Action plan – Villanueva Cortés, Honduras, 2025 – 2025

At-a-Glance

Duration

Jan 2026

Date Submitted

23rd January 2025

Foreword(s)

In the framework of the collective 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 building a more transparent, participatory, and sustainable Villanueva Cortés, I am excited to present this first Local Open Government Action Plan (PAGAL). This document results from a joint effort between the municipal government, led by myself, Dr. Walter Perdomo, Municipal Mayor, and an active, diverse, and committed civil society. Our vision is clear: to strengthen the bonds between public administration and the community to ensure more open, effective, and accountable governance.

This plan responds to the demands expressed by citizens through an unprecedented 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... in our municipal history.

The Local Open Government Action Plan of Villanueva Cortés (I PAGAL2025), contains two fundamental commitments:

1. Transparency and 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 in municipal management through digital tools.
   This commitment empowers the population by providing clear and timely access to public information, promoting active participation in municipal decision-making. We aim to implement technological platforms that facilitate communication, project monitoring, and transparent accountability.
2. Development of a comprehensive and participatory system for sustainable solid waste management in Villanueva, Cortés.
   Environmental sustainability is a shared priority. This commitment focuses on designing and implementing a system that integrates all community sectors to improve waste collection, treatment, and disposal while promoting recycling and the circular economy.

Implementing these commitments requires dedication, resources, and constant monitoring. Follow-up mechanisms will ensure transparent and participatory evaluation of progress. This effort is guided by principles of 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..., respect, and collaboration, which have been the pillars of this process from the beginning.

I invite all residents of Villanueva Cortés to join this initiative. This plan belongs to our entire community. With optimism  Dr. Walter Perdomo

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?

The vision for open government in Villanueva, Cortés, seeks to establish public management founded on transparency, active citizen participation, and accountability. This approach fosters trust and inclusion between the government and civil society to address common challenges sustainably.

Radical transparency is a key pillar, enhancing access to information through technological tools that provide clear, timely updates on municipal decisions and projects. Inclusive participation is equally prioritized, creating spaces where all community sectors can actively engage in decision-making and evaluate results.

Technological innovation facilitates communication and monitoring, improving service efficiency. Sustainability and resilience are also central, integrating participatory approaches into solid waste management, urban infrastructure, and environmental education while promoting recycling and responsible resource use.

A culture of integrity and accountability strengthens control systems to prevent corruption and ensure ethical governance. By empowering citizens and reinforcing a trustworthy administration, Villanueva aspires to become a model of open government in Honduras, improving the quality of life for all its residents.

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

Before joining OGP Local, Villanueva was already recognized for its open practices. In our first Open Government Action Plan, we organized citizen assemblies to introduce this new governance approach, allowing the public to actively participate in co-creating solutions. Additionally, the Open Government Committee was formed, comprising a diverse representation of social sectors, and a citizen consultation was conducted to ensure all voices were heard and the most relevant societal issues were prioritized.

These efforts have strengthened the bond between the government and citizens, enabling Villanueva’s residents to feel heard and take part in the municipality’s positive changes. Furthermore, the municipal administration is collaborating with various departments and management teams to ensure this first plan provides concrete and effective solutions to the population’s demands. This collaborative approach lays the foundation for a more open, transparent, and participatory governance model, setting a precedent for the transformation of local governments.

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

In transitioning to a more inclusive and participatory governance model, Villanueva faces several challenges that must be addressed to solidify its vision of open government. One of the main challenges is strengthening the technological infrastructure and technical capacities needed to implement digital tools that facilitate transparency and citizen participation.

Another significant challenge is fostering a culture of active and continuous participation. While citizens have shown interest in consultation and prioritization processes, it is crucial to sustain this commitment over time through awareness campaigns, training, and consistent feedback on the outcomes of their involvement.

Additionally, solid waste management represents a critical challenge. A comprehensive system must be designed that not only ensures efficient collection and treatment but also incorporates citizen education to promote sustainable practices such as waste handling, recycling, and reduction.

Improving mechanisms for accountability and project monitoring is essential to ensure that commitments are fulfilled transparently and effectively. Overcoming these challenges will enable Villanueva to become a national benchmark for open government, empowering citizens, and fostering more sustainable and equitable development. Being the first municipality accepted into OGP Local will serve as a national model.

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

The government of Villanueva, Cortés, has defined key medium-term objectives to consolidate progress in open government and strengthen participatory governance:

1. Implement digital tools for transparency and citizen participation: Develop an accessible digital platform where citizens can access public information, track municipal projects, and actively participate in decision-making through consultations and surveys.
2. Strengthen citizen participation: Establish regular mechanisms, such as assemblies and technical committees, to ensure all sectors of society have a voice in setting priorities and evaluating policies.
3. Manage solid waste sustainably: Design a system that integrates the community and public and private sectors in waste collection, sorting, treatment, and recycling, while promoting environmental education and responsible practices.
4. Develop capacities for accountability: Train public servants in integrity, reinforce internal control mechanisms, and strengthen citizen oversight to monitor the efficient use of resources.

With these objectives, Villanueva aims to advance toward a more transparent, inclusive, and efficient administration.

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

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

The strategic vision of open government contributes to achieving the objectives of the current administration through transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and collaboration. These principles support several key aspects:

1. Improved Governance: Transparency and accountability allow citizens to monitor government actions, strengthening trust in institutions.
2. Citizen Participation: Encouraging active public involvement ensures that public policies address their needs, enhancing effectiveness.
3. Collaboration with Civil Society and the Private SectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat...: Co-creation spaces generate inclusive and sustainable solutions, engaging diverse stakeholders in policy design.
4. Building Trust: Transparent management and the possibility of oversight increase citizens’ trust in the government and the use of resources.
5. Efficiency in Public Administration: Continuous monitoring improves management, promoting efficient resource use and quality service delivery.

In summary, open government strengthens the relationship between the government and citizens, enhances accountability, and facilitates an inclusive approach, contributing to the achievement of public policy objectives.

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.

• Municipality of Villanueva
• Public Policy Compliance and Open Government Directorate
• Municipal Environmental Directorate of Villanueva
• Valley Waters/Aguas del Valle
• Infrastructure Management
• Municipal Department of Justice
• Municipal Police
• Institutional Communication Directorate
• Villanueva Education District No. 7
• Villanueva Education District No. 8
• Secretary of Transparency and Fight Against Corruption.
• Administrative Management
• United Stated Agency for International Development (USAID)

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

To coordinate the implementation of the Local Open Government Action Plan between the Municipality of Villanueva and the Secretariat of Transparency and the Fight Against Corruption, an agreement was signed to strengthen transparency. Currently, logistical support is being provided for the assembly and socialization event.

Regarding the sustainable management of solid waste and the Environmental Guardians Program of the Municipality of Villanueva, a Commitment to the Sustainability of the Program was signed. This reflects the municipality’s effort to provide environmental education training to 970 children and adolescents from 14 educational centers.

Local Governance Honduras has provided logistics for community assemblies, the launch of the Action Plan, and training for technicians on environmental issues to strengthen commitment number 2: Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés.

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.

We have facilitated collaboration spaces between the government and civil society in a face-to-face setting. For example, we organized a citizen assembly on the terrace of the municipal palace in Villanueva, where key community stakeholders participated to engage in dialogue and contribute to joint planning. Additionally, we held an awareness and consultation session in the same location, which allowed us to gather perspectives and proposals directly from citizens to improve the implementation of the action plan. These in-person spaces promote direct and constructive engagement.

In the digital realm, we also issued a digital call through social media and the Villanueva Unified Transparency Portal, as well as a citizen consultation via a Google Form, with the link and a QR code shared on the Villanueva Municipality Facebook page. This approach ensured that people who could not attend in person could still provide their input, thus expanding citizen participation and facilitating continuous and accessible collaboration.

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

To ensure diverse representation in our collaboration spaces, we implemented several key strategies. We conducted an inclusive outreach campaign using multiple channels, such as social media, flyers in hard-to-reach areas, and personal visits to deliver invitations to key stakeholders at their workplaces. We also provided transportation for vulnerable or marginalized groups, ensuring their participation in the assemblies.

We collaborated with local entities such as the Municipal Office for Women, community boards, water committees, women’s networks, and the Office for Disability, which work directly with specific groups, including seniors, 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 ..., and people with disabilitiesA government is not open unless it is accessible to all, and governments are working to ensure people with disabilities are afforded equitable services and opportunities to participate. Technical spec..., guaranteeing their representation. During the activities, we adapted physical spaces for accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility and provided materials in their native language to foster inclusion.

Finally, we organized working groups and consultation sessions tailored to the needs of each group, creating safe spaces for everyone to express themselves. These efforts promoted diverse representation and equitable participation in the co-creation and implementation of the action plan.

Who participated in these spaces?

The collaboration spaces included diverse sectors of the community, ensuring broad and plural representation. Among the organized groups, we had the participation of the Women’s Network, youth, the LGBTIQ+ community, the Human RightsAn essential part of open government includes protecting the sacred freedoms and rights of all citizens, including the most vulnerable groups, and holding those who violate human rights accountable. T... Network, and retired teachers. From the economic sector, representatives from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organized workers, the Villanueva Cattlemen’s Association (AGAVI), the Villanueva Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the chairman of the board, farmers, and representatives of private higher education institutions took part.

From the public sector, institutions such as the Villanueva District Education Office, the Ministry of Health, firefighters, the water committee, the housing committee, the Red Cross, the National Police, the Municipal Emergency Committee (CODEM), and representatives of environmental issues were present. Important commissions, such as the Municipal Commission and the Citizen Transparency Commission, also participated, further strengthening the collaboration between the government and civil society in the development of the action plan.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

24

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation process?

3

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

Collaboration between governmental and non-governmental actors during the implementation of the First Local Open Government Action Plan (I PAGAL) will be based on participatory mechanisms, continuous communication, and the strengthening of strategic alliances.

• Permanent Technical Committees: Stakeholders will continue to participate in technical committees that enable them to monitor and evaluate progress, discuss challenges, and propose necessary adjustments to achieve the established goals.
• Citizen Oversight and Transparency: Active observation by non-governmental organizations and citizens will be encouraged, promoting accountability and access to information through online portals and public meetings.
• Strategic Alliances: Collaboration will continue with local organizations, such as community boards, water committees, civil associations, and the Secretariat of Transparency, to coordinate efforts in key areas such as solid waste management and strengthening governance.
• Consultation and Participation Spaces: Citizen consultations, focus groups, and awareness-raising activities will be organized to ensure that actions align with the community’s needs and priorities.
• Training and Capacity BuildingEnhancing the skills, abilities, and processes of public servants, civil society, and citizens is essential to achieving long-lasting results in opening government. Technical specifications: Set of ac...: Both governmental and non-governmental actors will receive training to enhance their capabilities and promote the sustainability of initiatives.

These mechanisms ensure an inclusive and collaborative implementation process based on the principles of open government.

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

The Universidad Técnologica de Honduras (UTH), founded in 1986, and recognized for its prestige and consistent growth, offers a high-quality educational approach that prepares both students and faculty to face the challenges of a globalized and competitive world.

In Honduras, there are eleven UTH university campuses located in San Pedro Sula, Villanueva, Choloma, Puerto Cortés, El Progreso, La Ceiba, Santa Bárbara, Siguatepeque, Tegucigalpa, Choluteca, and Roatán. It also has an affiliated center for distance education (online).

Its standardized teaching system ensures quality across all its campuses, while its commitment to faculty training and academic strengthening guarantees a promising professional future for its students. Furthermore, UTH stands out for its internationalization efforts, establishing agreements with prestigious universities in the Americas and Europe, as well as forming alliances with international development organizations to implement projects in vulnerable areas of Honduras.

These values and capabilities make UTH a strategic partner for monitoring and evaluating the fulfillment of the plan’s commitments, ensuring transparency, effectiveness, and accountability in its implementation.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Luis Diego Chacon Viquez, Bachelor’s degree, diego.chacon@uth.hn

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

1. Periodic Evaluation Meetings: The point of contact will convene in-person or virtual meetings with representatives from the involved sectors to assess progress, identify challenges, and gather feedback, combining progress presentations with sessions for improvement proposals.
2. Informative Community Assemblies: Hold a community assembly six months into the commitment and at its conclusion, where citizens and organizations can learn about progress and share their opinions, promoting transparency and access to information.
3. Follow-Up Surveys: Send anonymous online surveys to stakeholders to measure perceptions of progress and gather quantifiable feedback, facilitating participation and honest responses.
4. Participatory Work Sessions: Organize collaborative workshops with representatives from different sectors to resolve obstacles or improve processes.
5. Public Progress Reports: Publish quarterly reports on the transparency portal and public information access platform, once the website is updated, in the open government module and the WhatsApp channel to keep the community informed and enable accessible progress consultations.
6. Training Workshops: Conduct workshops to strengthen capacities in key areas such as transparency, digital tools, and environmental topics, ensuring all actors can contribute effectively.

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

1. Periodic Follow-Up Meetings: Hold regular meetings to evaluate progress, identify challenges, and adjust strategies, facilitating continuous communication, swift corrective actions, and improvements.
2. Standardized Progress Reports: Request uniform reports with key metrics, achievements, challenges, and future plans, allowing clear comparisons between organizations and consistent progress evaluation.
3. Digital Control Dashboards: Implement an online dashboard to track progress, providing updated information, centralized data, and access for both internal supervisors and citizens, promoting transparency.
4. Field Evaluations and Technical Visits: Conduct on-site inspections to verify progress, identify issues on location, and validate implemented actions, offering an accurate perspective on advancements.
5. Inter-Institutional Evaluation Sessions: Organize quarterly accountability meetings, experience exchanges, and solutions to common challenges, enhancing collaboration between organizations.
6. Progress and Compliance Indicators: Establish key indicators for each commitment, monitoring quantitative and qualitative results in periodic reviews to identify specific issues.
7. External AuditsInstitutional and legal frameworks are necessary for providing assurance of the integrity of financial information and of compliance with budgetary rules and procedure. Technical specifications: These... and Evaluations: Conduct independent quarterly audits to validate data and provide an impartial view of progress.

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

Transparent information dissemination is prioritized through various channels. Progress Reports will be published on the transparency portal, municipal social media, WhatsApp, the website, and open council meetings, ensuring direct access. Quarterly Information Bulletins, available in digital and printed formats, will be distributed at municipal offices, community centers, and the transparency portal, using language accessible to the community.

To encourage interaction, Community Events and Transparency Fairs will be held quarterly, featuring informational panels and direct attention to inquiries. Additionally, Live Streams on platforms like Facebook and YouTube will allow for real-time questions and feedback.

Detailed Reports with graphics and comprehensive analysis will be published on the transparency portal. Moreover, Infographics and Visual Summaries will be created for social media and public spaces to enhance accessibility.

The Open Government WhatsApp Channel will provide quick updates and a space for citizen feedback. Finally, outreach will be strengthened through Interviews and Local Media, reaching populations without internet access.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Carlos Orellana Martínez, Bachelor’s Degree in Pedagogy with Orientation in Educational Administration and Planning., Citizen Transparency Commission.
• Vicenta del Carmen Figueroa, Primary education teacher, Municipal Transparency Commissioner.
• Virginia Lizzett Pineda, Bachelor in Business Administration, Boards of Trustees
• Norma Elisa Bejarano, Primary, Women
• Nelsi Bonilla Jiménez, Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry, Villanueva Education District
• Aminta Mabel Duran Martínez, Doctor in General Medicine, Health Directorate of the Municipality of Villanueva
• José María Orellana Dubón, Primary, Peasant

Expresion de Interes OGP Local
Call for participation

Commitments: 

• Transparency and citizen participation in municipal management through digital tools
• Development of a comprehensive and participatory system for sustainable solid waste management in Villanueva, Cortés