THE City of Dagupan added another feather to its cap after being recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office for its transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance.

The award cited the city government under Mayor Belen Fernandez for its commitment as a pioneer cohort LGU of the Philippine Agenda for the Localization of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

Acting Mayor Bryan Dean Kua received the award on behalf of the city, accompanied by DILG City Local Government Operations Officer Royolita Rosario, Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Ryan Ravanzo, and City Planning Officer James Lowell Fernandez during the awarding rites held on November 21 at EM Royale Hotel and Beach Resort in San Juan, La Union.

Mayor Fernandez is currently leading a delegation from Dagupan on an official visit to Milpitas City, Dagupan’s sister city in California, U.S.A., together with members of the Manlingkor ya Kalangweran (MYK) participating in a student exchange program.

The citation, signed by DILG Regional Director Jonathan Paul Lausen Jr., CESO III, was presented during the November 26 flag-raising ceremony, led by Acting Mayor Kua, and attended by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, national government agencies, LGU department heads, employees, and barangay volunteers.

The DILG stated that the award recognizes Dagupan City’s firm commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in promoting open government practices. The regional office also reiterated its call to elevate local open-governance initiatives and align them with OGP’s global vision for more open, resilient, and accountable governance. (Leonardo Micua)