End of Commitment Report – Promoting Transparency and Citizen Participation in Villanueva through Digital Tools.

Name of Evaluator

Gregorio Manuel Coello Pineda

Email

[email protected]

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

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...

Promoting 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 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.

Title

Promoting Transparency and Citizen Participation in Villanueva through Digital Tools.

Action

The Municipality of Villanueva seeks to strengthen transparency, citizen participation and accountability through the implementation of digital solutions, including updating the website with a Local Open Government Module and a WhatsApp channel.Expected results:Greater access to public information: Citizens will be able to access financial and non-financial information (budgets, POA, ongoing projects and administrative procedures) in a clear and understandable format.Digital citizen participation: The interactive module will allow citizens to participate in consultations, present comments, propose ideas and follow up on municipal projects.Strengthening accountability: The platform will provide tools for citizen control and will make the use of public resources visible.Inclusion and democratization of information: Technology will reduce the barriers to access to updated information in simple language, promoting the participation of various social sectors.General Objective: Strengthen transparency and citizen participation in municipal management through innovative digital tools that promote accountability, access to information and a more collaborative relationship between local government and citizens.

Problem

In Villanueva, Cortés, the lack of understanding of public information about municipal projects and resource management limits citizen participation. Many people are unaware of the channels to access information or report problems, which reduces their ability to propose solutions or participate in decision-making. To address this challenge, the municipality will update the website and create an open government module, providing tools to facilitate oversight and accountability. The platform includes financial and non-financial information relevant to the community, promoting its responsible and accessible use. The commitment “Transparency and Citizen Participation in Municipal Management through Digital Tools” aims to improve the understanding of technical reports, increase citizen participation and optimize accountability mechanisms.Social: Lack of knowledge of information channels and no digital communication channel with the municipal government.Political: Absence of digital platforms to publish key data, which generates distrust in local authorities.This commitment aims to empower citizens, strengthen trust in municipal management and promote inclusive decisions, using technology to improve governance and build a collaborative relationship between the municipality and the population, with the aim of improving the quality of life. . in Villanueva.

1.1 What was the overall level of progress in the commitment implementation at the time of this assessment?

Complete

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

The commitment shows full progress, as all defined milestones were executed or reached an advanced stage of implementation as planned. The main digital tools were developed and launched (redesign of the website, activation of the “Open Government” module and WhatsApp channel), substantial progress was made in institutionalization through the development of the Protocol for Use and Management, and the content of the Citizens’ Manual was developed, with participatory validation processes.
Although some final actions (formal approvals, mass training, pilot tests, and expanded dissemination) are in the closing or consolidation phase, these do not affect the fulfillment of the commitment, but rather correspond to sustainability and continuous improvement actions.

Provide evidence that supports and justifies your answer:

Web Page Presentation
Whatsapp channel evidence

1.2 Describe the main external or internal factors that impacted implementation of this commitment and how they were addressed (or not).

The implementation of the commitment was mainly influenced by internal administrative and operational factors.
Firstly, there were delays in making payments associated with the development and launch of the website, due to low municipal revenue collection. This situation affected the delivery and implementation times of some technological components. This factor was addressed by rescheduling activities, prioritizing critical actions, and coordinating internally to ensure the continuity of the process once payments were regularized.
Second, there were delays in the delivery of information by some municipal departments and managers, which delayed the final design of certain modules and tabs on the website. This challenge was partially addressed through coordination meetings, follow-up by the Open Government Directorate, and the progressive definition of those responsible for content collection and validation. However, in some cases, the impact persisted and required adjustments to the work schedule.
Despite these factors, the commitment was able to move forward as planned through interdepartmental coordination mechanisms, operational adjustments, and strengthened internal communication.

1.3 Was the commitment implemented as originally planned?

Most of the commitment milestones were implemented as planned

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

Most of the milestones of the commitment were implemented as planned. The website was redesigned, the “Open Government” module and WhatsApp channel were enabled, and the protocols and Citizens’ Manual were developed. Some adjustments were necessary due to delays in information delivery from certain departments and managers, as well as delays in the execution of municipal payments. However, these difficulties were managed through interdepartmental coordination, rescheduling activities, and prioritizing critical tasks, allowing key milestones to be met and the commitment to make significant progress toward its objectives of transparency, participation, and accountability.

2.1.1. – Did the government disclose more information; improve the quality of the information (new or existing); improve the value of the information; improve the channels to disclose or request information or improve accessibility to information?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The Municipality of Villanueva substantially improved its channels for disseminating information and receiving requests from citizens, thereby strengthening transparency and participation. The institutional website was redesigned and now has various tabs that provide access to comprehensive information on municipal development plans, budget distribution, program and project accountability, and details of the Municipal Development Plan. In addition, a “Contact Us” tab was added, allowing citizens to request information and send suggestions, complaints, and comments, thus ensuring a formal channel for interaction.
A WhatsApp icon linked to an official channel was added, making it easier for the public to request Open Government information quickly and directly. This WhatsApp channel is also used to disseminate information on all the municipality’s projects, programs, and benefits, promoting feedback and citizen participation.
Together, these actions represent a substantial advance in government openness, as they improve the accessibility of information, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote direct interaction with citizens, aligning with the Open Government principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration.

2.1.2. – Did the government create new opportunities to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation inform or influence decisions; improve existing channels or spaces to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation/ inform or influence decisions; create or improve capabilities in the government or the public aimed to improve how the government seeks feedback from citizens/enables participation/ or allows for the public to inform or influence decisions?

Not Applicable

2.1.3 Did the government create or improve channels, opportunities or capabilities to hold officials answerable to their actions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The Municipality of Villanueva strengthened channels for citizen participation and access to information. The institutional website includes tabs with detailed information on municipal development plans, budget distribution, program and project accountability, and Municipal Development Plan guidelines, facilitating the monitoring of public management. The “Contact Us” tab was enabled, allowing citizens to make requests for information and send suggestions, comments, and complaints. In addition, a WhatsApp icon linked to an official channel was incorporated, facilitating quick requests for information on Open Government. This WhatsApp channel is also used to disseminate information on municipal projects, programs, and benefits, promoting direct interaction and citizen feedback. These actions substantially improve access to information, enable consultation mechanisms, and strengthen citizen participation, contributing to transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making in municipal management.

2.1.4 Other Results

Not Applicable

2.2 Did the commitment address the public policy problem that it intended to address as described in the action plan?

Yes

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

Yes. The commitment effectively addressed the issue of transparency, citizen participation, and accountability. New information channels were opened, including the “Open Government” module on the website, the “Contact Us” tab, and a WhatsApp channel for inquiries and requests. The needs of the population were heard through community assemblies, technical roundtables, and online surveys, and spaces for dialogue and feedback were created. In addition, an Open Government Fair was held, where each agency reported on its actions, and informational videos were disseminated on social media. These actions strengthened government openness, communication with citizens, and accountability, fulfilling the objectives set out in the action plan.

3. Provide at least one lesson or reflection relating to the implementation of this commitment. It can be the identification of key barriers to implementation, an unexpected help/hindrance, recommendations for future commitments, or if the commitment should be taken forward to the next action plan.

One of the main lessons learned from this commitment is that interdepartmental coordination and the availability of timely information are critical to meeting deadlines and objectives. Key barriers were identified, such as delays in the delivery of information by some municipal departments and managers, and delays in the execution of payments due to low revenue collection, which temporarily impacted the launch of the website and digital modules.
At the same time, it was found that active citizen participation, through assemblies, technical roundtables, surveys, and the Open Government Fair, strengthens the 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... and effectiveness of transparency tools. The implementation also highlighted the importance of clear protocols, operating manuals, and staff training to ensure the sustainability of progress.
It is recommended that future commitments prioritize financial planning, internal coordination, and the systematization of information, as well as continuous dissemination to citizens, ensuring that participation and accountability are permanent. This commitment should be consolidated and carried over to the next action plan to maintain and improve channels of transparency, participation, and accountability.