Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Friday emphasized the need to improve government budget utilization, particularly at the local level.

Pangandaman said it is essential that every peso allocated under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is used efficiently to ensure that the full and proper implementation of all priority programs and projects of the government.

“We really need to improve the budget utilization of the government, including and especially the local government units,” she said in a keynote message during the second leg of the Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) for local government units (LGUs).

Pangandaman said implementing agencies and LGUs must ensure the prudent and efficient use of their respective budget allocations.

“Dapat po ‘yung mga proyektong nandodoon, maggamit ng tama bawat piso na nakalagay sa General Appropriations Act, may ipatupad (The projects listed there must be properly funded and every peso allocated under the General Appropriations Act must be used wisely and implemented effectively),” she said.

“Ang pinaka-importante na gawin namin lahat, at lalo na ang mga implementing agency, maisakatuparan lahat ng mga proyektong nandodon (The most important thing for all of us, especially the implementing agencies, is to ensure that every one of those projects is carried out).”

Pangandaman said the government is carrying out various reform initiatives to promote transparency in project implementation, such as the recent launch of Project DIME (Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation).

She noted that aside from flood control projects, Project DIME will soon cover the monitoring of other crucial infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of schools, bridges and hospitals.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga inisyatibang ito, ginagawa nating mas bukas ang proseso ng pagpaplano at pamamahala ng ating pondo, alinsunod sa mga tunay na prayoridad ng ating gobyerno (Through these initiatives, we are making the process of planning and managing our funds more transparent, in accordance with the genuine priorities of our government),” she said.

Pangandaman also reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the country’s public financial management landscape through comprehensive institutional reforms focused on modernizing systems, enhancing fiscal discipline, leveraging sustainability, and promoting transparency and bureaucratic efficiency.

“In this pursuit, we are also strengthening governance and integrity systems. One reform I am most proud of is the new Government Procurement Act initiated by the DBM with our procurement service and the Government Procurement Policy Board which I share,” she said.

Pangandaman expressed optimism that with the support of local government units, especially local budget officers and PFM practitioners, the government can further strengthen oversight of the nation’s budget to build a better future for the country.

The DBM has been conducting PFMCP for LGUs since September 2023, with the primary goal of promoting good governance, financial accountability, and effective resource management among local government institutions through capacity-building. (PNA)