Religious groups to monitor implementation of LGU projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will partner with religious groups in monitoring the implementation of projects by local government units (LGUs) funded by taxpayers’ money.

The national government has allocated over P20.3 billion for anti-poverty projects in the country next year.

The DILG said faith-based groups will be joining members of civil society organizations in monitoring the implementation of projects under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) to ensure transparency and accountability.

During his recent visit to Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas told members of a civil society group that the DILG will enter into a memorandum of agreement with religious organizations.

“We are calling for stakeholders’ support as well as vigilance to ensure that the projects are implemented accordingly,” he said.

Roxas met with the beneficiaries of the GPBP after the launch of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program in Malaybalay City on Aug. 31.

He said more projects would be implemented by LGUs such as potable water supply in remote barangays in the province.

The bulk of the P20-billion budget were sourced from the Department of Agriculture with P9.286 billion; Department of Social Welfare and Development (P2.638 billion); DILG (P2.476 billion); Department of Education (P1.449 billion) and Department of Health (P1.355 billion).