TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 3 (PNA) — A civil society organization (CSO) is seeking for a wider role in transparent local governance in Samar province.
The Multi Sectoral Alliance for Transparency and Accountability (MATA) Samar is now processing their registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to further establish its legal identity as the Aquino government’s partner in good governance.
“Our group advocates the transparency of the government’s projects to eradicate corruption,” said Ray Gaspay, the group’s interim chairman.
Among MATA-Samar’s activities are the development of standards to assess public officials’ compliance with anti-corruption laws, production of budget watch, and public reports on government accountability.
The CSO also organizes media and public events to engage local government officials and generate public feedback.
In 2011, then Department of Interior and Local Secretary Jesse Robredo recognized MATA-Samar as partner in monitoring corruption along with the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD).
The CSO also conducts studies, monitors and reports on the use of public funds by the government and local government unit (LGU) so that the public will know how the funds are being used. (PNA)
