastefully executed.” – Dr. Francisco Duque III, Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH)

Photos

Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory Building (Source: Marikina City LGU)

Certifications and License to Operate from RITM, DOH, and PhilHealth for the Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory Building (Source: Marikina City LGU)

Facilities in the Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (Source: Marikina City LGU)

Sources

Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). (2021, November 23). COVID-19 Philippine situationer – Issue no. 573. Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://app.adpc.net/resources/covid-19-philippine-situationer-issue-no-573/. 

Caliwan, C. (2020, April 17). Marikina COVID-19 test center compliant with DOH standards: Duque. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100226

Casilao, J.L. (2020, May 1). Marikina COVID-19 lab results released in 24 hours. GMA News Online. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/736481/marikina-covid-19-lab-results-released-in-24-hours/story/

Cepeda, M. (2020, July 9). ‘Common sense’ and speed shield Marikina City from the coronavirus. Rappler. Retrieved from https://rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/common-sense-speed-shield-marikina-from-coronavirus

Local Government Unit of Marikina (n.d.). Marikina City COVID-19 Testing.

Marquez, C. (2020, April 30). Breaking: DOH finally green lights Marikina City’s COVID-19 testing center. Inquirer.net. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1267497/doh-finally-green-lights-marikina-citys-covid-19-testing-center

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Pasig

Year Implemented:

15 July 2019 – present 

Themes:

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

General Description

Ugnayan sa Pasig (UsaP) is the 24/7 platform for the Pasig City Public Participation, Accountability, and Transparency Unit. It uses social media, email, and a telephone hotline to provide the people of Pasig with an avenue for complaints and service requests, including those for public information records.

Background and Problem

The City Government of Pasig passed Ordinance No. 37, otherwise known as the Pasig Transparency Mechanism Ordinance of 2018, in order to attempt to address growing public concerns about poor service delivery and corrupt practices throughout the local government unit (LGU). The ordinance’s original author, then-city councilor Vico Sotto, was elected mayor in 2019 and used the ordinance as the takeoff point for what would be his office’s flagship project to increase public engagement with and trust in local government. 

Solution and Impact 

UsaP was established through Ordinance No. 37 on 15 July 2019, within the first month of Sotto’s first term in office. The project aims to provide the public with an avenue for immediate assistance and easy access to documents related to information on various government services, projects, and transactions. It is designed to encourage active public participation in crafting effective policies by using a more dynamic approach to civil service that promotes honesty, transparency, and progress in the government, through its three main features:

1. Magtanong: Presents citizens an avenue to ask and inquire about government activities and information;
2. Magsumbong: Acts as a grievance mechanism for negative experiences with local government service delivery;
3. Makilahok: Encourages public participation, especially from civil society and non-government organizations, in policy formulation and program implementation.

The Ugnayan sa Pasig office is located in one of city hall’s high traffic areas, and is manned by frontline information officers that could immediately furnish visitors with their requested information or direct them to the appropriate office that could assist them. The office also includes a desk that accepts and records complaints and suggestions directly, in addition to those already filed through email, social media, and the telephone hotline.

Milestones 

In its first year of implementation, the Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit had logged 61,475 total transactions, ranging from complaints and FOI requests to suggestions and direct interactions with walk-in users. It has also been actively engaged with other city departments for COVID-19 initiatives such as the the City Transport and Development Management Office’s Libreng Hatid Program and the Social Amelioration Program, which is implemented by the LGU together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit’s Participation in the Libreng Hatid Program (Source: Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit – Freedom of Information Office)

Participation of Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit in the SAP Activities (Source: Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit – Freedom of Information Office)

Testimonials

“Kudos to Mayor Vico and UsaP staff. It is indeed a very good platform for queries, info dissemination, and action on complaints. Very helpful for Pasigueños because of prompt and direct interaction with the LGU through its receptive, efficient, and courteous staff. Highly Recommended!!!” – Josephine Rayo Bondoc, Citizen (Ugnayan sa Pasig Facebook Review, March 27, 2020)

“This serves as an easy access to inquiries and information about what is happening in our town and community. Thank you!” – Edna Martinez, Citizen (Ugnayan sa Pasig Facebook Review, May 20, 2020)

Photos

Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit 2020 Accomplishment Report (Source: Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit – Freedom of Information Office)

11-person team of the Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit  (Source: Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit – Freedom of Information Office)

Sources

Gotinga, J. C. (2019, July 15). Pasig City opens hotline for complaints, public record requests. Rappler. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/pasig-city-opens-hotline-complaints-public-record-requests-july-2019. 

Madarang, C. R. S. (2021, December 3). Pasig implements city-wide ban on tarps, posters, other campaign materials in public spaces. Interaksyon. Retrieved December 3, 2021, from https://interaksyon.philstar.com/politics-issues/2021/12/03/205814/pasig-implements-city-wide-ban-on-tarps-posters-other-campaign-materials/.

Rayos-Dimanlig, W. (2019, July 15). Pasig City Launches “Ugnayan sa Pasig”. Pasig City Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.pasigcity.gov.ph/article-post?news=2442001
Ugnayan sa Pasig Unit – Freedom of Information Office (n.d.). Accomplishment Report 2020.

Implementing Agency:

Hong Kong Lands Department

Year Implemented:

2019 – present 

Themes:

Digitization & New Technologies, and Government of the Future

General Description

The Vehicle Mobile Mapping system uses car-mounted image sensor equipment to record a three dimensional map of Hong Kong. Implemented by the Hong Kong Lands Department, this initiative provides complete and accurate information on the physical properties of the city and offers opportunities for smarter urban planning.

Background and Problem

Hong Kong is one of the most developed cities in the world, and as such it has high population density in a relatively small urbanized area. A significant portion of the available living space in the metropolis is composed of aging buildings that are in increasingly alarming states of disrepair, with similarly aging residents who are reluctant to relocate. This makes urban renewal and redevelopment a challenge, as there are about 9,300 private buildings in the HK Metro Area that are over thirty years of age, a number that will increase by about 50% in the next ten years. This is further complicated by the fact that between 2018 and 2038, the size and share of the elderly population in the city will almost double from 1.27 million and 17.9% to 2.44 million and 31.9%, respectively.

Solution and Impact 

The Hong Kong Lands Department implemented its Vehicle Mobile Mapping System to survey the city and provide comprehensive and useful data on the spatial dimensions of the city. The system uses the combined imaging information from car-mounted equipment to create a 3D City Map, which is a core component of the digital infrastructure underpinning Hong Kong’s smart city development. This system can efficiently acquire point cloud data and street-view imagery data for various survey and mapping applications, such as recording topographical information, updating the basic map, producing street view maps, 3D digital maps, and 3D models with very high levels of detail.

The Vehicle Mobile Mapping System, comprised of five pieces of equipment, works together to collect detailed information for the 3D City Map. (Source: News.gov.hk)

The mentioned equipment includes a high-resolution camera that captures 360-degree images and a 3D laser scanner that collects spatial measurements. These are mounted to rugged and sturdy vehicles that weave and move throughout the city, compiling and renewing information to provide the most complete and accurate model possible. The system also uses an inertial navigation system, a distance measurement indicator, and a global navigation satellite system receiver to provide precise positioning of the equipment. Drones are also used to provide a map of the city that complements the information gathered by the Mobile Mapping System at the ground level.

The 3D mapping system has allowed Hong Kong authorities to plan and visualize the dense urban environment in a faster and easier way. The tool caters to the needs of a greying population amid the rising demand for urban redevelopment. The system also effectively acts as a one-stop portal, embedded with all kinds of data ranging from population trends to building heights, which allows for a preliminary analysis of how a proposed building could impact the neighboring environment, with assessments on matters such as air ventilation and even whether a new structure would affect the view of neighboring blocks.

Milestones 

In 2020, the Hong Kong Lands Department’s Vehicle Mobile Mapping System became a finalist in the Urban Planning and Land Use category at the Smart City Asia-Pacific Awards (SCAPA). The following year, the Hong Kong Lands Department initiated the creation of a 3D Indoor Map for 150 buildings in the Kowloon East area. This included unit-based information and routing designed to support different potential applications. Feedback from different stakeholders will be collected and used to further enhance the 3D Indoor Map of an additional 1,250 buildings by the end of 2023. Major landmarks and government facilities accessible to the public will be given priority for inclusion in the upcoming list.

Sample of Indoor Mapping (Source: Hong Kong Lands Department)

Photos

A 3D laser scanner on top of the vehicle collects spatial measurements and a high-resolution camera captures 360-degree images. (Source: News.gov.hk)

One of the system’s biggest advantages is its ability to quickly and efficiently acquire data, which can be used to enrich 3D models. (Source: News.gov.hk)

Illustrating Different Classes of 3D Spatial Data (Source: Hong Kong Lands Department)

A view of Hong Kong Island Generated Using 3D Spatial Data (Source: Hong Kong Lands Department)

Sources

Chu, A., & Fan Ko-kwan, B. (2021, June 21). Development of the 3D Digital Map in Hong Kong. FIG e-Working Week 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021, from https://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2021/papers/ts03.3/TS03.3_yik_fan_11201.pdf.

Hui, E. C. M., & Yu, K. H. (2009, January). Residential mobility and aging population in Hong Kong. Habitat International, 33(1), 10–14.  doi:10.1016/j.habitatint.2008.02.001 

IDC (n.d.). IDC Smart City Asia Pacific Awards 2020 Finalists. IDC Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.idc.com/ap/smartcities/2020-finalists/

3D mapping unlocks a new world. (2019, November 10). News.gov.hk. Retrieved from https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2019/11/20191108/20191108_141157_575.html. 

Sharon, A. (2019, November 14). HK’s 3D Mapping Tech Pushing Smart City Goals. OpenGov Asia. Retrieved from https://opengovasia.com/hks-3d-mapping-tech-pushing-smart-city-goals/. 

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (n.d.). 3D Mapping. Lands Department. Retrieved from https://www.landsd.gov.hk/en/survey-mapping/mapping/3d-mapping.html.

Smart vehicle roams Hk to create 3D maps. (2019, November 11). The Standard. Retrieved from https://www.thestandard.com.hk/sections-news-print/213397/Smart-vehicle-roams-HK-to-create-3D-maps. 
Wong, K. & Yeung, M. (2019, January). Economic Letter 2019/02: Population ageing trend of Hong Kong. Office of the Government Economist, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Retrieved from https://www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/pdf/el/el-2019-02.pdf

Implementing Agency:

Commission on Audit (COA)

Year Implemented:

2002-present

Themes:

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

General Description

The Commission on Audit’s (COA) implementation of the New Government Accounting System (NGAS) and Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS), and its particular focus on computerization improved the e country’s  Financial Management Information System (FMIS), Several innovations launched by the commission, namely the  Electronic New Government Accounting System (eNGAS), Electronic Budget System (eBudget System), Annual Financial Reporting System (AFRS), eTicketing System, and Training Management System (TMS), were geared towards making the country’s FMIS more efficient, transparent, reliable, and compliant with international standards.

Background and Problem 

COA’s Old Government Accounting System (OGAS) was not compliant with International Accounting Standards. It was hampered by technological limitations, encountered issues with the late submission of financial statements from National Government Agencies, and was unable to track and record other relevant information such as the training courses conducted by the commission.

Solution and Impact

A number of innovations were rolled out to address the aforementioned problems:  the Electronic New Government Accounting System (eNGAS), the Electronic Budget System (eBudget System), the Annual Financial Reporting System (AFRS), the eTicketing System, and the Training Management System (TMS).

The eNGAS aims to simplify government accounting, conform to international accounting standards, and generate periodic and relevant financial reports for better monitoring of performance through the setting up of accounting software that ensures correctness, reliability, completeness, and timeliness. It is used in generating financial reports following the Philippine Public Sector Accounting Standards (PPSAS).

The eBudget System, on the other hand, is an application system developed and designed by the commission to record and keep track of budget-related transactions, such as appropriations, allotments, sub-allotments, special allotments, obligations incurred, and adjustments to allotments and obligations. It also facilitates the monitoring of the status and balances of these allotments and obligations (COA, 2017).

The AFRS is a web-based application that allows government agencies to upload their financial statements in place of manual submissions. It seeks to ensure prompt submission of the reports and facilitate the consolidation of financial statements faster and more efficiently (COA, 2017).

The eTicketing System, a web-based tool used by COA in rendering technical assistance to eNGAs and eBudget System users, serves as a venue to discuss concerns pertaining, but not limited to, the installation, execution of scripts, and the glitches encountered while utilizing the system (COA, 2017). It can be accessed through the COA website with login credentials provided to trained users during their capacity-building training. 

Lastly, the TMS, also a web-based application, was designed to keep track of the training conducted by COA Government Accountancy Sector (GAS) and COA Professional and Institutional Development Sector (PIDS). It stores relevant information about the training activities segregated per training title such as International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), Government Accounting Manual (GAM), and eNGAS / eBudget System, as well as the number of agencies involved and the number of participants, resource persons, training dates, and other relevant information.

Milestones

To achieve lasting and sustainable public sector accounting and financial reporting reforms, COA is continuously enhancing and implementing the computerized accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting system. While most enhancements to the eNGAS and eBudget system are driven by new issuances relevant to accounting, there are also efforts to make a web-based eNGAS.

There are also pending requests for the installation of the eNGAS and eBudget system, but the challenge is building the capacity of  the requesting parties to use the systems. Most of the NGAs are already using the eNGAS system and the majority of the requests are coming from LGUs.

Testimonials

“The national government agencies trained are incredibly happy with eNGAS and eBudget System because they can easily generate trial balances, financial statements, and can be easily accessed by the assigned auditors. One can easily generate schedules as well as determine the aging of accounts receivables and payables. On the budgeting side, one can easily check the remaining budget. This is the benefit of computerization – results are quick, reliable, and well-documented.” – Mr. Romeo C. Cruz, State Auditor IV, COA (personal communication, July 3, 2020)

“Operations became more efficient because of the speed afforded by the technology, errors are minimized or limited because there are adequate controls placed in the system—it is easy to limit responsibility areas in a computerized environment.” – Dir. Lucila M. Isidro, Director IV, Accounting Systems Development and Other Services Office (ASDOSO), COA (personal communication, July 3, 2020).

Photos

eTicketing System Website (Source: http://gas.coa.gov.ph/eticket/index.php)

Annual Financial Reporting System Website (Source: http://gas.coa.gov.ph/AFRSv2/login.php)

Sources

COA. (2013, June 19). COA circulars calendar year 2001. Retrieved from

https://www.coa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-06-19-13-06-41/1-circulars/category/4465-cy-2001

COA. (n.d.). Updates on eNGAS, eBudget System and other related application systems

[PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://slideplayer.com/slide/7806868/
COA. (2017). E-ticketing – Commission on Audit. Retrieved from https://gas.coa.gov.ph/eticket/.

Implementing Agency:

Municipal Government of Loon, Bohol

Year Implemented:

2017 – present

Themes:

Management for Productivity, Quality and Agility, and Digitization & New Technologies

General Description

The ELBI 2.0 (Enhanced Loon Business One-Stop Shop Initiative 2.0) streamlines the application process for business permits in Loon, Bohol by leveraging citizens’ familiarity with the internet and smartphones.

Background and Problem

Business permit renewal is an annual requirement for  business owners. Before the implementation of ELBI 2.0, the transaction took ten steps, and involved filling up five separate forms. The turnaround time for the permit was up to two days even with complete and proper requirements, and could take longer if any issues emerge during the process. Because of the lengthy process and the tendency of most business owners to put off processing permits until the deadline, queues tend to be long, and penalties are incurred by business owners because of missed deadlines. 

Solution and Impact

In 2016, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) issued a Joint Memorandum Circular that revises the standards in processing business permits and licenses in all cities and municipalities. Sections 6.5 and 6.7 mandate the aforementioned departments to assist local governments in computerizing and automating their processes as well as in employing electronic and online technology in the processing of business permits (DILG, DTI, & DICT, 2016). To comply with this issuance, ELBI 2.0, an online end-to-end process for business permit renewal, was launched in January 2017, providing the following advantages to its users:

• Convenient – it is quick and simple to use, as well as secure.
• Interactive – information exchange is immediate and online, users get immediate feedback from the system during the application.
• Self-validating – errors are minimized because all the information supplied by the applicant is validated before final submission.
• Fast – response or acknowledgment time is quicker than manual application.
• Readily available – ELBI is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.
• Secure – return and payment transactions are more secure, as all data transmission is encrypted.
• Cost-effective – processing cost of returns and payments is minimized (e.g. receiving, pre-processing, encoding, error-handling, and storage) (Municipality of Loon, 2016).

Applicants must first register an account to access the platform. 

             Screenshot of ELBI 2.0 registration page (Source: Municipality of Loon) 

After creating an account and logging in, applicants are taken to a unified form for the Business Permit or Renewal where they may input their business’ details and credentials.

               Screenshot of ELBI 2.0 business permit application form (Source: Loon LGU)

Towards the end of the application form, applicants are asked to attach documentary requirements. Following the submission of the form, it  is  sent to the Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) for assessment. The BPLO then email the applicant the summary of assessed fees, which he or she can settle online (Landbank, GCash, Bancnet) through the ELBI Electronic Payment Portal (ELBI PAY) or personally through the Municipal Treasurer’s office.

Screenshot of ELBI 2.0 business permit application form (Source: Municipality of Loon)

The streamlined process saves time, effort, and resources, as well as addresses the common issues they constantly encounter in the previous method. This technology is especially useful in the new normal as it makes it possible for the municipal government to maintain the same, if not better quality of service, while adhering to pandemic safety protocols.

Milestones 

In recognition of its innovation leadership, Loon was awarded the Best in eGov Business Empowerment Award – Municipality Level at the digitalcitiesPH Awards on 12 October 2018, making the municipality’s work a benchmark for other local government units to replicate.

Testimonials

“I have a limited time to transact with the LGU regarding permit processing and payment of fees. I availed the ELBI PAY under ELBI 2.0 to pay for my business’s assessed fees as this is the most suitable way for me.” – Business owner of Vipe Internet Cafe  

“I have paid for my family’s waterworks billing through ELBI PAY since the automated facility made it convenient me considering I’m working abroad.” – Overseas Filipino Worker based in Kuwait

“I have paid for my water bill from out-of-office since I was doing fieldwork and the bill was due. I have used ELBI PAY to avoid penalty and disconnection.” – Municipal Officer (C. Relampagos, personal communication, June 22, 2020)

Sources

DILG, DTI, & DICT. (2016, September 5). Revised standards in processing business permits and licenses in all cities and municipalities. Retrieved from https://dilg.gov.ph/issuances/jc/RevisedStandards-in-Processing-Business-Permits-and-Licenses-in-All-Cities-and-Municipalities-/65

Municipality of Loon. (2016, December 23). Welcome to Loon’s ELBI eServices. Retrieved from https://elbi.loon.gov.ph/about
DICT. (2018, October 17). Best eGovernance systems shine at digitalcitiesPH Awards. Retrieved from https://dict.gov.ph/best-egovernance-systems-shine-at-digitalcitiesph-awards/

Implementing Agency:

Penang State Government, Penang, Malaysia

Year Implemented:

2019-present

Themes:

Digitization & New Technologies, and Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility

General Description

The City Council of Penang Island (MBPP) employs facial recognition technology to reduce crimes through artificial intelligence that cross-references visual input to the police’s database of known offenders. This technology is an enhancement to the already extensive network of CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras used in the state of Penang.

Background and Problem

Penang, with an urbanization level of 90.8% is among the most urbanized states in Malaysia (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2015; Statista, 2019; The World Bank, 2015 in Woo K. & Khoo, S, 2020). As with most highly urbanized places, challenges such as traffic, waste management, and crime are rife, and there is a need for innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth.

Solution and Impact

CCTVs were first installed and used in Penang Island in 2008 to improve city management. By 2013, the MBPP created a CCTV control room and installed an additional 767 CCTVs in crime hotspots and road junctions that required close monitoring of traffic (Channel News Asia, 2019).

The MBPP upgraded their CCTV control center in 2017 and set up an Intelligence Operation Center (IOC) in collaboration with IBM. Through the IOC, MBPP had access to real-time data on illegal parking, illegal dumping, traffic congestion, street light damage, and flash floods and other emergencies.

Facial recognition technology was introduced in 2019 to enhance the MBPP’s capacity to address street-level crime. It works by cross-referencing visual input from the camera feeds with the system’s database of known criminals. This allows law enforcement to monitor the movements of potential perpetrators, with a system alert being triggered by 80-90% accuracy match (Channel News Asia, 2019).

The initiative has received positive feedback from law enforcement, as it has allowed them to more efficiently deploy their manpower. Concerns about potential violations of privacy and due process have been addressed by the MBPP, citing that apprehensions are still bound by the law and the standard operating procedures of the police. Human rights and constitutional lawyers have also provided guidance on how to ensure that the system does not violate citizen’s rights through the same mechanism that ensures their safety.

Milestones

Currently, a total of 935 CCTVs have been installed at Penang Island, with 913 dedicated to crime hotspots and high traffic areas. These are monitored at 5 CCTV control centers housed in the MBPP office and in various police stations around the island.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCTV cameras were also equipped with public address speakers in order to relay messages to the public and strengthen their compliance with social distancing and other prescribed health protocols. MBPP is also looking at employing facial registration technology to help with contact tracing.

In recognition of its innovation, MBPP was nominated as a finalist in the 2020 International Data Corporation Asia Pacific Smart City Awards under the Public Safety (Smart Policing) category (CIO, 2020). 

Photos

CCTV Poles at Site (Source: MBPP Engineering Department)

CCTV Control Center (Source: MBPP Engineering Department)

Sources

Woo K. & Khoo. (2020, June). Ecology and new urban program: A case study of Penang state own brand of affordable housing program. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2226585619301359#:~:text=Among%20the%2013%20states%20of,Malaysian%20state%20by%20land%20mass

Channel News Asia. (2019, Jan 2). Penang to equip CCTV cameras with facial recognition inbid to reduce crime. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/penang-facial-recognition-identify-criminals-cctv-11080092

The Star. (2019, January 3). Use of biome­tric facial recognition must be regulated. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/03/use-of-biometric-facial-recognition-must-be-regulated/. 

CIO. (2020, March 31). Southeast Asia’s ‘smart cities’ project finalists. Retrieved from https://www.cio.com/article/3535221/southeast-asia-s-smart-cities-project-finalists.html

Inn, T. (2020, March 27). Smart City Technologies Take on COVID-19. Retrieved from https://penanginstitute.org/publications/issues/smart-city-technologies-take-on-covid-19/
MBPP Engineering Department. (2021). Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) System MBPP. [PowerPoint slides].

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Year Implemented:

2018-present

Theme:

Digitization & New Technologies

General Description

The Men.Go mobile application is a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) initiative that aims to increase the use of public transport by providing an integrated platform with convenient features such as journey planning, real-time update, and online payment integration.

Background and Problem

Kaohsiung has an extensive public transport system composed of a network of railways, buses, ferries, bike rental and sharing, and scooter sharing stations. However, despite the presence of such infrastructure, the market share of public transport in Kaohsiung is only 9.88%, far behind scooters and motorcycles (65.14%) and private cars (20.4%).

Solution and Impact

To increase the market share of public transport, the Kaohsiung City Government decided to implement a MaaS initiative. It aims to contribute to the reduction of accidents and pollution by encouraging citizens to use the public or service-based transportation instead.

This led to the development of Men.Go, an integrated platform that brings together all available public transport options into a single intuitive app that can do everything from travel planning to payments. The app has three main features: journey planning, real-time transportation updates, and an online payment portal that offers a range of packages for passengers to choose from depending on their transportation needs.

Milestones

From 28 September 2018 to 30 June 2020, the MaaS initiative has registered over 27,400 members, sold over 124,000 package passes, and recorded approximately 1,000,500 trips. It has also contributed to increasing ridership, as 21% of MaaS users are new users of public transport services.

Photos

Men.Go App (Source: Kaohsiung City Government)

Men.Go Adult and Student Cards (Source: C.H. Chen)

Public transportations where Men.Go Cards can be used (Source: Kaohsiung City Government)

Sources

Chen, C.H. (2018, December 27-28). Kaohsiung MaaS initiatives [Conference session]. Asia Pacific Symposium on Mobility as a Service, National Taiwan Service and IATSS, Taiwan.

Chou, J. (2019, October 18). The Best Practice of MaaS in Kaohsiung, Taiwan [PowerPoint slides]. Smart Asia (India Expo and Summit), Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai.

Central News Agency. (2018, February 28). EPA to encourage public transport use with ‘green points’. Taiwan News. Retrieved from https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3373614.