• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Six local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental were recognized by the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) during the observance of the Open Government Week 2026 from May 18 to 22 for advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation through local legislative measures.
Those given recognition were the municipality of E.B. Magalona as well as the cities of Bago, Himamaylan, La Carlota, San Carlos, and Sipalay.
According to PH-OGP, the recognition highlights the growing commitment of local leaders and legislative councils in the province to uphold openness, responsibility, and meaningful public participation in governance.
The awardees earned the distinction after their respective legislative councils passed resolutions institutionalizing open governance frameworks, integrating principles of good governance into local policies and operations.
PH-OGP said the move sets a strong example of responsive and inclusive leadership at the local level by formally embedding transparency and accountability measures into law.
Other LGUs in the Negros Island Region that received recognition were the municipality of San Jose, the cities of Dumaguete and Bayawan, and the municipality of Larena.
The Open Government Partnership is a global multi-stakeholder initiative launched in 2011 by eight founding countries — United States, Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, and United Kingdom — along with civil society organizations to promote transparent, accountable, and participatory governance worldwide.
In line with Department of Budget and Management Circular Letter No. 2026-6, PH-OGP encouraged other LGUs across the country to adopt policies, ordinances, and resolutions that institutionalize open government practices.
The partnership emphasized that these measures are vital in strengthening accountability and ensuring that citizens have a meaningful voice in government decision-making processes. | GB
