The Department of Budget and Management, the Philippine Red Cross, and the Metro Manila Development Authority on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, sign an agreement to jointly host the Open Government Partnership Fun Run next January. –Photo by Jason Sigales | INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is organizing a fun run on January 26, 2025, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, ahead of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Metro Manila Development Authority were tapped by the DBM to assist in organizing the sporting event, inking a memorandum of agreement at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City on Thursday, December 12.

Article continues after this advertisement

The fun run will be part of activities leading up to the OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, which the Philippines will host from February 5 to 7, 2025, convening policymakers and civil society representatives in Manila to discuss open government initiatives.

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO VP Duterte now mulls hiring ‘private security’ NEWSINFO Suspected China Coast Guard ship leaves Zambales uninspected NEWSINFO Filipiniana, Asean-inspired attire for gov’t workers on Mondays

READ: Malacañang mandates open government partnership in new EO

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said: “In essence, this isn’t just a run but a rally for the principles that define good governance, which are transparency, accountabilityjilihot, and strong public engagement.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Pangandaman chairs the Philippine OGP steering committee and holds a seat on its international counterpart.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PH in front line of global push for open governance

Article continues after this advertisement

The fun run also aims to raise funds for the PRC’s humanitarian initiatives.

“It’s more than the funds that we will raise, but it’s the spirit of oneness, unity that we will be able to build and work together towards a healthier, more progressive Philippines,” PRC Secretary-General Gwendolyn Pang said during the event.

Article continues after this advertisement

The agreement tasks the PRC with handling first aid stations, registration, fee collection, and funds accounting.

Meanwhile, the MMDA will oversee traffic management plans, including road closures and detour schemes, crowd control, and emergency response for the fun run.

Mass protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial reforms had already weakened Israel’s economy before the Hamas attack on October 7.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

slots 777 SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“We are excited about this initiative that will promote physical fitness and raise awareness about the OGP Asia and Pacific Meeting and its goals of fostering transparency, accountability, and public engagement in government,” MMDA Chair Don Artes said at the signing.

READ NEXT Tingog to only help, empower LGUs in PhilHealth-DBP program �... Grijaldo skips House quad panel probe for the 4th time; held i... EDITORS' PICK South Korea’s Yoon vows to fight ‘until the very last minute’ Fiesta Señor 2025: Registration for Fluvial Procession begins FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host VP Sara Duterte wrong to say DOJ is 'biased' – exec EXPLAINER: Depleted uranium and why it’s a national security threat? UN General Assembly calls for 'unconditional' ceasefire in Gaza MOST READ PNP to crack down on private armies, loose firearms for 2025 polls INQToday: Grijaldo skips House quad panel probe for the 4th time; held in contempt 3 senior scouts die, 10 hurt in Zambo City electrocution incident Sofronio Vasquez looks back on Rey Valera's advice after 'The Voice' US win Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments