Government inspectors have tested a mobile app that could help them document delays, defects and other problems in public infrastructure projects across Palawan.
The MIMAROPA Regional Project Monitoring Team (RPMT) used Open Data Kit (ODK) Collect during inspections of selected projects in Puerto Princesa City, Aborlan, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Bataraza and Balabac from August 17 to 21.
ODK Collect is a free Android app that allows field inspectors to complete and submit project inspection reports using mobile devices instead of paper forms.
The MIMAROPA Regional Development Council (RDC) said the app allows inspectors to take photographs showing where they were captured. It can also be used in areas with weak or no internet connection, with the reports uploaded once a connection becomes available.
Through the system, inspectors can record the construction and financial status of a project, confirm its location and gather feedback from residents and beneficiaries.
The RDC said the app will allow the government to determine not only whether a road, flood-control structure or other facility has been completed, but also whether people can access it and whether it is providing its intended benefits.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) MIMAROPA converted the government’s project inspection form into a digital format to standardize field reports and speed up the review of monitoring findings.
Among those inspected were projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, including a diversion road, an access road leading to a circumferential road and a flood-control structure. Projects of the Department of Transportation and Western Philippines University were also covered.
The monitoring team presented its observations and recommendations to the implementing agencies and other stakeholders at the end of the field visit.
The agencies acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to addressing them and supporting the timely completion of project outputs. However, DEPDev MIMAROPA did not disclose the specific issues found or identify the projects covered by the inspection.
The Palawan Provincial Project Monitoring Team has also expressed interest in using the app for its inspections.
The pilot is part of efforts to improve government project monitoring by giving inspectors and regional officials faster access to field reports and evidence gathered from project sites.
