The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of some PHP1 billion in funding to support the construction of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) projects in low-income municipalities.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order and Notices of Cash Allocation on June 7, the DBM said in a statement Tuesday.

The fund is chargeable against the Local Government Support Fund – Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (LGSF-SAFPB) under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act.

The funding will be used to build, expand, and upgrade WaSH projects from 75 beneficiary municipalities nationwide belonging from the 4th to 6th income classes.

The program aims to accelerate access to safe and resilient water supply and sanitation services in lagging municipalities, in partnership with local civil society organizations (CSOs).

It covers 75 beneficiary municipal local government units (MLGUs) nationwide belonging from the 4th to 6th income classes based on Department of Finance Order No. 23-08 dated July 29, 2008, as updated on April 27, 2016, and/or with established LGU-managed water utility and project ready (with Municipal Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan duly endorsed by accredited CSO and adopted by the LGU, and with identified feasible water sources).

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as overseer of local government operations, consolidated and endorsed the list of eligible and compliant projects to the DBM for fund release, in compliance with the DBM-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular 1 dated Feb. 21, 2024, which prescribes the guidelines and procedures in the implementation of the LGSF-SAFPB.

Pangandaman said the move is in line with the Philippines’ commitment to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all), as well as the expansion and upgrading of infrastructure under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“By supporting the implementation of priority projects of LGUs, we invest in the growth and well-being of our local communities. It’s our commitment to progress and prosperity,” she said.

“And as we release the funds to empower our local communities, we echo the vision of Bagong Pilipinas—a rallying cry for progress, resilience, and a brighter future espoused by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” she said. (PNA)