The De La Salle University – Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (DLSU-JRIG) and Ateneo de Naga University – Center for Local Governance (ADNU-CLG) conducted the Launching and Training of the Transparency and Accountability Portal on August 17, 2017 at the CLG Training Room, Ateneo de Naga University.
The activity was the second event conducted under the Universities and Knowledge Partnerships for Open Government, a project initiated by the DLSU-JRIG and being implemented in the entire country.
Fr. Primitivo E. Viray, Jr. S.J. , University President, was present in the event who gave the Welcome Remarks followed by a message coming from the Naga City’s Local Chief Executive, Hon. John G. Bongat that was delivered by Mr. Renne F. Gumba, Executive Director of the Jesse M. Robredo Center for Good Governance. After the messages, Dr. Francisco A. Magno, Director of the De La Salle University – Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, once again presented the context of the project to the participants.
Before the launching, the results of the Local Knowledge Workshop held last May 25, 2017 were presented. The journey, challenges, and actions taken before the launching were also part of the presentation.
The two concrete outputs of the project namely: the Infographic and Motion Graphic of the 2017 LGU Naga Budget for Special Purpose Appropriation (SPA); and the Transparency and Accountability Online Portal were also presented. The Infographic and Motion Graphic were created in partnership with the Digital, the co-curricular organization under the ADNU Digital Arts and Computer Animation Department while the Online Portal was developed through the ADNU Management Information System Office.
The Online Portal at the local level was presented by Ms. Joanne Laxamana, Webmaster of ADNU-MIS while the one at the national level was presented by Ms. Adrienne Alquiros, Project Coordinator of the DLSU – JRIG. The presentations were made to orient the participants regarding the initiatives being done both at the local and national level for CSOs through online information or knowledge hubs.
In the afternoon, a workshop facilitated by Dr. Malu C. Barcillano, Director of the Center for Local Governance was held to identify the concrete steps to be done in order to improve the portal and sustain the gains of the project. The ideas and suggestions coming from the participants were consolidated for consideration of the Center.
Mr. Ian Jason Hecita, Program Manager of the DLSU-JRIG, gave the closing remarks and reminded the participants of the opportunity presented before them and be able to maximize its use in their respective areas.
Further, there were resource materials turned-over to Dr. Malu C. Barcillano, Director of ADNU-CLG which are to placed in the off-line space to be set-up within the Center.
The activity was attended by participants representing ADNU – Ateneo Social Science Research Center, ADNU – Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research, Coalition for Bicol Development, , Kabalikat Civicom, Kolping Philippines, Naga City People’s Council, Pamilyang Migrante kan Naga, and Universidad de Sta. Isabel.
by Jay P. Abawag
