Report on the Rapid Assessment of ICT Utilization for Participation in the Philippines 1

Introduction

The advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT) provided a new platform and
medium in the sharing and exchanging of ideas and knowledge in recent times. In the not so
distant past, people are contented with what the tri-media services have to offer as modalities
of social information networking. Engaging with other people in other places would suffice the
use of print, radio and television as tools for simultaneously sharing information to a large
number of audiences. Recently, however, ICT has emerged to become the fourth medium for
mass communication and knowledge sharing. Unlike the previous three media whose
possibilities have almost all been saturated, ICT’s potentials are merely being discovered and
are progressively being tapped.

What makes ICT different is its interactive nature. The flow of communication in ICT is
multidirectional. Hence, information exchanges could be simultaneously done from various
points at any given time. This is a quantum leap from the unidirectional character of tri-media
devices. Because of ICT, the role of tri-media in the new information environment is gradually
being reengineered. The intention is not for traditional and conventional devises to compete
with recent devises but to complement whatever functions and modalities are offered by ICT.
New devices such as computers have now incorporated the functions of the tri-media services
in its usage.

ICT is becoming an indispensable tool in our everyday lives. Computers, as basic gadgets of ICT,
have become omnipresent fixtures not only in offices and schools but also in our homes.
Likewise, cellular phones as personal telecommunication devices are also quickly becoming
another tool for ICT, having been reinvented to function not only as two-way communication
equipment but also to process information for mass communication. Hence, the information
age and its real meaning have obviously dawned upon us. Nonetheless, the hardwares such as
computers and cellular phones are only partial components of what ICT means. Their
usefulness can only be measured by the manner by which they could be reconfigured to
provide responses to peoples’ daily needs.

The Philippines could not be left behind in the application of ICT in everyday life. The Filipinos’
penchant for anything that is new and western as well as the flare to adopt and be adept at
new technology may have given us an edge in the use and mastery of ICT. The invention and
popularity of “Chikka” as a social internet-communication tool, the tag of being the texting

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The rapid assessment was conducted by Profs. Edwin Martin and Wilhelmina Cabo and Ms. Jean Nicolas in 2009
for the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines (ASPAP, Inc.). The study was a component
of the Project Electronic Connection to Access and Network Information and Knowledge for Governance
Effectiveness and Sustainability (ExCHANGES) implemented by ASPAP in 2009-2010 with funding support from
UNDP Philippines.

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capital of the world and the proliferation of various ICT-based business process outsourcing
schemes in the Philippines can only show how well the Filipinos could become experts in ICT if
we choose to focus on it.

Due to the expanding embrace of ICT, its significance has gradually permeated into the areas of
governance and public service. Though the trend may have started from among technologically
advanced countries, the reach of ICT’s relevance has undoubtedly spilled-over even into less
developed countries. As a matter of fact, it has even become a crucial tool in order for
developing countries to catch up with the trends of development in more progressive countries
considering its borderless reach and application. The use of ICT is perceived to have elevated
governance into a new level of effectiveness, efficiency and economy, which are the primordial
goals of public administration. It has therefore assumed an indispensable role in every country’s
effort to keep phase with the global trend for development and make lives of people more
convenient and productive. ICT, nonetheless, could not be a panacea to poverty and other ills
of the society. It may just provide the means for a faster response to some immediate needs of
the community.

This study therefore aims to provide a quick glimpse at how ICT is being utilized in Philippine
public administration strategies through e-governance and e-participation initiatives. It is
surmised that through a rapid assessment of the extent of ICT’s utilization in public
administration we could possibly provide a broad awareness of how existing initiatives may be
replicated, improved or popularized in order to intensify the use of ICT in the delivery of public
service in the Philippines.

Background of the Study

E-Democracy

The current utilization of ICT in public administration emanates from the basic groundwork of
Democracy. The freedom of speech and self expression provided for by the tenets of
democracy made possible the birth and growth of information sharing and advocacy that
initially began from the citizen’s individual rights. Article 3, Section 4, of the Philippine
Constitution categorically stipulates the inviolability of a person’s right to speech, expression,
the press as well as the right to peaceful assembly to complain or share grievance to the
government and other people. Likewise, Article 3, Section 7, guarantees the rights of people to
information on public concerns. Access to official records, documents and papers pertaining to
official acts, transactions, decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for
policy development should be made available to citizens, though subject to some limitations
provided by law.

ICT merely provides an updated medium by which the principles of democracy may be further
experienced and exercised. Though rules and laws are fundamental and more or less
permanent, it does not prevent the possibility for innovations by which they are made

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operational. ICT is an innovative tool for people to be able to exercise their rights more
efficiently on a wider scale. Thus, the word e-democracy is coined to impress upon people the
electronic medium by which ICT is utilized in the parameters of democracy. E-democracy allows
the blending of two complementing matrixes, i.e., the domain of democratic space and the
realm of cyberspace.

The vastness of cyberspace allows democracy to prosper minus temporal and corporeal
limitations. E-democracy’s reach can thus extend to a global setting, even if many of its
objectives are primarily meant only for local audience and stakeholders. Its boundaries are
fenced only by the limitations of devises, interconnections that permit its operation and the
technical know-how that accompanies it. When all of these requirements are met, e-democracy
works virtually on its own to facilitate the steady flow of ICT. Unlike conventional democracy, e-
democracy does not need representatives or a long hierarchical arrangement for people to
connect and interact with one another. Just like in any democracy, however, overlapping of
rights occur in the same manner that negative elements could exist in any society with the
primary intention of being nuisance to others. Thus, one current setback of e-democracy is the
lack or limitation of ways by which to control cyberspace delinquencies.

E-Governance

An offshoot of e-democracy is the evolution of the concept of e-governance. E-democracy

ushers in an updated paradigm for governance which requires the upgrading of its parameters
to the realm of cyberspace. Whether it is online campaigning, lobbying, activism, political news
or citizen discussions, the politics and governance of today are going online around the world
(Clift, 2004). This new paradigm would allow the entry and operation of ICT in the field of
governance, hence transforming it to e-governance. Conventional governance in a democratic
system reminds us of the essential interaction and collaboration of the three basic component
sectors of state, civil society and the private sector (UNDP, 1997). In e-governance therefore,
the three sectors are also elevated to the electronic realms of cyberspace. Meanwhile,
stakeholders in e-governance are subsequently called e-citizens.

E-citizens play a vital role in a healthy and progressive e-governance. Fundamental to the
existence of e-citizens is the required knowledge and capacity to understand the importance of
ICT as a tool for socio-politico-economic interaction. Though not all citizens of a state may be
familiar with the technology and know-how relevant in electronic interaction, it is the
responsibility of e-citizens to help other citizens realize how ICT could be beneficial to them. E-
citizens are also by nature orthodox citizens, hence physical interpersonal relationships are not
to be set aside as essential elements of social cohesion. It should be firmly recognized that ICT
is merely a tool of convenience.

The state as a regulatory and supervisory component of governance should permit and make
possible, through government initiatives, the utilization of ICT in e-citizens’ transactions with
government entities. Leaders and managers in the state should make certain that the resources
and authority given to them by citizens, as their representatives, are properly utilized according

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to the general welfare and benefit of everyone. Likewise, they should guarantee that order and
system are in place to assure a more comfortable life for people. If the state is unable to
provide the necessary environment for ICT to prosper and be of use by people due to lack of
essential resources, it should be open to the possibility of assistance from the civil society and
the private sector through partnerships and collaborations.

Private sector involvement in e-governance is initially born with the lure of financial incentives.
True to their nature as business enterprises, the private sector offers collaboration with
government entities to be of service to them as ICT hardware suppliers and service providers.
Enterprising as they are, businesses are usually the first to command expertise on the
rudiments of anything, including ICT, which they eventually offer to everyone with a
corresponding price tag. The role of the private sector, therefore, may appear to be motivated
by vested interest. Nevertheless, they are just probably performing their basic and fundamental
role in the society. Looking at the bigger picture, it should be realized that it is by the efforts
and motivations of the private sector that ICT prospered as a new age tool for development.
Through private-public partnership schemes, business interaction with the state are made more
manifest. The businessmen’s collaboration with the state is thus legitimized by mutual benefits.
While businesses earn from the commodities they provide the state, the state in turn is able to
gain the convenience and efficiency from the goods and services that businesses have to offer.
Occasionally, the private sector offers more than simple business to the partnership.
Enlightened and socially conscious businessmen, aware of their obligations as responsible
citizens, reach out to the tri-sectoral nexus through various corporate social responsibility
activities that are provided free to citizens.

State Private
Sector
E-Governance
Environment

Civil Society

Figure 1. E-Governance Environment

Significantly assuming the social conscience role in e-governance is the civil society. It reflects
the e-citizens’ group consciousness and aspirations in e-democracy. There is a need for the civil
society to act and be heard as a group in order to elicit enough influence from both the state
and the private sector. There may be occasions when an individual e-citizen is able to conceive
of valuable areas for reform and innovation in e-governance. However, initiatives of individual
e-citizens would not normally gain enough strength to develop clout without the support of

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other e-citizens. Advocacy and proper information dissemination are necessary in assisting
individual e-citizen initiatives to gain support and results. An active civil society in an e-
democracy environment guarantees a dynamic interplay that leads to good e-governance,
where the elements of transparency, accountability, predictability and participation are
deemed vital (ADB, 1999).

E-participation

This study revolves around the critical role of participation in the e-governance milieu of ICT.
The special function put upon participation rest on the assumption concerning its prerequisite
character over the other elements of governance. Although e-participation, as an aspect of e-
democracy, has been studied and experimented with for more than a decade, it is still an
emerging discipline (Macintosh, 2006). Participation is required to ascertain the conditions of
transparency, accountability and predictability in the good governance process. Through the
participation of citizens in the governmental process, leaders and managers in the state are put
on their toes to make sure that they are doing what is expected from them.

Transactions in government would most likely be transparent and over board if citizens,
especially the civil society as a group, are made privy to agreements and activities that the state
and the private sector venture into. Likewise, predictability of public policies and services are
more assured and less ambiguous if there is participation among stakeholders in the crafting of
these policies. Mutually drawn guidelines relieve the stress of suspicion between providers and
recipients of public services. Meanwhile, citizen participation in socio-political vigilance helps
secure accountability among political leaders and public managers. Unscrupulous public
officials may be deterred from their selfish motives if citizens and civil society makes them
aware that they are being watched and that people knows what they are doing.

Accountability Predictability

E-
Participation
Nexus

Transparency

Figure 2. Good Governance Matrix

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The technique of e-participation in governance as a modality of ICT is derived from the ability of
e-citizens in extending the participative practice of governance to the area of cyberspace. There
are two directions by which e-participation may be utilized in e-governance. The first of these
directions is policymaking. Through ICT, e-citizens and civil society groups may be able to
directly reach and engage policymakers as regards the directions of certain policies that could
affect them. This process, however, may only take place if the policymakers are open to ICT
interactive tools that could allow free ICT exchanges between the policymakers and his e-citizen
constituents. Some of these tools are emails, social networking and discussion forums, SMS,
blogs and twitters. There is no guarantee that policymakers would subscribe to all the
suggestions and ideas of e-citizens gathered from ICT exchanges. Nevertheless, the healthy
interactions that could ensue will certainly help in ventilating possible areas of disagreements
and their corresponding compromises prior to the finalization of policies. At the end of the day,
it is still the policymaker who has the final say concerning the actualization of policies. With the
availability of ICT exchanges, however, e-citizens and civil society groups would have felt more
kinship to the policies that have been created.

The second direction in the utilization of e-participation is through service delivery or policy
implementation. This is somewhat a follow-through of e-participation in policymaking. E-
citizens may push further their participation in e-governance by making use of mechanisms that
would provide a more convenient way of implementing policies that have earlier been
formalized by the state. Government programs drawn from public policies adopted by the state
may be made more efficient with e-citizens’ access to information and procedures through the
aid of ICT. For instance, instead of physically lining up to get and file application forms for
various government permits and transactions, it would be less arduous for people to simply use
ICT in filing and submitting required information prior to the processing of documents. The
procedure will definitely be more efficient and economical. It saves not only processing time
and money but it also motivates productivity. The time and money that may be wasted in the
lengthy conventional process could be channeled to other productive pursuits of e-citizens and
the government.

There may be existing e-governance initiatives and strategies in some of the government offices
in the Philippines today, especially with the recent creation of the Commission on Information
and Communications Technology (CICT). However, it could still take a while before a
comprehensive e-participation structure in policymaking and service delivery is experienced in
the Philippine e-governance environment. Some of the assumed reasons connected to this
scenario are the following: lack of financial resources to provide more extensive
computerization in government offices; lack of ICT experts in the government; absence of
enlightened leadership on the use of ICT in governance; absence of e-citizen and civil society
involvement in advocating the use of ICT in governance; and, a disinterested private sector
participation in e-governance, traumatized by the “National Broadband Network ZTE-deal”
fiasco.

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Framework of the Study

The primary goal of this study is to give a rapid assessment of the existence and utilization of
ICT in the e-democracy environment of the Philippines. Given the diverse understanding of
what ICT means, the study hopes to provide a clearer perspective of what Filipino e-citizens,
both providers and users of ICT, mean by the terminology that goes beyond computers and
cellular phones, which are used as basic devises in ICT. Likewise, the study hopes to get a
perspective of the various operations or softwares and applications that permeates the use of
ICT in the Philippines.

Following the e-democracy loop, it would be of interest to know how citizens are able to make
use of e-participation as inputs to policymaking and service delivery, which are fundamental
attributes of public administration and governance. The study would superficially dwell on
some of the aspects by which citizen e-participation may be influencing the governance
interface of the state, private sector and civil society. The extent of e-participation clout and
influence may not be covered intensively by this study. Nonetheless, the initial objective is
merely to assess the leads by which e-participation are being presently utilized that could
facilitate further realization of how it could be improved, polished, expounded and advocated
in the future.

Providers Users
E-Citizens

ICT
Devises Operations Efficiency
(hardwares) (softwares)
Productivity

Convenience
Citizens E-Democracy
Loop
Transparency

E-Participation Accountability

Policies Services Predictability

E-Governance
Private State Civil
Sector Society

Figure 3. E-Democracy Loop

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Some evaluations will be given as regards the effects of e-participation on good governance
that leads to the inclination of decision makers and public managers to be transparent,
accountable and predictable. Finally, aspects of efficiency, productivity and convenience as
outputs of the use of ICT would be looked into prior to a quick recommendation on how ICT
may be further utilized and advocated for the greater benefit of e-citizens and governance in
the Philippines.

Research Methodology

The study’s rapid assessment method will help determine how e-participation is currently
harnessed in citizen to citizen (C2C) and citizen to government (C2G) engagements in the
governance processes. The procedure consisted of (1) literature review on ICT utilization for e-
governance and e-participation in both global and domestic environments; (2) focus group
discussion of resource people from select members of the Association of Schools of Pubic
Administration in the Philippines (ASPAP); and, (3) purposive survey on ICTs utilization from key
stakeholders also from the academe, government and NGOs.

The literature review indicated the situation, developments and challenges of ICT in the global
arena and in the Philippines. It provided the springboard in benchmarking and fine-tuning the
study’s framework vis-à-vis other countries’ experiences and that of the Philippines.

The focus group discussion explored the varying perspectives and nuances of opinions
regarding ICT utilization and consensus on e-participation. It aimed to obtain in-depth
information on the knowledge and experiences of NGOs and academic community members
(teachers and students) with ICT for participation. Three focus group discussions were
organized in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These were conducted in the three hubs of the
ASPAP Exchanges Project: 1) UP National College of Public Administration and Governance,
Diliman, Quezon City, with 17 participants; 2) West Visayas State University in Iloilo City, with
22 participants; and 3) Western Mindanao State University, with 15 participants. Those invited
to participate in the FGDs came from the ranks of the civil society, government and academe in
the area. The FGD revolved around the following questions:

1. In what ways is ICT used for e-participation in the Philippines by government, civil
society organizations, and local citizens?
2. What types of ICT are used? How are these ICTs used for e-participation in the
governance process?
3. How effective are these ICTs in promoting e-participation?
4. What are the challenges in using ICTs for e-participation?
5. What good practices in the use of ICT for e-participation can be identified? Can we
identify examples where ICT is used for e-participation?

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Meanwhile, the study’s survey used a questionnaire that explored two key areas: (a) an
indicative profiling of ICTs in terms of types, access, usage, and purposes for use of ICT devices;
and (b) a probe into the effectiveness of ICTs as e-participation tools in governance. Purposive
sampling was applied to the identification of respondents. The respondents came from four (4)
member-schools of the ASPAP. These schools were: Western Visayas State University (WVSU),
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), University of the Santo Tomas (UST), and National
College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG-UP) of the University of the
Philippines. Except for UST, the aforementioned ASPAP-member universities constitute three
of the six core regional universities that presently serve as ICT hubs of the 120 ASPAP-member
colleges and universities. Respondents from the WVSU and WMSU were heterogeneous groups
coming from various sectors (academe, NGOs/POs, national government agencies and local
government units) within the metropolitan and nearby areas. The respondents from the UP-
NCPAG and UST are homogenous group comprising part-time graduate students who, in their
professional full-time capacities, are working with national government agencies, local
government units, nongovernmental organizations or with the private sector.

The questionnaire contained items that elicit data on respondents; data on ICT devices and
their utilization, purposes for and benefits derived from use, means and frequency of access
and use, access and use of government website; and, data on actual use and assessment of ICT
devices for participation in governance areas.

The survey had a total of 215 respondents. Since the study is simply a rapid assessment to get
an idea of the use of ICTs for e-participation, which is essentially exploratory in nature, the
statistical tools applied are basically descriptive statistics. To a certain extent, cross-tabulation
was also utilized as it is deemed necessary and appropriate.

Related Literature and Studies

The Global Reach of ICT

The expanding sphere and influence of ICT in contemporary times cannot be simply
undermined. Since the inception of internet technology in the 1960s, countless studies have
been done to plot the development and the growing interface of ICT in our everyday lives.
Computer technology has outgrown itself from the independent and stand-alone machines
meant initially to compute and process data to repositories of electronic information that may
be freely accessible to e-citizens anywhere in the world at any given time. The International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), an organization attached to the United Nations (UN) family of
organizations (www.itu.int), has a continuing study and information gathering mechanism as
regards the status of ICT in the world today. Strengthened by the outcome of the World Summit
on the Information Society (WSIS) held in Geneva in December 2003, ITU has been given more
impetus with the creation of a WSIS Plan of Action.

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ITU maintains a database of statistical ICT profiles of various countries around the world. As a
UN agency, ITU’s mandate is to identify, define, and produce statistics covering the
telecommunications/ ICT sector. In order to ensure a more interactive collaboration among
various international organizations in the monitoring and advocacy of ICT utilization for
development around the world, ITU promotes its recent program on Partnership on Measuring
ICT for Development. The program is a collaboration of the following 11 UN organizations: ITU,
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Department of Economic and Social
Affairs (UNDESA), UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), World Bank, United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa (ECA), United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the
Caribbean (ECLAC), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Statistical
Office of the European Communities (Eurostat). The Partnership’s primary motivation is to help
close the global ICT gap among countries in the world by monitoring the information divide
through statistics and analytical reports between and within countries.

ICT facts and figures provided by the ITU report a consistent upward trend in the growth of
mobile cellular subscription since 1998 which is estimated to reach 4.6 billion by the end of
2009. Also in 2009, about 1.9 billion people, over a quarter of the world’s population, have
been known to have access to computers and internet at home. Mobile broadband subscription
has significantly risen, overtaking fixed broadband subscribers in 2008, demonstrating huge
potentials for mobile internet. Nonetheless, these do not necessarily translate to equal
distribution of ICT opportunity for all. The report also illustrates a dramatic broadband divide
among rich and poor countries. For instance, there is only one fixed broadband subscriber for
every 1,000 people in Africa while there are 200 subscribers for every 1,000 people in Europe.

One of the basic literatures made available by ITU refers to a guide on how to measure the ICT
access of households and individuals (ITU, 2009a). The manual is a relevant tool by which data
collection and gathering on ICT may be standardized among the Information Society (OECD,
2009). The material helps in-country statistics to cohere with data that are gathered from
various countries and thus provide internationally comparable and consistent information. It is
primarily intended for official statisticians of developing economies so they could facilitate
more effective ICT benchmarking strategies with those of developed economies. Some of the
ICT indicators covered by the manual include areas of infrastructure, products, demand and
supply, and information and electronic content. Related to the ITU manual is another ICT
standardized measurement guide relating to some of the other ICT components, namely: ICT
demand by businesses and ICT supply, contained in the UNCTAD 2009 Manual on the
Production of Statistics on the Information Economy (UNCTAD, 2009).

The ICT Development Index (IDI) may be regarded as another modality that affords additional
perspectives of ICT capability comparisons among countries (ITU, 2009b). Its publication is in
response to requests from ITU members to develop a single ITU index to track the digital divide
and measure countries’ progress towards becoming information societies. The Index captures
the level of advancement of ICTs in more than 150 countries worldwide and compares their

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progress made between 2002 and 2007. Its main objective is to provide policy makers with a
useful tool to benchmark and assess their information society developments and to monitor
progress that has been made globally in order to close the digital divide. Indicators are grouped
according to the three areas of ICT access, ICT usage and ICT skills. While access and usage are
given equal weight of 40%, skills is given a 20% rate of relevance. Some of the indicators
included in the index are the following: fixed telephone lines, mobile cellular telephone
subscription, internet users, fixed broadband subscribers, mobile broadband subscribers, adult
literacy rate, secondary gross enrollment ratio and tertiary gross enrollment ratio.

The IDI noted significant improvement in all countries covered by the index in the five-year
period between 2002 and 2007. This lucidly shows that global ICT access and usage are
progressively improving. Overall findings of the study reveal that growth in ICT usage can only
follow a high level of ICT access. Hence, those countries that already had high access value in
2002 have developed more ICT usage in 2007. On the other hand, countries with low ICT access
values in 2002 merely struggled to increase their ICT access in 2007 with the development of
ICT usage lagging behind. There thus exist an obvious correlation between ICT level and GDP
status among countries. Economically developed countries show higher ICT levels compared to
developing and less developed economies. For instance, there is marked disparity that exists
between internet users of developed countries and developing countries. While developed
countries registered 55.4% user rate in 2007, developing countries barely had 13% user rate for
the same year.

The digital divide between have and have-not countries remains huge (Sciadas, 2005). Their
difference is vastly separated by decades of development. Least developed ICT countries are
notably concentrated in Africa and some areas of Asia where state resources are directed
merely for basic survival. Nevertheless, though it does not in the large picture show the closing
of the digital divide, Sciadas’ study still exhibits significant improvement in the ICT status of
many countries from 1995 to 2003. Some semblance of a closing gap appears considerably
between countries in the middle and those on the top.

Venturing further at the ICT status of developing and developed economies facilitated the
publication of The Global Information Society: A Statistical View (UN, 2008a). The literature’s
primary motivation is to help countries measure the role that the information society plays in
economic and social development. As a precursor of the IDI, it may be considered as the first
coherent attempt to rationalize the aggregation of the global ICT status and practices since the
creation of the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development in 2004. It included a core list of
ICT indicators in education that is not included in earlier ICT statistical publications. Initial result
of the study, however, bares the fact that ICT in/for education is not prominent in many
country’s public policy agenda. This finding paved the way for the “partnership” to re-engineer
ICT survey instruments to elicit more explicit basis of the global status of ICT in education.

Complementing the studies on the global trend of ICT is another ITU publication that aims to
look at how countries may be able to monitor and measure ICTs in villages and rural areas in
order to help analyze the digital divide not only between countries but also within countries

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(ITU, 2008). The literature provided perspectives by which ICT in villages may be measured in
spite of the problems faced by the scope and definition of villages in various countries around
the world. Among all indicators, the study makes known the lowest access to internet
connectivity as most pronounced. This is understandable, considering the fact that
electrification, which has been made part of the study, has not yet even reached substantial
portions of Asian and African countries.

ICT for Governance and Participation

A considerable number of studies have already been done to facilitate the connection between
ICT and governance around the world. Most of these studies are firmly anchored on the belief
that ICT is one of the most efficient, if not most effective, tools to good governance. ICT’s role
as a participative mechanism for development could not just be taken for granted. Apparently,
from an incremental evolutionary perspective, e-government already impacts participatory
democracy in the following areas: where there is active interaction between civil society and
government; where the technology allows and affords emerging interest in participatory
democracy; and, where the political environment encourages the institution of online
democracy (Clift, 2004). The assumptions bring one to a realization that ICT knits people closer
to democracy in the same way that democracy allows wider use of ICT for development.

Steven Clift identifies 10 practical steps for e-government support of democracy (Clift, 2007):

1. Timely and personalized access to information that matters

2. Help elected officials receive and sort information, then better understand and
respond to e-mail
3. Dedicate at least 10% of new e-government developments to democracy
4. Announce all government public meetings on the internet in a uniform manner
5. Allow citizens to look-up all of their elected officials from the very local to national in
one search
6. Host online public meetings and dialogues (e-consultations)
7. Embrace the rule of law by mandating the most democratically empowering online
services and rights across the whole of government
8. Promote dissemination through access to raw data from decisionmaking information
systems
9. Fund open source sharing internationally across e-government
10. Localize ICT access and utilization to close the gap of the digital divide

There have been claims, however, that point to the limiting sphere of ICT. Other than its elitist
tendency of being exclusive only to those who can afford and understand the technology, there
is also an impression that current ICT practices are impoverishing democracy since most
government websites do not provide interactive modalities where people could freely share
their thoughts to the government and much less to one another (Clift, 2008). There is therefore
a need to broaden the embrace of e-participation in order to ascertain the democratic
privileges that ICT provide. ICT for governance does not mean that only a limited group of

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experts and decisionmakers should possess the control and power of technology and merely
inform the others later of decisions and directions taken. The e-participation component of ICT
requires the need to empower citizens and individuals in the political, socio-technological and
cultural milieu to make them more capably involved in e-governance (Fuchs, et al, 2006).
Hence, e-participation efforts should initially be directed to developing people’s awareness and
capabilities in ICT and governance in order to allow them the opportunity to co-operate and
self-organize for the purpose of good governance. A bottom-up strategy in ICT e-participation
development is deemed as a more appropriate approach to facilitate e-governance. Apparently,
there is an obvious need to first close the knowledge gap in order to bridge the digital divide.

Responding to the realization for a bottom-up approach to ICT participation to development, a

collection of case studies in India looks at how efforts should initially be focused on closing the
rural-urban or north-south divide in the attempt to close the digital divide (Harris and Rajora,
2006). Its primary motivation is to look at how ICT could help in the government’s goal in
alleviating poverty by empowering the poor and making them direct participants of
development. For instance, in 2002, the United Nations Development Programme in
collaboration with the Department of Personnel and Training organized the Janmitra Project in
Jhalawar, Rajasthan. The Project aimed at building the capacity of public authorities for
improving citizens’ access to information to achieve transparency and accountability in
governance at all levels. One of the primary objectives of the project was to establish one-stop
contact points for citizens to access various government services and information. In this
regard, a rural intranet of 30 Community Information Centers (CICs) was established in some 17
villages to provide e-governance, e-education, e-health and e-commerce services to the
villagers. To complement its services, and to serve as extra income to the operators, the CICs
also function as stamp vendors, petition writers, computer education providers, and desktop
publishing providers. The project was considered a success owing to the growing number of
CICs soon after the project was launched and the expanding patronage and additional services
that the network catered to.

A similar approach was done in Gangtok, Sikkim which was sponsored by the joint efforts of the
Department of Information Technology of the Ministry of Communication and Information
Technology, National Information Centre and the state governments of the North-Eastern
states of India in September 2000. The project entails the set up of 40 CICs in various areas of
Gangtok. Through the CICs, rural folks are able to participate equally in the contemporary world
of cybernetics that bridges the gap between the connected elite and the non-connected
masses. In addition to Government to Citizen (G2C) services, each CIC provides internet access,
e-mail, document printing, data entry and word processing, and ICT training of the local
populace. One of the key realizations of the Sikkim project is that without community
involvement and participation, no government intervention can help in alleviating poverty and
providing efficient governance through the use of ICT. Likewise, due to the lack of government
resources for its sustainability, management and operation of the project should be given to
local bodies or voluntary organizations. There is a prevailing impression that private
organizations and non-government organizations are much more capable in ICT initiatives for

13
development (Jagadish, 2004). The private sector often has a stronger economic motivation to
make things work while NGOs seem to play its role more perfectly in developmental works.

In yet another program contained in the Harris and Rajora study, a non-government
organization led the initiative in the utilization of ICT for community development. The Vidyal
Information Service Provider (VISP) project in Tamil Nadu was created in 2003 through the
initiative and sponsorship of the Activist for Social Alternatives (ASA). ASA is a registered non-
government organization working for more than 17 years as Grameen microfinance replicated
in South India. Its thrust is anchored on the empowerment of the rural poor and socially
disadvantaged through microcredit and education programs. It has about 60,000 women
members in the five districts of Tamil Nadu. The VISP project piggybacks its ICT effort on the
positive synergy developed by its microfinance scheme among women members that has been
adopted from the success of the Grameen Trust in Bangladesh. It highlights the current efforts
for gender equality in India, with the understanding that ICTs are not gender-neutral, i.e., they
are not accessed, managed and controlled by all men and women equally (Hijab and Zambrano,
2008). The project facilitated the establishment of Community Technology Centres (CTCs) in
several villages through soft and long-term loans provided by ASA to member women
entrepreneurs. Through minimal charges imposed on users, CTCs’ services included the access
to prevailing prices of agricultural commodities, information on horoscopes and rural market
places, healthcare services, grievance redress, provision of government forms, web browsing,
job search, basic computer education, etc.

The ASEAN Region reflects an extreme representation of ICT usage for governance among its
member countries. It is an interesting case study of an enormous digital divide that is brought
about by financial and political diversity among neighboring states. The ICT status in Southeast
Asia ranges from the high-tech sophistication of the wired city-state of Singapore and the
struggling technological capability of Laos or Cambodia. As early as 2001, Singapore was already
considered as one of the most advanced telecommunication networks in the world with very
high level of access (Minges, Ismail and Press, 2001). It is also one of the first countries in Asia
to get an internet connection in the 1980s. Understandably, this has been due to its small size
as well as the rising level of income of its citizens. Early internet connection to the outside
world was largely facilitated by the academe, with the National University of Singapore leading
the way in exchanging electronic knowledge and information with the City University of New
York in 1987 and Princeton University in 1990. Most recently, Singapore is considered by
international benchmarking studies as a leading e-government that other countries could
emulate.

The success of e-governance strategy in Singapore comes in several phases (www.igov.gov.sg):

First Phase: Civil Service Computerization Program (1980 – 1999)

The primary aim of the Civil Service Computerization program was the improvement of
public administration through the effective utilization of ICT. The program involved the
automation and paperless internal operation of the government for greater efficiency. It

14
 eventually evolved to one-stop services for private sector interaction with the
government and the consolidation of government computing resources.

Second Phase: E-government Action Plan I (eGAP I: 2000 – 2003)

The conceptualization of eGAP I rationalizes the vision of Singapore to become one of
the leading e-governments in the world. This was actualized through the following
programs: Electronic Services Delivery, Knowledge-based Workplace, Technology
Experimentation, Operational Efficiency Improvement, Adaptive and Robust ICT, and ICT
Education.

Third Phase: E-government Action Plan II (eGAP II: 2003 – 2006)

The goal of eGAP II is to carry on with the earlier effort of eGAP I and develop a more
user friendly and accessible ICT interface among citizens and the government of
Singapore. Its outcome is focused on three fundamental aspirations: Customer Delight,
Connected Citizens and a Networked Government.

Fourth Phase: iGov2010 (2006 – 2010)

iGov2010 is the Singapore government’s five-year masterplan for a continuing national
ICT plan. It is founded on four guiding thrust: Increasing Richness and Reach of E-
services, Increasing Citizens Mindshare in E-engagement, Enhancing the Synergy and
Capacity in Government, and Enhancing the National Competitive Advantage.

Fifth Phase: iN2015 (2010 – 2015)

Intelligent Nation 2015 or iN2015 builds on the accomplishments of iGov2010. It aspires
for the vision of Singapore as a Global City that is powered by ICT. It strolls along the
guiding objectives of innovation, integration and internationalization. iN2015 sets a new
leverage in the development of ICT for governance around the world.

Singapore’s continuing accomplishments in the utilization of e-governance is only matched by

their determined thrust to outpace themselves in the arena of ICT, as shown by their
conspicuously planned intentions to make Singapore number one in ICT development. The
country has already received various awards and accolades from different institutions and
organizations worldwide as a flourishing example of the use ICT for good governance.

Least developed countries in Southeast Asia like Laos and Cambodia, however, have
unfortunate difficulties in catching up with the e-governance advancements of Singapore. Laos,
for instance, was one of the last Southeast Asian countries to adopt the internet. Other than
the obvious lack of resources and know-how, one of the main barriers to internet development
in Laos is the lack of coordination. Initially, there was no clear definition which government
agency should be directly in charge of ICT policies (Minges and Gray, 2002). Some semblance of
an ICT plan for e-governance was only made available in 2007 at a UNESCO conference on Asia
Pacific Information Network in Malaysia (Saysuliane, 2007). From November 2007 to November
2009, the National Authority for Science and Technology, in collaboration with a Chinese ICT
company through a concessional loan from the Chinese government, has been mandated to
realize the following ICT components in order to catch up with the global trend of e-

15
governance: establish an e-government infrastructure; acquire ICT equipment for government
organizations; develop appropriate and cost-effective e-government applications; and, enhance
ICT human resource development (Phissamay, 2009).

Cambodia’s ICT predicament may just be similar, if not worst than that of Laos. As late as 1999,
the Cambodian government did not yet have an explicit ICT vision with which to promote the
use of the internet, and much less, how the government could utilize ICT in public service and
governance (Minges, Gray and Firth, 2002). Other than Myanmar, where data and study on ICT
is negligible due to its peculiar socio-political situation, Cambodia has the distinction of having
the lowest internet penetration in Southeast Asia. This was due mainly from the exorbitant cost
of internet access, which at US$3.99 per hour was considered the highest internet service price
in the world in 2001. It was only after the creation of the National Information Communications
Technology Development Authority in August 2000 that the government started to give sense
to ICT and e-governance development in Cambodia (Phu, 2006).

E-governance and E-participation Experience in the Philippines

The status of ICT and e-governance in the Philippines cannot be put comparably close to
Singapore’s recent experience. Nonetheless, the country is considered better-off than any of its
neighbors in Southeast Asia in its early attempts to utilize ICT for governance. Government
computerization in the Philippines goes as far back as 1959, when an IBM mainframe computer
was installed in the Bureau of Lands (Minges, Magpantay, Firth and Kelly, 2002). The National
Computer Center (NCC) was established in 1971 as an agency in charge of government
computerization, earlier than any of its neighbors in Southeast Asia. Somewhere along the way,
however, the Philippines had gradually been overtaken by world development in e-governance.
In 2003, the Philippines still ranked sixth among the top 20 countries in the e-participation
index of the World Public Sector Report (UN, 2003):

Table 1. E-participation Index 2003, Top 20 Countries

Country E-participation Index

1 United Kingdom 1.000
2 United States 0.966
3 (tie) Canada 0.828
3 (tie) Chile 0.828
4 Estonia 0.759
5 New Zealand 0.690
6 Philippines 0.672
7 (tie) France 0.638
7 (tie) Netherlands 0.638
8 Australia 0.621
9 Mexico 0.603
10 (tie) Argentina 0.586
10 (tie) Ireland 0.586
10 (tie) Sweden 0.586
11 Germany 0.534
12 Republic of Korea 0.483
13 (tie) Italy 0.466
13 (tie) Singapore 0.466

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 14 (tie) Switzerland 0.466
15 Denmark 0.448

The e-participation Index assesses the relevance and usefulness of per country website
assessment and the e-government Readiness Index from the point of view of people’s ability to
engage in dialogue with their government as consumers of public services and to participate in
the political process as citizens. Three criteria were followed in ranking the indexes based on
existing government websites: e-information, as regards the contents of government websites;
e-consultation, in reference to consultation mechanisms that appear in government websites;
and e-decisionmaking, in relation to government actions and feedback to citizens’ ICT inputs. In
the same study, however, the Philippines ranked only 33 rd globally and 4th in South and Eastern
Asia with regard to the e-government Readiness Index where one of the major consideration is
the capability and willingness of countries to provide ICT in government institutions.

Table 2. E-government Readiness Rankings in South and Eastern Asia, 2003

Country E-government Readiness Index

Singapore 0.746
Republic of Korea 0.744
Japan 0.693
Philippines 0.574
Malaysia 0.524
Brunei Darussalam 0.459
Thailand 0.446
Indonesia 0.422
China 0.416
Viet Nam 0.357
Mongolia 0.343
Myanmar 0.280
Cambodia 0.264
Lao People’s Democratic Republic 0.192
Timor-Leste 0.087

In 2008, the Philippines made a tremendous downslide in the E-government Readiness Index,
falling to 66th place globally. It kept its 4th spot in Southeast Asia but was significantly overtaken
by Malaysia and Thailand in a grouping where Japan, Korea and China have been transferred to
another regional group (UN, 2008b). In the same year, the Philippines completely lost its status
in the global standing of the E-participation Index where it is found nowhere among the top 35
countries. The Philippines performed poorly due mainly to the lack of new and more significant
strategies, especially in the area of e-consultation. The quality and relevance of e-participation
in the country has gone down compared to other countries where more innovative and
efficient mechanisms have been put in place. The decline may have also been brought about by
the lack of a champion who would aggressively push for sustained e-governance development
efforts, unlike in the 1960s and 1970s where then Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor was
considered instrumental in the facilitation of the use of ICT for governance (Minges,
Magpantay, Firth and Kelly, 2002).

17
 Table 3. E-Government Readiness for South-Eastern Asia

Country 2008 2005 2008 2005

Index Index Ranking Ranking
Singapore 0.7009 0.8503 23 7
Malaysia 0.6063 0.5706 34 43
Thailand 0.5031 0.5518 64 46
Philippines 0.5001 0.5721 66 41
Brunei Darussalam 0.4667 0.4475 87 73
Viet Nam 0.4558 0.3640 91 105
Indonesia 0.4107 0.3819 106 96
Cambodia 0.2989 0.2989 139 128
Myanmar 0.2922 0.2959 144 129
Timor-Leste 0.2462 0.2512 155 144
Lao People's Democratic Republic 0.2383 0.2421 156 147

The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) acts as the primary
policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating and administrative body in charge of
developing and promoting a strategic ICT system for the Philippines (www.cict.gov.ph). Though
created only in 2004, hence postdating the creation of the NCC, CICT has taken responsibility in
the general direction of ICT development in the country, not only for its more extensive
commercialization but also for its effective utilization in governance. Through the National
Computer Center (NCC) as the e-governance arm of the Philippine government, the CICT is able
to monitor the state of ICT in the Philippine government (www.ncc.gov.ph). In 2004 – 2005
NCC conducted a series of studies on the extent of e-governance in the Philippines. The studies
were categorized into 5 parts, namely, availability of ICT resources in government, ICT human
resources and organization, barriers to the adoption of ICT, application of ICT resources, and
investments in ICT resources.

The NCC study on the availability of ICT resources in government gave an assessment of the
extent of ICT hardware and connectivity in government agencies (Bautista, et al, 2005a). The
study covered all national government agencies, including regional offices, government-owned
and controlled corporations and financial institutions of the country. The ensuing report of the
study was divided into 6 segments corresponding to response rate, local area network, intranet,
internet, email address and website. Respondents of the study came from 57% of targeted
central offices, 52% of attached bureaus and agencies and 48% of regional offices. Findings of
the study revealed that 94% of the respondents from central offices, 87% from attached
bureaus and agencies and 74% from regional offices have local area network in their respective
offices. The use of internet is present in all respondents of central offices, 97% of attached
bureaus and agencies and 64% of regional offices. Surprisingly, though internet connectivity is
high among central offices, only the National Economic and Development Authority registered
a 100% official email address for all its employees. All other respondents from other central

18
offices had less than 50% of their employees with official email address, with the Department
of Public Works and Highways registering the least number at 3%. Also, while all central offices
were found to have official websites, only 88% of attached bureaus and offices and 27% of
regional offices were reported to have official websites.

With regard to the ICT human resources and organization study, the final report gave an
account and description of the manpower components of government agencies in 2004
(Bautista, et al, 2005b). All central office respondents indicated the existence of ICT units in
their respective agencies. However, only 73% of attached bureaus and agencies and 35% of
regional offices have specialized ICT units. The study also showed that the most needed but
deficient ICT skill in central offices is systems analysis and design, while programmers are found
most inadequate in attached bureaus and agencies and training managers insufficient in
regional offices.

The NCC study on the barriers to the adoption of ICT gave three outstanding rationalizations to
the apparently slow development of e-governance in the Philippines. It appears that the
foremost constraint to the more active adoption of ICT in Philippine government is the high
cost of both equipment and technology involved. The second reason given by the respondents
is the low level of ICT skills among employees, while the third most frequent reason given is the
difficulty of recruiting or retaining ICT personnel in government (Bautista, et al, 2005c). The
other components of the NCC series of studies are still to be finalized and have not yet been
released for public consumption as of the writing of this paper.

Congruent to the NCC e-governance studies, the Center periodically releases a report on the
status of the utilization of Short Messaging Service (SMS) in the government. As of the last
quarter of 2009, NCC reported that 60 out of 324 identified national government agencies are
making use of SMS for e-participation in order to augment traditional public services of the
government (NCC-CICT, 2009). The services are available to the general public through the
mobile phone ‘texting’ modality. The mechanics varies from simple access of information;
sending of complaints, comments or recommendations; downloading of graphics or ring tones;
reporting of crimes; and, payment of taxes. This scheme merely highlights the country’s
reputation as the SMS capital of the world, given the Filipinos’ fondness for text-messaging. As
mentioned in another study, SMS may also be utilized in elections to mobilize political actions
(Lallana, 2006).

Several actions have already been done to localize e-governance in the Philippine. In this
regard, a number of studies relating to e-governance in the local government units have also
been accomplished. One of these studies made an assessment of city government websites in
various regions of the country (Siar, 2005). It particularly looks at the extent by which cities, as
local governments, are able to implement e-governance with websites as their medium. There
were 114 cities included in the study. The website relevance and interactivity of each city was
assessed by looking at three primary parameters: website content, usability and
responsiveness. Results of the study revealed that website contents of cities are normally
insufficient and quality is mediocre. Most of the websites contain only superficial information

19
about the cities’ physical, cultural and political characteristics. The more substantive
information such as e-government transactions and policy guidelines are usually wanting. With
regard to usability, though physical appearance ratings are high, they are ranked low in the
availability of search tools and site maps. Most pathetic, however, is the very poor
responsiveness rating of city government websites where 72% of test-emails sent to website
registered email addresses did not get any response.

A study on the localization of e-governance highlighted e-participation as an essential tool to

make possible more significant improvements in ICT for governance among local government
units (LGUs). The study specifically analyzes the importance of people’s participation in the
Jumpstarting Electronic Governance in Local Government Units (e-LGU) project of the NCC
(Alampay, 2006). The e-LGU project was conceived by NCC as a mechanism to expedite
computerization and e-governance in LGUs of the country. The study examines how e-
participation should be made a necessary component of website development, revenue
generation systems and the Community eCenter (CeC) of the e-LGU project. As a major
recommendation, the study suggests that a culture in government that values information and
knowledge sharing should be created to warrant a more successful e-governance not only at
the national level but also at the local level.

With the goal to harmonize and put coherence to the government’s e-participation effort, the
CICT conceptualized the CeC roadmap to serve as a guide for a more rational approach to e-
participation in the Philippines (CICT, 2008). CeCs are patterned after India’s CICs, where a more
bottom-up approach to e-governance is attempted. The roadmap is perhaps what Alampay’s
study was referring to with its goal to make local e-governance more responsive to the needs of
the people who access them. There must be a diverse yet harmonious direction in the
implementation of CeCs, which in July 2007 already numbered at 755. Hence, the CeC roadmap
has adopted as guiding principles the following values: Participation and inclusion, where
stakeholders are included in all levels of the program; Focus on the unserved, underserved and
vulnerable groups specially children, women and senior citizens; Global perspective but Filipino
in spirit; and, Respect and promotion of socio-cultural values and cultural diversity.

In a related study on the CeC, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the success of the CeCs
and how the system could be best optimized for e-governance in the Philippines (Alampay and
Umali, 2007). The study identified two types of modalities in e-governance, i.e., top-down
approach and bottom-up approach. The top-down approach is a government led initiative
where ICT techniques and services are provided by the government institutions to various
stakeholders or the general public as its client. Bottom-up approach, on the other hand, is a
community or civil society led ICT activities that aim to fill up the gap between government and
public service. Other than the basic computerization and ICT services provided by CeCs to its
target clients such as computer data processing, internet access, ICT trainings, internet
telephony and other allied business and office services, the study identified other “killer e-
governance applications” that could uphold the real interactive governance goals of CeCs. Using
either the top-down or bottom-up approach of e-governance, this may be done through the
following programs:

20
Education and Human Development
Some of the more known strategies under this program are distance learning, where
CeCs may be used to hook up to a government centralized hub in facilitating knowledge
transfer through the usual internet exchanges or with the use of Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) mechanisms; skills enhancement, where participants may go to CeCs to
be trained by LGU experts on ICT skills; accreditation, a scheme where CeCs are made as
extensions of skills accreditation agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority; and, special education ICT centers, where specialized ICT skills
development may be offered to persons with disability.

Citizen Empowerment
CeCs may be utilized to provide more focused information on socio-economic concerns
such as in agriculture, education, environment, health and other relevant topics for
development. As a modality for self-expression, CeCs could teach the people how to use
emails, blogs and websites as tools on how to reach out to others and be heard. A
community-based monitoring system, that it could eventually share in the internet, may
also be initiated by the Center in relation to understanding better the population profile
of a given community.

Direct Government Services

CeCs could serve as one-stop-shops for government transactions such as applications for
birth certificates, barangay clearance and permits, passport renewal, payment of
utilities and community taxes, and other government documents that may be processed
on-line.

Public Health
In collaboration with community health centers, the CeCs may assist in the information
dissemination of preventive medicine, reproductive health care and traditional herbal
medicines. It may also be utilized by the health centers to exchange expertise among
them, as well as to request assistance of medical experts from advance medical
institutions.

Agriculture Promotion
CeCs may partner with government agricultural institutions to provide necessary
information to rural folks on more beneficial schemes and technology on farming,
fishing and livestock raising that could encourage agricultural productivity and
competitiveness.

E-commerce and Small and Medium Enterprises Development

Facilities and services of government business and economic agencies such as the
Department of Trade and Industry, Technology Resource Center and the Center for
International Trade, Exposition and Mission may be tapped by the CeCs to harness their
existing programs for community entrepreneurial development.

21
 Marketing and Tourism
The One Town One Product program of the government as well as various tourist
destinations of the country may be further advocated by utilizing the CeCs’ capability in
sustaining and maintaining internet websites that are devoted to their information
campaign.

Jobs Creation
Linking the CeCs with the Public Employment Service Office of the LGUs and the
Department of Labor and Employment’s job assistance offices would facilitate a more
efficient way of job matching. VoIP may also be used to interview applicants through the
CeCs. Hence, recruitment and selection would be made easier and cost effective.

Results of Focus Group Discussions

The FGD aimed to obtain in-depth information on the knowledge and experience of the NGO
and academic community members (teachers and students) using ICT for participation in
governance in the Philippines. The findings from the FGD are discussed along the following key
topics:

 Types of ICT used and Areas of Governance

 Effectiveness of ICT as tool for participation
 Challenges and constraints in the use of ICT for participation

Types of ICT and Areas of Governance

Information

One of the major uses of ICT in governance identified in the FGD is for information. In
particular, the internet has been cited as the most common means by which information is
accessed. Data and information needed for research work was one of the major reasons for
accessing the internet. Many types of digital content like text-based materials, pictures and
videos can be downloaded from the internet. This finding coincides with the survey results
where website/webpage is identified as the most common participation tool used by citizens
for getting information on any topic.

The FGD participants cited how government agencies that maintain a website are able to
inform the public about the kinds of program and services they provide. Students with research
assignments about government offices and their policies and programs found this very useful.
The necessity of physically going to specific government agencies to get information has been
reduced and can thus be subsequently converted to savings in time and transport fares.

22
Among the NGO participants, internet is a very useful and easy means for sharing information
with each other. Emails, social networking and blogs are very popular media for information
exchanges. This has also been found true among students and youths.

Employment

Information about job opportunities is also conveniently facilitated in the internet. It was
noted, particularly in the Metro Manila FGD, that the government actively promotes
employment in ICT such as BPOs and call centers. It was mentioned, for example, that the
Commission on Information and Communication Technology has initiated a convergence of
efforts in Region 3 with BPOs to create job opportunities for the youths.

Public services

Increasingly, a number of public services provided by government can already be availed of

through the internet. Application forms for specific services can be downloaded and submitted
online. One of these is getting a passport. Participants shared that it is no longer necessary for
them to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs to apply for a passport. Application can already
be done through the internet. And with the use of special courier, passport can be delivered to
one’s residence. The same is true with birth certificate. Application can also be done online and
delivery may be done through special courier arrangements.

The ability of ICT to provide instant response mechanisms has also been mentioned. The FGD
respondents noted that mobile phones are popularly used by government agencies to provide
information to its specific clients. For example, some respondents pointed out that as GSIS
members, the agency notifies them through text messages that their yearly dividends are
already released. The Philippine National Police also has hotline mobile phone numbers that
can be accessed for assistance or for reporting crime or other incidents. Other agencies that
have been cited that provide hotline cell phone numbers to the public include the LFTRB and
the LTO.

Mobile phones are popularly used for text messages. But if one wants to talk to someone at the
other end, telephones remain an important communication technology alternative for quick
response at least cost. As a hotline connection, the effectiveness of the tool can only be
realized if there are people specifically assigned to directly answer citizens’ report, complaints
or queries. In the words of one participant, “ang galing kasi yung tao wala siyang gagawin
kundi sumagot” in reference to MMDA’s public assistance action hotline number where a
person is assigned specifically to respond to public questions and complaints regarding
accidents and traffic involving the C-5 Kalayaan road. This builds good impression of the
efficiency of the agency and assures the public that government is taking action on citizens’
reports or complaints.

23
Some government to government transactions are also done online. For example, a participant
from the local government narrated that they are using the internet for submitting reports to
the Bureau of Internal Revenue and loan applications to Government Service Insurance System.
Office memos and communications are also circulated widely when uploaded in their website

Policy advocacy

One of the most promising uses of internet that emerged in the FGD is in the area of policy
advocacy. There is much popularity in the use of online petition/advocacy by civil society
groups. NGOs in the south particularly the Moro NGOs have used online petition in advocating
peace process and cessation of hostilities. Using this medium has enabled the group to target a
bigger audience. The online petition is able to extend its reach not only locally but to
international groups as well. As shared by an NGO representing the Moro people, their online
petition has reached the European Commission and has interested the Commission enough for
it to send a representative to observe the peace process. They think that international
participation even through observation alone can help in pushing for their advocacy and
contribute in finding solution to the peace issue.

Fund raising

Social networking and blogs have also served as mechanism for generating financial
contributions in support of local projects and causes. This is the experience shared by the NGO
from Mindanao. A typhoon that visited the place had destroyed the local ‘madrasa’ but the
local community did not have funds to rebuild it. The NGO launched a one-peso fund raising
campaign in the internet. By just posting it in the internet, the fund campaign quickly circulated
in the social network and blogs. In just two weeks, the group was able to generate an amazing
Php 200,000.00.

Agriculture

ICT has also been applied in agriculture. The West Visayas State University in Iloilo City has
implemented an agricultural project with West Visayas Agriculture Resources and Research
Consortium with funding from PCARRD in Los Banos and in partnership with a private internet
service provider. The project deployed ICT equipment and internet connection to selected local
government units for the purpose of giving farmers a facility that they can use to access
information and expert advice on agriculture. Farmers also used the cell phones to text queries
to agricultural experts.

Education

The use ICT in education has repeatedly been mentioned. Some educators in the FGD shared
that the Department of Education and Commission on Information and Communication
Technology have undertaken a joint program to enhance elementary and high school education

24
using ICT. The program called ‘iSchool’ aimed to equip public high school teachers and students
with ICT literacy skills and provide them access to relevant digital content and applications in
education to enhance learning.

The Iloilo participants from the academe have also pointed out that the faculties are
increasingly using computers and internet for teaching. Some faculty members upload their
lectures in the internet so that their students in satellite campuses, or those enrolled in the
distance learning mode, can download and work on them.

Some academics noted that with the advancement of ICT, students have become more
assertive in demanding that their school use ICT applications in procedures such as subject
enrolment and tuition fee payments. And as students increasingly use their own laptops in
schools, they have also been vocal about asking their school administration to provide ‘wifi’
connections in the campus.

Disaster Risk Management

A participant from Iloilo City recounted how the city government is already using ICT in the
conduct of flood hazard and vulnerability mapping of the Iloilo river system as part of its
disaster risk reduction and management program. Flooding is a serious issue in the city and the
province. It may be recalled that the city had experienced devastation and severe flash-flooding
spawned by destructive storm Frank in June 2008. In the aftermath of this tragedy, it was also
mentioned in the FGD that some private individuals have initiated putting up 3D map of the city
in the internet to help inform and make the public aware of the city’s vulnerable areas.

Some FGD participants likewise observed that ICT is also being used in other areas of disaster
risk management such as volcano activity mapping in Albay and applying GIS in Guinsaugon,
Leyte. The participants have also noted that the government has introduced high resolution
satellite imaging and photos of Metro Manila in the aftermath of Ondoy. The participants
expressed that there are already existing areal maps of many cities in the country available in
the internet. These are information that can make citizens aware of the vulnerability of their
areas to different threats of disasters, especially that of flooding and soil erosion.

Awareness and appreciation of local environs and culture

The palpable benefits of ICT applications in business and government processes, media and
entertainment industry and private individual uses are already established and cannot be
overemphasized. There is one interesting contribution of ICT that may perhaps escape
recognition simply because it is not too obvious and visible. This relates to how awareness and
interest in one’s local environs and happenings can be stimulated and mediated by the internet
through blogs and social networks.

One participant in the Iloilo City FGD, for example, cited that his encounter of the city pictures
that were posted in the blogs encouraged him to actually visit and explore the place and later

25
post and share his own thoughts and reactions about what he saw. Participation in the
exchanges of thoughts and ideas about the goings-on in their city has been an amazing
experience for the person.

It can be drawn from the above experience that internet blogs can create and offer the
opportunities for creating awareness and appreciation of local culture as well as encourage
articulation and participation in the exchange of ideas and personal musings and reflections
about what is going on in the community.

Automated elections

Political participation through automated elections has also been mentioned by participants as
one governance area where ICT is applied. This is in reference to the upcoming 2010 automated
elections and the pilot implementation of a fully automated election system in the Autonomous
Region of Muslim Mindanao in 2008. But it has also been pointed out that election automation
does not necessarily stamp out possible corruptions that may be associated with elections.

Effectiveness of ICT as Participation Tool

While there is a broad range of ICTs that are available and that can potentially be used for
participation in governance, the FGD participants have pointed to the internet and the cell
phones as commonly used ICT participation tools in relating with government. They use the cell
phone hotline numbers provided by government agencies to report complaints or feedback via
text messages or voice calls. The complaints may not necessarily be directed to the government
but to other entities like abusive public transport drivers. By reporting, they expect the
government to act on the reports of complaints.

Accessing information from government websites and other sources have also been mentioned
by the respondents as one major use of the internet. To the participants from the Mindanao
region, particularly the NGOs representing the Moro people, the internet presents a lot of
potential for mainstreaming issues and circulating their petition and mobilizing support via
online network. As they confirmed, ICT is very popular among NGOs in their work and
advocacy. Setting of meetings and circulating agenda are facilitated with the use of emails and
SMS messages and voice calls using the mobile phone. Walkie-talkie is used also in some areas
in ARMM. They found these ICTs as effective means of communication. Considering that their
area consists of island provinces, they find the use of mobile phones very effective for
communicating with their members and the people in the communities.

Blogs have also become popular among the NGOs. They find these effective in spreading their
advocacies and getting news and developments among their ranks and sharing information
with POs. The reach also goes beyond local as they are also able to reach international groups
and NGOs.

26
The youth council participants in the FGD expressed that they actively use the internet and
emails for communicating among members and sending memos and letters. Social networks
have also made them more exposed to what is happening around them and made them more
interactive as well. Most of the participants also expressed that forums in the internet provide
useful channel for expressing one’s views. They find that forums give them time to think and
organize their thoughts, unlike in online chats where conversations happen spontaneously.

Majority of the participants strongly believe that the internet provides the potential of
promoting good governance. They noted for example that online public bidding promotes
transparency in government transactions, which could hopefully lead to reduction in corruption
in government.

Limitations and Challenges

While the benefits of ICT are well known and acknowledged, the constraints, limitations and
challenges for its use for participation in governance have also been noted by the FGD
participants. Many government agencies and local government units maintain a website. Quite
a few however are able to update their sites on a regular basis, particularly their data and
information. And notwithstanding the importance of giving information, the participants also
observed that government sites are rarely interactive. While some services are provided online
and information can be downloaded from the sites, there is really no active interaction that
happens between citizens and government in this medium.

To some people, however, the sophistication of being able to do transaction online is less
important. The need to contact government face-to-face remains significant to them. What
they want to see is that they are able to talk to the government and the assurance that
government is able to listen to their voice.

Online petitions for certain causes have gained mileage in the internet, and these are much
aided by the social networks and blogs which are very popular media for advocacy. But as fast
as petition spreads out in the internet, the results of these petitions are seldom known to those
who signed them. They do not know what happens after they have signed. For example, the
participants from Mindanao shared that online petitions addressed to President Aquino
regarding the Maguindanao massacre circulated in the internet but those who signed never
knew for sure what happened to the petition. There is no feedback mechanism that will inform
those who signed about the fate of their petition. In the words of one participant,

“social networking is one way, walang bumabalik if you sent your support.
They just open doors but “hanggang dun na lang, hindi talaga yun ang
nagtitrigger ng gusto mo ma-achieve na results.”

Some people also expressed reservations about ICT’s effectiveness. They are not sure if their
petitions have reached the government and whether government has acted on these or not.
There are those who think that government may not honor these petitions and consider them

27
as hearsays. Some others also expressed apprehensions that the purpose of petitions may be
defeated and its authenticity undermined by people who sign several times because they have
multiple social networking accounts.

The generation gap as a limiting factor in ICT use has also become apparent in the discussion.
Some participants said that the older generation is apprehensive in using computers and the
internet. Computers are expensive and they fear that their unfamiliarity with it might cause
them to ruin it. They also find some ICT terminologies incomprehensible and therefore
daunting.

Outside of Metro Manila, the bandwidth is quite a problem. Internet connection is slow and
cannot usually handle large data during peak hours. It was also observed that in poorer
communities, like 5th and 6th class municipalities, internet connections are very limited if not
absent. Even in a city like Iloilo, internet connection is painfully slow to the point of being
ineffective and wasteful on one’s time.

But as bandwidth may be a problem in some cities and urban centers, the basic issue of access
to computers prevails in other areas. This is true particularly in the Moro communities, islands
and mountainous villages. Computers are quite a rarity in these communities. Even the people’s
organizations (POs) that NGOs in the area work with do not have computers of their own. And
for the NGOS working with people’s organizations (POs) in these communities, educating their
ranks in the use of computers and internet and other communication devices is necessary.

Many of the POs have no experience or very limited exposure, to computers and the internet.
The very limited access to computers has made computer education training doubly difficult.
As one NGO participant described it, teaching the POs how to use computers relied on using a
cardboard dummy until the real computers became available.

It is not only the bandwidth that is problematic in the rural areas. Communication signals for
cellular phone users are also weak especially in island and mountainous villages.

Local government units (LGUs) do not have positions for IT experts who can maintain and
update their websites. It was pointed out in the discussion that LGUs need separate computer
person or expert to look after their computerization program. It was also felt that someone
responsible for implementing ICT policies or directing the strategic use of ICT is needed by
LGUs.

Sustainability of ICT programs, or the lack of it, has also been mentioned in the FGDs
particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. ICT programs initiated by national government
agencies in partnership with local governments have met different fates in their
implementation. It was cited, for example, that DOH had an ICT program for local units. The
implementation arrangement provided that DOH would make available training in ICT
applications for local health professionals and the local governments would provide the
computer hardwares and internet connection. As the program proceeded, it became apparent

28
that the participating local governments could not maintain the system particularly the internet
connectivity on a long term basis. This has put the sustainability and effectiveness of ICT
program hanging in balance. And while the LGUs requested the DOH to include internet
connection in their assistance, the outcome of the request could almost be predicted because
connection was not part of the program package.

And as the FGDs further showed, the problem of program continuity and diversion from original
purpose is repeated in several more cases. Some of these experiences could elicit amused
astonishment in the way the program took different routes from original intentions. One story,
for example, told of how barangays used the project’s computers for pay-per-view and
watching cockfights and the solar panels (intended to provide power to the computers) for pig
pens. There were also accounts of farmers using a project’s computers and internet for
videoconferencing with their children who are abroad. In the ‘iSchool’ program of the
Department of Education, it was noted that the public school teachers who had been given the
responsibility of safekeeping of the computers have become overzealous to the point that they
would rather keep the equipment locked and not use them for fear that these will be damaged
or lost. Still some local experiences showed that ICT projects of previous local administration
are not carried on or supported by the new political leadership.

It was also observed by the participants that many Filipinos have yet to become aware of and
realize that they can use ICT to influence government. The basic problems of access to these
technologies and knowledge on how they can use these particularly in affecting government
decisions remain to be addressed. Many participants agreed that educating the people is
paramount and this can be pursued for example by integrating ICTs and applications in school
curricula. The Metro Manila FGD noted that the Philippines lacks a national digital
infrastructure like a national broadband infrastructure that can support cyber education.
National government attempt in the past to put up such a national infrastructure however has
been severely tainted with corruption issues leading eventually to its demise. From the
viewpoint of the participants, corruption is a deep issue in the country, and ICT programs, like
other programs of the government, are not protected from it.

The digital divide in the country manifests itself in many ways and this has been referred to a
number of times in this section. The disparity is further seen among local governments in their
ability to acquire ICT hardwares and softwares. Undoubtedly, this capacity is linked to funding
constraint which the participants observed is a common problem especially among poorer local
governments. This is also one reason why local governments cannot sustain the ICT projects
sponsored by outsiders.

A related issue is the obvious disparity in how local governments are able to embed ICT in
governance processes. In one end of the extreme are areas that have very limited or no access
at all to computers or internet connectivity. As pointed out earlier, it is just through the
introduction of ICT programs by external agencies that some local governments get to have the
opportunity to gain access to these technologies. On the other end are local governments with
a more advanced level of ICT preparation and utilization in their governance processes that in

29
turn enables them to connect with and benefit their citizens. An example of this appeared in
the Metro Manila FGD particularly the case of the Bulacan provincial government. The local
government has established a unit dedicated to the maintenance of its ICT infrastructure
program that reaches up to the barangay level. It maintains a website that serves as its arm in
disseminating information to the citizens about its programs. And because the barangays have
computers and internet connections, it has become much easier for the people to access this
information and avail of the programs. Two such programs are the scholarship program which
counts, as mentioned in the FGD, about 5000 youths benefitting from it. The other program is
microfinance which has attracted the women to apply for it.

Survey Results

The survey aimed to provide a holistic view to the research. The findings and analysis of the
survey is divided into three parts: the first part is the Respondents’ Profile; the second part is
the ICT types and usage; and, the last part presents the assessment of effectiveness of ICTs as e-
participation tools in governance.

Respondents’ Profile

The majority of the respondents came from the combined UP-NCPAG and UST, making up 6o
percent of the 215 respondents. Around 26 percent were from the Western Mindanao State
University and the remaining 15 percent were from the Western Visayas State University.

The respondents were relatively young. Almost 70 percent of respondents are within the age
range of less than 21 to 37 years (Figure 4). A significant number of respondents are in the
middle range age of 38-53, comprising almost 22 percent. Meanwhile, a few who are in their
senior age made up around five percent of the total respondents.

The respondents were mostly female (56%); single (59%); and affiliated with organizations
(73%), particularly government organizations (44%), student organizations (30%) and non-
government organizations (7%) [Figure 5].

In terms of highest educational attainment, majority of the respondents are college graduates
(37%). There were significant number of respondents with MA units and MA degree – 8 percent
and 17 percent, respectively – with a total of 25 percent for this group. Meanwhile, 27 percent
of the respondents are college undergraduates.

Respondents were spread among various occupational/professional groups. A sizeable number

of them were students (19%) while some were in the teaching profession (18%). Those working
in the government comprised 17 percent. The remaining 26 percent were from various
professions such as law, information technology, human resources management, health
management, police and security management, and non-government development work.

30
 Figure 4. Age Distribution of Respondents (%)

Figure 5. Respondents’ Organizational Group Affiliation (% of respondents)

ICT Types and Usage2

Respondents were asked about the most commonly used ICT devices. These included the
telephone, radio, television, mobile phone, and internet (Table 4). Of these, mobile phone has
been everyone’s everyday companion, making it the most used device by almost all of the
respondents (97%). Internet and Television seem to be of equal standing as an everyday device.
Television came in second (84%) and internet was very close third (81%). Radio, telephone and
internet were used once a week by at most 15 percent to 19 percent of the respondents. In
terms of mean usage, mobile phone is first, with 1.13, followed by television (1.28), internet
(1.32), then, telephone (1.72), and the last is radio (1.82).

2
See Annex tables under Part II.

31
 Table 4. Frequency of use of ICT Device

Type of ICT Once a

Device Everyday Once a week month No Answer Total

F % F % F % F %

Telephone 133 61.86 37 17.21 15 6.98 30 13.95 215

Radio 119 55.35 40 18.60 15 6.98 41 19.07 215

Television 181 84.19 15 6.98 5 2.33 14 6.51 215

Mobile phone 208 96.74 3 1.40 3 1.40 1 0.47 215

Internet 175 81.40 31 14.42 3 1.40 6 2.79 215

Access to internet is made possible largely through internet connection in the homes for three
out of four respondents (77%) [Figure 6]. Moreover, a little more than half of the respondents
accessed the internet in their offices, schools, and in internet cafes.
Figure 6. Access to Internet (% of respondents)

Message texting more than voice calls is the mobile phone’s feature most commonly used by
the respondents. In terms of the manner of use, the internet was largely used for
website/webpage search (96%). Other grounds for using the internet that were most frequently
mentioned by majority of the respondents were for online communication (85%); for
downloading/unloading (84%) of mostly information (83%); for reading news (82%); for social
networking (79%); for playing games (53%); and for giving personal
comments/feedback/reactions (52%). These numbers indicate that social networking is
increasingly becoming a popular activity in internet usage, almost close to online
communication, downloading/unloading information and reading news. If one would think
about it, people may communicate, download/upload information and read news and current
events in the social networking sites.

32
Generally, the respondents perceived ICTs as an effective tool for governance (95%). A large
number of respondents indicated that policy making and service delivery (68%), taken
collectively rather than as separate governance areas would benefit most from ICTs (Figure 7).
Policy making is operationally defined as communicating with politicians and policy makers on
certain issues in the community while service delivery is described as transacting with
government through online services. Moreover, almost equal number of respondents pointed
to service delivery (66%) as one distinct governance area that would benefit the most from
ICTs. In essence, the respondents perceive service delivery as a very important governance area
where ICTs can be used as an effective tool.

Figure 7. Ways that ITC could be most beneficial (% of respondents)

The Philippine Community e-Center (CeC) is yet to make its presence known as only a third of
the total number of respondents indicated accessing the CeCs (35%). The sizeable number of
respondents did not access the CeCs (46%). Of those who were able to access the CeCs, the
respondents’ reasons for accessing were mainly directed at inquiries on what the CeCs is about
(54%) [Figure 8]. The Philippine CeCs were part of the overall ICT framework of the country that
aims to give communities “access, network, and voice” in governance. This framework defines
access as the promotion of exchange of relevant knowledge and information for equal
opportunities; networking as facilitation of effective communication and cooperation among
people and across organizations; and voice as facilitation of broad participation in democratic
processes, good governance, cultural diversity and local content. The Philippine CeCs are
envisioned to be the facility that would provide communities with a means of communication
and access to information that would facilitate collaboration among individuals, groups and
communities and promote informed and intensive participation in governance, economic as
well as social development.

33
 Figure 8. Reasons for accessing/using eCommunity Center (% of respondents)

A little over half of the respondents accessed government websites (55%). Considering that 44
percent of respondents are affiliated with the government, this figure indicates that access of
government websites is relatively low. It was noted, however, that there was a significant
number of respondents who did not answer this question on access of government websites
(40%). Inquiry into the frequency of access in the last 12 months revealed that a number of
them accessed these websites once a week (25%) and fewer still indicated once a month (12%).
Only about 10 percent accessed government websites daily in the last 12 months. The top
reasons for access cited by majority were “research on what the agency is about (88%);
download information materials (85%); read news (74%); and availment of online services
(53%) [Figure 9].

Figure 9. Reason for accessing government websites (% of respondents)

34
On the problems normally encountered in the use of ICTs, the mean scores based on
respondents’ rankings3 showed lack or poor internet connection as the worst problem, with
2.17; followed by expensive access to ICT, with 2.82; then lack of available ICT device to use
[computer], with 2.98; and lastly, lack of know-how on the use of ICTs, particularly computers,
with 3.50. Figure 10 presents specific rankings given by the respondents.

Figure 10. Problems normally encountered in the use of ITC

Email, Websites, News, and Social Networking comprised the e-participation tools that were
utilized most by the respondents for governance.4 Website browsing stood out as the most
frequently used in all aspects of the governance areas that were identified, from accessing
information, accessing/tracking service delivery, monitoring government performance,
influencing decision making, advocating for certain issues, sharing experiences, building
capabilities, to referring/linking to proper authorities.

Examining the use of ICTs as e-participation tools in each governance area, the following are the
findings on the top four ICTs:
• In accessing information: website, e-mail, news, and social networking are the
four ICTs most frequency used;
• For accessing /tracking service delivery: website, e-mail, news, and SMS;
• For monitoring government performance: news, website, e-mail, and social
networking;
• For influencing decision making: news, website, e-mail and social networking;

3
Ranking: 1 – 5, 1 being the strongest reason
4
See Annex Table 2.15 under Part II.

35
 • For advocating for certain issues: e-mail, website, news and social networking;
• For sharing experiences: e-mail, social networking, sms, and website;
• For building capacities: e-mail, website, social networks, and SMS; and
• For referring/linking to proper authorities/experts: website, e-mail, news and
SMS.

The following statistical results were identified in relation to the various e-participation
strategies utilized by the respondents:

1. Website browsing/ surfing is used by 28 to 77 percent of the total respondents most

frequently for accessing information, monitoring government performance,
referring/linking to proper authorities, and accessing/tracking service delivery.

2. E-mail is used by 29 to 68 percent of the total respondents, largely for accessing

information, sharing experiences, advocating for certain issues, and referring/linking
to proper authorities.

3. News has a share of 21 to 67 percent of the total respondents indicating that they
used this tool for accessing information, monitoring government performance,
advocating for certain issues, and influencing decision making.

4. Social Networking is used by 12 to 49 percent of the total respondents largely for

accessing information, sharing experiences, advocating for certain issues, and
influencing decision making.

5. SMS is used in e-governance areas by a percentage of respondents ranging from 19

to 44 percent of the total respondents and is most utilized by this group in accessing
information (45%) and in sharing experiences (36%).

6. Chat is used by 9 to 29 percent of the total respondents and, to a large extent, for
accessing information, sharing experiences, advocating for certain issues, and
influencing decision making.

7. Discussion boards are used by 14 to 28 percent of the total respondents to a large

extent for accessing information, advocating for certain issues, sharing experiences,
and building capabilities.

8. Newsgroup is used by 5 to 25 percent of the total respondents for accessing

information, monitoring government performance, influencing decision making/
advocating for certain issues, and referring/linking to proper authorities.

9. Online survey is used by 12 to 22 percent of the total respondents at most for

accessing information, advocating for certain issues, monitoring government
performance, and influencing decision making as well as building capabilities.

36
 10. Blog is used by 9 to 21 percent of the total respondents for sharing experiences,
advocating for certain issues, accessing information, and monitoring government
performance.

11. Online petition is used by 9 to 17 percent of the total respondents for advocating for
certain issues, accessing information, influencing decision making, and sharing
experiences.

12. Video conferencing is used by 4 to 13 percent of the total respondents for accessing
information, sharing experiences, advocating for certain issues, and influencing
decision making.

Effectiveness of ICTs as e-Participation tools for e-Governance

The respondents generally rated the e-participation tools positively, with most of their
responses converging as fairly effective and very effective. The pattern of responses on
effectiveness assessment seemed to reflect the frequency distribution of utilization of ICTs for
e-governance. By and large, news, e-mail, webpage, social networking, and SMS were rated
fairly effective to very effective e-participation tools for e-governance. 5 Findings on mean rate
of effectiveness also suggest that majority of the participants perceive news and newsgroup as
ICT tools that are most effective in monitoring government performance.

It is worth noting that because of the increasing popularity of Facebook, Twitter and Multiply,
social networking is increasingly becoming a venue/tool for e-governance. As previously
mentioned, social networking is one of the top four ICT tools in terms of number of responses
and in terms of effectiveness. In the recent Presidential elections, a Twitter account was
created for the PCOS machine, and it was through this account where, for instance, reports on
malfunctioning machines were fed. Moreover, Facebook, another social network, has been
used to announce public/government activities or events (via employees who are subscribers)
because of its wide and huge base of followers. Social networking has emerged as a highly
potential ICT tool to disseminate information, influence decision making and advocate certain
issues. It comes as an inexpensive way of starting up and encouraging e-participation among
the public.

A small response size for effectiveness assessment of a number of ICTs and a relatively large
size of non-response are noted. In all e-governance areas, except accessing information, non-
response was more than 50 percent. This finding could imply relatively low awareness of how
an array of ICT tools can be used in governance.

The last item in the questionnaire was an open-ended question that elicited reasons for
effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the ICTs as participation tools in governance. The responses
on effectiveness of ICTs highlighted the features of ICTs in terms of providing easy access to

5
See Annex table under Part III.

37
information, wide reach, easy to use, faster communication, real time use/quick response time,
convenience, and being user-friendly, among others. On the other hand, the reasons cited for
ineffectiveness concerned high cost/expensive; absence or slow internet connection; problems
related to quality, adequacy, credibility, and timeliness of information including outdated
information in WebPages; information overload; misuses and abuses in the use of internet; and
problems of inadequate knowledge of ICTs and limited supply of and access to hardware such
as computers.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The study mirrors the slow and lethargic trend of ICT usage and e-participation in Philippine
public administration and governance. Though we were initially ahead in the global standing of
ICT literate countries, the Philippines has through the years continuously slid down the list.
Unfortunately, the Philippines could not do much in terms of expensive state of the art
interventions similar to what governments of first world countries do to keep phase with the
lightning speed of ICT development. Early segment of the study showed how the digital divide is
directly correlated to the economic standing of countries. The poorer one country is, the lesser
are its chances of catching up with the global development in e-governance and e-participation.
The controversies of the failed National Broadband Network (NBN) project of the Arroyo
Administration only made matters worse for the Philippines in our attempt to catch up with the
global trend of ICT.

Related literature and studies also bring to perspective the recent efforts of ICT usage in the
Philippines. Nonetheless, these efforts and initiatives are usually fragmented and discordant to
diverse efforts of the government and the different sectors of society. The conceptualized ICT
programs for e-participation and e-governance have usually fallen short of real actualization,
which may primarily be due to the absence of a more unified structure that could facilitate
integration and coordination of the different initiatives. Lack of proper advertising and
marketing in many of the programs also confine it to very specific stakeholders that hinder its
widespread use. Sustainability of ICT programs have also appeared problematic not only
because of shortness in funding but also due to lack of anticipation for continuous system and
hardware upgrading and development that is required by the hyper dynamism of the ICT
environment.

The FGD segment of the assessment brings to fore the various potentials and possibilities of e-
participation in the Philippines. Despite the challenges of resources and albeit the ‘ningas
cugon’ attitude, the Filipinos are not deterred in conceiving new possibilities for ICT application
for governance. Pockets of e-participation initiatives shared by participants of the FGD show
promising schemes by which ICT may be utilized for successful e-governance both at the
national and local level. The problems of sustainability and proper coordination shown by
previous studies have been validated by the FGD as a recurring issue in many e-participation
initiatives.

38
The survey component provided figures and descriptive statistics to the usage and viability of e-
participation in governance. It has also corroborated the output of the FGD as regards the
relatively high understanding of the Filipinos in the different ways by which ICT may be utilized
for governance. Considering that a big portion of the Philippine population are young and that
ICT is generally of interest to young people, the country has a lot of potentials as regards the
facilitation of ICT to newer trends in participative governance. What is probably most important
is the availability of mechanism and resources that would make ICT a more permanent fixture
rather than simply an alternative that people could utilize in their dealings and exchanges with
other people and the government.

For its recommendations, the study proposes the following points:

 The Philippine government realizes the significance of ICT as a modality and has actually
implemented several initiatives in harnessing its potentials for governance and
development. There remains however the necessity to pursue more vigorously concrete
policies and sustained operational support that would steer direction of concerted ITC
efforts towards catching up with development trends in various parts of the world and thus
make ICT as one of the priority concerns in the government’s development plan and
strategies.

 A more cohesive and effective structure in charge of ICT efforts should be established by
the government. Hence, the government should seriously consider the creation of a
Department of Information and Communication Technology that could provide stronger
and clearer policy and program direction to the diversity of ICT mechanisms in governance.

 The FGD and the survey results point to an increased awareness on ICTs as providing easy
access to information. However, there is still much to be done in using ICT for policy
advocacy, monitoring and evaluation. These processes constitute the opposite direction of
the two-way loop that is imbedded in e-participation, from information to receiver to
feedback, and thus, triggers potential improvements in governance.

 Simple sustainability is not enough to respond to the continuing changes in ICT. Hence,
progressive sustainability should be made an integral part of every ICT e-participation
program, i.e., it should not be status quo oriented. This should be provided as a standard
procedure by which ICT programs are to be proposed and realized.

 ICT e-participation strategies are only as good as their existence is known by a larger
number of people. Hence, it would be most helpful if their presence and availability is
known through traditional information campaign using conventional print, TV and
broadcast media which are currently still more widespread and popular.

39
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42
 Annex Tables: Part I

Results of Rapid Assessment on the Use of ICTs as eParticipation Tools in

Governance
Survey areas F %
Iloilo_Visayas 31 14.42
WMSU_Mindanao 55 25.58
NCPAG_UST_NCR 129 60.00
Total 215 100.00

I. Respondents’ Profile
F %
1.1 Age Level
Less than 21 years 51 23.72
22 - 29 59 27.44
30 - 37 41 19.07
38 - 45 24 11.16
46 - 53 23 10.70
54 – 60 years 7 3.26
61 years and over 3 1.40
No Answer 7 3.26
Total 215 100.00

Mean
Actual Age 30.76

1.2 Sex F %
Male 91 42.33
Female 121 56.28
No Answer 3 1.40
Total 215 100.00

1.3 Civil Status F %

Single 127 59.07
Married 72 33.49
Widow/Widower 6 2.79
No Answer 10 4.65
Total 215 100.00

1.4 Organizational Affiliation F %

Yes 157 73.02
No 14 6.51
Not sure 1 0.47
No Answer 43 20.00

43
Total 215 100.00

1.5 Organizational/Group Affiliation F %

Government organization 95 44.19
Students’ organization 65 30.23
Nongovernment organization 15 6.98
Private Sector 4 1.86
People’s Organization 3 1.40
Church organization 2 0.93
Others 9 4.19
No answer 22 10.23
Total 215 100.00

1.6 Highest Educational Attainment F %

College graduate 80 37.21
College undergraduate 58 26.98
With MA degree 37 17.21
With MA units 17 7.91
With PhD 4 1.86
Postgraduate 3 1.40
No answer 16 7.44
Total 215 62.79

1.7 Occupation or Profession F %

Student 40 18.60
Government employee 37 17.21
Teaching profession 39 18.14
Administrative/HRM staff/officer 18 8.37
Information Technology 12 5.58
Technical 6 2.79
Lawyer 6 2.79
Elected official 3 1.40
Researcher 3 1.40
Health 3 1.40
NGO worker 2 0.93
Police 2 0.93
Others 7 3.26
No answer 37 17.21
Total 215 100.00

44
 Annex Tables: Part II

II. ICT Types and Usage

2.1 Type of ICT Devise Frequency of Use of ICT Devise

Everyday Once a week Once a month No answer Total Mean

F % F % F % F %

Mobile phone 208 96.74 3 1.40 3 1.40 1 0.47 215 1.13

Television 181 84.19 15 6.98 5 2.33 14 6.51 215 1.28

Internet 175 81.40 31 14.42 3 1.40 6 2.79 215 1.32

Telephone 133 61.86 37 17.21 15 6.98 30 13.95 215 1.72

Radio 119 55.35 40 18.60 15 6.98 41 19.07 215 1.82

2.2 Access to internet Yes No Total

F % F % 215

Home 164 76.28 51 23.72 215

Office 125 58.14 90 41.86 215

School 122 56.74 93 43.26 215

Internet shops 119 55.35 96 44.65 215

Free WIFI service 116 53.95 99 46.05 215

Others 5 2.33 210 97.67 215

% of Total
Responses
= 215

2.3 Usage of ICT Operations Yes

Mobile phone

SMS 206 95.81

Voice/call 155 72.09

Internet

Search website/webpage 206 95.81

Online messages/communications 183 85.12

Upload/download 180 83.72

45
 Read news 177 82.33

Social networking (chat, friendsters, facebook, etc. 170 79.07

Play games 113 52.56

Give personal comments/feedback/reactions 111 51.63

Read and make blogs 106 49.30

Online business transaction 89 41.40

Video conferencing 62 28.84

Sign petition 44 20.47

Others 8 3.72

% of Total
Responses
= 215

2.4 Use of Internet to upload/download Yes

Information 179 83.26

Digital photos/video 158 73.49

Music 141 65.58

Others 26 12.09

Yes % No % No % Total
nswer

2.5 ICT as an effective tool for governance 205 95.35 3 1.40 7 3.26 215

46
 % of Total
Responses
= 215

2.6 Ways that ICT could be most Yes

beneficial

For both policymaking and service delivery 146 67.91

For service delivery (transacting with 141 65.58

government through online services)

For policymaking (communicating with 99 46.05

politicians and policymakers on certain issues
in the community)

For mobilization 27 12.56

For dialogue with other people/groups 26 12.09

For access share information 32 14.88

Others 4 1.86

Mean
Rank

2.7 Problems normally encountered in the

use of ICT

Lack of know-how on the use of ICT 3.50

Lack of available ICT devises to use 2.98

(computers)

Expensive access to ICT 2.82

Lack or poor internet connection 2.17

Worst Next Fair Next Least Total % of Total

(1) to (3) to (5) Responde
worst least nts = 215
(2) (4)

2.8 Problems normally encountered in the use F % F % F % F % F %

of ICT

47
Lack or poor internet connection 106 59.55 23 12.92 29 16.29 15 8.43 5 2.81 178 82.79

Expensive access to ICT 55 38.73 43 30.28 20 14.08 20 14.08 4 2.82 142 66.05

Lack of available ICT devises to use 50 34.01 31 21.09 36 24.49 23 15.65 7 4.76 147 68.37
(computers)

Lack of know-how on the use of ICT 27 20.15 14 10.45 37 27.61 49 36.57 7 5.22 134 62.33

48
 Yes % No % No answer % Total

2.9 Accessed/used eCommunity Center 75 34.88 100 46.51 40 18.60 215

Once More than once No Answer Total

F % F % F %

2.10 Frequency of accessing/using eCommunity 9 4.19 57 26.51 149 69.30 215

Center

% of Total
Responses =
215

2.11 Reasons for accessing/using eCommunity Center Yes

Inquiry on who and what the eCenter is about 63 29.30

Information 54 25.12

Comments/feedback 31 14.42

Social networking 29 13.49

Availment of services 27 12.56

Blogs 21 9.77

Others 5 2.33

Yes % No % No answer % Total

2.12 Have accessed government websites 119 55.35 10 4.65 86 40.00 215

2.13 Frequency in accessing government websites in % of Total

the last 12 months… at least, every… Responses =
215

49
Daily 21 9.77

Once a week 54 25.12

Once a month 26 12.09

Once in three months 10 4.65

Once in six months 6 2.79

Once a year 2 0.93

2.14 Reason for accessing government websites % of Total

Respondents
= 215

Research on what the agency is about 190 88.37

Download information materials 182 84.65

news 159 73.95

Availment of on-line services 114 53.02

Social network 57 56.51

Discussions 83 38.60

Comments/feedback 71 33.02

Activity forum shopping 38 17.67

blogs 38 17.67

Others 11 5.12

50
2.15 Usage of eParticipation Tools

eGovernance Areas SMS E-mail Webpage News Online Discussion Chat Blog Online Video Social Newsgroup
survey board/forum Petition conferencing Networks
(Facebook,
Twitter,
Multiply)

F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F %

Accessing information 96 44.65 146 67.91 166 77.21 144 66.98 47 21.86 61 28.37 63 29.30 34 15.81 31 14.42 27 12.56 106 49.30 53 24.65

Accessing/tracking service 55 25.58 80 37.21 88 40.93 58 26.98 25 11.63 31 14.42 21 9.77 20 9.30 17 7.91 13 6.05 26 12.09 11 5.12
delivery

Monitoring government 40 18.60 67 31.16 109 50.70 123 57.21 38 17.67 35 16.28 20 9.30 29 13.49 20 9.30 11 5.12 43 20.00 36 16.74
performance

Influencing decision-making 46 21.40 64 29.77 63 29.30 70 32.56 33 15.35 40 18.60 29 13.49 27 12.56 28 13.02 8 3.72 59 27.44 31 14.42

Advocating for certain issues 63 29.30 89 41.40 87 40.47 77 35.81 41 19.07 57 26.51 41 19.07 39 18.14 37 17.21 17 7.92 68 31.63 31 14.42

Sharing experiences 77 35.81 98 45.58 61 28.37 46 21.40 26 12.09 42 19.53 60 27.91 45 20.93 21 9.77 19 8.84 92 42.79 20 9.30

Building capacities 42 19.53 62 28.84 59 27.44 56 26.05 33 15.35 41 19.07 27 12.56 23 10.70 20 9.30 14 6.51 45 20.93 26 12.09

Referring/Linking to proper
authorities/experts
53 24.65 86 40.00 93 43.26 62 28.84 29 13.49 36 16.74 23 10.70 26 12.09 22 10.23 16 7.44 51 23.72 27 12.56

51
2.16 Mean Scores of Usage of eParticipation Tools

eGovernance SMS E-mail Webpage News Online Discussion Chat Blog Online Video Social Newsgroup
survey Board/forum Petition Conferencing Networks
(Facebook,
Twitter,
Multiply)

Accessing information 1.75 1.21 1.10 1.11 2.40 2.22 1.90 3.21 3.72 4.09 1.36 2.48

Accessing/tracking service delivery 2.13 2.04 1.51 2.18 3.74 2.95 4.20 4.15 4.61 5.15 3.67 4.50

Monitoring government performance 2.96 2.22 1.35 1.19 2.67 3.04 3.84 3.20 4.15 5.33 2.51 2.60

Influencing decision-making 2.19 1.79 1.80 1.66 3.00 2.33 2.89 3.16 3.40 5.95 1.63 3.25

Advocating for certain issues 1.80 1.58 1.27 1.49 2.44 1.98 2.44 2.63 2.83 4.47 1.55 3.23

Sharing experiences 1.75 1.46 1.72 2.19 3.53 2.41 1.50 2.45 4.06 3.93 1.41 4.00

Building capacities 2.14 1.91 1.74 1.77 3.00 2.02 3.16 3.42 4.00 4.69 2.08 3.22

Referring/Linking to proper authorities/experts 1.81 1.52 1.33 1.48 2.89 2.30 2.87 2.88 3.32 4.02 1.71 3.16

52
 Annex Tables: Part III

3.1 Assessment of Effectiveness of ICTs for eParticipation

Rate of Effectiveness of eParticipation Tools

Social
networks
Online Discussion Online Video (Facebook,
SMS E-mail Webpage News Chat Blog Newsgroup
survey board/forum Petition Conferencing Tweitter,
Multiply,
etc.)

G1_Accessing F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F % F %
information

Very effective (5) 40 18.60 58 26.98 55 25.58 69 32.09 14 6.51 21 9.77 16 7.44 12 5.58 6 2.79 14 6.51 38 17.67 20 9.30

Fairly effective (4) 42 19.53 56 26.05 68 31.63 52 24.19 32 14.88 40 18.60 24 11.16 26 12.09 25 11.63 26 12.09 41 19.07 35 16.28

Least effective (5) 16 7.44 17 7.91 17 7.91 17 7.91 25 11.63 13 6.05 24 11.16 21 9.77 17 7.91 15 6.98 15 6.98 13 6.05

Not sure (3) 8 3.72 6 2.79 6 2.79 4 1.86 6 2.79 9 4.19 9 4.19 11 5.12 6 2.79 4 1.86 6 2.79 1 0.47

Not effective (1) 14 6.51 11 5.12 4 1.86 5 2.33 10 4.65 7 3.26 12 5.58 10 4.65 15 6.98 18 8.37 5 2.33 6 2.79

Total Responses 120 55.81 148 68.84 150 69.77 147 68.37 87 40.47 90 41.86 85 39.53 80 37.21 69 32.09 77 35.81 105 48.84 75 34.88

No answer 95 44.19 67 31.16 65 30.23 68 31.63 128 59.53 125 58.14 130 60.47 135 62.79 146 67.91 138 64.19 110 51.16 140 65.12

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00

G2_Accessing/tracking
service delivery

53
 Very effective 22 10.23 34 15.81 28 13.02 34 15.81 12 5.58 11 5.12 9 4.19 6 2.79 4 1.86 5 2.33 17 7.91 9 4.19

Fairly effective 47 21.86 48 22.33 52 24.19 36 16.74 25 11.63 30 13.95 18 8.37 23 10.70 18 8.37 15 6.98 25 11.63 26 12.09

Least effective 12 5.58 15 6.98 14 6.61 12 5.58 23 10.70 12 5.58 25 11.63 18 8.37 16 7.44 15 6.98 11 5.12 13 6.05

Not sure 8 3.72 8 3.42 8 3.72 4 1.86 4 1.86 7 3.26 5 2.33 10 4.65 7 3.26 4 1.86 8 3.72 3 1.40

Not effective 11 5.12 3 1.40 7 3.26 5 2.33 9 4.19 5 2.33 11 5.12 7 3.26 16 7.44 18 8.37 9 4.19 5 2.33

Total Responses 100 46.51 108 50.23 109 50.70 91 42.33 73 33.95 65 30.23 68 31.63 64 29.77 61 28.37 57 26.51 70 32.56 56 26.05

No answer 115 53.49 107 49.77 106 49.30 124 57.67 142 66.05 150 69.77 147 68.37 151 70.23 154 71.63 158 73.49 145 67.44 159 73.95

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00

G3_Monitoring government performance

Very effective 18 8.37 25 11.63 37 17.21 53 24.65 18 8.37 11 5.12 8 3.72 7 3.26 6 2.79 5 2.33 19 8.84 14 6.51

Fairly effective 29 13.49 28 13.02 54 25.12 49 22.79 29 13.49 40 18.60 17 7.91 20 9.30 23 10.70 16 7.44 31 14.42 24 11.16

Least effective 19 8.84 26 12.09 19 8.84 12 5.58 18 8.37 14 6.51 17 7.91 23 10.70 15 6.98 19 8.84 13 6.05 12 5.58

Not sure 6 2.79 11 5.12 5 2.33 3 1.40 2 0.93 3 1.40 7 3.26 7 3.26 4 1.86 5 2.33 5 2.33 7 3.26

Not effective 16 7.44 10 4.65 6 2.79 4 1.86 7 3.26 5 2.33 12 5.58 8 3.72 17 7.91 12 5.58 10 4.65 4 1.86

Total Responses 88 40.93 100 46.51 121 56.28 121 56.28 74 34.42 73 33.95 61 28.37 65 30.23 65 30.23 57 26.51 78 36.28 61 28.37

No answer 127 59.07 115 53.49 94 43.72 94 43.72 141 65.58 142 66.05 154 71.63 150 69.77 150 69.77 158 73.49 137 63.72 154 71.63

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00

G4_Influencing decision-
making

Very effective 23 10.70 28 13.02 27 12.56 38 17.67 14 6.51 17 7.91 12 5.58 8 3.72 7 3.26 7 3.26 22 10.23 14 6.51

54
 Fairly effective 29 13.49 32 14.88 30 13.95 39 18.14 35 16.28 36 16.74 18 8.37 24 11.16 24 11.16 14 6.51 30 13.95 20 9.30

Least effective 14 6.51 19 8.84 18 8.37 6 2.79 11 5.12 10 4.65 20 9.30 17 7.91 10 4.65 14 6.51 14 6.51 16 7.44

Not sure 10 4.65 13 6.05 7 3.26 4 1.86 6 2.79 7 3.26 5 2.33 8 3.72 7 3.26 6 2.79 7 3.26 6 2.79

Not effective 12 5.58 5 2.33 6 2.79 3 1.40 8 3.72 5 2.33 9 4.19 7 3.26 15 6.98 14 6.51 9 4.19 4 1.86

Total Responses 88 40.93 97 45.12 88 40.63 90 41.86 74 34.42 75 34.88 64 29.77 64 29.77 63 29.30 55 25.58 82 38.14 60 27.91

No answer 127 59.07 118 54.88 127 59.07 125 58.14 141 65.58 140 65.12 151 70.23 151 70.23 152 70.70 160 74.42 133 61.86 155 72.09

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00

G5_Advocating for certain issues

Very effective (5) 31 14.42 32 14.88 25 11.63 46 21.40 15 6.98 24 11.16 12 5.58 5 2.33 11 5.12 7 3.26 32 14.88 17 7.91

Fairly effective (4) 33 15.35 43 20.00 44 20.47 34 15.81 29 13.49 30 13.95 22 10.23 34 15.81 31 14.42 17 7.91 34 15.81 23 10.70

Least effective (2) 12 5.58 18 8.37 13 6.05 8 3.72 22 10.23 10 4.65 23 10.70 15 6.98 11 5.12 15 6.98 12 5.58 12 5.58

Not sure (3) 7 3.26 4 1.86 1 0.47 3 1.40 8 3.72 4 1.86 4 1.86 6 2.79 5 2.33 4 1.86 6 2.78 5 2.33

Not effective (1) 11 5.12 7 3.26 7 3.26 4 1.86 3 1.40 5 2.33 7 3.26 7 3.26 11 5.12 16 7.44 6 2.78 5 2.33

Total Responses 94 43.72 104 48.37 90 41.86 95 44.19 77 35.81 73 33.95 68 31.63 67 31.16 69 32.09 59 27.44 90 41.86 62 28.84

No answer 121 56.28 111 51.63 125 58.14 120 55.81 138 64.19 142 66.05 147 68.37 148 68.84 146 67.91 156 72.56 125 58.14 153 71.16

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00

G6_Sharing experiences

Very effective 42 19.53 41 19.07 22 10.23 29 13.49 11 5.12 19 8.84 22 10.23 16 7.44 9 4.19 10 4.65 46 21.40 14 6.51

55
 Fairly effective 26 12.09 38 17.67 42 19.53 31 14.42 30 13.95 32 14.88 24 11.16 34 15.81 18 8.37 17 7.91 35 16.28 21 9.77

Least effective 12 5.58 15 6.98 15 6.98 14 6.51 17 7.91 10 4.65 17 7.91 12 5.58 14 6.51 13 6.05 8 3.72 13 6.05

Not sure 5 2.33 8 3.72 2 0.93 2 0.93 1 0.47 5 2.33 1 0.47 5 2.33 3 1.40 4 1.86 4 1.86 5 2.33

Not effective 12 5.58 2 0.93 7 3.26 4 1.86 9 4.19 4 1.86 5 2.33 4 1.86 13 6.05 13 6.05 6 2.79 4 1.86

Total Responses 97 45.12 104 48.37 88 40.93 80 37.21 68 31.63 70 32.56 69 32.09 71 33.02 57 26.51 57 26.51 99 46.05 57 26.51

No answer 118 54.88 111 51.63 127 59.07 135 62.79 147 68.37 145 67.44 146 67.91 144 66.98 158 73.49 158 73.49 116 53.95 158 73.49

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00

G7_Building capacities

Very effective 18 8.37 20 9.30 20 9.30 23 10.70 13 6.05 12 5.58 8 3.72 8 3.72 5 2.33 4 1.86 22 10.23 15 6.98

Fairly effective 29 13.49 31 14.42 39 18.14 31 14.42 24 11.16 29 13.49 16 7.44 22 10.23 19 8.84 15 6.98 25 11.63 16 7.44

Least effective 9 4.19 26 12.09 15 6.98 20 9.30 16 7.44 13 6.05 22 10.23 14 6.51 11 5.12 14 6.51 10 4.65 16 7.44

Not sure 8 3.72 11 5.12 4 1.86 4 1.86 4 1.86 5 2.33 8 3.72 8 3.72 4 1.86 5 2.33 7 3.26 6 2.79

Not effective 13 6.05 1 0.47 6 2.79 4 1.86 11 5.12 4 12.86 6 2.79 6 2.79 16 7.44 16 7.44 7 3.26 5 2.33

Total Responses 77 35.81 89 41.40 84 39.07 82 38.14 68 31.63 63 29.30 60 27.91 58 26.98 55 25.58 54 25.12 71 33.02 58 26.98

No answer 138 64.19 126 58.60 131 60.93 133 61.86 147 68.37 152 70.70 155 72.09 157 73.02 160 74.42 161 74.88 144 66.98 157 73.02

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00

G8_Referring/Linking to
proper authorities /experts

Very effective 24 11.16 34 15.81 27 12.56 26 12.09 10 4.65 16 7.44 10 4.65 7 3.26 7 3.26 5 2.33 17 7.91 15 6.98

Fairly effective 30 13.95 32 14.88 36 16.74 31 14.42 23 10.70 25 11.63 14 6.51 22 10.23 18 8.37 16 7.44 21 9.77 22 10.23

56
 Least effective 12 5.58 20 9.30 22 10.23 16 7.44 18 8.37 13 6.05 22 10.23 15 6.98 15 6.98 14 6.51 10 4.65 14 6.51

Not sure 5 2.33 9 4.19 1 0.47 7 3.26 3 1.40 6 2.79 4 1.86 7 3.26 4 1.86 4 1.86 5 2.33 5 2.33

Not effective 13 6.05 4 1.86 7 3.26 5 2.33 11 5.12 4 1.86 6 2.79 8 3.72 14 6.51 15 6.98 10 4.65 3 1.40

Total Responses 84 39.07 99 46.05 93 43.26 85 39.53 65 30.23 64 29.77 56 26.05 59 27.44 58 26.98 54 25.12 63 29.30 59 27.44

No answer 131 60.93 116 53.95 122 56.74 130 60.47 150 69.77 15 70.23 159 73.95 156 72.56 157 73.02 161 74.88 152 70.70 156 72.56

Overall Total 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 215 100.00 218 100.00 215 100.00

3.2 Mean Rate of Effectivess of eParticipation Tools

eGovernance Areas SMS E-mail Webpage News Online Discussion Chat Blog Online Video Social Newsgroup
survey board/forum Petition Confere Networks
ncing (Facebook,
Twitter,
Multiply)

Accessing information 3.17 3.25 3.36 3.37 2.92 3.23 3.01 3.05 2.67 2.76 3.30 3.05

Accessing/tracking service delivery 3.18 3.34 3.32 3.33 2.77 3.24 2.66 3.17 2.73 2.52 3.25 3.02

Monitoring government performance 2.90 3.12 3.27 3.39 2.97 2.95 2.90 2.83 2.75 2.71 3.09 3.34

Influencing decision-making 3.24 3.39 3.33 3.48 3.15 3.24 2.92 3.02 2.81 2.80 3.20 3.23

57
Advocating for certain issues 3.25 3.12 3.31 3.47 3.14 3.30 2.81 2.91 2.99 2.63 3.35 3.25

Sharing experiences 3.28 3.44 3.12 3.23 2.69 3.31 3.24 3.24 2.72 2.81 3.44 3.24

Building capacities 3.17 3.28 3.20 3.16 2.90 3.10 3.07 3.10 2.64 2.62 3.35 3.22

Referring/ Linking to proper authorities/ 3.08 3.33 3.20 3.31 2.77 3.20 2.89 2.95 2.69 2.62 3.12 3.27
experts

Note: Very effective=5; Fairly effective=4; Not sure=3; Least effective=2; Not effective=1

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