Leaders from the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) gathered Wednesday for the media launch of the upcoming Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) on February.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman led the delegates in a press briefing highlighting the aspects of PH-OGP as a key platform to promote open governance, underscoring its integration into government priorities under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In his opening remarks during the media launching, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said: “Today, we stand united in our commitment to fostering a government that is not only transparent but also accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of our citizens.”
“This monumental event is truly a pivotal step in our shared journey toward enhancing democratic governance and empowering the Filipino people.”
Bersamin invited the participants from the media, civil society organizations, and public sector to actively engage in the important activity, noting the promotion of open government is not just the government’s responsibility but a collective mission that requires the participation of all stakeholders.
This will be the first time since the OGP’s founding in 2011 that the Philippines will host the two-day regional meeting starting February 5.
President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 31, s. 2023, that established the OGP as a key platform for transparency, accountability and citizen engagement, marking the historic step to institutionalize the OGP under the Marcos administration.
Among the participants in the event included Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte; PH-OGP co-Chair Aurora “Araw” Reyes Chavez; Rudi Bormann, OGP Communications, Content, and Community Engagement Director; Sandino Soliman, CODE NGO Executive Director; Dr. Annie Enriquez Geron, President of Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK); and Dr. Francisco Magno, Director of the La Salle Institute of Governance.
Around 700 local and international delegates are expected to attend the APRM, which includes heads of states; government officials; civil society leaders; and policymakers.
The objective of the APRM is to discuss best practices and innovative solutions for governance challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
The OGP aims to promote its principles of transparency, accountability, and civic participation. | PND
