Iloilo: Local government units in Iloilo were challenged to make the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) a shared mission and a standard in delivering services. Speaking during the mass oath-taking ceremony of provincial officials led by reelected Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the PH-OGP was institutionalized under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to "bridge the gap between government and the people, to ensure policies are not just crafted for the people but co-created by them."

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman emphasized that when local leaders, civil society, and the national government co-decide solutions, the results are smarter, more inclusive, sustainable, and grounded in real needs. She noted that Iloilo is already aligned with the national vision, with governance centered on community building.

Pangandaman urged local leaders to build on this foundation and continue to move forward as one government and one people with one purpose. She highlighted the importance of the whole-of-nation approach, stating that when national vision meets local action, it does not just govern but transforms lives.

In his inaugural address, Governor Defensor outlined the provincial government's plan to pursue practical measures to fulfill his social justice agenda under the "Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo" (MoRPRoGRes Iloilo) in the next three years. He mentioned the implementation of food and health security interventions, development of growth areas for investments in information and communications technology and light industry, and full support for infrastructure, facilities, and equipment in schools.

Defensor also revealed plans to develop a government center in a 5.6-hectare prime property in the town of Sta. Barbara to house frontline government agencies. He expressed intentions to seek partnerships for this project during an upcoming investment forum.

The oath-taking ceremony also saw Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque and members of the House of Representatives Janette Garin, Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta, Lorenz Defensor, Ferjenil Biron, and James Ang Jr, along with board members, taking their oaths. Following his oath, Defensor swore in the newly-elected mayors and vice mayors.