The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday enumerated projects that could be implemented through the use of funding programs for local government units (LGUs).
The DBM said these funding programs include the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance (LGSF-FA) to LGUs and Support for Capital Outlays and Social Programs.
In a statement, the DBM said the eligible projects that can be funded under the LGSF-FA to LGUs in the 2023 national budget include agriculture-related programs, projects, and activities.
LGUs, the DBM said, may also pursue projects for the digitalization of business processes; implementation of PPAs for disaster response; rehabilitation and recovery, including procurement or acquisition of disaster equipment and vehicles; and social programs such as Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families.
The department reminded LGUs of the digital submission of requests for LGSF to streamline the processing of financial assistance for the implementation of their priority programs and projects.
“The initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to deliver efficient, transparent and accountable public service,” the DBM said.
The department said an LGU User Registration Form, accomplished by the local chief executive, should be notarized and submitted by the LGU to its nearest DBM regional office for verification.
It said LGUs with verified and registered accounts may access the Digital Requests Submission for Local Government Support Fund (DRSL) found in the DBM Apps Portal.
“All digital requests of LGUs shall be subject to evaluation by the DBM based on necessity, just and equitable distribution among LGUs, and/or fund availability,” the agency said.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on March 8 issued Local Budget Circular 150, setting guidelines for the release and utilization of the LGSF-FA to LGUs.
Pursuant to the special provision of LGSF under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, around PHP1,925,500,000 will be used for financial assistance to LGUs and some PHP7,236,336,000 will be tapped in support for capital outlays and social programs of the local governments.
The LGSF-FA to LGUs may only be used until Dec. 31, 2024.
The launching of DRSL is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to undergo digital transformation to enhance public services and transactions.