HIMAMAYLAN CITY, Negros Occidental — This city held its Dagyaw Townhall Meeting on Sept. 24, 2026 at Himaya Hall in the city hall, becoming the fifth local government unit in Negros Occidental to support the localization of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP).
Dagyaw, a Hiligaynon term meaning “bayanihan” or togetherness, is a Department of the Interior and Local Government-led platform that brings together government and civil society groups for dialogue on transparent and participatory governance. It forms part of the national push to localize the Open Government Partnership, an international initiative the Philippines has been part of since 2011.
The meeting brought together Mayor Rogelio Raymund I. Tongson Jr., members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, department heads, barangay officials, civil society organizations and other local government personnel.
Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) VII Eduard G. Lutao, DILG Cluster 3 head, delivered a message of support on behalf of Assistant Regional Director Teodora P. Sumagaysay. LGOO VI RG Mae Garcia gave an overview of the Open Government Partnership, while LGOO III Paula Joy Nono discussed PH-OGP localization.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of Himamaylan’s selection process and flagship program, “HIMSafe: Himamaylan Support Assistance for Families in Emergency,” by Ever Grace Castro, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office. The program aims to provide timely assistance to families facing emergencies, address their immediate needs and strengthen the city’s social protection mechanisms.
Organizers said the town hall meeting was meant to give government and non-government stakeholders a venue to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration toward transparent, accountable and citizen-centered governance.
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