September 12, 2025 –
In a virtual session held earlier today, MINCODE shared the results of its comprehensive documentation of Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiatives implemented by 16 LGUs in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Copy of the OGP Documentation in Region IX is available here.
Considering the observations and results from the documentation, MINCODE provided the following recommendations:
On Transparency:
(1) Promote peer learning from high-performing LGUs to improve adoption of transparency practices.
(2) Invest in digital infrastructure to enable livestreaming of budget planning sessions and online legislative tracking systems.
(3) Provide technical support and equipment to LGUs facing connectivity and capacity challenges.
(4) Encourage FOI institutionalization by advocating for the passage of a national law, supporting the development of local ordinances even in the absence of a national legislation, and facilitate capacity building activities.
(5) Encourage the use of charts and infographics in presenting and posting the LGU budget and fund utilization on the Full Disclosure Boards and Full Disclosure Policy Portal. Urge LGUs to make public documents, such as CDP, CLUP, and LGU profile and sectoral status, more accessible online.
On Accountability:
(1) Support LGUs in adopting real-time online budget reporting through training, digital tools, and policy support.
(2) Encourage formation of ethics committees and conflict of interest policies to strengthen internal checks and integrity mechanisms.
(3) Develop clear performance metrics for LGU plans to ensure that local programs have measureable success indicators.
(4) Develop performance assessments for elected officials to enhance public trust.
(5) Revisit policy and practice on formulation and adoption of long-term development plans to ensure that it is aligned with the term of office of elected officials.
On Participation:
(1) Expand digital literacy and access to promote remote participation in planning and budgeting.
(2) Support creation of Local People’s Councils and citizen advisory boards to institutionalize inclusive decision-making.
(3) Sustain capacity building programs for CSOs to ensure meaningful engagement in planning, budgeting, and procurement. Facilitate annual CSO forums and inter-LGU exchanges to share best practices and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration.
(4) Facilitate annual CSO forums and inter-LGU exchanges to share best practices and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration.
After hearing the findings and recommendations, DILG-IX officials committed to support LGUs in building their capacities. Regional and provincial learning exchanges will be organized to share learnings and best practices from high-performing LGUs. Peer-to-peer engagements will also be facilitated to foster culture of collaboration and learning.
Indeed, the OGP Documentation serves as a springboard and evidence-based programming for future LGU capacity building interventions in Zamboanga Peninsula. MINCODE shall fully support initiatives to turn this documentation into actions.
MINCODE 