The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman, together with the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)​​​​​​, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the implementation of the Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation (DIME) Project or Project DIME.

 

"With the advent of technology, the demand for progress from our citizens increases. In just one click, they can rightly demand for greater openness, transparency, and accountability, especially for projects and initiatives that have significant impact in their lives. And if our people demand for progress, then their government must be able to respond," Sec. Mina said.

 

Project DIME, one of DBM's digitalization flagship initiatives, fosters enhanced transparency by providing real-time visibility into project status and progress, improving accountability and reducing the risk of delays. It displays relevant information, including the project's completion rate, fund source, implementing agency, and name of the contractor.

 

It also facilitates stronger collaboration among stakeholders by providing a unified platform for sharing information and updates, leading to more coordinated and effective project management.

 

"Ang pagkaantala sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan ay pagkaantala rin sa pagbibigay ng maayos at magandang pamumuhay para sa ating mamamayan. We cannot let that happen," Sec. Mina pointed out.

 

To recall, in June 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 31 institutionalizing the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP). The Philippines, as a founding member of the OGP, is committed to promoting transparency, increasing civic participation, fighting corruption, and leveraging new technologies to strengthen governance.

 

Among the approved commitments to the 6th PH-OGP National Action Plan is DBM's program to establish an efficient and effective technology-enabled participatory validation and reporting mechanism for selected government infrastructure projects through the Project DIME.

 

Through the MOU signing, the UP Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (UP-NOAH) Center will work together with the DBM to improve Project DIME by integrating disaster risk reduction strategies and ensuring that government projects are resilient to natural hazards.h

 

"Today's signing is a testament to our shared commitment to good governance, disaster resilience, and inclusive development. To our government partners, thank you for trusting UP. We are honored to join you in this journey," UP Vice President for Digital Transformation Mr. Peter Sy expressed, stressing the importance of leadership, vision, and collaboration in shaping a smarter, safer, and more just nation.

 

On the other hand, the DPWH's responsibilities include providing inputs for the enhancement of the DIME website, identifying infrastructure projects with substantial accomplishments visible at the project site, and collaborating with DBM on the display of obligation and disbursement rate of projects, among others.

 

"By working together, we can ensure that the data for infrastructure projects will be consistent, comprehensive, and shared in a way that fosters better public understanding," DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, for his part, said.

 

The ceremonial signing was held on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, in time for the celebration of the Open Government Week in Quezon City. Secretary Mina, who also chairs the PH-OGP, was joined by DBM Undersecretary and Chief Information Officer Maria Francesca Del Rosario, Undersecretary Willford Will Wong, and Assistant Secretary Gerardo Maula.