In a significant move to deepen participatory governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2025-065, formally institutionalizing the Open Government initiative across all Local Government Units (LGUs).

Anchored on Executive Order No. 31, s. 2023, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the directive reinforces the government’s commitment to the core values of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and technological innovation. This initiative is aligned with the goals of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), a national mechanism advancing inclusive and accountable governance.

To further solidify this effort, Presidential Proclamation No. 916, s. 2025 declares the third week of May each year as “Open Government Week”, a nationwide observance that promotes the institutionalization of open government values across all levels of government.

Key Directives to LGUs

Through this Circular, the DILG enjoins all provinces, cities, and municipalities to act as local champions of open governance by implementing the following measures:

•Integrate anti-corruption strategies into local governance policies and systems

•Promote digitalization to improve transparency and service delivery

•Advance fiscal openness by adopting accessible budgeting and financial reporting mechanisms

•Enhance disaster preparedness through citizen-driven and open data initiatives

•Foster transparency, accountability, and public engagement in planning and decision-making

•Build inclusive partnerships that empower communities and uphold integrity in governance.

For Inquiries and Coordination Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the Office of the Undersecretary for Local Government for further guidance and collaboration:

Email: ouslg.dilg@gmail.com Telephone: (02) 8876-3454 loc. 2101 / 2102