As we move towards the digital age, data will be the new “oil” which fuels better planning and informed decisions. Data plays an important role, especially in local governments. It allows local chief executives and managers to design better solutions, gain insights in delivering and enhancing services, formulate policies, and improve accountability and understanding of local operations.

In the Liveable Cities Challenge (LCC) Liveable Cities Lab on  “Data Analytics 101: The Value and Use of Data for Managing LGUs” held last 2 September 2020, the League of Cities of the Philippines shared with the audience how can the LGUs kickstart to be data driven in their everyday operations, Mr. Brody Sapnu, together with Ms.Soleil Manzano from LCP shared the four key messages that LGUs need to remember: (1) Collect and consolidate data, LGUs must start tracking their data in all ways possible, as they said what gets measured, gets managed, (2) Start simple, but better to utilize available technology, LGUs cannot avail of all the latest technologies but that doesn’t mean they cannot harness what is readily available, they must be resourceful, (3) Invest in data management system and data analytics, in today’s digital worl, data is a powerful tool not only for LGUs but for all, investing in a good data management system will benefit the local government in the long run, and (4) Ensure data quality, integrity, and consistency, while all of the management tools are important, we must also ensure the quality and integrity of data.

Likewise, United Nations Development Programme shared their initiative on Sustainable Development Goals for Cities, presented by Yemesrach Workie, Senior Policy Adviser of UNDP Philippines, and Francis Capistrano, Accelerator Lab’s Head of Experimentation. 

Aside from League of Cities of the Philippines and United Nations Development Programme,  the webinar is also joined by Pia Faustino, Head of Data Insights and Social Sector Engagements of Thinking Machines, and Miguel Acosta, Head of Data Governance Enterprise Data Office of Globe Telecom where they shared their experience and expertise on how we can harness the power of data through analytics and how the localities start their data governance journey. 

Moderated by LCC Chair Guillermo Luz, the Liveable Cities Lab is held every other Wednesday. The series feature topics to equip city leaders and stakeholders with knowledge and insights to help them best serve their communities. 

The next Liveable Cities Lab Session will focus on Govtech: Technology for LGUs which will be held on September 16, 2020 (Wednesday), 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.