Action plan – Baguio, Philippines, 2024 – 2025

At-a-Glance

Duration

Jun 2025

Date Submitted

30th November 2024

Foreword(s)

Baguio City has always been at the forefront of innovation and collaboration, striving to create a community that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. As we proudly present our Local Action Plan for the Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP), we reaffirm our commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... to transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More, civic participation, accountability, and inclusivity in governance.

Baguio City’s OGP Local Action Plan is more than just a document, it is a roadmap for a co-creative feature where the City Government and civil society organizations (CSOs) work together to address our most pressing challenges. Anchored in our shared vision of Baguio City as a “Livable, Inclusive, and Creative City by 2043”, this plan represents a collective effort and ensures governance is both responsive and empowering for all.

The goal of this plan is very clear – that is to strengthen governance by adopting open government principles and fostering a deeper partnership between the government and the people. Together, we aim to create a city where public policies are co-created, transparency is a priority, and every citizen has a voice.

This plan is the result of collaborative workshops and consultations with the Baguio City People’s Council, CSOs, City Department Heads, and the academia.

Their contributions were essential in crafting solutions tailored to the city’s needs. The action plan shall be jointly implemented by the City Government and the civil society organizations. This shall then be monitored and assessed by the Independent Monitoring Team composed of the academe and CSOs. The continued involvement of all stakeholders will be key to successfully implementing and monitoring this Plan.

By working together, we can create a Baguio where innovation and collaboration thrive, and transparency and inclusivity drive meaningful progress.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

This subsection details the Open Government Strategic Vision in your local area that should guide the commitments for the action plan period.

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

An Open Government Partnership (OGP) orientation meetings and workshops were conducted involving the Baguio City People’s Council, city government department heads, and representatives from the academe. The participants were introduced to OGP principles and Baguio City’s membership and commitments to the program.

Through a collaborative workshop, participants identified key challenges facing the city, described these issues, and formulated actionable solutions grounded in OGP’s principles of transparency, civic participation, public accountabilityAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, public accountability occurs when ”rules, regulations, and mechanisms in place call upon government actors to justify their actions, act upon criticisms ... More, and inclusivity. These outputs informed the development of the OGP Framework, culminating in the articulation of Baguio City’s OGP Vision, Sectoral Vision, and Local Action Plan.

The long-term vision for open government in Baguio City is to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance. Aligned with OGP’s goals, the city envisions fostering improved transparency, robust citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More, and strengthened public accountability mechanisms. Specifically, Baguio City’s OGP Strategic Vision is encapsulated in the phrase: “A Co-Creative, Sustainable, and Resilient Community”. This underscores collaboration, sustainability, and resilience as pillars of governance and development.

The OGP Framework is attached for your perusal.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

Baguio City has made significant strides in advancing open government initiatives, reflecting its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and participatory governance. Key achievements include:

• Establishment of the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC): The creation of the BCPC institutionalized the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in local governance, empowering them to participate actively in decision-making processes.
• Membership in the OGP Local Program: Baguio City’s participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Local Program solidifies its commitment to developing a Local Action Plan.
• Citizen Co-Creation in Planning Processes: Institutionalized practices for stakeholder engagement during the updating of the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), and other city plans demonstrate Baguio’s emphasis on transparency and collaborative governance.
• Formulation of the Citizen-Driven Priority Action Plan (CPAP): The CPAP was crafted based on the Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS), which identifies service delivery gaps and prioritizes interventions to address them.
• Operationalization of the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) and eBOSS: Commended by the Anti-Red Tape Authority for the streamlined business processes which align with open government principles.
• Passage of Open Government-Related LegislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r...:  These legislative measures provide a solid framework for advancing open government practices.

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

Baguio City recognizes several key challenges and areas for improvement in its pursuit of open government:

• Strengthening Coordination and Capacity-Building: Enhancing the efficiency of coordination mechanisms between government agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs) remains a priority. This includes building institutional capacity to effectively implement and sustain open government initiatives.
• Expanding Civil Society Participation: The city aims to increase the number of accredited CSOs to broaden the scope of civic engagement and ensure more diverse representation in local governance processes.
• Institutionalizing the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC): While the BCPC plays a crucial role in participatory governance, its full institutionalization is still under deliberation by the City Council. This formal recognition would solidify its role in policymaking and decision-making, ensuring its sustainability and impact.

Addressing these challenges will enable Baguio City to further embed transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in its governance systems.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

Baguio City aims to achieve the following medium-term goals to deepen its commitment to open government:

• Strengthened Mechanisms for Sustained Citizen Engagement: While the Local Government Code mandates that at least 25% of the Local Development Council’s membership must come from CSOs, Baguio City has gone beyond this requirement by including all accredited CSOs as members of the City Development Council. This progressive approach not only amplifies the voices of various sectors but also strengthens the legitimacy and inclusivity of local governance processes. By institutionalizing broader representation, the city reinforces its commitment to participatory governance, empowering citizens to play an active role in shaping policies and programs that directly impact their lives.
• Implement Local Action Plan Commitments: Translate the priorities identified in the Local Action Plan into concrete actions to address key challenges, ensuring alignment with open government principles and delivering tangible benefits to the community.
• Strengthen the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Enhance tools and processes to systematically assess the impact and effectiveness of open government initiatives, enabling data-driven improvements and accountability in governance practices.

These goals reflect Baguio City’s dedication to fostering participatory, transparent, and accountable governance.

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

The Action Plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap to realize Baguio City’s Open Government Strategic Vision by:

• Translating Vision into Action: The plan will be implemented through collaborative partnerships among the concerned City Departments, the Baguio City People’s Council (BCPC), and academic institutions, ensuring a multi-stakeholder approach to governance.
• Fostering Collaboration: Establishing the OGP Local Forum as a dynamic and inclusive platform for continuous dialogue and collaboration between the government and civil society. This forum will facilitate co-creation, shared ownership, and the collective development of governance initiatives, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and integrated into decision-making.
• Institutionalizing Open Government Principles: This includes conducting regular public consultations, inviting diverse stakeholders to contribute their insights and recommendations on the implementation of various city projects. By actively engaging the public, the city ensures that governance processes remain responsive and reflective of the community’s needs.

By aligning concrete actions with the overarching vision, the plan ensures meaningful progress toward creating a co-creative, sustainable, and resilient community in Baguio City, fostering a governance system that is both inclusive and forward-thinking.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The Open Government Strategic Vision is directly aligned with Baguio City’s 2043 Vision of a Livable, Inclusive, and Creative City. This alignment ensures that the strategic direction of open governance complements the city’s broader goals of sustainable development, inclusivity, and innovation. During the updating of the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), extensive stakeholder engagements were conducted, fostering transparency and collaboration. These engagements are central to ensuring that the city’s long-term vision and plans resonate with the aspirations of its constituents. The prevailing mission of “governance, not government” underscores a transformative approach to leadership and administration.

Baguio City’s initiatives further solidify this commitment to inclusivity and transparency. Examples include: Baguio City’s commitment to inclusive decision-making is demonstrated through key initiatives such as the accreditation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the installation of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and the establishment of the Baguio City People’s Council. These actions reflect the administration’s dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard, making governance more collaborative and reflective of the diverse needs and aspirations of the community.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• City Mayors Office (lead overall) – Executive Department
• Sangguniang Panlungsod (lead overall) – Legislative Department
• City Mayors Office Management Information and Technology Division andPersons with Disability Office,
• City Mayors Office Baguio City Library and Peace and Order Division
• City Administrators Office
• City Environment, Parks and Management Office
• General Services Office
• City Engineering Office
• City Building and Architecture Office
• City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office
• Sangguniang Kabataan Baguio City Federation
• University of the Philippines Baguio (Academe)
• Department of Education
• Commission on Higher Education
• Baguio City Peoples Council
• Coordination will be through the OGP Local Secretariat

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

To ensure effective coordination between the City government and offices/departments in implementing the OGP Action Plan, Baguio City has established several key institutional arrangements:

• OGP Local Secretariat: The OGP Local Secretariat has been created to coordinate and facilitate the planning and implementation process.
• Partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): The city’s active collaboration with DILG has facilitated discussions on the mechanisms necessary for the successful execution of the Action Plan, enhancing inter-agency cooperation and support.
• Creation of the OGP Local Forum: Through an Executive Order issued by the Mayor, the OGP Local Forum was established as a platform for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders. This forum ensures that diverse voices are included in the implementation and monitoring of open government initiatives.
• OGP Local Independent Monitoring Team: The formation of the Independent Monitoring Team has already begun, with an initial orientation session held. The city is awaiting the finalization of the team members, including focal persons and alternates, who will be tasked with evaluating the progress and outcomes of the Action Plan. This monitoring body will play a vital role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the open government initiatives.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

To enable meaningful collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of the OGP Action Plan, Baguio City has utilized meantime the offline spaces through:

• Meetings and Workshops: Regular face-to-face engagements with members of the OGP Local Forum and the Independent Monitoring Team have provided opportunities for in-depth discussions, joint planning, and problem-solving. These sessions allow for direct interaction, fostering trust and mutual understanding between government representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

To ensure diverse representation in the co-creation and implementation of the OGP Action Plan, Baguio City implemented several inclusive measures:

• Presentation to Stakeholders: The OGP Action Plan was presented to the City Development Council (CDC) comprising of the City Mayor as the Chairperson; and members are: the Congressman, City Vice-Mayor, President of the SK Federation, President of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and 128 Punong Barangays of the city, all accredited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Baguio City People’s Council. Invited guests guests during the meeting were from the Baguio City Advisory Council and Baguio City Creative Council. This broad inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... ensured that the perspectives of various sectors. The CDC also approved the Baguio City Local Action Plan during its meeting on 21 November 2024.
• Flag Ceremony Engagement: The OGP Action Plan was also presented during the Baguio City Flag Ceremony, a key event attended by city officials, department and assistant department heads, employees, and some local media outlets. This ensured that the plan was visible to a wide audience, including government staff, media, and the general public.
• Executive-Legislative Meeting: The plan was further discussed during the Executive-Legislative meeting, where key decision-makers from both branches of government gathered, ensuring that diverse viewpoints were actively integrated into the planning process.

Who participated in these spaces?

• City Officials – City Mayor, City Councilors, Congressman
• Barangay Officials
• Accredited Civil Society Organizations
• Baguio City People’s Council (Officers and Sectoral Representatives)
• Department Heads and Assistant Department Heads
• Baguio City employees
• Media representatives
• Baguio City Advisory Council
• Baguio City Creative Council

How many groups participated in these spaces?

9

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive...?

5

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

Government and non-governmental stakeholders will continue to collaborate throughout the implementation of the OGP Action Plan through the following mechanisms:

• OGP Local Forum and Secretariat: The OGP Local Forum will remain an active platform for dialogue and collaboration between government and civil society organizations throughout the current administration. The OGP Local Secretariat will continue to facilitate coordination and ensure smooth implementation of the action plan.
• Independent Monitoring Team: The Independent Monitoring Team will be instrumental in tracking the progress of the Action Plan, ensuring transparency and accountability. Regular updates and consultations will be conducted via the Local Forum, allowing stakeholders to provide input and monitor the implementation of key initiatives.
• Ongoing Reporting and Accountability: The Monitoring Team will provide periodic reports to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiatives, ensuring that the actions align with the principles of transparency, participation, and accountability. This continuous feedback loop will ensure that both government and non-governmental stakeholders are actively engaged and that the collaboration remains dynamic and responsive to evolving needs.

These structures will enable sustained, collaborative efforts, fostering ongoing communication and accountability throughout the action plan’s implementation.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

The Independent Monitoring Team for the OGP Action Plan consists of representatives from CSOs, the academia, and City Government offices that were not involved in the preparation of the Local Action Plan. This diverse composition ensures impartiality and transparency in evaluating the implementation process.

The team’s role is to independently assess the progress and outcomes of the action plan, providing objective oversight to ensure that commitments are being met in accordance with the principles of open government, such as transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. By including stakeholders from various sectors who are not directly involved in the planning process, the Independent Monitoring Team contributes to a more balanced, equitable, and credible evaluation of the plan’s success and areas for improvement.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

To ensure ongoing transparency and engagement with stakeholders, Baguio City will implement the following activities:

• Progress Assessment Meetings: Regular meetings will be held to assess the progress of commitments outlined in the OGP Action Plan. These sessions will provide an opportunity for government and civil society stakeholders to discuss achievements, challenges, and next steps, ensuring continuous dialogue and accountability.
• Open DataBy opening up data and making it sharable and reusable, governments can enable informed debate, better decision making, and the development of innovative new services. Technical specifications: Polici... Platform: An open data platform through Baguio City’s website will be utilized to digitally publish Baguio City’s OGP framework, vision, and action plan. This platform will provide stakeholders with real-time access to key documents and updates, fostering transparency and informed participation.
• City Social Media Updates: Baguio City will leverage its official Facebook page and other social media channels to share regular updates on the implementation of the OGP action plan. This approach ensures that a wider audience, including residents and stakeholders, can stay informed and actively engage in discussions regarding the progress of the city’s open government initiatives.

These activities will ensure that progress is continuously communicated, feedback is gathered, and all stakeholders remain involved throughout the implementation of the action plan.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

To ensure continuous oversight and progress monitoring, the OGP Secretariat will be responsible for regular coordination with the implementing agencies. This will include:

• Regular Coordination Meetings: The Secretariat will facilitate monthly or quarterly meetings to track the implementation of commitments, address any challenges, and discuss progress.
• Independent Monitoring Team Involvement: The Secretariat will also engage the Independent Monitoring Team, ensuring their active participation. This collaboration will provide an external perspective on the progress and outcomes of the action plan.
• Progress Reports: Implementing agencies/offices will be required to submit regular progress reports to the Secretariat, which will be reviewed and discussed with stakeholders to ensure that milestones are met and any issues are addressed promptly.

These steps will ensure consistent communication, accountability, and alignment with the overall goals of the OGP Action Plan.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

The results of the monitoring efforts will be shared with the public through multiple accessible and transparent channels:

• Official Website: The monitoring results will be published on Baguio City’s official website, ensuring that they are freely accessible to all residents and stakeholders. This platform will provide secure and detailed updates on the progress of the OGP Action Plan, maintaining transparency and supporting democratic engagement.
• Social Media Platforms: In addition to the website, the results will be shared through Baguio City’s official social media channels, particularly the Baguio City Public Information Facebook page. This will allow for wide dissemination of information and encourage interactive feedback from the public.

These communication channels ensure that monitoring results are readily available to the public, fostering transparency, trust, and active participation in the city’s open government initiatives.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Marlene De Castro, Chairperson, Baguio City Peoples Council
• Jennifer Bugtong, Secretary, Baguio City Peoples Council
• Nathaniel A. Saguiban, Auditor, Baguio City Peoples Council
• Rowena C. Orajay, PRO, Baguio City Peoples Council
• Jovy S. Ybañez, President, Philippine Dental Association Baguio City Chapter
• Grace G. Sia, Sectoral Representative, Baguio City Peoples Council Sectoral representative for Solo Parent and LGBTQIA+Increasing opportunities for participation and creating accountability mechanisms for the LGBTQIA+ community in policy-making and service delivery can ensure that their voices are heard and changes ar...
• Christie Reyes, Sectoral Representative, Baguio City Peoples Council Sectoral representative for Social JusticeTo address barriers that prevent citizens from having their justice needs met, OGP participating governments are working to expand transparency, accountability, and inclusion into all systems of justi..., Peace and Order
• Remedios A. Bisquera, BOD Chairperson, Wasdinsumya Multipurpose Cooperative
• Julie Vega, PRO, BLISTT Tour Guides Inc
• Jenny C. Marasigan, Representative, Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc
• Charleen Nalibsan, PRO, National Chaplains of the Philippines Inc Baguio City Chapter
• Jesus Y. Sison, Deputy National Director, Council for Restoration of Filipino Values
• Maria Sofia Bayona, Vice President for Fund Development, Girl Scout of the Philippines Baguio City
• Catherine A. Orim, Board member, Girl Scout of the Philippines Baguio City
• Dr. Avelino A. Buban, Member, Baguio City Advisory Council
• Rodwin N. Banglagan, Representative, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines Baguio Benguet Chapter
• Jimmy Castro, Representative, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines Baguio Benguet Chapter
• Alice Kate Borja, Director, United Architects of the Philippines Summer Capital
• Marniel Kiabang, Representative, United Architects of the Philippines Summer Capital
• Ike Patrick Dangatan, Representative, Helping Hands, Healing Hearts Ministries Philippines Inc
• Frances Therese Z. Lampaz, Sectoral Representative, Baguio City Peoples Council Sectoral representative for YouthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical .../Children
• Jennifer Palitog, Representative, Filipino Japanese Foundation of Northern Luzon
• Theresa M. Calalo, Sectoral Representative, Baguio City Peoples Council Sectoral representative for National Chaplains of the Philippines
• Mary Jonaley M. Mangalyp, Representative, United Architects of the Philippines Summer Capital
• Leonora Alfonso, Sectoral Representative, Baguio City Peoples Council

Letter to OGP

Commitments

• Developing and implementing a household waste tracking app to monitor and incentivize waste reduction efforts
• Engage the community in co-creating a pedestrian traffic discipline manual and simulate its application in school zones
• Development of course modules on SDGs, carrying capacity, and Livability for All Education Levels in Baguio City 
• The institutionalization of the Baguio City People’s Council