Cookie & Local Storage Policy

Effective Date: July 1, 2026 | Last Updated: July 1, 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie and Local Storage Policy explains how the Bangsamoro Investment Roadmap Development (BIRD) 2026-2035 Validation Survey platform uses browser storage technologies to enhance your experience. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

2. What We Use: LocalStorage (Not Cookies)

LocalStorage is a web technology that allows websites to store small amounts of data directly in your browser. Unlike traditional cookies, localStorage data:

• Is stored only on your device
• Is never transmitted to our servers
• Cannot be accessed by other websites
• Does not expire automatically (you can clear it manually)
• Does not track your browsing activity across sites

3. How We Use LocalStorage

The BIRD platform uses localStorage for two specific purposes:

3.1 Progress Preservation

When you participate in the Validation Survey, your responses are automatically saved to your browser's localStorage as you work. This ensures that:

• You don't lose your progress if your browser crashes or closes accidentally
• You can pause the survey and return later to complete it
• Your partially completed responses are preserved between sessions

3.2 State Management

When you interact with the BIRD Roadmap and Dashboard, localStorage remembers:

• Which sections you have expanded or collapsed
• Your navigation preferences
• Display settings you have chosen

4. What We Do NOT Use

The BIRD platform does NOT use:

• ❌ Tracking cookies
• ❌ Advertising pixels or beacons
• ❌ Third-party analytics services (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.)
• ❌ Social media tracking
• ❌ Cross-site tracking technologies
• ❌ Session cookies for user profiling

5. Your Control Over LocalStorage

You have complete control over localStorage data. You can:

5.1 Clear LocalStorage

To clear all localStorage data from the BIRD platform:

• Chrome/Edge: Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data → Select "Cookies and other site data" → Clear
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All

5.2 Disable LocalStorage

You can disable localStorage in your browser settings. However, please note that disabling localStorage will:

• Prevent automatic saving of your survey progress
• Require you to complete the survey in a single session
• Reset your navigation preferences each time you visit

5.3 Use Private/Incognito Mode

Browsing in private or incognito mode will automatically clear localStorage when you close the browser window.

6. Data Security

LocalStorage data is:

• Stored locally on your device only
• Not transmitted over the internet
• Not accessible to other websites or applications
• Subject to your browser's built-in security features

7. Consent and Your Choices

When you first visit the BIRD platform, you will see a consent banner asking for your permission to use localStorage. You can:

• Accept: Allow localStorage to be used for progress preservation and state management
• Decline: Disable localStorage functionality (survey auto-save will not work)

Your consent choice is stored in localStorage so you won't see the banner repeatedly. You can change your preference at any time by clearing your browser data.

8. Impact of Declining

If you decline the use of localStorage:

• ✅ You can still access and use all BIRD platform features
• ✅ You can still complete and submit the Validation Survey
• ✅ Your privacy is fully protected
• ❌ Survey progress will not auto-save (you must complete in one session)
• ❌ Navigation preferences will not be remembered

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie and Local Storage Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie and Local Storage Policy or our data practices, please contact:

For complaints that cannot be resolved directly with us, you may contact the National Privacy Commission (NPC) of the Philippines at privacy.gov.ph.

11. Related Policies

This Cookie and Local Storage Policy is part of our broader privacy framework. Please also review:

• Privacy Policy - Comprehensive information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data