IN a major push to strengthen transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in governance, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to actively participate in and support the observance of the 2026 Open Government Week from May 18 to 22, 2026 through Memorandum Circular (MC) 119.

“All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs, SUCs and LGUs, are hereby directed to render full support and participation in the programs and activities during the 2026 Open Government Week, including the designation of one day within 18 to 22 May 2026 as their 'Open Government Day' or 'Open House Day,' during which they may open their offices and/or facilities to the public and conduct activities that promote transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance,” MC 119 reads.

The directive reinforces the administration’s commitment to institutionalizing open governance reforms and expanding public participation in government decision-making as part of the broader Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

Anchored on the Philippine Development Plan or PDP 2023–2028, the initiative advances one of the administration’s key governance strategies: improving bureaucratic efficiency while strengthening participatory governance and citizen engagement across the public sector.

The observance also builds on Proclamation 916, s. 2025, signed by President Marcos last year, which declared the third week of May of every year as Open Government Week to promote public awareness, encourage citizen participation and highlight innovations in governance.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through the Philippine Open Government Partnership, will spearhead the nationwide observance.