The Philippines’ hosting of the upcoming Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) serves as a strong demonstration of the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Amenah Pangandaman issued this declaration during the media launch of the 2025 OGP-APRM at the DBM’s Central Office in Manila on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

In her speech, Pangandaman said the OGP-APRM would help build upon the country’s gains on open government initiatives that are responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.

“Sa lahat ng aktibidad na ito, iisa lang po ang aming hangarin. At 'yan ay palawakin ang espasyo ng mga mamamayan na makibahagi at makialam sa bawat proseso ng gobyerno,” said Pangandaman.

(In all these activities, we have only one goal. And that is to expand the space for citizens to participate and get involved in every process of the government.)

“Dahil sa bukas na pamamahala, lahat ng boses ay dapat napakikinggan. Sa bukas na pamamahala, naipapakita ang kapangyarihan ng bawat mamamayan na makapag-ambag sa kaunlaran ng bansa,” she added.

(Because in open governance, all voices should be heard. In open governance, the power of every citizen to contribute to the nation's progress is demonstrated.)

The OGP is a multi-stakeholder initiative that advocates transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance. 

It covers 75 countries and 150 local governments—representing more than two billion people—and thousands of civil society organizations.

Since it was established in 2011, the upcoming OGP-APRM  will be the first time the Philippines will host the event.

According to the DBM, 880 people have already registered for the event, 359 of which are international delegates.

The event is set to take place on February 5 to 7, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.

“By bringing together high-level government representatives, civil society leaders, policymakers, as well as our global and regional partners from across the region, we will be able to exchange insights, experiences, best practices, and progress on open government initiatives that will create bold impact for the benefit of our people,” Pangandaman said.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who was also present during the media launch, affirmed that the Marcos administration acknowledges the importance of transparency and accountability to good governance.

“We hereby stand united and firm in our commitment to fostering a government that is transparent and accountable as well as responsive to the needs and aspirations of our citizens,” said Bersamin.

“[The OGP-APRM] is a pivotal step in our journey toward enhancing democratic governance and empowering the Filipino people,” he continued.