Koronadal City, South Cotabato — In a significant step towards fostering participatory governance and local democratic innovation, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Mahintana Foundation Inc. (MFI) on July 14, 2025 at the DILG XII Regional Office, Prime Regional Government Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill.
The partnership underscores the shared vision of both institutions in advancing the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Localization Program—a globally recognized initiative that promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. The Philippines, as one of the founding members of OGP, is now moving forward with localization efforts under the leadership of DILG and its implementing arm, the Support to Local Governance Program (SLGP).
Under the agreement, MFI will serve as a service provider tasked to document existing good governance practices and assist in identifying ten (10) pioneering local government units (LGUs) in Region XII to become models of participatory and transparent local governance. These LGUs will be supported and showcased as national frontrunners of localized OGP implementation.
The ceremony featured key messages from DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE; Assistant Regional Director Engr. Samuel A. Camaganacan; MFI Executive Director Ms. Liza D. Lopez; and SCIC Chairperson Carlito Y. Uy, all expressing firm commitment to empowering local governments through co-creation and citizen participation.
In her closing message, LGCDD Chief Maria Theresa D. Bautista emphasized the importance of strengthening local governance mechanisms to bring government closer to the people. She also called on stakeholders to “be champions of openness” and to sustain partnerships that uplift communities through innovation and civic trust.
This MOA not only solidifies an intersectoral collaboration but also ignites a movement toward a more resilient, inclusive, and accountable local government landscape in Region XII.
#OpenGovernmentPartnership #OGPLocalization #DILGXII
#MahintanaFoundation #GovernanceWithThePeople #SLGP
#DILGPartnerships #LocalEmpowerment
