PH hosting OGP-APRM a testament to commitment to good governance

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ hosting of the Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) for the first time is a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the government.

DBM Assistant Secretary Rolando Toledo made the pronouncement at the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) head office in Manila during the media launch of the OGP-APRM.

“Basically, hosting this momentous event — the first time since its founding in 2011 — exemplifies our country’s global leadership and role as an active member of the OGP global steering committee,” said Toledo.

He added that it also serves as proof of the Philippines’ commitment to promoting good governance in the region “particularly the values of the open governance partnership which is transparency, accountability and citizens participation or inclusivity.”

The OGP is a multistakeholder initiative that seeks to secure concrete commitments from the government.

According to PH-OGP co-chair Aurora Chavez, civil society organizations play a vital role in the OGP’s steering committee by holding governments accountable, ensuring inclusive participation, and monitoring the implementation of the national action plan.

The APRM is scheduled to take place from February 5 to 7, with around 880 individuals expected to participate.

Of the total, 359 are international delegates which include government officials, policymakers, civil society organization leaders across the Asia and the Pacific region, and national and local ministers from Maldives, Armenia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia are confirmed to attend.

READ: Inquirer Interactive, DBM sign partnership for OGP-OPRM in February

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