Abstract

GIS and E-governance Initiatives of four Philippines Cities

Gabrielle Iglesias Information and Networking Coordinator
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC),
Thailand
Email: iglesiasga@adpc.net

This paper intends to provide a snapshot of how a Philippine city government uses ICT in general and GIS in particular. This study used four Philippine city governments that actively used ICT applications as case study samples and described: (1) the level of use of ICT in general and GIS in particular, and (2) how their computerization efforts facilitate good urban governance. The e-governance framework used for this study has a phased ICT utilization starting with e-administration, then e-government, and finally e-governance. The study was based on observations of their systems, a review of city web sites, and interviews with key officials. Scores were summarized by component: E-governance, E-government, E-administration, ICT and Management, and ICT Equipment and Infrastructure. The three cities with GIS applications (Antipolo, Caloocan and Tagaytay) were behind the fourth city (Muntinlupa) in terms of ICT Equipment and Infrastructure but were at par in terms of Software Usage. This may indicate that ICT Equipment and Infrastructure are not critical to developing e-administration and e-government initiatives. Caloocan and Tagaytay cities had concentrated on GIS-based real property taxation system and has begun to develop some systems based on it, such as for crime mapping and road maintenance, with Tagaytay having developed more applications. They also have the same business permit and licenses system. Even though Caloocan and Tagaytay gave less emphasis to their websites, Caloocan was developing an online payment system for taxes and fees, while Tagaytay already had a Chief Information Officer overseeing its use of ICT. Antipolo City had less equipment, hardly had any e-government applications, and did not have an official website. It seemed to be at a beginning point in e-administration, as it had concentrated its efforts in the development of particular systems, i.e. GIS-based real property tax administration, and a system for issuing business permits and licenses. However, Antipolo was the only city doing addressing the complex legal and organizational requirements for a clean spatial database by developing an addressing system in their city. There were two approaches among the cities in their development of ICT applications – (1) a pull to e-governance with emphasis on web site, and (2) a push towards e-government by developing specific internal administrative applications. The three city governments cited benefits from GIS in particular and ICT in general. Factors that may slow down ICT use for providing public service are the reported high costs to preparing a transactional website, and personnel issues over acquiring skilled employees and reducing staff turnover. Policy recommendations are: (1) emphasizing e-administration rather than website development to ensure that organizational processes exist to support public service delivery over the Internet; (2) city governments should develop their information policy; and (3) institute a system for identifying, anticipating and preventing problems and failures in local ICT investments.