Open Gov Week: Fostering collective action

(Part I)

- DBM SECRETARY AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. Last week, the Philippines joined over 77 nations in celebrating Open Government (Gov) Week. It brought together key representatives from the government, civil society organizations (CSOs), the academe, the private sector, the youth, and our development partners to advance the values of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and innovation in governance through dynamic events, including forums, workshops, youth-led initiatives, and dialogues.

As chairperson of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Steering Committee and member of the OGP Steering Committee, I am happy with its success. You see, when we, in the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (PBBM), started celebrating the annual Open Gov Week, there were only a handful of people in a small room. This year, I was amazed and pleased by the number of attendees, gathering over 2,000 advocates from different sectors.

I believe this event could not have come at a better time, taking place just a week after our midterm elections — a fitting reminder that serving our nation does not end after the campaign, and participation in governance does not end with casting one's votes.

At the opening ceremony, I highlighted the significance of safeguarding the values of democracy that embody the power of the people: Freedom of speech, public participation, and equality, among others, which we must do for our country and as members of the community of nations.