Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia highlighted the importance of transparency in government to achieve a high-trust society, as envisioned in AmBisyon Natin 2040.
He discussed this in a forum on Freedom of Information (FOI) held recently, that aimed to deepen the engagement between government and reform partners in pursuing for transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
In the plenary session Measuring Change: Monitoring and Evaluating (M&E) Transparency Reforms, Pernia emphasized that M&E is “a powerful management tool” that helps the government achieve desired results.
“Transparency reforms implemented in the government create a culture of interest among the public to be involved in government processes,” said Pernia. He also noted that the active participation of citizens in public processes may reflect that their needs are being addressed.
Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) stressed initiatives towards transparency in the budget process.
“In the past five years, the Philippines initiated groundbreaking reforms on transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. Part of these reforms are participatory budgeting, the citizen participatory audit, the seal of good governance for local government units, and ease of doing business,” said DBM Undersecretary Lilia Guillermo.
The panel, composed of government officials and development advocates, discussed the commitments of the Philippine government in the Open Government Partnerships such as the FOI and the 8888 complaint hotline.
These efforts are also included in Chapter 5 of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022: Ensuring People-Centered, Clean, and Efficient Governance.
The event was organized by the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
Ramon Nino T. Raquid, DIS-PRD, loc. 103
Photos by Leody P. Barcelon