The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has outlined the required content for the Government Web Hosting Service (GHWS). Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2015 – 001 was under the Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST – ICT Office). The MC was about the Rules And Regulations On Migrating To The Government Web Hosting Services (GWHS) of the DOST ICT Office.
The UN Web Measure Index (WMI) is useful in determining the level of sophistication and the online presence of a given country. According to the MC, it was the United Nations (UN) who has provided this.
The WMI, for example, has four progressive stages. These are Emerging Presence, Enhanced Presence, Transactional Presence, and Connected Presence.
Even for the Emerging Presence level, the required content must be present. So, what are these required content?
Transparency Seal
According to the Department of Budget and Management, government information is a pearl, meant to be shared with the public to maximize its inherent value. Furthermore, The DBM, for example, has issued National Budget Circular No. 542, which reiterates compliance with Section 93 of the General Appropriations Act of FY 2012. Section 93 is the Transparency Seal, which is depicted by a pearl shining out of an open shell, is a symbol of a policy shift towards openness in access to government information. On the one hand, it hopes to inspire Filipinos in the civil service to be more open to citizen engagement; on the other, to invite the Filipino citizenry to exercise their right to participate in governance. Also, this Transparency Seal is part of the previous article, “Why have a Government Website Today and Tomorrow“. Check out the details here.
The Philippine Standard Time (PST)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), for example, is the government agency to keep and disseminate the Philippine Standard Time (PhST). Section 6 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 8, defining the metric system in the country, states that: “PAGASA shall be responsible in the establishment, maintenance and operation of the National Standard for the second of time.”
Another law is Presidential Decree 1149, assigning PAGASA as the official agency that will handle the dissemination of the Philippine Standard Time (PST). Check out the details here.
Citizen’s Charter
The Citizen’s Charter was required by the Anti-Red Tape Authority or ARTA. Visit the ARTA website here.
The foreword of Atty. Jeremiah B. Belgica, EnP, REB, Director General in ARTA’s Citizen’s Charter Handbook, gave details about the use of the Citizen’s Charter. Download the handbook here. It states that ARTA is the agency to monitor and ensure compliance with the national policy on anti-red tape and ease of doing business in the country. This mandate is under Republic Act (RA) 11032.
The Citizen’s Charter will include the mandate of the agency. It should also contain front line services of the agency. Add the service standards, steps on how to avail the products, and services. Furthermore, it should also contain the image of the citizen’s charter
Contact Us
The Contact Us should ideally include, for example, the contact number/s, email address, and the physical address.
Similarly, a contact form needing the name, email, and message for guests to fill out is a plus. An fixed map would also be helpful. This google map is a good navigation if visitors to the site are not familiar with the agency location.
Downloads
The downloads shall contain useful documents, such as downloadable forms. The general public can also acquire agency manuals, policies, and presentation through the website.
Site Map
With a site map, guiding through the site is now easier. This map will also give better visibility by search engines.
Archives
The archives contain the list of past published articles on the website. Also, try to sort the archives by month.
Products And Services/Plans And Projects
It is best to focus on the various local produce of your LGU. Coming up with groupings such as marine, agriculture, and industry, for example, would be better.
It would also be helpful to give details of major plans, and programs of the LGU.
Need help in coming up with the required contents? Get in touch with us now!