ACCESS TO INFORMATION – Strengthening Access to Government Information (PHSC0004)

Identifiant de l'engagement

PHSC0004

Titre de l'engagement

ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Strengthening Access to Government Information and Services by Utilizing Multiple Communication Channels

Problème

Problem: Ineffective and uneven access to government information, coupled with inconsistent public trust across communication channels in South Cotabato. Thematic Problem: Mismatch between usage and trust of communication channels. Evidence: High usage vs. lower trust in social media (A communication research conducted by the Office of the Provincial Information Officer entitled: Understanding Information Access and Trust: A Study of Communication Channel Preferences of Sectoral Communities in South Cotabato)

7% use social media regularly, and it is the top source of news (Rank 1)
But it ranks lower in trust (Rank 4) compared to government websites, TV, and radio
Trust is highest in official and traditional channels

Government websites (Rank 1), television (Rank 2), radio (Rank 3)
Sectoral differences in preferences

Government employees → prefer digital platforms
Community-based sectors/IPs → rely more on radio, TV, and barangay officials
Strong demand for accessible and credible communication
Top reasons for preference:
Facile d'accès
Information claire
Comes from officials
Communities emphasize trust and familiarity
160 respondents said: People trust known and familiar sources

Statu quo

At the start of the action plan, government information in South Cotabato is widely disseminated but not consistently accessible and trusted across all sectoral communities. While social media ensures broad reach, trusted sources remain official platforms and traditional media, revealing a gap between access and credibility. Differences in channel preferences and existing gaps in media and information literacy further result in uneven access, vulnerability to misinformation, and limited public engagement.

Action

The Provincial Government of South Cotabato commits to strengthening open, inclusive, and trustworthy public communication by adopting a multi-channel information system that integrates digital platforms, traditional media, and community-based networks.

It will ensure that government information is accessible, accurate, timely, and delivered in clear and localized language through verified and trusted channels.

The commitment also includes enhancing media and information literacy among communities to empower citizens to access, evaluate, and engage with government information responsibly, thereby improving transparency, public trust, and citizen participation.

Comment l'engagement contribuera-t-il à résoudre le problème public décrit ci-dessus ?

The commitment will address the public problem by bridging the gap between information access and trust through a coordinated, multi-channel communication system that combines social media, official platforms, traditional media, and community networks. By ensuring that information is clear, localized, timely, and delivered through verified and familiar sources, it increases both reach and credibility across diverse sectors. At the same time, strengthening media and information literacy will empower citizens to critically evaluate information, reducing vulnerability to misinformation and enabling more informed participation in government programs and decision-making.

À quel objectif à long terme identifié dans votre stratégie pour un gouvernement ouvert cet engagement se rapporte-t-il ?

This commitment contributes to the long-term goal of building a transparent, inclusive, and participatory governance system in South Cotabato, where all citizens have equitable access to accurate and timely government information.

It supports the vision of strengthened public trust and accountability, by ensuring that information is not only open but also credible and understandable across all sectors.

Ultimately, it advances the goal of empowered and informed citizen participation, enabling communities to actively engage in governance, decision-making, and development processes.

Domaine politique principal

Inclusion, Droit à l'information

Secteur primaire

Services publics (général)

À quelle valeur OGP cet engagement est-il pertinent ?