TRUST, PRIVACY, AND DIGITAL GOVERNANCE IN EASTERN SAMAR

Abstract

The province of Eastern Samar in the Philippines faces complex challenges in advancing digital governance initiatives, rooted in its geographical isolation, economic underdevelopment, and frequent exposure to natural disasters. This study explores the critical issues of data governance and privacy within Eastern Samar’s digital public service delivery, emphasizing the importance of trust-building and accountability. A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving a survey of 300 residents engaged with digital public services and semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants, including local officials, civil society actors, and ICT professionals. The research examined existing data governance and privacy policies in the Philippines and assessed their local-level application against international best practices. Results indicate a substantial gap between national policy frameworks and local implementation. Despite the Data Privacy Act’s prominence, awareness and adherence in Eastern Samar remain limited. Key challenges include low digital literacy, poor connectivity infrastructure, and growing concerns over data misuse. Nonetheless, the study identifies opportunities to leverage digital technologies to promote transparency, participation, and responsive governance. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers and practitioners working on digital transformation in underdeveloped regions, highlighting the need for locally grounded strategies that prioritize capacity building, community engagement, and ethical data management.