Inception Report – Action plan – Villanueva Cortés, Honduras, 2025 – 2025
Overview
Name of Evaluator
Marta Izela Leiva Lopez
Member Name
Villanueva Cortés, Honduras
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 governmen... Title
Action plan – Villanueva Cortés, Honduras, 2025 – 2025
Section 1.
Compliance with
co-creation requirements
1.1 Does a forum exist?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
On October 12, 2024, a community assembly was held, convened by the Municipal Corporation of Villanueva, bringing together various local actors, including: the Citizen 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 pub... More Commission, Neighborhood Councils (29 groups), organized groups (10), the economic and productive sector (15), and the public sector (2), making a total of 56 groups who were informed about strengthening local governance through the Open Government alliance.
The First Open Government Committee at the national level was established. Each sector met internally to select a representative for the Committee, resulting in 7 members from different sectors through a democratic, inclusive election—finally, Mr. Walter Perdomo, Mayor of Villanueva, and Eng. Jorge Arturo Reina, Director of Transparency and Corruption Prevention at the Secretariat of Transparency, was also present.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Assembly for the Election of the Local Open Government Committee of Villanueva, Cortés
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
The minutes of the Assembly for the Election of the Local Open Government Committee of Villanueva, Cortés No. 001-2024 dated October 12, 2024, are attached.
Oath of office of the first Local Open Government Committee: Facebook link
Photographs of the open council meeting held: Facebook link
1.2 Is the forum multi-stakeholder?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Those attending the call for the formation of the Local Open Government Committee (CGAL) included representatives from: community organizations, neighborhood councils, the Chamber of Commerce, the Human RightsAn essential part of open government includes protecting the sacred freedoms and rights of all citizens, including the most vulnerable groups, and holding those who violate human rights accountable. T... Network, retirees, members of the Municipal Mayor’s office, women’s networks, LGBTQ+ community, media representatives, youthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More groups, higher educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ... sector, farmers (agricultural sector), micro-entrepreneurs, and the Ministry of Health. A total of 203 people attended the meeting.
Provide evidence for your answer:
List of attendees to the Assembly.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
The signed list of each attendee to the Assembly is attached, representing various sectors of society (public and private).
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:
During the co-creation of the Action Plan, an in-person 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... was held to conduct citizen consultations on the needs of Villanueva regarding Open Government. Technical roundtables were held with participants from various sectors (municipal employees, the Secretariat of Transparency & Anti-Corruption, and the Open Government Committee). The assembly was streamed live on social media (Facebook), allowing additional virtual participation. Citizens also participated virtually through a QR-code survey where they could submit their needs.
Provide evidence for your answer:
List of the attendees of the awareness and consultation session
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
The attendance list for the actors is attached, with 102 people participating in person and virtually.
Link to the awareness session for the Local Open Government Action Plan: Facebook link.
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 ru.../group?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
During the third community assembly, the Open Government Action Plan was presented, and the draft commitments of the OGP Action Plan were read. Feedback was received and incorporated into some milestones.
During an open council meeting on January 26, 2025, the action plan, item #13 in the minutes, was approved—including the amendments suggested by civil society.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Approval document of the action plan
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
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:
At the beginning of the Open Government Plan, there was no updated website, so creating one became a 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.... However, invitations to assemblies, results, and the Open Government Fair have been published on the Transparency Portal and on social media, including the official Villanueva Municipality Facebook page.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Invitation to the open council meeting, awareness and consultation day
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
The municipality of Villanueva has two Facebook pages: one is discontinued after being hacked, and the first Open Government invitations and reports were published there. Here is the link: Municipality of Villanueva: Facebook link.
The second one is still in use: Municipality of Villanueva (Facebook link).
Open invitation to all citizens to participate in the open government assemblies.
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:
Following the election of the Local Open Government Committee (CGAL), the second awareness session introduced the new Open Government model. Participants received training via Zoom and were provided with a document containing the four fundamental pillars and OGP values.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Open Government Brochure
Open Government Policy Areas
Training-for-the-Local-Open-Government-Committee
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
Three pieces of evidence are presented, consisting of the information provided to the Open Government Committee through training sessions. At the first community assembly, an informational brochure was distributed to attendees. The second training session was conducted via Zoom (virtually) and led by the Secretary of Transparency.
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 call was issued for a multi-stakeholder assembly, during which a Technical Consultation Form was used at roundtables facilitated by the municipal technical team and technicians from the Secretariat of Transparency. These roundtables included CGAL members and forum representatives. Citizens shared their opinions and needs. An open online consultation through a digital form was also conducted to broaden 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....
Provide evidence for your answer:
Technical data sheet for consultation
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
Technical roundtable with the multi-stakeholder forum
Online consultation link via Google Form
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:
During the assembly to present the draft First PAGAL, all community input was gathered. As a reasoned response—based on citizens’ expressed priorities—two significant commitments were selected, with additional needs to be considered later.
Commitment 1:
Promoting transparency and 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 m... More in Villanueva through digital tools. (HNVNA0001)
Commitment 2:
Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés. (HNVNA0002)
Provide evidence for your answer:
The results of the awareness and consultation day
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
Based on responses to the consultation form, a meeting was held with the Open Government Committee and the Multi-Stakeholder Forum to report on, receive, and analyze suggestions for making relevant changes to the commitments.
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:
Awareness and Consultation Day for the Local Open Government Action Plan. A meeting was held to share draft commitments, during which stakeholder comments were heard, and opinions, ideas, and suggestions were taken into account. Representatives from the municipal administration, civil society, and citizens reviewed and agreed on the final details for this event, which seeks to promote transparency and citizen participation.
The municipal administration of Villanueva reaffirms its commitment to transparency and to collaborating with civil society to build inclusive and effective public policies that respond to the community’s needs.
This day marked an essential step toward building a more open government that is closer to and more in tune with its citizens, reinforcing Villanueva’s commitment to accountability and active participation.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
Images of socialization meetings
Video of the socialization day
Preparation meeting with the CGAL and definition of the agenda
2.6 Would you consider the forum to be inclusive and diverse?
Very
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Invitations were sent to civil organizations, and various organized groups participated, totaling 56, which are listed in the attendance records.
Among the groups, we had members of retirees (senior citizens), LGBTQ+, women’s network, teachers, and others.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Invitation Socialization Day
Invitation Community Assembly
Local Open Government Committee
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
Attached as evidence.
Section 3.
Initial evaluation
of commitments
1 Commitment :
Promoting Transparency and Citizen Participation in Villanueva through Digital Tools.
1.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The website was obsolete; however, it was decided to modernize and update the virtual portal of the Municipal Mayor’s Office of Villanueva, to comply with commitment 1 of the First Open Government Action Plan, creating a special OPEN GOVERNMENT module, so that citizens have access to information and can share concerns, needs, or suggestions for the improvement of the community.
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 values identified in Commitment 1, Access to information, justify its relevance because citizens can access information of interest related to the management of municipal resources and projects. Through the website and the Open Government tab, citizens can express their concerns, file complaints, and offer feedback on municipal projects and services. In this section, citizens will have the option of linking directly to a WhatsApp number assigned for this purpose.
Likewise, with the creation of the WhatsApp channel, they will have more expeditious information and daily updates on local activities. Interactive channels will be enabled for citizens. This ensures that citizens play an active role in decision-making and monitoring public management.
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 existing website was relaunched and revamped, with improvements and the addition of an Open Government module, so that citizens can access information of interest to them in a practical, simple language.
1.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
Will result in a change of the rules, practices, or policies that govern a policy area, public sector, and/or relationship between citizens, and is binding or institutionalized across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The purpose of modernizing the website is to create technological habits among citizens to facilitate their access to public information, services, programs, and projects offered by the Municipal Government of Villanueva, to keep them informed and actively involved in municipal decisions and activities. In addition, it aims to create an internal transformation in the presentation of reports and compliance plans.
1.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
As an observer, it is considered that commitment 1 can now be made available to the public so that citizens can use it, and within three months of its availability, its functionality, development, and results can be evaluated.
2 Commitment :
Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés
2.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The Technical Unit for Solid Waste Management was created with the aim of improving solid waste collection in the municipality. Awareness-raising, consciousness-building, and environmental education on solid waste reduction, training 900 children from different government schools. Elimination of illegal dumps and recovery of public spaces. Expanding solid waste collection coverage.
Provide evidence:
Creation of the Technical Unit For Solid Waste Management
Communication brief on the creation of this TUFSWM
2.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The proposed commitment justifies its relevance to OGP values with the following points:
Access to information: The design and distribution of informational materials, along with the establishment of interactive communication channels, ensure that citizens have clear, up-to-date access to schedules, routes, rates, and contact information for solid waste collection services. This reinforces trust in local authorities by providing accessible and timely information.
Citizen participation: Through activities such as community meetings and environmental education workshops, the commitment encourages citizen inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More in solid waste management. This strengthens the link between the community and the municipality, allowing decisions to reflect the population’s real needs.
Likewise, through the “Open Government” module, citizens can file complaints, grievances, or suggestions regarding solid waste management.
Accountability: Implementing mechanisms such as community meetings and publishing progress in waste management helps ensure that authorities are accountable for their actions. This establishes a continuous cycle of feedback and improvement, in which citizens can monitor and evaluate local government performance.
Technology and innovation for transparency and accountability: The creation of a digital channel for complaints, suggestions, and inquiries introduces modern tools that optimize communication between citizens and authorities.
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:
The Solid Waste Management Unit has been working to improve solid waste collection throughout the municipality by increasing the number of garbage trucks and organizing clean-up campaigns.
Provide evidence:
Creation of the Environmental Guardians Program
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:
On this day, 140 children from the Walberto Barahona school in the Sinaí neighborhood and the Gerardo Barrios school in the village of El Calán were trained in the importance of caring for the environment. One of the central themes was the formation of illegal dumps, a bad habit present in many communities, where waste is deposited without control, causing pollution and affecting public health. The initiative seeks to raise environmental awareness from an early age, promoting good practices and community commitment to the environment.
2.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
The integration and commitment of governmental and non-governmental educational centers, through the District Education Offices, are important to the implementation of the Environmental Guardians educational module on solid waste management.
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