Published on: April 17, 2023
Updated as of April 20, 2023 4:42 am
By Consuelo Alarcon
TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) -- Amid the challenges confronting some local government units relative to the implementation of the full devolution of government programs and services as enshrined in Executive Order No. 138, the Committee on Devolution (ComDev) is set to conduct further study on this matter following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
This will determine if there is a need to extend the initial transition period of fiscal years 2022-2024.
During the 2nd NGA-LGU Regional Forum on Full Devolution held recently at the DILG-8 Training Center in Tacloban City, Assistant Regional Director Aleli N. Hernandez of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 8 has reiterated the statement of DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, saying that while there are local government units with enough funding and manpower, there are lagging LGUs that lack the technical expertise and capacity.
Hernandez particularly mentioned those which belong to the 4th to 5th class income municipalities.
“Tututukan po natin yung mga 4th and 5th class income municipalities,” Hernandez said, quoting Pangandaman.
In 2022, Hernandez said, a total of P1.2 billion growth equity fund (GEF) was released to cover the funding requirements of programs and projects of poor and disadvantaged LGUs for the implementation of devolved functions and services of the national government agencies.
For 2023, P1 billion was also allotted for LGUs to assist them in the implementation of their devolved PPAs.
While LGUs are busy preparing for the transition, the national government agencies concerned are also pursuing some interventions by crafting its respective devolution transition plans (DTPs).
As of March 23, 2023, some 18 national government agencies (NGA’s) have already submitted DTPs to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the region.
Out of the said figure, three agencies have been approved by DBM. These are the Department of Health, Commission on Population, and Department of Finance (DOF) while 13 others are subject for revisions.
The forum was attended by DILG officers, local government executives, planning coordinators, representatives of various national government agencies, other functionaries and the media. (MMP/CBA/PIA-8)
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