Budget officer told to submit detailed report

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has requested the City Budget Office to submit a comprehensive report on the status of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) funds the city government received to check if downloaded projects have been implemented.

This came after City Councilor Rey Gealon proposed a resolution stipulating that the body should do so, specifically by asking that the City Budget Office submit the comprehensive reporter within three days from receipt of the resolution.

Gealon said cities and towns have been allocated funds to develop community amenities such as parks, gardens, bike lanes, and trails. He emphasized the importance of investments in enhancing public spaces and promoting active lifestyles.

He also underscored the need for transparency in the use of these funds, highlighting the public's right to know how resources are allocated and utilized.

“Adherence to the constitutional principle of full public disclosure necessitates a detailed and transparent report on the status of DBM funds and the projects they support,” read Gealon’s resolution.

It further stated that it is crucial for the City Budget Office to provide the City Council the report to ensure that funds are used appropriately and to address any public concerns regarding the allocation and execution of funded projects.

Gealon also highlighted that the City Budget Office is responsible in managing and overseeing the allocation and utilization of funds provided by the DBM, as well in insuring that these resources are used effectively and transparently for community development projects.

He cited a report that said that in the 2024 national budget, the DBM allocated P1.055 billion to help select cities, provinces, and towns either construct new recreational spaces or expand and improve existing ones.

The project was called the “Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Green Green Green Program” and is set to benefits 38 cities and municipalities in Luzon, 21 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao.

Gealon said Cebu City is among the project beneficiaries in Central Visayas. —/RHM (FREEMAN)