DPWH, BCP pilot blockchain 'Integrity Chain' for infra projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP) are piloting 'Integrity Chain,' a blockchain-powered digital ledger for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.

This initiative, formalized by a memorandum of agreement, will initially focus on foreign-assisted projects and involves digitizing key data such as budgets, procurement, milestones, and payments.

The BCP is providing DPWH with a one-year complimentary subscription to the Integrity Chain platform, which includes technical support, training, and cybersecurity measures.

The platform features a real-time public dashboard to track project spending and progress, facilitate citizen feedback, and ensure tamper-proof records to combat corruption.

This pilot is considered potentially the first government use of blockchain of its kind worldwide, combining a digital ledger with an oversight system involving outside groups.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has pledged technical support and expertise for the project.

The Integrity Chain initiative is proceeding with testing as several blockchain-related budget bills are still pending in Congress, with one bill's first hearing scheduled for October 2.