By: Reich G. Ybiernas, DBM RO VII
The DBM, in partnership with the DBM RO VII, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), brought the OGPinas! national advocacy campaign on open government to Cebu City on February 21, 2024.
Gracing the event were Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, DBM Undersecretaries Wilford Will L. Wong and Margaux V. Salcedo; DBM Assistant Secretary and PH-OGP Head Secretariat Rolando U. Toledo, DBM RO VII Director Lenin S. Bernales and Assistant Director Maricor U. Baquial. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan was also present.
The event emphasized the value of open government efforts in promoting openness, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. It served as a forum to demonstrate numerous programs and commitments for creating an open and inclusive government, with key government officials, civil society representatives, and members of the student councils from State Universities and Colleges in attendance.
"In line with the OGPinas advocacy, the Cebu Province has implemented a range of programs aimed at empowering our communities and fostering inclusive growth," said Atty. John Ismael Borgonia, Cebu Provincial Government Third District Board Member, during his welcome address.
Among the notable programs highlighted was Subok Hanas, a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), providing free skills training to constituents. This program has been instrumental in empowering individuals with valuable skills, creating new opportunities, and transforming lives across the province.
Atty. Borgonia also emphasized that the quarterly caravan of services underscores the provincial government's commitment to bringing government programs and services closer to the people, ensuring accessibility across municipalities and cities within the province.
The event also featured impactful stories shared by stakeholders. Lenbi Laborte, Executive Director of the Central Visayas Network of NGOs (CENVISNET), presented a compelling narrative on the collaborative efforts between the government and fellow civil society in championing advocacies related to open government initiatives.
ASec. Toledo discussed the 6th Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) National Action Plan (NAP) and emphasized the need for joint effort for its successful execution. Furthermore, Assistant Secretary Josephine C. Leysa of the DILG and Mr. Albert A. San Diego of the Department of Finance presented two commitments from the 6th PH-OGP NAP, proposing solutions to identified public problems and outlining opportunities for civil society organizations (CSOs) to participate in commitment implementation.
In her Message of Support, DILG Assistant Secretary and PH-OGP Steering Committee member Ester A. Aldana reaffirmed the government's commitment to increasing openness and citizen participation in governance.
The event culminated with a message from Secretary Pangandaman who also serves as chairperson of the PH-OGP. "We recognize that drafting an action plan is only the beginning. Hence, we are back on the ground to ensure that we close the feedback loop. We hope that this event will pave the way for increased public buy-in of the 6th NAP, guaranteeing its successful implementation."
