BAGUIO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) called on local government units in the region to institutionalize “open governance” through the implementation of strengthened accountability and transparency mechanisms.
DILG-CAR Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda urged LGUs to pursue citizen-centered and inclusive programs and policies. This includes integrating anti-corruption measures in their operations, advancing the digitalization of their services, and promoting fiscal openness through accessible budgeting and financial reporting.
It can be recalled that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued Executive Order No. 31 series of 2023 institutionalizing the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) which provides the national mechanism for advancing the values of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and technology and innovation in governance.
Cognizant to the President’s directive, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2025-065 enjoining all LGUs in the country to serve as “forerunners in promoting open government”. This prods LGUs to ensure that the principles espoused by open governance are embedded in their local programs and policies.
The Interior Secretary, in a statement during the OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting held earlier this year, encouraged LGUs to “actively engage civil society, the academe, and the private sector in building stronger, more transparent institutions.”
Meanwhile, the DILG-CAR chief added that LGUs must fortify platforms for open government already mandated by the Local Government Code. This includes the accreditation of CSOs and selection of representatives to their Local Special Bodies (LSBs), where one-fourth of these duly organized councils must be comprised of representatives of non-government organizations.
“The reconstitution of our Local Special Bodies this August presents an opportunity to pursue genuine and meaningful partnerships with civic groups. Our LGUs must ensure that citizens, especially those belonging to marginalized sectors, are adequately represented in our LGUs’ planning and decision-making processes,” he added.
These efforts form part of the DILG’s commitment as a member of the PH-OGP Steering Committee. The Department has since implemented various programs geared towards genuine and meaningful citizen participation in local governance such as the Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall Meetings and the Capacity Development Program for CSO representatives in the Local Development Councils, Local Health Boards, and Local School Boards.
“Our LGUs are expected to embody the values of accountability, transparency, and citizen participation thus it is imperative that adequate mechanisms to uphold these are present in our local governance processes,” RD Nuyda said. **RJMV/DILG-CAR
