The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has inked an agreement with the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation and other major Filipino media companies for transparency and accountability in government.
On Jan. 7, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and Manila Bulletin Publisher and EVP Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA), with Leslie “Leshen” Araujo, Manila Bulletin’s Brand Manager, serving as a witness.
Aside from Manila Bulletin, media partners include the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Inquirer Interactive Inc., DZRH Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), and Digital Out-of-Home Philippines (DOOH PH).
According to DBM, this move serves as a preparation for the upcoming Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM), which will be hosted for the first time by the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP).
Pangandaman said that the decision to select the Philippines as host could be attributed to the country’s recent move to institutionalize the OGP—a milestone since becoming a member in 2017.
The OGP is a global initiative that encourages governments to commit to fostering public participation, fighting corruption, and enhancing governance.
Media on open government
During the signing, Pangandaman stressed the critical role of the media, referring to them as “co-architects” in promoting and expanding open government principles.
“The media ensure these principles are not confined to closed rooms but are broadcast across various mediums, reaching every corner of our region. Through your lenses, through your words, we connect with the public, garner support, and most importantly, ensure accountability,” Pangandaman said.
Under the agreement, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMAC) will serve as the official transportation provider for the OGP-APRM, ensuring “seamless” travel for delegates during the regional meeting.
The regional meeting is set for Feb. 5-7, 2025, designed to bring together government leaders, civil society, and partners to exchange best practices and strengthen open government efforts in the region.
Pangandaman said that 260 international participants have already registered, noting that around 700 is the target number of participants.