Negros Occidental – The Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc. (NYLI), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), received recognition today at Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City, for its work in supporting the Localization of the Open Government Partnership in the Negros Island Region.
This recognition celebrates NYLI’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation by documenting open government initiatives across 15 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
From October 6 to 9, 2024, NYLI deployed teams in clusters of three, composed of an interviewer, a documentor, and a transcriber, covering four areas: Northern Negros, Southern Negros, Negros Oriental, and Dumaguete. Using the interview tool provided by DILG, the teams translated and explained questions as needed, engaging LGUs in their local languages. Hiligaynon was used for most Negros Occidental LGUs, while Cebuano and Bisaya were used for Oriental LGUs.
The LGUs documented include Southern Negros: Himamaylan, La Castellana, La Carlota, Sipalay, Bago; Northern Negros: Silay, EB Magalona, Victorias, Manapla, San Carlos; and Negros Oriental: Mabinay, Bayawan, Basay, Dumaguete, San Jose.
This initiative covered six municipalities and nine cities, many with histories of receiving the Seal of Good Local Governance award. The areas surveyed are either agricultural, coastal, or both, shaping how open government practices are prioritized and implemented.
Through this project, NYLI amplified community voices, highlighted local innovations, and strengthened collaboration between citizens and their local governments. As a trusted DILG partner, NYLI continues to champion participatory governance, empowering Negrosanons to engage, learn, and lead for a more transparent and people-centered future.