DBM engages highest number of PFM practitioners in Eastern Visayas

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led locally by Regional Office VIII Director Imelda C. Laceras and Assistant Director Aleli N. Hernandez, together with the Region Eight Association of Local Budget Officers (REALBO) Inc., conducted its most extensive Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) for Local Government Units (LGUs) in Tacloban City, Leyte from October 1 to 3, 2024.    

About 800 local PFM practitioners, including local chief executives and members of the Local Finance Committee from the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran in the Eastern Visayas Region, participated in the competency program. As of date, the PFMCP for LGUs has empowered almost 7,000 PFM practitioners nationwide.    

In her pre-recorded keynote message, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman encouraged LGUs to practice prudent and efficient utilization of funds to ensure the realization of a Bagong Pilipinas in Eastern Visayas. She also highlighted the government’s commitment to mobilizing LGUs to develop a green economy through the Green Green Green Program.   

“As you may know, our ultimate goal here in PFMCP is to promote good governance, financial accountability, and effective resource management in your respective localities,” Secretary Pangandaman explained.   

Aligned with this principle, the PFMCP program covered Foundation, Budgeting, and Procurement tracks.  

During the open forum, the resource speakers addressed concerns about the guidelines and requirements on fund allocations and agency accountability in budget utilization. They also encouraged LGUs to initiate capacity development programs for Civil Society Organizations to empower them to participate actively in the budgeting process.  

Top-caliber experts served as trainers during the three-day program, including DBM Systems and Productivity Improvement Bureau Director John Aries S. Macaspac, Local Government and Regional Coordination Bureau Director Ryan S. Lita, Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office Deputy Executive Director Atty. Maria Dionesia Rivero-Guillermo, and Procurement Service-DBM Acting Executive