City wants data sharing mechanism with agencies

he Baguio City Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (BCMSMEDC) enjoined all members with programs or financial support services for MSMEs and startups to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish a data sharing mechanism for purposes of monitoring availment of livelihood assistance and ensuring non-duplication of grants and prudent use of public funds while complying with the Data Privacy act of 20212.

Under BCMSMEDC Resolution No. 2, series of 2025, the proposed data sharing is not intended to violate the rights of data subjects under Republic Act (RA) 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 20212 but rather to strengthen legitimate coordination among the local government, agencies and ensure responsible use of public resources.

“In the interest of promoting transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery, and uphold the principles of prudent utilization of public funds, there is a pressing need to institutionalize inter-agency data sharing mechanisms and cross-checking of grantee records,” the BCMSMEDC resolution stressed.

The council found out that there had been instances of overlapping assistance and multiple availments of government livelihood support by the same individuals or entities, some of which remain with unliquidated grants or unpaid obligations from national government agencies.

RA 6977 as amended by RA 9501 or the Magna Carta of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises mandated the establishment of a MSME Development Council at the national and local levels to help promote, coordinate and monitor the development of MSMEs in the country.

Further, Ordinance No. 58, series of 2024 institutionalized the Baguio City MSMED Council to ensure the development of a strong partnership between the government and the private sector.One of the objectives of the BCMSMEDC is for the coordination and systematized services to realize the full growth and potential of the MSMEs in the city.

The resolution noted that several agencies and offices within the BCMSMEDC implement programs and provide financial support, grants, or livelihood packages for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises, startups, associations and cooperatives.

The resolution outlined that the shared data shall be used solely for the purpose of preventing double or multiple availments of similar forms of government assistance; identify and prioritized- entities with existing unliquidated funds or unpaid obligations in grant availments; enhance inter-agency coordination in the delivery of livelihood and enterprise support programs and strengthen transparency and efficiency in the use of public resources.

Moreover, the data sharing and use of information shall strictly observe the provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and only such data that are necessary, relevant and limited to the legitimate purpose of monitoring financial and livelihood assistance shall be collected and shared and only among authorized personnel of the involved agencies. The shared data shall not include sensitive personal information beyond what is legally permissible. – Dexter A. See