By Katherine Mae O. Tacubao, BMS I, DBM Regional Office XIII
Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are shaping open government today. Through the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), young people are driving transparency, inclusion, and accountability, bringing fresh ideas and energy that redefine how governance works for the future.
Youth leaders and representatives from across the Caraga Region gathered in a landmark event on June 19, 2025 at the H.E.R.O. Learning Commons Activity Center, Caraga State University, Butuan City under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative of DBM Regional Office XIII that placed young voices at the center of conversations around governance, education, and public financial management. The activity dubbed as OGP sa Rehiyon Trese: Kabataan Para sa Isang Bukas na Pamahalaan sought to bridge the gap between young people and government agencies through meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
The participants were introduced to Open Government Partnership (OGP) that emphasized the Philippines’ dedication to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and citizen participation. A discussion led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) was dedicated to highlight efforts to empower youth leadership in governance through digital tools and participatory platforms. Local Youth Development Officers from Butuan City and Agusan del Sur then shared successful practices for involving young people in local government planning and oversight, illustrating how youth are becoming active co-creators of public policies. These presentations underscored the event’s core message that youth participation is both a fundamental right and a strategic investment in effective, inclusive governance.
The activity was graced by no less than PH-OGP Chair, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman who delivered a keynote message focused on empowering youth leaders as catalysts for open government. In her address, she emphasized the vital role of youth involvement in shaping transparent budgets, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring public institutions remain accountable.
Secretary Pangandaman emphasized, “And we commit to strengthening our programs, policies, and activities by listening to your voice and putting your welfare at the heart of our Agenda for Prosperity.” Furthermore, she told the participants, “Today, we are here not just to present, but to partner and co-create a good and open government that uplifts the lives of all Filipinos, including the future generations,”.
The program also featured a listening session moderated by the organizing team and resource persons, providing youth participants a safe space to share their concerns, experiences, and aspirations while fostering dialogue with government stakeholders. Following this, a reflection and alignment session encouraged participants from various provinces and urban areas to share insights and key takeaways, promoting transparency, trust-building, and highlighting the diversity of youth experiences across the region.
The OGP session highlighted that true youth engagement involves empowering young people with real influence and partnership in decision-making, rather than mere token consultation.
As the Philippines advances reforms under the Open Government Partnership, such initiatives demonstrate that a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable government is not just achievable but is actively being shaped by the new generation.
