Budget Sec leads media launch of Open Government Partnership Reg’l Meeting 2025
“Today's event is not just to drum up our enthusiasm. It is a recognition of
the fact that the open government agenda is present when it comes to achieving
our Agenda for Prosperity. And this will be the central point of our gathering
at the OGP Regional Meeting this February,” the secretary said.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who also attended the event,
underscored that open government is a shared endeavor. “…the promotion of open
government is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is equally
part of a collective mission that demands the participation and collaboration
of all stakeholders. For this reason, therefore, your insights, contributions,
and commitment are invaluable to creating a more transparent, more accountable,
and more inclusive government,” the former Chief Jstice stated.
“The OGP Summit provides a platform for countries to showcase their progress, challenges, and commitment to open government. It offers opportunities for networking, peer-learning, and cooperation among stakeholders,” PH-OGP Co-Chairperson Aurora “Araw” Reyes Chavez said, giving a backgrounder on the APRM 2025.
Quezon City, recognized for its open government achievements, will also participate in the APRM 2025. “With the wealth of experiences in this room, the OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting is an exciting opportunity for all of us. The lessons we have gained in our journeys will create a tapestry of a better tomorrow, one framed within the context of governance that truly is for and by the people,” Mayor Joy Belmonte, for her part, said.
OGP Support Unit Communications, Content, and Community Engagement Director Rudi Borrmann issued a powerful call to action encouraging government and civil society leaders to unite at the APRM 2025. “Use this space, use this event, to come and connect. Many times, the work around democracy, fighting against corruption, creating accountability, these are very lonely tasks for champions and reformers. One of the things that the OGP is also promoting is creating a global network. You are not alone in mobilizing action,” Dir. Borrmann expressed.
Furthermore, Sec. Pangandaman highlighted key milestones in the PH-OGP including the Philippines’ co-founding membership of the movement in 2011, the PH-OGP's formalization through President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 's Executive Order No. 31, the successful OGPinas! National Advocacy Campaign, and the upcoming APRM 2025. She also invited participants to the PH-OGP Fun Run on January 26th at the Quirino Grandstand, a prelude to the February regional meeting.
Chavez and Dr. Annie Enriquez Geron gave their testimonies and messages of support for the initiative and the APRM 2025. They joined DBM Usec. Rolly Toledo, Mayor Joy Belmonte, and La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG) Director Francisco Magno for the closing discussion.
The secretary concluded her speech by emphasizing the PH-OGP's overarching goal. “Sa lahat ng aktibidad na ito, iisa lang po ang aming hangarin. At 'yan ay ang palawakin ang espasyo ng mamamayan para sila'y makibahagi at makialam sa bawat proseso ng gobyerno. Dahil sa bukas na pamamahala, lahat ng boses ay dapat napakikinggan. Sa bukas na pamamahala, naipapakita ang kapangyarihan ng ordinaryong mamamayan na makapag-ambag sa kaunlaran ng bansa,” she closed.
The OGP APRM 2025 will be held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, from February 5 to 7. It will bring together over 800 registered participants, including high-level representatives from government and civil society organizations both domestically and internationally. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)