President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to actively support and participate in the observance of the 2026 Open Government Week from May 18 to 22.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 119, all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and LGUs, were instructed to render full support to programs and activities promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

The circular also encourages agencies to designate one day during the observance as their “Open Government Day” or “Open House Day,” during which offices and facilities may be opened to the public.

“All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs, SUCs, and LGUs, are hereby directed to render full support and participation in the programs and activities during the 2026 Open Government Week,” the memorandum stated.

The initiative is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which seeks to strengthen bureaucratic efficiency and participatory governance.

The observance also builds on Proclamation No. 916 signed in 2025, which declared the third week of May of every year as Open Government Week to promote transparency, innovation, and public participation in governance.

The Department of Budget and Management, through the Philippine Open Government Partnership Steering Committee, will lead the nationwide observance and issue implementation guidelines.

Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said the initiative aims to make government more accessible and responsive to the public.

“We call on all government agencies, together with our partners from local government units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to actively participate in this whole-of-government effort toward more open, accountable, and inclusive governance,” Toledo said. (PNA)