Budget Secretary Calls for Greater Local Government Involvement in Open Governance

In a compelling address at the 2025 OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting in Taguig City, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman encouraged local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines to actively participate in the Open Government Partnership (OGP). Pangandaman, who also chairs OGP-Philippines, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and engaging civil society in governance processes. She highlighted the DBM’s leadership in promoting these values and expressed a desire for other Cabinet members to fully adopt the ethos of open government. Currently, only five municipalities are part of the OGP, but Pangandaman sees potential for over 1,000 more to join and benefit from the initiative. She acknowledged the presence of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, expressing optimism about expanding the OGP family with his support. Recent additions to the OGP include Tagbilaran City, Larena, Quezon City, and Baguio City, joining earlier members like South Cotabato and Borongan. Pangandaman also hopes to integrate OGP principles into the national budgeting process, aiming to reflect these commitments in future budget cycles. Additionally, she invited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to join the OGP, noting the attendance of the Monetary Board and the BSP Governor at the meeting. The Philippines, a founding member of the OGP alongside seven other nations, is hosting this significant regional gathering, which brings together over 800 representatives from government and civil society across Asia and the Pacific.