SYMBOLS of Integrity: A Semiotic Study of ‘Transparency, Accountability, Justice, and Fairness’ In Government WORKS

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to conduct a semiotic analysis of the symbols used to represent transparency, accountability, justice, and fairness in government works of Davao de Oro. The corpora were sourced out from the online portal of Davao de Oro where pertinent programs were posted for public awareness. The findings revealed that as to transparency, the following program areas were Business and investment climate, Trade and commerce, Public participation and transparency, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Climate change adaptation and mitigation, Budget transparency under Fiscal management, Policy and regulatory framework, Disaster risk communication tools. As to Accountability, the following were the program areas: Education and skills development, Fiscal management and revenue generation, Audit and infra reporting mechanisms, Watershed and forest management, Solid waste and pollution control, Inter- agency and multi-sectoral collaboration. As to justice, the following are the program areas: Peace and order, public safety, Electrification (especially rural areas), Employment and livelihood generation, Skills training and certification programs, Land use and zoning legal compliance, Infrastructure in remote areas. And as to fairness, the following were the program areas: Social welfare services, Disaster risk reduction and management, Agriculture, fisheries, and agribusiness, Health services and facilities, Housing and human settlements, and Water supply and sanitation. In terms of the broader implications of symbolic integrity for enhancing government legitimacy in Davao de Oro, two dimensions were evident, Structural Integrity (Language and Representation) and Performative Legitimacy (Action and Symbol in Practice).