DBM Secretary, PH-OGP leaders to convene, advance OGP agenda

LEADERS of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), led by its chairman Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, gathered at the DBM Central Office in Manila on Jan. 15 to advocate for the OGP initiative and hold the official media launch of the upcoming Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM).

The OGP aims to promote transparency, accountability and civic participation in governance. The APRM, scheduled to take place from Feb. 5 to 7, marks a significant step toward enhancing collaboration among government, civil society and citizens.

CHAMPIONING OPEN GOVERNANCE Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman delivers the keynote speech during the official media launch of the upcoming Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting. IMAGE FROM DBM

CHAMPIONING OPEN GOVERNANCE Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman delivers the keynote speech during the official media launch of the upcoming Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting. IMAGE FROM DBM

This is the first time since the OGP was founded in 2011 that the Philippines is hosting the APRM. Approximately 700 local and international delegates are expected to attend, including heads of states, government officials, civil society leaders and policymakers.

Pangandaman emphasized the importance of the assembly in shaping the national agenda for the regional forum, which aims to facilitate meaningful discussions on best practices and innovative solutions to governance challenges in the Asia Pacific region.

The official media launch of the APRM covered essential information regarding the Open Government Partnership, highlighting its key milestones and achievements. Frontrunners of the OGP also delved into specific details about the APRM, including agenda items, strategic objectives and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing transparency and citizen engagement across the Philippines and the entire region.

This interaction underscored the vital role of the media in promoting transparency around open governance, fostering public awareness and amplifying community voices.