Category: Regulatory Reform

Title of Productivity and Innovation Initiative:

Enhancing Disaster, Incident, and Traffic Management through Pasig City’s Smart Public Safety Management System Project 

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Pasig

Year Implemented:

2016 – present

Themes:

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

General Description

The initiative consists of multiple Pasig City public safety initiatives integrated in a manner that reduces costs and improves efficiency in providing data and coordinating a response.

Background and Problems

The advent of Typhoon Ketsana (Philippine name: Ondoy) in 2009 left significant economic and social damage to Pasig City and the rest of Metro Manila. This highlighted the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters, as there are three major waterways surrounding the city and a major fault line running through certain parts of it.

The highly urbanized nature of Pasig also means increased risk for man-made disasters such as fire, drowning incidents, vehicular accidents, and medical emergencies. These public safety vulnerabilities constrain the city’s plans for increased urbanization and infrastructure development.

Solution and Impact

With the goals of improving Pasig City’s public safety efforts in the areas of efficiency and sustainability as well as the reduction in resource consumption for incident monitoring and management, the Pasig City government introduced the Pasig Smart Public Safety Management System, whose major components include:

1. Computer-Aided Dispatch: Designated as the eC3-CMS, an information system that allows for data analysis and reporting of information in real-time, which is gathered via incident reports by citizens through the Mamamayang Aksyon sa Emergency (MaSE), a free mobile public service application for use in Android and iOS devices.

The interface of the MaSE system (Source: Pasig City DRRMO)

2. Adaptive Intelligent Traffic System: A system deployed by the city to optimize the use of road networks in the city with the goal of safer, smarter, and more coordinated traffic flow. This is done via data gathering sensors deployed in critical traffic points in the city, allowing for adaptive control of traffic light times and management of rush hour traffic in a coordinated and real-time manner. The system data is accessible through the Pasig Smart City App, which shows real-time traffic situations throughout the city. 

3. Flood Awareness Simulation Tool: An tool, used in conjunction with the city’s disaster risk reduction and management plans, which can provide information and run possible scenarios in areas prone to flooding. The simulation software makes use of sensors installed in various high-risk locations in the city to collect data on other environmental concerns such as water pollution and PH level, air quality, humidity, wind direction and speed, noise pollution, and UV index levels.

Environment sensors user interface (Source: Pasig City DRRMO)

4. GSM Emergency Alert System: The public safety system utilizes an emergency network GSM system that allows for the rerouting of emergency calls to predetermined locations when commercial GSM systems are damaged or compromised. In cases of major disasters, a Text Message Alert System (TMAS) is activated, which would send SMS advisories and notifications to individuals regardless of their chosen commercial GSM network.

The existing infrastructure used in conjunction with these systems includes more than 225 surveillance cameras, solar-powered citywide mass alert sirens, a 24-hour phone and text hotline, and multiple operational pumping stations in 22 flood-prone areas in the city.

All systems mentioned in the Smart Public Safety Management System are managed by their City Command Center (C3), built in 2010. Once the C3 staff is able to verify a report, radio dispatchers coordinate and deploy the nearest responders to incidents. All interactions between citizens and the system are recorded.

Milestones

The Pasig City Smart Public Safety Management System Project was named an outstanding smart city project in the 2018 IDC Smart City Asia Pacific Awards for delivering better urban planning and operational efficiency. The project was one of 19 winners out of 148 smart city projects across 12 functional categories.

Photos

A screenshot from the Pasig Smart City App, a mobile application allowing for localized monitoring of traffic within the Pasig area. (Source: Pasig City Government)

Officials discuss in the Pasig City control room. 

(Source: Pasig Command Center Facebook page)

Sources

Jocson, L. C. (2018, July 11). Pasig’s public safety project named one of Asia’s “most outstanding”. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/moveph/pasig-public-safety-included-most-outstanding-smart-city-projects-2018

Lozada, D. (2014, June 18). Pasig City: Learning from Ondoy, ready for the rain. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/moveph/pasig-city-disaster-management-ondoy

Tuaño, P. A. P., Muyrong, M. S., & Clarete, R. L. (2016). Economic Impact of Typhoon Ondoy in Pasig and Marikina Cities Using a Multiweek CGE Model Analysis. Philippine Journal of Development, 43(2). https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspjd2016-2_ondoy.pdf

Title of Productivity and Innovation Initiative:

Sustaining the Local Economy and Food Security through the “Pag-ulikid sa Mangunguma”

Implementing Agency:

Provincial Government of Iloilo

Year Implemented:

13-29 April 2020

Theme:

Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

Pag-ulikid sa Mangunguma (“Taking Care of the Farmers”) is a relief augmentation program that was implemented by the Provincial Government of Iloilo to sustain local small-scale farmers while also distributing fresh produce to those adversely affected by quarantine measures.

Background and Problem

Around two million Ilonggos were suddenly left without a reliable source of income once quarantine measures were put in place by the national government to address the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, as they were unable to bring their products to market due to travel restrictions. This led to food shortages and rising prices, which meant that the same farmers who were unable to sell their products now also had less purchasing power to provide for their families. With no timetable in place for the easing of quarantine measures, the Iloilo Province local government unit (LGU) had to provide a fast and direct means of assistance to its constituents that would address both the loss of access to food supply and the loss of income brought about by the pandemic.

Solution and Impact

Pag-ulikid sa Mangunguma was a multi-pronged response launched by the Provincial Government of Iloilo to address food insecurity and economic slowdown by purchasing PHP 8.7 million worth of agricultural products from small-scale farmers for distribution to local communities. Farmers who normally would deal with markets or middlemen were advised to coordinate directly with their respective municipal agriculturists, and the delivery of the produce to the provincial capital was mandated to be at most a day after purchase. Consolidators from the provincial LGU were tapped to put together an emergency supply chain in the provincial capital of Iloilo for repacking and distribution. Areas hardest hit by travel restrictions were targeted and prioritized as beneficiaries for the repacked goods.

Milestones

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6 recognized the initiative as a Best Practice in the Western Visayas Region. Also, a recent webinar organized by Greenpeace Philippines, the Rice Watch Action Network, Nagkaisang Grupo Laban sa RTL (United Groups Against the Rice Tariffication Law), and the Bayanihan sa Agrikultura have cited it as a key step in restoring the food supply chain in Iloilo after the initial implementation of quarantine restrictions. Nutritionists and health advocates have also lauded the initiative, as it emphasized the importance of agricultural produce over processed foods during the pandemic period.

Testimonials

“We also need to help our small farmers and make sure that the local economy is sustained.” 

– Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Governor, Provincial Government of Iloilo

“It is a good innovation that may be replicated (by other LGUs) to address the current situation.” – Ariel Iglesia, Director, Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI

Photos

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. checks the agricultural produce purchased from small farmers that were distributed to households affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) (Source: DILG Region IV)

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. inspects the agricultural products delivered at the Sports Complex Gym. (Source: PICAO)

Sources

Novio, E. (2020, May 29). Best practices in agriculture sector towards ‘better normal’ pushed by LGUs, CSOs. Greenpeace. https://www.greenpeace.org/philippines/story/9688/best-practices-in-philippine-agriculture-towards-better-new-normal-pushed-by-government-units-cso/

PICAO. (2020, June 5). Iloilo’s COVID-19 initiative hailed as best practice. Official Website of Province of Iloilo. http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/agriculture-and-fisheries/iloilo%E2%80%99s-covid-19-initiative-hailed-best-practice

Pineda, L. T. (n.d.). Iloilo Province’s “Pag-ulikid sa Mangunguma” cited as best practice. Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/features/articles/1041150

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented:

14 May 2020 – present

Theme:

Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility

General Description

The COVID-19 Workplace Management Plan is a risk assessment and management guide that businesses in Valenzuela need to adopt before being allowed to resume operations.

Background and Problem

While public health is the main priority of any local government unit (LGU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, it also has to consider that businesses need to be able to become operational again in order to sustain the local economy and provide employment opportunities. The Valenzuela LGU thus had to find a careful, measured response that would allow for the safe reopening of businesses while ensuring the safety of workers and their families.

Solution and Impact

The COVID-19 Workplace Management Plan is a set of guidelines that would allow the LGU to determine the risk levels of offices and factories for the spread of COVID-19 by looking at such factors as location of the business, the number of its employees, and the degree of automation of its processes. The LGU requires that the following measures are implemented and monitored by businesses with at least ten employees:

1. Installing posters, signages, and other informative materials that remind workers how to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 within the workplace;
2. Allowing for alternative work arrangements, such as working-hour shifts or work from home (WFH), where feasible;
3. Reducing, if not eliminating, face-to-face interaction between workers, co-workers, and clients;
4. Encouraging the use of online work measures such as video conferences in the place of meetings and emails in the place of memos; 
5. Maintaining proper physical distance in the office by seating workers at least one table apart and redesigning the floorplan to allow unidirectional movement in aisles, corridors, and walkways.;
6. Limiting the maximum room capacity at a given time inside an office or enclosed spaces such as elevators and restrooms; 
7. Empowering designated safety officer(s) to always ensure social and physical distancing and the observance of health protocols. 

The guidelines also recommend that offenders are penalized as follows:

Violation	1st offense	2nd offense	3rd offense
Non-use of face mask or face shield	Warning	3-day suspension	5-day suspension
Refusal to submit temperature checks upon entry	Warning	3-day suspension	5-day suspension
Failure to observe social distancing	Warning	3-day suspension	5-day suspension

Milestones

The City Government of Valenzuela received the Safety Seal Certificate from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on 25 May 2021, in recognition of the compliance of establishments and businesses in the city with the minimum public health standards set by the government. 

Photos

Valenzuela City received the Safety Seal Certification, recognized by DILG and DTI (Source: Kevin Gatchalian)

Template of COVID-19 Management Plan

(Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Sources

Business Mirror. (2017, September 30). Valenzuela emerges as a top manufacturing hub in PHL. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/09/30/valenzuela-emerges-as-a-top-manufacturing-hub-in-phl/

Pedrajas, J. A. (2020, May 14). Valenzuela City offices, factories to undergo COVID-19 risk assessment. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2020/05/14/valenzuela-city-offices-factories-to-undergo-covid-19-risk-assessment/
Porciuncula, A. (2021, May 2021). To the safe reopening of the economy… Valenzuela City Receives Safety Seal Certification. City Government of Valenzuela eNewsletter. https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/article/news/13850

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented:

11 April 2020 – present

Themes:

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

General Description

The City Government of Valenzuela increased their capacity for COVID-19 mass testing through a public-private partnership with The Medical City (TMC).

Background and Problem

Beyond just confirming to an individual whether their symptoms are actually COVID-19 or not, testing also provides important information that helps identify potential infection hotspots and simplify the process of contact tracing. Given the lack of national-level capacity for mass testing, it thus falls to individual local government units (LGUs) to provide reliable and sustainable testing for the virus within their territory.

Solution and Impact

On 11 April 2020, the City Government of Valenzuela signed a memorandum of understanding with The Medical City (TMC) to provide the first public-private partnership on the conduct of mass testing in Metro Manila. In this arrangement, the LGU procures and provides the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, while TMC and Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory process them and provide results in the shortest possible turnaround time. The mass testing is not only available for residents, but also for LGU workers, including firemen, police, health station workers, members of the City Health Office, penal officers, disaster risk reduction and management staff, staff of the emergency hospital, employees from the external services office, as well as members and employees of barangay councils.

The steps involved in the Valenzuela City’s mass testing initiative involve the three-step program of Test, Trace, and Isolate:

• Test: Trained medical technologists under the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) go house-to-house to collect specimens from patients. Collected specimens are then transported to their partner laboratories for processing.

• Trace: All close contacts of identified confirmed cases shall observe quarantine procedures and will be closely monitored by CESU and the local police. These close contacts will also be tested for Covid-19 using PCR-based test kits.

• Isolate: Those who tested positive but asymptomatic will be brought to the city’s designated Central Isolation Units for confirmed Covid-19 patients. During their stay, all their needs will be taken care of including food and basic hygiene kits. Doctors and nurses will monitor them until they register two negative tests. Patients exhibiting severe symptoms are endorsed to Covid-19 tertiary hospitals for more urgent and specialized care.

Milestones

Valenzuela City’s first molecular laboratory was launched in September 2020 with the capacity to process 800 samples per day. The LGU has also allocated a substantial budget for COVID-19 testing initiatives. Based on updates released in December 2020, the LGU has used PHP 70,266,420 for the procurement of PCR test kits, PHP 56,665,304 for the processing of said tests, and PHP 126,931,724 for other expenses related to organizing the localized targeted mass testing. Savings generated from budget items such as canceled events, unallocated training budgets, decreased utility expenses, and the discontinued hiring of personnel have instead been redirected towards sustaining the city’s mass testing endeavors. 

In 2021, the LGU’s COVID-19 mass testing initiative was expanded to include information campaigns as the last step. As of 25 September 2021, these efforts have contributed to a total of 106,692 PCR test results. 

Photos

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between The Medical City and Valenzuela City Officials. (Source: Valenzuela City PIO)

A Valenzuela resident undergoes testing (Source: Valenzuela City PR)

As part of the Isolate step, if a person tests positive, they are relocated to one of these tents for observation and medical attention (Source: Valenzuela City PR)

Sources

Calalo, A. O. (2020, April 13). Valenzuela starts Covid-19 testing. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/04/13/news/top-stories/valenzuela-starts-covid-19-testing/713215/

Dimatulac, C. (2020, April 11). Valenzuela City begins COVID-19 targeted mass testing. CNN Philippines. https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/4/11/Valenzuela-City-COVID-19-targeted-mass-testing.html

Gavilan, J. (2020, December 11). ‘A chorus of funds’ sustains Valenzuela City’s COVID-19 mass testing. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/chorus-funds-sustains-valenzuela-city-mass-testing-ways-lgus-manage-budget-covid-19-series-yearend-2020

Porciuncula, A. R. (2020, April 15). Valenzuela’s Targeted Mass Testing Results Out, Intensifies Campaign with New Lab Partner. Official Website of the City Government of Valenzuela. https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/article/news/13405

Valenzuela City. (2021, September 25). Testing update: As of September 25, 2021, we have released a total of 106,692 RT-PCR test results through our localized targeted mass testing in Valenzuela City. pic.twitter.com/3jmoclwszr. Twitter. Retrieved January 6, 2022, from https://twitter.com/valenzuelacity/status/1441609122189692931 

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Pasig

Year Implemented:

24 March 2020 – present

Theme:

Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

The Mobile Palengke (Public Market) aims to provide communities in Pasig City access to basic necessities even while under COVID-19 quarantine restrictions.

Background and Problem

Small businesses dependent on foot traffic and face-to-face transactions have struggled during the imposition of quarantine restrictions designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. These same restrictions have also led to reduced access to basic necessities, as markets and grocery stores have had to limit the number of customers shopping at any given time to ensure the observance of health protocols and physical distancing. Local government units (LGUs), faced with a weakened economy and a dissatisfied constituency, have had to design measures and interventions that would address these challenges while maintaining a safe environment for all.

Solution and Impact

The City Government of Pasig launched the Mobile Palengke project on 24 March 2020. Inspired by a social media post, Pasig City’s Mobile Palengke are a small fleet of dropside trucks that function as roving stores that sell fresh produce, meat, and other goods sourced from the Pasig Mega Market vendors. The daily schedule of each truck is posted on the Facebook page of the Pasig City Public Information Office for easy reference.

The project is designed to bring the market closer to the community, significantly lowering the community’s exposure to COVID-19 by reducing the number of people going to the public market to buy essential goods. Market vendors also benefit from the project since the products carried by the mobile palengke are directly sourced from them. 

The Pasig LGU recognizes that ensuring food security remains a major part of its pandemic response and this online palengke project is a parallel effort to the city’s distribution of nearly 400,000 food packs to its indigent communities. They have also distributed food coupons to over 130,000 public school students which can be used to purchase food products and other necessities at the Pasig Mega Market and the Mobile Palengke.

Milestones

The Mobile Palengke has been replicated in Valenzuela City. Instead of using cargo trucks, the Valenzuela LGU has converted e-tricycles into mobile stores, as these are better suited to the city’s narrow roads. A similar initiative has also been set up in Pasay City via a partnership between the LGU and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Photos

 A cargo truck, converted into a Mobile Palengke, is deployed in a community in Pasig City (Source: Mayor Vico Sotto Official Facebook page)

Fresh produce such as meat and fish are made available at the Mobile Palengke (Source: Pasig City Public Information Office Facebook page)

Sources

Alcober, N. (2020, April 15). 130,000 Pasig students get food coupon. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/04/15/130000-pasig-students-get-food-coupon/

Buan, L. (2020, March 28). #KopyahanNaTo: Valenzuela replicates Pasig’s mobile palengke. Rappler. https://rappler.com/nation/valenzuela-replicates-pasig-mobile-palengke

Gotinga, J. (2020, March 24). Pasig launches ‘Mobile Palengke’ to lessen public market trips. Rappler. https://rappler.com/nation/pasig-launches-mobile-palengke-coronavirus-lockdown-march-2020

Guzman, J. (2020, March 25). ‘Mobile Palengke’ brings basic goods closer to people. Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1037154

Kabagani, L. (2020, March 25). Pasig City’s ‘mobile palengke’ boosts social distancing. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097797

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Pasig

Year Implemented:

May – December 2020

Themes:

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

General Description

The Online Supplemental SAP is a public website where residents of Pasig City may register and verify their inclusion in the list of beneficiaries of the city’s supplemental Social Amelioration Program (SAP) project. 

Background and Problems

The World Bank (n.d. in Apostol & Go, 2020) noted that the imposition of community quarantine restrictions in the Philippines as a response to the COVID-19 crisis has increased the poverty rate by 3.3% and the unemployment rate by 17.7%. To mitigate these alarming trends, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has implemented the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), providing cash aid to struggling low-income families through a subsidy of PHP 5,000 to PHP 8,000 for two months.

Local government units (LGUs), in response to their constituents’ needs, have also devised programs that expand on the national government’s work, providing assistance to other vulnerable sectors as well. The City Government of Pasig implemented the  Supplemental SAP, which aims to provide assistance to around 160,000 families that were not covered under the SAP of the national government. The beneficiaries targeted for the Supplemental SAP include traditional or nuclear families, single parents, grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, legally married couples even without children, and LGBTQ legal partners with children.

Solution and Impact

The Pasig LGU needed to filter its database of potential beneficiaries to maximize the reach of the provided assistance and avoid duplication of efforts with DSWD. The Online Supplemental SAP (sap-pasig.com) was created to allow potential beneficiaries to verify their inclusion in the Supplemental SAP. The initial database was derived from the existing list of beneficiaries for the LGU’s Pamaskong Handog (Christmas Offering) program cross-referenced with the list of the recipients of SAP from DSWD.

Those not included in the list were then also able to access a registration portal that allowed them to provide the information needed to justify their qualification for the program. This measure also eliminates the need for city residents to go to the City Hall or their respective Barangay Halls for the sole purpose of registering for the program, thus further reducing their potential exposure to COVID-19.

Milestones

By June 2020, barely a month after its launch, the Pasig LGU had already distributed cash assistance to 80% of the target beneficiaries of the Supplemental SAP. This quick distribution was aided by the online Supplemental SAP platform, and was done door-to-door in order to discourage city residents from going out of their homes. In all, the Pasig LGU allocated over one billion pesos as cash aid to the identified beneficiary families.

Photos

Publicity material from the Pasig City Public Information Office (Source: Pasig City Public Information Office Facebook Page)

A screenshot of the user interface of Pasig City’s Online Supplemental SAP finder (Source: sap-pasig.com)

The categories of beneficiaries that may be included in Pasig City’s Supplemental SAP project (Source: Pasig City Public Information Office Official Facebook page)

Sources

Aguilar, K. (2020, May 19). Pasig City launches an online finder for its supplemental SAP beneficiaries. Inquirer. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1277468/pasig-city-launches-online-finder-for-its-supplemental-sap-beneficiaries#ixzz6RQyUUSUe

Apostol, V. and Go, L. (2020, August 9) Ameliorating the Social Amelioration Program. Business World. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/ameliorating-the-social-amelioration-program/

 Casinas, J. (2020, June 9). 80 percent of families in Pasig City has received P8, 000 cash assistance. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2020/06/09/80-percent-of-families-in-pasig-city-has-received-p8000-cash-assistance/

Kabagani, L. (2020, May 19). Pasig launches online platform for supplemental SAP beneficiaries. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103339

Obanil, R. (2020, May 12). Nearly 8-K families have received Pasig City’s supplemental SAP. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2020/05/12/nearly-8-k-families-have-received-pasig-citys-supplemental-sap/

Implementing Agency:

City Government of Pasig

Year Implemented:

10 July 2020 – present

Themes:

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

General Description

The TAPAT (Tulong at Pampuhunang Ayuda sa Taga-Pasig, or Help and Capital Aid for Pasig Residents) is an initiative that offers loans to entrepreneurs and job-seeking residents to jumpstart Pasig City’s economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background and Problem

As COVID-19 has not only impacted public health in the Philippines but has also severely hindered its economy, it follows that recovery does not only depend on medical measures such as mass testing and vaccination, but also through the revitalization of the economy both at the local and national levels. Building back towards normalcy means that workers and business owners have to be able to reliably provide for their families, but the economic stability and opportunity needed to achieve this has been limited. 

Solution and Impact

On 10 July 2020, the City Government of Pasig officially launched the TAPAT program in order to address the challenges faced by the local economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, which can be accessed online via https://pasig.accessleap.com, provides three kinds of financial assistance designed to address the diverse challenges faced by the residents of Pasig City.

The first kind of loan, Balik Negosyo (Return to Business), provides loans of up to PHP 10,000 to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so that they may be able to make the necessary adjustments to comply with updated health and safety standards. The second, Bagong Negosyo (New Business), also provides up to PHP 10,000 for the establishment of new MSMEs. The third category, Balik Trabaho (Return to Work), offers loans of up to PHP 5,000 to displaced workers for the completion of application requirements for new employment.

All loans under TAPAT only require payment at the beginning of the second year after the loan is approved, providing a cushion period that enables borrowers enough time to settle their obligations with no interest rate. A 3% interest rate would be imposed if borrowers would fail to pay within the given allowable payment period.

The loan process itself is designed to be as contactless as possible, with applications accomplished online and the loans themselves disbursed through an electronic money transfer service.

Milestones

As of 1 September 2020, around 2,000 loan applications have been approved under the TAPAT program. The City Government has allotted PHP 200,000,000 for the program, aiming to cover up to 40,000 beneficiaries. As of 3 November 2021, seven batches of loan disbursements have been completed.

The program is also attempting to expand its coverage beyond business and employment through the addition of a loan category for families. It is also seeking to partner with private institutions and organizations to strengthen the program in its efforts to contribute to the economic recovery of the city and its residents from the economic effects brought by COVID-19.

Photos

A screengrab of the Pasig TAPAT website 

(Source: https://pasig.accessleap.com/home/local_business_assistance)

A screenshot of the TAPAT Loan Program scheme

(Source: https://www.pasigcity.gov.ph/article-post?news=6964001) 

Sources

Casinas, J.A. (2020, July 10). Pasig City formally launches loan program for economic recovery. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/10/pasig-city-formally-launches-loan-program-for-economic-recovery/

Kabagani, L. J. (2020, September 3). Pasig to release 1st batch of small loan grants. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114328

Marquez, C. (2020, July 2). Pasig to launch ‘TAPAT’ program to provide loans for business owners. Inquirer.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1300942/pasig-to-launch-tapat-program-to-provide-loans-for-business-owners

Tobias, L. A. (2020, November 7). LGU loans and other small business loans. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/11/07/business/columnists-business/lgu-loans-and-other-small-business-loans/792488/Pasig City Website (2021, November 9). Tulong at Pampuhunang Ayuda para sa Taga-Pasig (TAPAT) Loan Program. https://www.pasigcity.gov.ph/article-post?news=6964001

Implementing Agency:

Provincial Government of Iloilo

Year Implemented:

28 September 2020 – present

Themes:

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

General Description

The Provincial Agri-Fishery Information System – Farmers and Fisherfolks Agri-Fishery Resource System (PAIS-FARMS) collects and consolidates agricultural production data in order to provide key stakeholders with the necessary information to resolve marketing problems during harvest season and enable higher productivity.

Background and Problem

The economy of the Province of Iloilo is dependent on agricultural production, particularly rice and fish. Recent events have provided significant challenges to this, however, in the form of Republic Act No. 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The enactment of RA 11203 has led to an estimated revenue loss of about PHP 80,000,000,000 in 2019 alone, while community quarantine measures beginning in 2020 have constrained supply chains and generated even more massive losses for farmers and fisherfolk in the province,

To help cope with these challenges, the Provincial Government of Iloilo decided to pivot away from dependence on rice subsidies, as has been practiced by other provincial local government units (LGUs), and instead focus on developing a system to manage agricultural production data that would allow for smarter and better-informed decision making in distribution and marketing. The existing Municipal Agricultural Information System (MAIS) developed in Mina, Iloilo, was thus scaled up and implemented on the provincial level.

Solution and Impact

PAIS-FARMS is a computer-based system that gathers data on agricultural production at the barangay level and consolidates the information at the municipal and provincial levels to provide a realistic snapshot of the province’s current situation and capacity that helps in aligning with and addressing market demand. This system is linked with other existing databases managed by the Department of Agriculture, allowing for the effective management of each section of the value chain, from the farmers and fisherfolk to agricultural retailers, credit institutions, processors, and distributors, among others. This results in reduced wastage or oversupply of commodities, minimized dependence on importation, and improved food sufficiency in the province, especially during crises.

The system is able to efficiently and effectively manage agricultural production data through:

1. Determining the availability and location of commodities that can be sourced to for consumption, further processing, and export;
2. Forecasting production volume to help farmers determine where, when, and what crops to plant or not to plant; 
3. Matching available and upcoming commodities with the market; 
4. Tracking extension services already provided to farmers and identify gaps and interventions needed;
5. Guiding farmers, associations, cooperatives, agricultural workers, business development workers, business-minded people, government agencies, and other stakeholders in planning, designing, implementing, and monitoring of programs, projects, and services;
6. Serving as the benchmark for investors and business-minded people in deciding what, when, and where to invest in agriculture in the province;
7. Identifying commodities that have the potential for export processing, with assistance from the academe for research and development; and
8. Reducing importation of commodities that can be grown locally through intensive advocacy.

Milestones

PAIS-FARMS is set for replication in 43 other municipal LGUs within Iloilo, through individual Memoranda of Agreement with the provincial government, covering system installation, data establishment and management, and provision of IT equipment. Royalties are also still to be paid to the Mina LGU, for their role in conceptualizing the original form of the system.

Legislative efforts have also been made to establish an Agricultural Information System similar to PAIS-FARMS at the national level.

Photo

Elected government officials toast the launching of PAIS-FARMS in Mina, Iloilo on September 28, 2020 

(Source: PICAO)

Sources

Montemayor, R. (2020, September 6). Winners and losers from the rice tariffication law. Inquirer.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1332019/winners-and-losers-from-the-rice-tariffication-law

PAIS-FARMS Operations Manual. Courtesy of Provincial Government of Iloilo

Panay News. (2020, October 10). Agri-fishery info system to benefit local farmers. https://www.panaynews.net/agri-fishery-info-system-to-benefit-local-farmers/

PICAO. (2020, September 29). Iloilo Launches Internet Tool for Agribusiness. Official Website of Province of Iloilo. http://iloilo.gov.ph/agriculture-and-fisheries-information-technology-computers/iloilo-launches-internet-tool

Toreno, S. M. H. (2020, September 30). Iloilo launches agri-fishery information system. Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Office 6 Website. https://westernvisayas.da.gov.ph