Dumaguete City launched a citizen's transaction guidebook, with technical assistance of the Development Academy of the Philippines, and funded by the British government through Global Opportunities yesterday.

The citizen's charter is intended to be a powerful instrument for transparency and accountability in government and for improved delivery of basic services.

It provides information on what the public can expect from their local government offices, as well as a redress mechanism for complaints and an opportunity for the public to give constructive comments and suggestions.

British Ambassador Peter Beckingham who oversees British-funded projects in the Philippines said he hopes to return in a year to see if the project is working.

Beckingham attended the launching of the guidebook that was also witnessed by different stakeholders, including the Church, academe, business sector, the barangays, non-government organizations and government officials.

The citizen's transaction guidebook contains the commitment to service, list of products, identification of customers, statement of guarantee for level of services offered, contact list, and a feedback mechanism.

From 150 different services of the city government, the so-called citizen's charter was reduced to 72 service areas as part of the first edition.

Mayor Agustin Perdices said this is an excellent instrument for sustaining and implementing the city's Public Government System and Roadmap in operation.

As a sign of the British government's attachment to the Philippines, it is spending five million pounds for the transfer of the British embassy from Makati to Taguig soon, Beckingham said.

There are about 200,000 Filipinos working in Great Britain, he also said.*JG

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