The UP Institute of Government and Law Reform, in partnership with the Philippine Open Government Partnership, successfully held the forum “Shaping Data Parameters to Maximize Public Benefit” on May 20, 2025, at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, as part of Open Gov Week 2025. The event highlighted the crucial role of government data in crafting effective public policies and improving government services. The discussion drew remarkable interest, with 66 participants attending—surpassing the original target of 40 attendees.
In the Opening Remarks Director Jacqueline Joyce Espenilla of the IGLR, emphasized the importance of reflecting on the legal, ethical, and institutional frameworks that govern our use of data, ensuring that they promote transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
Key speakers highlighted the critical role of data in governance.
Atty. Ben Joshua Baltazar, President and CEO of the Credit Information Corporation, discussed how strategic data parameters in the financial sector reduce information asymmetry and improve credit access.
Director Debbie Torres, Director of the Bureau of Local Government Supervision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), explained the importance of defining data parameters in setting objectives for Local Government Units.
Atty. Regine Estillore-Gonda, Data Protection Officer of the Data Protection Office of UP Diliman, discussed how the Data Privacy Act supports the legitimate use of data for public service and stressed the importance of establishing accountability.
Dr. Ronald Pernia, Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, School of Education, Arts and Sciences (SEAS) of National University-Clark Pampaga, served as a reactor and highlighted the key insights from the speakers on the importance of data accessibility and responsible data use.
An interactive open forum, moderated by Prof. Oliver Xavier Reyes, provided a platform for participants to engage directly with the experts, discussing critical topics such as data privacy, interoperability, and access for academic research.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Assistant Director Celeste Ruth Cembrano-Mallari, who emphasized the vital role of open, participatory, and multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing effective public service.