Civic technology organization BetterGov.ph has introduced OpenGovChain, a free and open-source blockchain platform designed to demonstrate how public data, such as the national budget, can be securely stored and accessed. The platform was officially launched on October 7, 2025, by founder Jason Torres along with volunteers Christopher Star, Christian Blanquera, Paul Amerigo Pajo, Francis Plaza, and Ray Edison Refundo.
Torres explained that OpenGovChain was created to help both technical and non-technical users understand blockchain technology and explore its potential to enhance transparency in government processes. The platform currently hosts datasets from the 2025 General Appropriations Act, updating every few seconds to simulate a “Budget on the Blockchain” scenario. Torres emphasized that the project aims to make blockchain concepts more tangible for the general public while highlighting practical challenges in scaling the technology.
Technical Insights and Limitations
The OpenGovChain initiative revealed several technical insights, including slow data entry speeds, limitations in decentralized file storage systems like IPFS, and the importance of reliable validators to maintain network integrity. Torres highlighted that blockchain alone is not a complete solution for corruption or accountability; rather, a comprehensive system of checks and balances remains essential. He noted that while blockchain records cannot be tampered with, the data can still be biased depending on who controls the chain.
OpenGovChain’s source code is publicly available, reflecting its transparency and educational focus. Torres stated that the project was built quickly, in just two to three days alongside his full-time work, demonstrating that the technology is accessible and replicable for anyone interested in experimenting with blockchain-based public data.
Platform Design and Functionality
OpenGovChain is built using the Cosmos SDK and powered by Tendermint BFT consensus, allowing secure and tamper-resistant recording of public datasets. The system records dataset metadata on-chain while storing the actual files on IPFS, enabling users to verify data integrity without exposing sensitive information. It is flexible and extensible, with the potential to incorporate additional modules such as on-chain governance, financial transactions, and identity management.
The platform operates without a native token by default, ensuring accessibility for all users, though developers can introduce token-based incentives if desired. Released under the MIT License, the project encourages collaboration from government agencies, civic organizations, and developers to further test and enhance its capabilities.
Data Flow and Public Access
OpenGovChain enables government agencies to upload datasets to IPFS, after which the blockchain records metadata, checksums, and pointers. Validators then verify the authenticity and integrity of the data, allowing the public to query and download datasets freely. The platform provides a practical model for transparency in government operations while demonstrating the benefits and constraints of blockchain implementation at scale.
BetterGov.ph continues to operate as a volunteer-driven civic technology portal, offering additional services such as the Open Congress API, SALN Tracker, Government Service Directory, and real-time dashboards. The portal aims to centralize public information, improve citizen engagement, and provide tools that enhance government accountability across the Philippines.