“A relief for the community. An
evidence that our government listens to the needs of its people, ang boss [their bosses].”
This is how Annie Marcos, a
daycare teacher, describes the newly constructed daycare center in Sitio
Kimondo, Lagandang, Sultan Kudarat that was constructed under the Grassroots
Participatory Budgeting (GPB).
“We have been given voice to
decide on our community's development,” she adds saying she and her students no
longer have to transfer from once open space to another just to conduct classes.
GPB, formerly known as
Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB), is an approach in formulating budget proposal of
national government agencies, taking into consideration the development needs
of poor municipalities as identified in their respective Local Poverty Reduction
Action Plan (LPRAP) formulated with strong participation of local government
units (LGUs), civil society organizations, and peoples organizations.
Dept. of Social Work and Development
Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman explained that the GPB deviates from the
traditional budgeting process wherein government officials decide on what
projects should be implemented in the grassroots level.
“For this scheme, ordinary
folks have a say on what projects to propose for their own development which
will then be included in the budget of implementing national agencies,” Ms.
Soliman said.
Under the GPB, DSWD
implements sustainable livelihood, small-scale infrastructures, and protective
services for the marginalized sector.
In 2013, DSWD got P938.6
million for the implementation of 798 projects. To date, 381 have been
completed and the rest are on-going.
For 2014, DSWD’s budget is
approximately P3 billion for the implementation of 3,422 projects.
Improved lives
As one of the implementing agencies, DSWD has noted that
funded GPB projects have helped improved lives of beneficiaries.
In the Cordillera
Administrative Region (CAR), for instance, GPBP funded the organic farming
project of the town of Malibcong in Abra.
According to Malibcong Mayor
Benido Bacuyag, the townsfolk proposed for the acquisition of machine shredder
for their organic farming which is seen to address crop production shortage in
the municipality.
“We are also looking forward
to produce more, so as not only to provide for the needs of the municipality
but also to supply the nearby areas,” Mr. Bacuyag said.
In Isulan, Sultan Kudarat,
DSWD has turned over four newly-constructed, including the one in Sitio
Kimondo, and one refurbished day care centers.
“These projects were
identified priority needs of the LGU with the help of grassroots organizations
in the community, submitted to the agency for funding,” DSWD project coordinator
Emerita Dizon said.
In San Pascual, Masbate,
DSWD-Field Office V has turned over 71 pieces of assistive devices such as quad
canes, wheelchairs, and crutches to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to Mayor Zacarina
Lazaro, this provision of assistive devices is the first of its kind. She said
that this project will provide an opportunity for the PWD sector to be able to
be integrated in the society, especially those who have not been able to go out
of their house because of the problem in mobility.
The LGU plans to provide this
sector with work training and employment. This is to enable them to realize
their aspiration and become assets to their families and communities.
Requirements
To be able to avail of projects under the GPB, LGUs must
submit the following: project proposal, work and financial plan, terms of
reference, detailed estimates, and deeds of donation or certificate of land
availability for infrastructure projects. (DSWD)
Comments
Post a Comment