DBM conducts PFM Competency Program for LGUs in NCR

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in partnership with Metro Manila Budget Officers Inc. and the City Government of Taguig, successfully conducted its Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) for Local Government Units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region from September 25 to 27, 2024.

A total of 255 Public Financial Management (PFM) practitioners, including budget officers, auditors, and finance officers from the 16 cities and one municipality of NCR attended the program held at Taguig Convention Center.

In her pre-recorded keynote message, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman shared the government’s commitment to cascading and reflecting its initiatives toward transparent and efficient management and utilization of public funds at the national level to all LGUs.

“Our ultimate goal in PFMCP is to promote good governance, financial accountability, and effective resource management in your respective localities,” the Budget Chief explained.

Secretary Pangandaman also emphasized that capacitating and empowering local PFM practitioners is one of the key components of the PFM Reforms Roadmap 2024-2028, the blueprint for harmonizing and modernizing the country's PFM landscape.

The PFMCP for LGUs covered sessions on Maintaining PFM Understanding, Principles of Internal Controls and Internal Audit, Relationship Management, Budget Preparation, Budget Authorization and Review, Budget Execution and Accountability, Procurement, and the Procurement Service.

The program aims to equip local financial managers with knowledge and skills that will enable them to manage their resources effectively and efficiently, particularly their respective shares in the National Tax Allotment. It also encourages them to promote the timely and effective implementation of local programs and projects, resulting in improved spending efficiency, driving growth, and uplifting the lives of all Filipinos.

DBM and partner agencies’ key officials were also present during the three-day program to express their support. These include DBM Undersecretary Wilford Will Wong, DBM-Systems and Productivity Improvement Bureau Director John Aries S. Macaspac, Local Government and