Tagbilaran City makes the cut as one of the 55 local
governments worldwide to join the prestigious OGP

THE City Government of Tagbilaran proudly announces its official inclusion in the esteemed Open Government Partnership (OGP), an international initiative that unites government and civil society organizations in a shared mission of creating transformative reforms for more transparent, accountable, and responsive governments.

Standing out from a competitive pool of 138 applicants, Tagbilaran City now joins the ranks of an elite network of pioneers who would collaborate with citizens and civic organizations to design and implement action plans.

These plans, tailored to suit their unique local contexts, aim to enhance their communities through the application of open government principles.

“We are delighted to be part of the Open Government Partnership. This is a monumental opportunity for us to further our commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in our governance. United, we will work diligently towards developing a more responsive and inclusive administration that values and integrates the contributions and ideas of our constituents,” expressed the Tagbilaran City Mayor.

Sanjay Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), warmly welcomed the 55 newly inducted local jurisdictions to the growing network of reformers that OGP has cultivated since its inception in 2011. Pradhan said: “This expansion is a testament to governments’ collective dedication to better cater to their citizens’ needs. By adopting open government strategies, local authorities, due to their close connection with communities, are uniquely equipped to effectively meet citizen demands.”

Natalia Carfi, a Member of the OGP Steering Committee and the OGP Local Selection Committee highlighted the diverse range of selected members, including those from OGP countries with no prior Local members and, for the first time in its history, from countries eligible to join the OGP. Carfi said: “This exemplifies the Partnership’s endeavor to expand the reach and scope of OGP Local, aligning with OGP’s 2023-2028 strategy to mainstream open government at all levels and branches of government.”

The OGP offers a platform for open government leaders to build coalitions that drive change in their contexts, learn from each other, and collaborate with peers globally to deliver superior policies for citizens.

As of 2024, OGP Local members have co-created over 120 action plans and committed to implementing more than 475 open government initiatives.

This recognition of Tagbilaran City as one of the 55 local governments for the OGP initiative is a testament to its unwavering commitment and ongoing efforts toward progressive and transparent governance.