Making Open Data Work for You: A Participatory Governance Perspective in Bicol Region, Philippines = 오픈 데이터 활용 방안 연구: Bicol 지역의 참여거버넌스 비교 연구

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Looking at the perspective of a developing country such as the Philippines, this study investigated the dynamics of open government data within the local government context particularly on the Civil Society Organizations' role in participatory governance. Analyzing and evaluating selected cities—Naga City (53.75/100), Iriga City (37.5/100), and Legazpi City (26.88/100)—showed varied degree of openness scores. Although Local Government Units (LGUs) excel in data availability and timeliness, usability and machine readability remain lacking. LGU online platforms are limited to only serving as an information dissemination medium, however, require innovation along data and information sharing, and knowledge generation.
Statistical analysis supported the hypotheses of this paper, affirming that higher data openness correlates significantly with increased Civil Society Organization (CSO) participation and the reinforcement of the perception of public trust (p-values ≤ 0.002). The result inferred that higher openness strongly influences and directs the increase in participation and the improvement of perceived trust. The study underscores the importance of open data in reinforcing democratic values and highlights the need for improved mechanisms such as policies, infrastructures, and capacity building for effective public engagement in local governance.
Further, this study advocates and supplements the continuous longitudinal research to establish the enduring relationship between trust, participation, and open data, and addressing knowledge gaps. Also, emphasizing on the dynamics of local governments—an area often overlooked in prior studies, this paper provides innovative ideas for replication and highlights the unique characteristics of local governance influenced by local actors personified through the CSOs. Lastly, shedding light on the underexplored role of CSOs as partners in local governance, the findings in this paper reveal how their engagement with open data reinforces their capacity for involvement.
Finally, this paper highlighted the need for updated national strategies and policies, emphasizing the importance of technology infrastructure in successful open data initiatives. Recommendations include updating of national strategic plans, passing the Freedom of Information Bill, and enhancing information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructures. At the local level, suggestions involve the adoption of a context-based open government data strategic plan, expanding the utility of LGU websites as open data medium, and capacity development for CSOs. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) with its role in empowering CSOs and promoting transparent governance, requires interventions such as open data integration, local performance assessment enhancement, and the revitalization of the Local Governance Research Center (LGRC) to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Table of Contents
• Chapter I. Introduction 1
• 1.1. Research Background 1
• 1.2. Statement of the Problem 7
• 1.3. Objectives of the Study 11
• 1.4. Significance of the Study 13
• 1.5. Overall Structure of the Study 16
• Chapter II. Review of Related Literature 18
• 2.1. The Government’s Degree of Openness 19
• 2.2. The Principles of Open Data 26
• 2.3. The Participation of Civil Society Organizations 34
• 2.4. Enhancing Pubic Trust through Open Government Data 37
• 2.5. Open Data in the context of Local Governments in a developing country 39
• Chapter III. Theoretical Background and Hypothesis Development 44
• 3.1. Degree of Openness of Local Government Units 45
• 3.2. Perception of Openness and Public Trust 48
• 3.3. Participation through Open Data and the enhancement of Public Trust 50
• 3.4. The Governance context in Bicol Region 53
• 3.5. Proposed Research Framework 57
• 3.6. Operational Definitions 58
• Chapter IV. Methods and Data 61
• 4. 1. Research Instrument 61
• 4. 2. Sampling and Data Collection 65
• 4. 3. Respondents of the Study 66
• Chapter V. Analysis and Discussion 73
• 5. 1. Descriptive Statistics 74
• 5. 2. Reliability Testing 75
• 5. 3. Correlation Analysis 77
• 5. 4. Comparative Descriptive Analysis on the Degree of Openness 79
• 5. 5. Research Hypotheses Testing 81
• 5. 6. Regression Analysis without the Control Variables 88
• 5. 7. Discussion 90
• Chapter VI. Conclusion, Implication and Limitation 102
• 6. 1. Summary 102
• 6. 2. Theoretical Implications 106
• 6. 3. Policy and Practical Implications 109
• 6. 4. Limitations and Future Research 124
• References 131