In a world where gender equality and women's empowerment are more crucial than ever, the role of open government in shaping a more inclusive society cannot be overstated. For Assistant Secretary Ester Aldana of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), open government represents a commitment to positive change, especially in uplifting women’s roles in public service.
Assistant Secretary Aldana shared her insights on how open government principles shape her work and the broader impact it has on nation-building. Here’s a closer look at her perspective on the transformative power of transparency, accountability, and participation in government.
What Open Government Means to Assistant Secretary Ester Aldana
For Assistant Secretary Aldana, open government is more than just a set of policies; it is a powerful tool for ensuring that women are equally represented and actively engaged in the public policy arena. She believes that open government acknowledges and celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in leadership roles, particularly in shaping gender-responsive, inclusive, and empowering policies. Asec. Aldana emphasizes that these policies help create spaces where women can thrive, be heard, and make meaningful impacts.
“Open government encourages and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of women in leading the public policy arena,” Asec. Aldana said. “Open Government underlines the importance of gender-responsive, inclusive, and empowering policies to enable women to actively participate in nation-building.”
For Asec. Aldana, the importance of open government lies in its positive agenda. As a public servant, she has experienced firsthand how this approach enables better governance and ensures that the voices of women and marginalized communities are heard and considered in decision-making processes. Looking forward, she hopes to see a future where women are seen as equal partners in nation-building and public policy.
Making a Difference: Initiatives that Impact Communities
Asec. Aldana has not just spoken about the importance of open government—she has actively worked to make it a reality. One of her proudest accomplishments is her leadership in improving the DILG’s financial management processes, which directly benefited both the organization and the communities it serves.
In her role overseeing the Financial and Management Service (FMS) and its triad divisions (Accounting, Budget, and Management), Asec. Aldana implemented a number of reforms aimed at improving financial transparency and accountability. Under her guidance, the DILG won the Outstanding Office Award for three consecutive years (FY 2021-2023) and received the prestigious “Hall of Fame” recognition during the 2024 Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP) annual convention.
These achievements were a result of Asec. Aldana’s emphasis on dedication, honesty, transparency, and accountability. She also led the creation of the Financial Reporting System (FRS) to streamline financial reporting, which helped eliminate delays in financial transactions and ensured more efficient decision-making.
Her leadership and commitment to transparency were further recognized through the creation of the Regional Financial Monitoring Team (FMT), which supported the DILG’s efforts to improve the liquidation process for local government units (LGUs). This initiative drastically reduced accounts receivable from LGUs and contributed to enhanced public trust and financial management practices.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Open Government
As a woman in a leadership position, she has faced her fair share of challenges. However, she tackles these challenges head-on, using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework to guide her responses. One of the significant issues she addressed was the delay in salary payments for Contract of Service (COS) personnel. The previous system, which relied on individual vouchers, caused significant delays. Aldana took personal responsibility for addressing this, directing regional offices to implement a new payroll system that ensured timely payments and boosted employee morale.
Another challenge she faced was the delay in financial reporting, which impacted management’s ability to make informed decisions. To resolve this, she spearheaded the development of the Financial Reporting System (FRS), which allowed for direct uploading of financial data, reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency.
Through her leadership, she not only overcame these challenges but also transformed the systems and processes within the DILG, ensuring that financial management was transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the public.
The Role of Open Government in Improving Lives
Looking ahead, Asec. Aldana sees open government as a vital force for improving the lives of women and marginalized communities. She points to the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the private sector to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. These principles, she believes, ensure that women and marginalized groups are not only heard but are also provided with equal opportunities and access to essential services.
“The principles espoused by OGP, emphasizing transparency, participation, and accountability, can significantly improve the lives of women and marginalized communities,” Asec. Aldana said. “These principles ensure their voices are heard, their needs are addressed, and they have equitable access to services and opportunities.”
By localizing open government initiatives at the local government unit (LGU) level, she believes that these principles can create a more equitable society where all citizens, regardless of gender or background, can enjoy the rights, opportunities, and resources they deserve.
A Message for Young Women Aspiring to Lead
For young women aspiring to lead in government and civic spaces, ASec. Aldana offers a message of empowerment and resilience. She encourages young women to continue striving for greatness, to believe in their potential, and to ensure that their voices are heard.
“Women should stand and continue to defy the status quo and established stereotypes,” Aldana said. “Remember to always ensure that you are heard because women will shape the future generation as stronger leaders in society.”
Asec. Aldana emphasizes the importance of leadership qualities such as courage, integrity, and compassion. She believes that young women should embrace the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. Above all, she encourages young women to inspire others through their leadership and integrity.
“As quoted by Business Executive Sheryl Sandberg, ‘In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders,’” Asec. Aldana said. “I pray that the future holds bright for us!”
Asec. Aldana’s work within the DILG exemplifies the profound impact that open government can have on both individuals and communities. By championing transparency, accountability, and gender equality, she has helped shape a government that not only serves but empowers its citizens - especially women and marginalized communities. Her efforts are a testament to the transformative power of open government and the role of women in shaping a more inclusive, equitable future.
