Budget officers get financial management training

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in partnership with the Association of Local Budget Officers-Central Visayas Inc. (ALBOCV), has successfully conducted the Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) on more than 600 Central Visayas local budget officers recently in Mandaue City, Cebu.

These budget officers were engaged to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their capabilities in all stages of the PM process --from budget preparation and procurement to budget implementation and accountability.

In her keynote message, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman emphasized that the PFMCP will not only assist local government units in budgeting their local finances on the right priorities, but also on managing their budget wisely and within their means.

“I cannot emphasize enough the crucial role of PFM practitioners in bridging the needs of our fellow Filipinos and the government's responses, especially in crafting a truly inclusive and people-centered budget,” said Pangandaman.

She said that this is what the Bagong Pilipinas is all about, shaping a government that is truly responsive to the needs of the people, one that is visionary and accountable to its constituents, and one that fulfills its promise of prosperity for everyone.

“Our growth and prosperity will never be truly inclusive without our local governments," she said.

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

The conduct of the PFMCP for LGUs is aligned with the DBM's commitment to improving the government's spending efficiency by encouraging LGUs to practice sound and efficient fiscal management in utilizing their resources and promote the timely and effective implementation of local programs and projects aimed at reducing poverty rates, providing more quality jobs, increasing infrastructure and human capital investments, and building a resilient and prosperous economy.

Pangandaman was welcomed by the local chief executives of Cebu led by the president of the League of Mayors and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and ALBOCV President Samuel Penales. (CEBU NEWS)