We, in the Integrity Initiative, understand that the fight against corruption involves more than one agency in government; but we also know that we have to mobilize the business community and civil society if we want to succeed. As mentioned in my last column, I am happy to report that this is happening.
The best example is the creation of Integrity Circles, composed of the representatives of the LGUs, business and civil society as part of the ‘Integrity for Jobs’ or I4J project.
It all started with winning a call for proposals issued by the EU Delegation in the Philippines, jointly with the co-funder of the project, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS); the third party in this exciting project is the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) / the Integrity Initiative Inc. The project team, which included representatives of the Leagues of Cities, Municipalities and Provinces, selected 9 model LGUs to start the objective of transforming LGUs, creating Integrity Circles and making LGUs attractive for investors which would subsequently lead to job generation.One of the 9 model LGUs was the Province of Cebu.
While it is essential that the LGU leadership (governors, mayors, etc.) approve the partnership and commit to the changes needed, it is essential to note that the creation of IntegrityCircles is at the core of the integrity process:
What are Integrity Circles? A circle of people representing public/government, private/business, civil/community organizations, or schools/ religious/youth groups who voluntarily commit to work together in a sustained manner to promote integrity by helping to strengthen good governance and performance within the organizations/locations they are a part of.
Why create Integrity Circles? ICs seek to raise awareness, identify integrity related issues that affect performance, promote fair and good practice as well as participate in the development of practical tools to help enhance integrity and reduce risks of corruption by strengthening transparency and accountability. ICs aim to promote transparency/trust, improved performance, a level playing field, enhanced competitiveness and attractiveness to business, and the creation of more jobs leading to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Tone from the Top: Creating ICs requires the concurrence of organizations specifically the commitment of the top management (i.e. Tone from the Top by signing an Integrity Pledge) of stakeholder organizations such as the public/government (e.g LGUs), business organizations, civil/ community organizations, schools and religious organizations, among others. The ICs will spearhead a campaign to put to action the commitment of top management to promote integrity with the goal of promoting a level playing field, fair market conditions, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Code of Conduct: ICs will develop and launch a Code of Conduct that will guide their organizations on the ethical way of conducting business within their organizations and in dealing with other parties outside the organization. The Code of Conduct provides for the basic principles on proper ethical behaviour and specifically focus on areas in the organization where there are potentially high risks of unethical behaviour.
Integrity Standards: ICs will help improve the integrity standards of their organization. ICs will lead the conduct of a self- assessment of the existing integrity system in place and identify policy and operational opportunities for improvements. A self-assessment tool will be developed by the 14J project team for this purpose. The results of the self-assessment will be validated in coordination with the 14J team. Upon validation, a priority list of areas for action will be prepared for implementation (Action Plan) to install the necessary control measures. The ICs shall designate an Integrity Officer who will be responsible for maintaining the standards and pursuing continuous system improvement.
Recognition and Certification: Organizations that have committed to the integrity path will be recognized and promoted in the national/international marketplace as preferred destination for investments or endorsed for incentives.
Let me conclude today’s column by saying that we have moved from 9 to 64 LGUs that have adopted the I4J ideas and are part of the Integrity process now. Our aim, of course, is to see all LGUs transforming into the I4J ideas; just give us a bit more time.
In the meantime, join the Integrity Initiative, sign the Integrity Pledge and live up to the commitments in the Pledge. Visit www.integrityinitiative.com