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By Dawn Po Quimque, Gov Data Initiative (This article is part of the Good Governance Champions Series by the Gov Data Initiative)
Engr. Aynon instructs students at the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Lab at Palawan State University (PSU). ( Photo by PSU)
In Palawan, a province with significant large-scale mining operations, the academic sector plays a crucial role in advocating for transparency, accountability, and public participation in natural resource governance. Academic institutions leverage data and research to inform policy, instill civic responsibility to the youth, provide training, and raise awareness. This is particularly important as well-informed and engaged local communities are essential for responsible resource management and community engagement.
Engr. Maria Rosario Aynon Arciaga-Gonzales as GDI's Good Governance Champion for the month of July 2024.
Let's meet Engr. Maria Rosario Aynon Arciaga-Gonzales, GDI's Good Governance Champion for the month of July. Engr. Aynon is the former Director of the Center for Strategic Policy and Governance (CSPG) and currently serves as the Department Chair of the Graduate Science Department. Additionally, she is a faculty member at the Master of Science in Environmental Management and the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology at Palawan State University (PSU). Her work exemplifies how academia can lead initiatives that promote good governance and sustainable development.
A civil engineer who specializes in environmental management, with a deep understanding of how development impacts environmental protection, Engr. Aynon has led impactful projects focused on environmental protection and community engagement. "Using data to promote good governance is essential because it empowers citizens, ensures accountability, and enables evidence-based decision-making," she emphasized during our interview. This belief is at the heart of her work at CSPG, where she was involved in numerous impact assessments and resource valuation studies, one of which is the valuation of environmental services of Mount Bulanjao in Barangay Rio Tuba in the municipality of Bataraza and the assessment of the environmental impact of mining activities there.
In her many research and community engagement projects, she involves graduate students not only to equip them with research skills but also to prepare them to be the next generation of leaders capable of navigating governance and resource management challenges in Palawan and beyond. "We involve them in data gathering and encourage them to publish and present their findings," she noted, stressing the importance of research and information dissemination in her advocacy. Recognizing that young people are active on social media and technology platforms, she aims to spark their interest and be involved in advocacy efforts.
"For the youth, it is crucial that they are aware of what is truly happening through this data. I hope transparency and accountability are strongly upheld so that everyone, especially the youth, can have trust and confidence in all of us." - Engr. Aynon Gonzales
Engr. Aynon (center) during the 45th Multi-stakeholders Group Meeting of the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) held in Santiago, Isabel in 2017. (Photo by PH-EITI)
Engr. Aynon's commitment to good governance extends beyond academic research. From 2016 to 2018, she actively participated in the multi-stakeholder group of the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI), advocating for improved transparency in the mining, oil, and gas sectors in the country. "Transparency and accountability are crucial in preventing corruption, building trust, and ensuring equitable access to data," she stated. However, she also noted some challenges such as the lack of real-time data and capacity-building initiatives within the PH-EITI. Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic and dedicated to improving transparency in mining as it helps in prevention of corruption, which in turn helps build trust and confidence within the community.
Her message to co-stakeholders emphasizes the importance of providing transparent and accurate data. This collective effort will ensure an enabling environment for research and advocacy initiatives where everyone benefits from shared knowledge. Lastly, Engr. Aynon envisions Palawan to be a place where transparency and good governance are embraced by the entire community, extending beyond government initiatives.
Engr. Aynon participates in the breakout session during the GDI’s Design Thinking Workshop and Focused Group Discussion on PREDIC Tool last 15 May 2024 in Palawan. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque from Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
"My vision for the province of Palawan is that these activities and transparency will be known not only by certain government officials but by the entire province. Sharing knowledge and best practices is crucial for the benefit of Palawan. - Engr. Aynon Gonzales
Engr. Aynon (center) poses with GDI’s Abigail Ocate (left), and Marco Zaplan (right) during the GDI’s Design Thinking Workshop and Foc
used Group Discussion on PREDIC Tool last 15 May 2024 in Palawan. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque from Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
Engr. Aynon demonstrates how academics can translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions that promote societal progress. By cultivating a culture of data transparency and accountability, they enable citizens to effectively participate in governance. Initiatives such as the PREDIC Tool of the Gov Data Initiative thrive thanks to these principles promoted by academics. According to Engr. Aynon, "Harnessing the power of data is not only about advancing good governance, but also inspiring future generations to build a more inclusive and sustainable society." Advocates like her ensure that the next generation is not only well-informed but also dedicated to creating a future that is transparent, accountable, and equitable for all.
The PREDIC Tool (Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for the Development and Investment in Communities Tool) was developed by the Gov Data Initiative. The tool is currently being piloted in Cebu and Palawan in partnership with the Manila Observatory and the Sustainable Development Strategies Group under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) Digital Innovation Hub.
The PREDIC Tool helps estimate and visualize production, sales, and revenue from mining operations, enabling informed decision-making and discussions related to local mining governance. Funded by the American people through USAID's JET Minerals Challenge, this 15-month project aims to enhance transparency and accountability in natural resource governance, empower local stakeholders, and ensure a fair distribution of benefits from extractive industries.
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