Data, Democracy, and Development
July 20, 2007

Starting today, Newsbreak will be uploading data on three key sectors that affect democracy and development in the Philippines: local governments, the military as a component of the security sector, and Mindanao.

We aim to put together data that are difficult to access from institutions that represent these sectors. Through this, we hope to provide facts to our readers which they could use as they discuss issues on democracy and development. This humble effort is hoped to enrich public discourse.

We have chosen these three sectors largely because of the impact that they have on Filipinos. Data from these sectors would also help us acquire a better understanding of the complex problems that they face.

The database is part of the Media, Democracy and Development program that is supported by a grant from the United Nations Democracy Fund (Undef). It aims to contribute to the development of a free, responsible, independent, and professional Philippine media that would safeguard democracy and promote development within the framework of citizen engagement.

It is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme-Philippines and the Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD) in partnership with the Newsbreak-Public Trust Media Group Inc., the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).

The opinions expressed here, however, are those of Newsbreak-Public Trust Media Group, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of Undef and the UNDP.