NwSSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling together with representatives of other SUCs MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) is actively taking part in the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The two-day event which opens today, is currently being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila, gathering over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and 20 local governments to advance open governance, public participation, and digital transformation. The meeting serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and commit to ambitious reforms under the Open Gov Challenge, a global initiative introduced at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn. This challenge urges governments to design and implement policies that address today’s governance complexities while promoting participatory and resilient democracies. Photo by: Presidential Communication Office During the opening plenary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to open governance, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and public participation. “Beyond our variances in our approaches, our shared vision is clear-cut: we want every budget allocation, policy decision, and program implementation to involve public participation—all in pursuit of the empowerment and upliftment of our people,” he stated. Dr. Dimakiling joined high-level decision-makers and leaders as they outlined their vision for strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. Key discussions throughout the day included leadership strategies for advancing OGP’s goals from 2023 to 2028, the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in governance, and initiatives promoting open data inclusivity. A session on the road ahead for open government in the Philippines tackled governance reforms and challenges specific to the country. Photo by: Presidential Communications Office The event also highlighted the importance of youth participation in climate change policies, along with strategies to protect public space and empower civil society organizations. Conversations on mainstreaming citizen participation in decision-making and strengthening national-local collaboration were also key areas of focus. Today’s schedule will conclude with a Cultural Night, where participants may engage in a cultural exchange showcasing various world heritages. Discussions will continue tomorrow, with sessions focusing on mainstreaming open government, citizen participation in policymaking, and national to local collaboration. NWSSU’s participation emphasizes the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement as it aligns with global and regional movements toward open government. The 2025 OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting highlights the shared dedication of governments and civil society to foster more inclusive, transparent, and accountable societies by advancing open governance.
