The Department of Budget Management (DBM) has tapped the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and key local media organizations to enhance communication efforts and promote the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
Aside from the PCO, the DBM also established strategic partnerships with the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, Inquirer Interactive Inc., DZRH Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), and Digital Out-of-Home Philippines (DOOH PH).
According to DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the move is in preparation for the Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) organized by the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP).
“Since President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. appointed me to lead the DBM, aligning our national fiscal policies with the principles of open government has been one of our foremost advocacies,” she said.
“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, gusto ng ating mahal na Pangulo na pagbutihin pa ang trabaho ng gobyerno para mas maayos at mas mabuting mapagsilbihan ang bawat Pilipino. Ang sagot sa hamong ito ay open governance,” she added.
The official emphasized the critical role of the media, describing them as “co-architects” in the mission to expand the reach of open government principles.
“You [the media] ensure these principles are not confined to closed rooms but are broadcast across various mediums, reaching every corner of our region. Through your lenses, through your words, we connect with the public, garner support, and most importantly, ensure accountability,” she said.
The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place at the DBM Central Office, Boncodin Hall, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMAC) has been designated as the official transportation service provider for the OGP-APRM, ensuring seamless mobility for delegates of the APRM.
Present during the event were senior officials from each partner organization. They were PCO Senior Undersecretary Emerald Anne R. Ridao, Manila Bulletin Publisher and EVP Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Inquirer Interactive Inc. COO Imelda C. Alcantara, DZRH MBC VP for AM Operations Atty. Rudolph Steve E. Jularbal, DOOH PH CEO Alvin M. Carranza, and SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (BMW Philippines) President Spencer Yu.
The upcoming OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting is scheduled for February 5-7, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel. It marks the first major regional OGP meeting in the Philippines since 2017.
The occasion will gather high-level government representatives, civil society leaders, policymakers, and global and regional partners. It aims to serve as a dynamic platform for exchanging best practices and experiences, thereby enhancing open government initiatives across the region. (PCO)
