02/06/2026
READ | DILG: 156 LGUs poised to strengthen global open governance ties through PH-OGP
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is positioning 156 local government units (LGUs) to become part of the global open governance movement through the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Localization Program, strengthening transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local governance.
Beyond expanding public participation at the grassroots, the program opens opportunities for LGUs to engage with counterparts abroad, exchange innovative solutions, and learn from global best practices in open government. Through its partnership with the OGP Support Unit, the DILG will facilitate collaboration between Philippine LGUs and foreign local governments on key areas such as fiscal transparency, digital governance, and climate resilience.
“The program seeks not only to institutionalize participatory governance locally but also to elevate successful local practices as potential models for other countries pursuing open and accountable governance systems,” the DILG said.
The PH-OGP Localization Program follows a three-year cycle that includes documenting open government practices, co-creating reform commitments, and monitoring flagship initiatives. The process is designed to strengthen collaboration between government and civil society and ensure that governance reforms are shaped not only by institutions, but by the people they serve.
The 156 LGUs were identified through a two-step regional selection process conducted with the participation of civil society organizations. Selection was based on documented practices promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in planning, budgeting, legislation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Following their prioritization, the LGUs formalized their participation through Sangguniang Resolutions.
The initiative is anchored on Executive Order No. 31, which institutionalized the Philippine Open Government Partnership and advances open, participatory, and accountable governance across government systems.
