Davao City, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), led the final leg of the OGPinas!, an open government national advocacy campaign, in Mindanao. The event, held on Friday, witnessed participation from various government units, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, all committing to uphold values of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
According to Philippines News Agency, the campaign aims to transform Mindanao through dialogue and collaboration. She highlighted that the Philippines is among the eight founding members of the OGP. The campaign has been touring strategic locations in the country to bolster public participation in policymaking and governance.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, in an interview, expressed his full support for transparency in local government units, particularly in the utilization of public funds. He emphasized the need for local leaders to provide proper service for the welfare of the people, beyond mere rhetoric.
Gianna Alliona Caminade, president of the University of Southeastern Philippines Obrero Student Council, stressed the significance of scholars collaborating with the government to ensure the sustainability of projects. She sees the forum as an opportunity for students to be informed about the plans of the DBM and to share the information with their peers.