Quezon City, Philippines — In a strong show of commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, representatives from Region XII actively participated in the PH-OGP Orientation and Capacity Development Workshop held from July 28 to 31, 2025, at Seda Hotel, Quezon City.
Representing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII - SLGP RCT was Ana Louwel V. Cabrido. Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region XII was represented by Chief Budget and Management Specialist SHARA D. ABDUL and Senior Budget and Management Specialist HAMZUR M. NAWAL.
Organized by the PH-Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Project Management Office in coordination with the DILG Support for the Local Governance Program, the two-day event aimed to equip regional focal persons from both agencies with a deeper understanding of open government principles and practices to help prepare for the localization and implementation of PH-OGP initiatives in their respective regions.
In her opening message, DILG Assistant Secretary Josephine Cabrido-Leysa highlighted the crucial role of regional actors in advancing open government at the grassroots. “You are the driving force behind the localization of the Open Government Partnership. Kayo ang tunay na susi para maibaba at maisakatuparan natin ang OGP sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan,” she said.
Participants from DBM and DILG regional offices, including those from Region XII, took part in discussions covering the global and national context of the Open Government Partnership, co-creation and accountability mechanisms, and flagship initiatives such as the OGPinas! Nationwide Advocacy Campaign, Dagyaw Town Hall Sessions, and the OGP Localization Program.
DBM Undersecretary Wilford Will L. Wong emphasized the vital role of regional focal points: “You are not only stewards of reform—you are also at the frontlines of progress. Your efforts ensure that open government principles are translated into meaningful programs and empowered communities.”
Designed to foster active participation, the workshop employed a gamified and interactive approach, allowing participants to explore real-life governance challenges, develop localized value propositions for the OGP, and apply appropriate tools and strategies to promote openness and inclusivity in public service.
In closing, DBM Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III stressed the transformative impact of localizing open government. “Open government is most effective when it is grounded in everyday governance and reflected in how we engage with our citizens,” he said, affirming that transparency, civic participation, and accountability are not just democratic ideals, but essential foundations for lasting and inclusive development.
The participation of DILG XII and DBM XII in the workshop reinforces their readiness to champion open government reforms at the local level and their commitment to co-creating a more transparent and responsive governance landscape in Region XII.
