MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomed officials from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania, for a study visit aimed at learning from the Philippines’ justice sector coordination efforts—particularly those led by the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC).

DILG Undersecretaries Jon Paulo Salvahan, Rolando Puno, and Omar Alexander Romero received the Zanzibar delegation, led by Dr. Mzee Ali Haji, Deputy Principal Secretary of the President’s Office for Constitutional, Legal Affairs, and Good Governance, at the DILG central office in Quezon City.

In his welcome remarks, Undersecretary Salvahan expressed appreciation for the delegation’s interest in the JSCC model, noting its growing international recognition.

“This is a testament that JSCC emits positive impact not only locally, but also internationally,” Salvahan said.

He expressed hope that the insights gained from the Philippine experience would support Zanzibar in developing stronger coordination mechanisms for justice sector reform.

“The DILG, together with its partner agencies in the JSCC, shall always be of ready assistance and more than happy to share the best practices we have so far gained and experienced,” he added.

Now in its 15th year, the JSCC functions as a collaborative platform among the Supreme Court (SC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the DILG to improve justice delivery and institutional coordination.

Among the JSCC initiatives highlighted during the visit were:

• The 77% resolution rate of Lupong Tagapamayapa cases, saving approximately ₱4.3 billion in litigation costs in 2024
• Creation of the Unified Forensic Data Management System portal
• Digitalization of the National Police Clearance
• Rollout of the E-Dalaw system and expanded paralegal services, enabling the timely release of 84,976 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)
• Establishment of the Single Carpeta System (SCS) to streamline PDL records

Dr. Haji expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the Philippines, promising to apply the lessons in Zanzibar’s own justice reform efforts.

“With what we have learned, we will do better to make sure that access to justice is for everyone. No one gets left behind,” he said.