Philippines, Ukraine hold cross-country dialogue on extractives transparency and governance
June 4, 2025
Albert A. San Diego
The Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) and Ukraine EITI jointly held a virtual knowledge-sharing session titled “Bridging Borders, Building Transparency: A Cross-Country Dialogue on EITI and Natural Resource Governance” on May 23, 2025. The event brought together government officials, civil society advocates, industry representatives, and development partners from both countries to exchange insights on advancing extractives governance through data, innovation, and inclusive dialogue.
Country presentations highlighted the respective journeys of PH-EITI and Ukraine EITI, showcasing how each country has integrated EITI into their governance structures, responded to challenges, and adopted innovations to align with both national and international standards.
Vitalii Fylenko and Oleksiy Orlovskyi presented Ukraine’s efforts to implement EITI at both national and subnational levels, even amid geopolitical challenges. On behalf of the Philippines, PH-EITI Deputy Coordinator Albert San Diego outlined the country’s decade-long reform journey, emphasizing multi-stakeholder engagement, institutionalization through legislation, and the expansion of EITI implementation at the local level.
The dialogue also featured presentations on digital tools for extractive data disclosure. Ukraine EITI, PH-EITI Data Governance and Reporting Manager Amiel De Guzman, Wendy Thomas of the EITI International Secretariat, and Mel Flanagan of Nook Studios shared recent advancements in transparency platforms aimed at making extractive data more accessible and actionable for stakeholders and communities.
A key highlight of the event was the segment on local use of EITI data. Sofiia Molochii of Ukraine’s New Energy shared case studies demonstrating how regional actors are using EITI data to enhance oversight and citizen participation. From the Philippines, Beverly Besmanos of Bantay Kita presented how Indigenous Peoples utilize EITI data to assert rights, monitor royalty payments, and participate more actively in governance processes.
A final message was delivered by Mark Burnett, Europe Regional Director and Outreach Coordinator of the EITI International Secretariat, who underscored the importance of sustained cross-country collaboration and peer learning among EITI-implementing countries.
The event concluded with an affirmation of continued cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine in strengthening transparency, open governance, and community empowerment in the extractive sector. It also forms part of PH-EITI’s broader agenda to advance subnational implementation, digital transformation, and inclusive stakeholder participation.
The event was organized by PH-EITI and Ukraine EITI, with support from Bantay Kita, Fr. Saturnino Urios University, and New Energy NGO.
A government-led, multi-stakeholder initiative implementing EITI, the global standard that promotes the open, accountable management, and good governance of oil, gas, and mineral resources. PH-EITI was created on 26 November 2013 through EO No. 147, s. of 2013. It is a government commitment first announced through EO No. 79, s. of 2012.