MATA-SAMAR

Description

The Multisectoral Alliance for Transparency and Accountability in Samar (MATA-SAMAR) is an anti-corruption advocacy group based in Catbalogan City, Samar. Its formal organization dates back to December 10, 2010 when PPTRP selected Samar as one of its pilot areas.

MATA-Samar gained local and national attention when it pursued the filing of legal action as test cases against local government officials who failed to comply with the Full Disclosure Policy and the Banning of Pictures and Images on Government Programs and Projects, as mandated by memorandum circulars of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. It was among the first provincial groups to have signified public-private engagement with the Aquino administration through a Memorandum of Agreement between the non-government Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) and the DILG. It likewise became instrumental in the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for an effective and constructive engagement between LGUs and the civil society organizations in Samar.

To date, MATA-Samar is a leading local advocacy group that is involved in massive anti-corruption campaigns, budget watch, procurement watch, lifestyle check, infrastructure projects monitoring and membership expansion down to the municipal and barangay level.

Its members include the Samarnews.com, a leading media organization in Samar; the Alliance of Concerned Employees in Samar (ACES), an association of government employees; Social Action Center (SAC) of the Diocese of Calbayog, a church-based organization; An Tandaya, representing the farmers, fisher folks and the labor sector; Isog han Samar, a legal support group; and the Social Alliance Group of Indigent People (SAGIP), a group of health and basic services advocates.

For more information, contact MATA-Samar spokesperson Ms. Emy Bonifacio at http://www.mata-samar.org/.