The DILG Region 6 officially opened the 34th Local Government Code Anniversary Celebration with the 2025 Development Talk — an advocacy program that promotes good local governance, innovation, and collaboration among local officials, NGAs, academe, and private institutions.

This year’s DevTalk focused on Open Governance Partnership, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in building stronger communities.

Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III unpacked the region’s LG Code Month theme, “Tatag at Pagkakaisa,” underscoring how integrity and participation are cornerstones of effective governance.

“Ang tunay na tatag ay nasusukat sa tunay na kakayahan nating magkaisa, magtulungan, at magtagumpay bilang isang rehiyon,” Ingeniero said.

Asst. Secretary Josephine F. Cabrido-Leysa emphasized CSO empowerment, the value of public dialogues like Dagyaw in amplifying people’s voices, and DILG’s initiatives on open government partnerships.

“I call on each of you to embrace OGP Localization – as a movement to anchor local governance in integrity, responsiveness, and genuine public service,” Leysa said.

DBM VI Regional Director Maria Liane L. Gayomali shared insights on advancing open government globally and locally — from building multi-stakeholder partnerships to the Philippines’ leadership in the global Open Government community. DMO V Jennifer De Belen of the SLGP PMO capped the discussion by highlighting the localization of the Open Government Partnership, emphasizing that open government is best practiced at the local level, where the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation are brought to life.

Participants also raised thought-provoking questions touching on entry points for the academe in OGP, the availability of third-party monitoring mechanisms across various NGAs, and how open governance can help curb corruption.

The activity altogether, move toward a reality where transparency builds trust, participation builds buy-in, and accountability builds legitimacy.//