Inception Report – Action plan – South Cotabato, Philippines, 2026 – 2028
Overview
Name of Evaluator
Krystianne Paul Andree De Pedro
Member Name
South Cotabato, Philippines
Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open government ... Title
Action plan – South Cotabato, Philippines, 2026 – 2028
Section 1.
Compliance with
co-creation requirements
1.1 Does a forum exist?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Yes, a forum exists in the form of the South Cotabato Integrity Circle (SCIC) acting as the Multi-stakeholder ForumRegular dialogue between government and civil society is a core element of OGP participation. It builds trust, promotes joint problem-solving, and empowers civil society to influence the design, imple... (MSF) since the 1st Action Plan. The same forum was retained for the 2nd Action Plan. Attached as evidence are the Minutes of one of SCIC’s regular meetings where OGP matters were included in the agenda.
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato Integrity Circle 4th Quarter Regular Meeting
1.2 Is the forum multi-stakeholder?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The OGP Local Handbook defines a multi-stakeholder forum as composed of representatives from the government, civil society, and other stakeholders. SCIC is a 21-person forum, with seven members each from the civil society, government, and business sectors. Attached is the same document showing the composition of the SCIC on the first page. The same composition is maintained as with the 2nd Action Plan, although individual members of the forum have since been reconstituted.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Reconstituting the South Cotabato Integrity Circle
South Cotabato Integrity Circle 2026 1st Quarter Regular Meeting
1.3 Does the forum hold at least one meeting with civil society and non-governmental stakeholders during the co-creation of the action plan?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The forum held a total of five meetings for the co-creation and subsequent refining and finalization of the current action plan. Attached are the Minutes of the said meetings.
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato Integrity Circle Activity Report_June 2025
South Cotabato Integrity Circle Activity Report_Jan-June 2026
South Cotabato Integrity Circle Activity Report_Dec 2025
1.4 Has the action plan been endorsed by the stakeholders of the forum or steering committeeThe Steering Committee is OGP’s executive decision-making body. Its role is to develop, promote and safeguard OGP’s values, principles and interests; establish OGP’s core ideas, policies, and rules; a.../group?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The final action plan was formally endorsed by all 14 non-government members of the SCIC (out of the 21 total). Their endorsement is reflected in the SCIC meeting for the second quarter of 2026.
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato Integrity Circle 2026 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting
Section 2.
Recommended practices
in co-creation
2.1 Does the government maintain a Local OGP website or webpage on a government website where information on the OGP Local process (co-creation and implementation) is proactively published?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
There is a local OGP webpage using the Facebook platform. The general public can easily access the page and is not hidden behind a paywall. It contains information on OGP local processes and updates on open government activities, including those outside the scope of the Action Plans. The page is active and consistently posts relevant updates mostly through sharing posts of the official page of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.2 Did the government provide information to stakeholders in advance to facilitate informed and prepared participation in the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive...?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The Facebook page shared multiple informative posts prior to the conduct of Co-creation Activities. It contained relevant information e.g., OGP-recommended practices, OGP co-creation requirements, OGP Local Handbook contents, etc.
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.3 Did the government ensure that any interested member of the public could make inputs into the action plan and observe or have access to decision-making documentation?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
A survey was opened to the public through a link posted in the Facebook page for 2 weeks, from May 14 to 28, 2026.
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.4 Did the government proactively report back or provide written feedback to stakeholders on how their contributions were considered during the creation of the action plan?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
After the first module of the Co-Creation Workshops held on June 3, 2025, 2 other workshops and 2 other consultation meetings were held. Module 1 focused on refining which thematic areas/issues to tackle, while Module 2 focused on the solutions. Module 3, on the other hand, focused on finalizing the draft commitments and the preparation of the Strategic Vision. The 2 subsequent consultation meetings were where the draft Action Plans were presented and refined.
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato Integrity Circle Activity Report_Dec 2025
South Cotabato Integrity Circle 2026 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting
South Cotabato Integrity Circle 2026 1st Quarter Regular Meeting
South Cotabato Integrity Circle 4th Quarter Regular Meeting
South Cotabato Integrity Circle (SCIC) Activity Report June-20261
South Cotabato Integrity Circle (SCIC) Activity Report-2025
2.5 Was there an iterative dialogue and shared ownership between government and non-governmental stakeholders during the decision making process, including setting the agenda?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
During the 5 activities mentioned in item 2.4, members from both government and civil society were able to significantly contribute to the Action Plan (both the Strategic Vision and the Commitments) and thus were able to take shared ownership over the Final Action Plan. This is further evidenced by the endorsement by all of SCIC’s non-government members (14 out of a total of 21).
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato Integrity Circle_March-5-20262
South Cotabato Integrity Circle_November-20-20252
South Cotabato Integrity Circle 00012.pdf
South Cotabato Integrity Circle June-20262
South Cotabato Integrity Circle-2025-Activity-Report-2nd-Sem_00012
South Cotabato Integrity Circle_May-20-20262
2.6 Would you consider the forum to be inclusive and diverse?
Moderately
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
As mentioned, the MSF itself, the SCIC, is composed of 7 members from multiple sectors of the civil society (farmers, women, laborers, etc,), 7 members from the business sector, and 7 members from the government sector. However, the co-creation workshops were not merely attended by SCIC members. CSO Desk Officers and People’s Council representatives from the eleven (11) component Local Government Units (LGUs) of the Province were also invited and were able to actively participate in the drafting of the Action Plan. The said representatives embody the different sectors comprising their own LGUs’ People’s Councils coming from multiple sectors (e.g., farmers, women, senior citizens, transport groups, laborTransparent workforce data and increased representation of workers in labor policy-making lead to policies that better protect workers’ rights and remove barriers for underrepresented groups in the wo... unions, and religious groups, etc.)
Provide evidence for your answer:
Attendance-SC-OGP-2nd-Co-creation-Workshop-August-18-2025
Attendance-SC-OGP-1st-Co-creation-Workshop-June-3-2025
Attendance-SCIC-2026-1st-Quarterly-Meeting-andOGP-3rd-Co-creation-Workshop
Section 3.
Initial evaluation
of commitments
1 CommitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... :
ACCESS TO INFORMATION – Strengthening Access to Government Information and Services by Utilizing Multiple Communication Channels
1.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment includes clear milestones that were properly expounded. The responsibility, source of funds, as well as the start and end dates were appropriately identified and presented. However, some of the milestones can still be further specified (i.e., quantified).
Provide evidence for your answer:
OGP-Local-Action-Plan-2026-2028-Gantt-Chart1
1.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevanceAccording to the OGP Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should include a clear open government lens. Specifically, they should advance at least one of the OGP values: transparency, citizen partic... to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The relevance of the Commitment to all three OGP Values (TransparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the public,... More, Public ParticipationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio..., and Accountability) was properly justified. The commitment aims to ensure that government information is accessible, accurate, timely, and delivered in clear and localized language through verified and trusted channels.
Provide evidence for your answer:
May-2026-Commitments_Template-Access-to-Information2
1.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r..., policies or requirements.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The milestones are part of existing programs of the lead implementer, the Office of the Provincial Information Officer.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Existing-Programs-Access-to-Information1
1.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
is a positive change to a process, practice or policy but will not generate a binding or institutionalized change across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment focuses on intensifying and improving existing programs that seek to enhance media and information literacy among communities. However, it is unlikely to generate systemic changes among government institutions.
Provide evidence for your answer:
May-2026-Commitments_Template-Access-to-Information3
1.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
The IRM Researcher recommends the following:
1) Quantify the milestone activities, and be more specific where applicable;
2) Fully utilize the Facebook Page in the implementation of this commitment.
2 Commitment :
ANTI-CORRUPTION – Advancing Infrastructure Implementation Transparency by Reinforcing Citizen ParticipationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to more ... More
2.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The outputs specified in the milestones are verifiable, and the outcomes are measurable. Additionally, responsibility centers, sources of funds, and start and end dates were also adequately determined.
Provide evidence for your answer:
OGP-Local-Action-Plan-2026-2028-Gantt-Chart2.
2.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The milestones with verifiable deliverables described in the Commitment Form will improve the public’s access to government data; will make government office frontliners more accountable; and will inform the general public of their rights and responsibilities in navigating digital spaces.
The commitment aims to demystify government processes (e.g., infrastructure project implementation) by involving civil society. Hence, the commitment is relevant to the OGP values of transparency, accountability, and public participation.
Provide evidence for your answer:
May-2026-Commitments_Template-Anti-Corruption
2.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislation, policies or requirements.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
BPMEC Operationalization, as specified in the first milestone, is mandated under DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-070. Hence, DILG is responsible for ensuring the activation of BPMECs in barangays. This is part of the existing Support to Local Government Program (SLGP). This is a continuation of a commitment from the 2nd Action Plan (Open Monitoring and Evaluation).
On the other hand, the second milestone, Strengthening Participation in Procurement, is also a continuation of a commitment from the 1st Action Plan (Open ContractingA transparent procurement process, known as open contracting, increases competition, improves public service delivery, and ensures governments better value for their money. Technical specifications: C... More).
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato OGP Action Plan 2018-2020
2.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
is a positive change to a process, practice or policy but will not generate a binding or institutionalized change across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
One of the milestones aids in the implementation of a new policy, Republic Act no. 12009. The other milestone does the same for DILG MC 2020-070.
Although it is worth noting that despite the MC being issued in 2020, no operational BPMEC has since been established in the province.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Reconstitution of Project Monitoring Committee Memorandum
2.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
The IRM researcher recommends the following:
1) Specify how many barangays are targeted for the BPMEC Operationalization;
2) Specify the target percentage increase in the number of bidding observers.
3) Specify where the observers’ report will be posted outside of PhilGEPS.
3 Commitment :
DIGITAL GOVERNANCEAs evolving technologies present new opportunities for governments and citizens to advance openness and accountability, OGP participating governments are working to create policies that deal with the ... More: Relaunching the Integrated Provincial Online Database (IPOD) to Provide Reliable Information on Government Plans and Programs
3.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment includes a milestone with activities that were clearly outlined.
Provide evidence for your answer:
OGP-Local-Action-Plan-2026-2028-Gantt-Chart3
3.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Making available data and information publicly accessible conforms to the OGP Values of Transparency. It also includes a module where users can provide immediate feedback on the relevance and currency of the available data, holding the lead implementers accountable. Finally, it upholds the value of Public Participation by providing the community with easier access to data and available services.
Provide evidence for your answer:
May-2026-Commitments_Template-Digital-Governance
3.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislation, policies or requirements.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The IPOD was originally published as a milestone under the 1st Action Plan.
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato OGP Action Plan 2018-2020
3.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
is a positive change to a process, practice or policy but will not generate a binding or institutionalized change across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
South Cotabato has its own Freedom of Information (FOI) ordinance enabling the public to request access to government documents, etc. However, this commitment eliminates the need to request data in the first place, and instead proactively publishes all available data, excluding classified information.
Provide evidence for your answer:
3.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
The IRM Researcher recommends the following:
1. The commitment, having only one milestone with several activities, may be restructured and expanded to become distinct milestones.
4 Commitment :
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Empowering Communities in Crafting Impactful Legislation
4.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment includes milestones with activities that were clearly outlined and are easily verifiable.
Provide evidence for your answer:
OGP-Local-Action-Plan-2026-2028-Gantt-Chart4
4.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
By empowering civil society groups to meaningfully participate in legislation, this commitment is relevant to the OGP Value of Public Participation.
Provide evidence for your answer:
May-2026-Commitments_Template-Public-Participation
4.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislation, policies or requirements.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
This commitment is a continuation of a commitment from the 1st Action Plan.
Provide evidence for your answer:
South Cotabato OGP Action Plan 2018-2020
4.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
is a positive change to a process, practice or policy but will not generate a binding or institutionalized change across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Currently, civil society organizations may participate in policy-making if they are members of the Provincial Development Council (PDC). This commitment takes it further by including non-PDC members and by focusing on legislation.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Guidelines on the Accreditation of Civil Society Organizations
4.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
The IRM Researcher recommends the following:
1) Where possible, prior to the implementation, priority sectors can be identified to streamline the process.
2) Details presented in some activities under the milestones can be furthered expounded.
5 Commitment :
CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT – Raising Awareness on Biodiversity Conservation and Disaster Reduction by Mobilizing Communities
5.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The milestones include activities which are specific and verifiable. The responsibilities, source of funds, and start and end dates are well identified.
Provide evidence for your answer:
OGP-Local-Action-Plan-2026-2028-Gantt-Chart5
5.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment involves various People’s Organizations in different capacities, manifesting Public Participation.
Provide evidence for your answer:
May-2026-Commitments_Template-Climate-Environment
5.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislation, policies or requirements.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
This commitment is part of the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO)’s Biodiversity Corridor Project, which was launched in 2010.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Existing-Programs-Climate-and-Environment
5.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
is a positive change to a process, practice or policy but will not generate a binding or institutionalized change across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment commits to strengthening the existing program but do not intend to make any substantial changes to the program structure.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Existing-Programs-Climate-and-Environment1
5.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
The IRM Researcher recommends the following:
1) With regard to the Rehabilitation milestone, the commitment should specify monitoring plans.
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