DBM-X strengthens governance through Regional OGP Reform Program
By Roque P. Bermudez and Randulf C. Doria, STRATCOMM, USTP System
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office X, in partnership with the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Northern Mindanao, convened representatives from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, civil society organizations, and the academe for the Regional Open Government Partnership (OGP) Reform Program Activity on August 13, 2026, at the Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras (DRER) Memorial Hall of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) in Cagayan de Oro City.
Themed “Strengthening Governance: Effective Internal Control Systems and Transparent Procurement for Local Government Units,” the activity focused on strengthening internal audit and control systems and promoting transparent and accountable government procurement.
DBM-X Regional Director Nonito H. Dela Cruz, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of collaboration, accountability, and meaningful public participation in advancing good governance.
“The Open Government Partnership reminds us that good governance is not achieved by the government working in isolation. It is realized when the government works with its citizens—through openness, collaboration, accountability, and meaningful public participation,” RD Dela Cruz said.
Representing Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando A. Uy, City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario P. Raagas expressed support for initiatives that promote stronger and more participatory governance.
Gingoog City Mayor Erick G. Cañosa likewise underscored the importance of citizen participation, saying, “The best government is not one that simply does things for the people, but one that works with the people.”
Meanwhile, DILG-X Regional Director Bruce A. Colao, represented by Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga, reaffirmed the agency’s support for strengthening governance practices among LGUs.
Jonathan M. Mongcal, Executive Director of Citizen’s Watch for Good Governance, emphasized the need to institutionalize integrity and open governance, stating, “We shall build a culture of integrity, where open government is not merely a policy, but a living practice for the benefit of every citizen.”
Strengthening internal audit and control
The technical sessions covered the principles of internal audit, the establishment of Internal Audit Units (IAUs) in LGUs, and the fundamentals of internal control and internal audit.
DBM-X Assistant Regional Director Eunice B. Villamor led the session on “History and Principles of Internal Audit,” discussing its legal basis, functions, types, key issues, and relevant auditing standards and practices.
DBM-X Supervising Budget and Management Specialist Mary Ann Margaret T. Melad followed with “Establishment of Internal Audit Unit in Local Government Units,” which covered policies on the organization and staffing of IAUs, their purpose, and the authority of LGUs to establish them. She also highlighted the role of compliance in building public trust.
DBM Systems and Productivity Improvement Bureau Director John Aries S. Macaspac then discussed “Fundamentals of Internal Control and Internal Audit,” focusing on how internal controls support compliance with established policies, procedures,
and regulatory requirements.
An open forum followed the sessions, allowing participants to raise concerns and share experiences on internal audit and control practices.
Promoting transparent government procurement
The program also featured discussions on recent developments in government procurement, including the salient features of Republic Act No. 12009 and the modernized Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (mPhilGEPS).
DBM Region IX Regional Director Mark Louie C. Martin led the session on “Salient Features of Republic Act No. 12009,” providing an overview of the law and its implications for transparent and accountable government procurement.
Gemmarie Ann R. Teric, Procurement Management Officer V of PS-DMD CDO, discussed “Modernized PhilGEPS (mPhilGEPS),” highlighting the system’s role in modernizing procurement and promoting more efficient and transparent processes.
The activity concluded with an open forum on procurement-related concerns, with participants and resource speakers sharing their experiences.
Through the Regional OGP Reform Program, DBM-X and its partners highlighted the importance of stronger internal systems, transparent procurement, and sustained stakeholder participation in promoting accountable and responsive public service.
The activity reinforced the value of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing open governance and strengthening institutional practices among local government units.
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