DBM to host fun run ahead of open gov’t partnership summit

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is organizing a fun run on January 26, 2025, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, ahead of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Metro Manila Development Authority were tapped by the DBM to assist in organizing the sporting event, inking a memorandum of agreement at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City on Thursday, December 12.

The fun run will be part of activities leading up to the OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, which the Philippines will host from February 5 to 7, 2025, convening policymakers and civil society representatives in Manila to discuss open government initiatives.

READ: Malacañang mandates open government partnership in new EO

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said: “In essence, this isn’t just a run but a rally for the principles that define good governance, which are transparency, accountability, and strong public engagement.”

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Pangandaman chairs the Philippine OGP steering committee and holds a seat on its international counterpart.

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READ: PH in front line of global push for open governance

The fun run also aims to raise funds for the PRC’s humanitarian initiatives.

“It’s more than the funds that we will raise, but it’s the spirit of oneness, unity that we will be able to build and work together towards a healthier, more progressive Philippines,” PRC Secretary-General Gwendolyn Pang said during the event.

The agreement tasks the PRC with handling first aid stations, registration, fee collection, and funds accounting.

Meanwhile, the MMDA will oversee traffic management plans, including road closures and detour schemes, crowd control, and emergency response for the fun run.

“We are excited about this initiative that will promote physical fitness and raise awareness about the OGP Asia and Pacific Meeting and its goals of fostering transparency, accountability, and public engagement in government,” MMDA Chair Don Artes said at the signing.