MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) actively participated in the final day of the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on Friday, reaffirming its dedication to open governance.
Represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, NWSSU joined discussions on pressing governance issues and strategies to strengthen democratic institutions.
The day began with high-level roundtable conversations on the intersection of open government, economic development, and democratic security, emphasizing how transparency can drive sustainable progress across all regions.
A session on women, peace, and security highlighted the role of open governance in advancing gender-inclusive policymaking. Another talk focused on safeguarding electoral integrity by addressing issues that arise during elections, such as state resource abuse, vote buying, and vote selling.
Other discussions explored ways to enhance collaboration among local leaders, public organizations, and development partners in promoting good governance. The role of data interoperability in governance and strategies for a fair and credible energy transition were also examined.
Conventions in the afternoon provided a platform for in-depth conversations on designing impactful reforms, with a key focus on open contracting and fiscal openness. A session on political finance transparency examined ways to ensure accountability in electoral processes.
Legal enforcers were also recognized as key players in championing inclusive governance and upholding justice reforms.
As the two-day summit came to a close, NWSSU’s participation highlighted the importance of integrating open governance principles into institutional and national frameworks. The university’s engagement with regional and global discussions reinforced its role in promoting transparency and public participation.
With new insights and strengthened partnerships, NWSSU remains committed to promoting open governance within its community and beyond.