The country’s democratic institutions will only remain strong if young Filipinos actively demand accountability and participate in governance, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Speaking before students, educators, civil society leaders, and government partners at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Localization Forum at De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila, Remulla underscored the indispensable role of the youth in advancing transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation.

“Open Government can be achieved if the youth exercises their right to demand accountability,” he said.

Addressing the students and faculty, the DILG chief challenged the youth to become active participants in nation-building by questioning government actions, speaking out against practices that weaken public trust, and ensuring that conversations on good governance remain alive.

“You must make us hear your voice… You must make us feel that, or nothing will change,” he said.

Remulla emphasized that open government is not sustained by transparent institutions alone but by citizens who are informed, vigilant, and willing to engage. He likewise encouraged academic institutions to continue serving as platforms for critical discourse and policy innovation.

The DILG Secretary also reminded the audience that the freedoms enjoyed by Filipinos today were won through the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy, urging the younger generation to safeguard those hard-earned rights by exercising them responsibly.

Highlighting the importance of integrity in governance, Remulla shared his long-standing commitment to transparency, citing Cavite’s recognition as the country’s first ISO-certified provincial government during his tenure as governor.

He also outlined key reforms being pursued by the DILG to strengthen accountability in public service, including eliminating anomalous budget insertions, curbing procurement irregularities, and intensifying anti-corruption efforts within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Among the Department’s transparency initiatives is the livestreaming of public bidding, which enabled the DILG to procure 224 vehicles at approximately ₱100 million below the projected cost, demonstrating how open and accountable processes can deliver greater value for public funds.

During the forum, the DILG formally accredited the DLSU–Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (DLSU-JRIG) as a partner in implementing empowerment programs for civil society organizations (CSOs) and the OGP Localized Program nationwide, further strengthening collaboration between government, academe, and civil society in promoting open governance.

Also present during the event were DILG Assistant Secretaries Lilian M. De Leon, Elizabeth N. Lopez De Leon, and Atty. Brian Mey R. Tomas; DLSU Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Raymond R. Tan; DLSU-JRIG Director Dr. Francisco A. Magno; and Sci&Tech Philippines President Dr. Alvin B. Culaba.