In a major push to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to actively participate in and support the observance of the 2026 Open Government Week from May 18 to 22, 2026 through Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 119.
“All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs, SUCs, and LGUs, are hereby directed to render full support and participation in the programs and activities during the 2026 Open Government Week, including the designation of one (1) day within 18 to 22 May 2026 as their "Open Government Day" or "Open House Day," during which they may open their offices and/or facilities to the public and conduct activities that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance,” MC 119 reads.
The directive reinforces the administration’s commitment to institutionalizing open governance reforms and expanding public participation in government decision-making as part of the broader Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
Anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, the initiative advances one of the administration’s key governance strategies: improving bureaucratic efficiency while strengthening participatory governance and citizen engagement across the public sector.
The observance also builds on Proclamation No. 916, s. 2025, signed by President Marcos last year, which declared the third week of May of every year as Open Government Week to promote public awareness, encourage citizen participation, and highlight innovations in governance.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), will spearhead the nationwide observance. As Chair of the PH-OGP Steering Committee, the DBM is tasked to provide overall direction and issue the necessary guidelines for the implementation of programs and activities.
Budget Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo said the initiative reflects the administration’s effort to make government more accessible, participatory, and responsive to the needs of Filipinos.
“We call on all government agencies, together with our partners from local government units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to actively participate in this whole-of-government effort toward more open, accountable, and inclusive governance,” Secretary Toledo said.
Through the 2026 Open Government Week, the administration aims to deepen collaboration between government and citizens, strengthen public trust in institutions, and further embed transparency and accountability across the bureaucracy.
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NEWS MATERIAL
Department of Budget and Management
14 May 2026
PBBM, ipinag-utos sa lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan na makilahok sa Open Gov Week upang palakasin ang transparency, accountability, citizen participation
Sa isang malaking hakbang para higit pang palakasin ang transparency, accountability, at citizen participation sa pamahalaan, inatasan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno na aktibong makibahagi at suportahan ang pagdiriwang ng 2026 Open Government Week mula May 18 hanggang 22, 2026 sa pamamagitan ng Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 119.
“All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs, SUCs, and LGUs, are hereby directed to render full support and participation in the programs and activities during the 2026 Open Government Week, including the designation of one (1) day within 18 to 22 May 2026 as their "Open Government Day" or "Open House Day," during which they may open their offices and/or facilities to the public and conduct activities that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance,” ayon sa MC 119.
Pinagtitibay ng direktibang ito ang pangako ng administrasyon na maisulong ang mga reporma para sa open governance at mapalawak ang partisipasyon ng publiko sa pagdedesisyon ng gobyerno bilang bahagi ng mas malawak na layunin ng Bagong Pilipinas.
Nakaangkla sa Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, isinusulong ng Open Gov Week ang isa sa mga key strategy ng administrasyon sa mabuting pamamahala: ang pagpapahusay ng bureaucratic efficiency habang pinatitibay ang participatory governance at pakikilahok ng mga mamamayan sa pampublikong sektor.
Ang pagdiriwang ay sa bisa rin ng Proclamation No. 916, s. 2025 na nilagdaan ng Pangulo noong nakaraang taon, na nagdedeklara sa ikatlong linggo ng Mayo kada taon bilang Open Government Week na may layong palawakin ang kamalayan ng publiko, hikayatin ang pakikilahok ng mamamayan, at i-highlight ang mga innovation sa pamamahala.
Pangungunahan ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM), sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), ang pagdiriwang sa buong bansa. Bilang Chair ng PH-OGP Steering Committee, tungkulin ng DBM na magbigay ng pangkalahatang direksyon at maglabas ng kinakailangang alituntunin para sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa at aktibidad.
Sinabi ni Budget Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo na ipinapakita ng inisyatibang ito ang pagsisikap ng administrasyon na gawing mas bukas, mas participatory, at mas tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga Pilipino ang pamahalaan.
“We call on all government agencies, together with our partners from local government units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to actively participate in this whole-of-government effort toward more open, accountable, and inclusive governance,” ayon kay Secretary Toledo.
Sa pamamagitan ng 2026 Open Government Week, layunin ng administrasyon na higit pang palalimin ang ugnayan at pagtutulungan ng pamahalaan at mamamayan, palakasin ang tiwala ng publiko sa mga institusyon, at higit pang maitaguyod ang transparency at accountability sa bansa.
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