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GDI Team leads the participants in using the PREDIC Tool.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
Gov Data Initiative (GDI) has made significant progress in improving its PREDIC (Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for the Development and Investment in Communities) Tool by conducting workshops in the two project sites - Cebu and Palawan. These sessions, which took place on May 10 and 15, 2024, respectively, played a crucial role in obtaining feedback to refine the tool and enhance its effectiveness.
The participants from Cebu have the opportunity to experience a hands-on workshop on the PREDIC Tool. (Photos by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
The workshops included a hands-on Design Thinking session where participants had the opportunity to test the PREDIC Tool. They evaluated its user-friendliness, design, and overall functionality. This allowed GDI to see how well the tool meets the needs of real users and identify areas for improvement.
The participants from Palawan have the opportunity to experience a hands-on workshop on the PREDIC Tool. (Photos by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
In addition to the testing, focus group discussions were held to delve into the findings of GDI’s recent scoping study on how energy transition minerals are governed at the local level. These discussions explored the challenges identified in the study, providing valuable insights to the participants, and potential solutions as suggested by the local stakeholders themselves.
Ms. Janina Mamalo (left), representing DBM VII Acting Assistant Regional Director Baquial, and Cebu BM Atty. Jiembo Borgonia (right), delivering the opening and closing remarks, respectively, during the Cebu leg of GDI's PREDIC Tool DTW and FDG on 10 May 2024. (Photos by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
In Cebu, the workshop had 26 participants from various sectors, including government, civil society, academia, and the mining industry. The event commenced with remarks from Ms. Janina Mamalo, representing DBM VII Acting Assistant Regional Director Maricor Baquial. Mamalo noted, "This initiative has the potential to empower local communities, promote inclusive growth, and advance sustainable development." The session concluded with closing remarks from Cebu Board Member Atty. Jiembo Borgonia.
DBM IV-B Regional Director Rickey Sanchez delivers his opening message through a video during the Palawan-leg of GDI's PREDIC Tool DTW and FGD on 15 May 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
The Palawan workshop, held in Puerto Princesa City, brought together 21 participants from similar sectors. The event began with DBM IV-B Regional Director Ricky Sanchez expressing his enthusiasm for the project. Sanchez said, "Let us harness the power of data, innovation, and collaboration to build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone." GDI's Executive Director, Marco Zaplan, provided an overview of the project and the scoping study findings, while GDI's Programs and Operations Director, Abigail Ocate, led the design thinking session.
GDI Programs & Operations Director Abigail Ocate explains the objectives of the workshop. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
Ocate emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying, "These workshops are crucial because they put the power directly in the hands of the communities. At the end of the day, it's the community members who will be using this tool to make informed decisions for their own development."
GDI Executive Director Marco Zaplan gives the project overview and PREDIC Tool.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
Zaplan highlighted the role of data in promoting transparency. "Data is a powerful tool—it allows communities to advocate for their rights, make informed decisions, and hold stakeholders accountable," he said. He also thanked the participants for their support and active involvement.
The feedback gathered from these workshops is essential for the ongoing development of the PREDIC Tool. GDI intends to incorporate this input to enhance the tool's user-friendliness and effectiveness. The goal is to create a tool that not only informs communities but also enables them to meaningfully participate in mining governance.
Photo opportunity with the participants from Cebu (left) and Palawan (right). (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID JET Minerals Challenge.)
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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