The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) with Galing Pook Foundation, national government agencies, local government units and its leagues, civil soceity organizations, academe, and private companies have come together for the conduct of the Governance Fair 2015, with the theme “Mamamayan, Mamamayani”, last August 30 to September 1, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. The objectives of the fair are to (1) recognize the invaluable engagement of civil society in aiding various LGUs to achieve sustainable social, economic, technological, political and institutional development; (2) strengthen the capacity of local government units to provide opportunities for inclusive and effective citizen participation in local governance; and (3) inspire the larger population to enjoin themselves in the crusade for good governance.
During the fair, various sectors showcased their programs and products in the booth exhibits. LGUs were also in attendance to introduce local products and best practices during the 3-day affair. Majority of them are Galing Pook awardees from the previous years.
On Day 1, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee, in which ULAP is also a member, conducted a townhall meeting on “Meaningful Devolution and People Empowermment” at the open stage. ULAP assisted in facilitating the sectoral worshop which focused on the impact of government programs on the family/community/sector. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman and DBM Secretary Florencio Abad were also present in the dialogue.
On August 31, during the second day of the Governance Fair, ULAP once again partnered with the OGP Steercom in the Launching of the 3rd Country OGP Action Plan. Present during the event were ULAP Assistant Secretary General Hon. Kirk A. Asis, who gave the welcoming address, and Sec. Florencio Abad, who discussed the OGP and how citizen participation contributes to sustainability of open government initiatives. Messages were also given by members from the OGP international community including Mr. Clay Epperson, Acting Mission Director of USAID and His Excellency Ambassador Julio Villaseñor, Embassy of Mexico. Testimonials were also given from the members of the OGP Steering Committee and the Academe. Kirtham Novriel N. Dumpa from UP-NCPAG touched on the involvement of students and the academe in the push for good governance. Lastly, the the Revamped Governance Cluster Website was launched and unveiled by Usec. Richard E. Moya of DBM. LGUs, CSOs and other sectors in attendance were briefed on the OGP and its importance in providing avenues for active participation of all stakeholders.
The Governance Fair is part of the continuing partnership efforts of the Open Government Partnership Innovative Technologies Coalition.