The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman, successfully led the Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation for Meaningful Integration of the National Government-Local Government Units Agenda (SEC-MINA) on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, in Cebu City.

 

The event served as a crucial platform for Local Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local Planning and Development Coordinators (LPDCs), and national government representatives to enhance collaboration, align national and local priorities, and advance participatory governance.

 

"Prosperity is not the work of one, but the effort of many. It is built through collaboration, shared responsibility, and a united vision for progress," Secretary Pangandaman emphasized in her keynote speech.

 

“As a former local chief executive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. understands the importance of citizens and LGUs in national development. One key solution to achieving our Agenda for Prosperity is devolution. The concept empowers our local government units to have the resources, autonomy, and capability to serve their communities effectively,” added the Budget Secretary on the significance of advancing the government’s vision for stronger local governance.

 

Through interactive sessions, participants raised critical challenges such as waste management, senior citizen support, agricultural and fisheries development, teenage pregnancy prevention, and local political coordination. Secretary Pangandaman addressed these concerns by citing relevant laws and programs designed to provide solutions and support for local government units.

 

"We take note of your concerns. Kung maidadagdag ko lang po, we’re in the process of working on our 2026 National Budget," said Secretary Mina, reassuring everyone of the DBM’s commitment to integrating stakeholder insights into national planning, ensuring that the voices of LGUs and other key players are reflected in upcoming budgetary decisions.

 

The DBM Secretary also highlighted the availability of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to help LGUs establish Materials Recovery Facilities for efficient waste management and implement agriculture-related projects. She also underscored the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in funding large-scale infrastructure projects, such as sanitary landfills.

 

For the agricultural sector, she proposed engaging with the Department of Agriculture and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to provide financial education for farmers and fisherfolk.

 

"As we move forward, let us remember that governance is not just about policies on paper, but about real, meaningful change in the lives of our people. Sa tamang pagpapatupad ng devolution at pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng ating mga local government units, civil society organizations, at LPDC members, gusto nating maging Maunlad, Inklusibo, Napapanahon, at Angat ang ating bansa!" she concluded.

 

The SEC-MINA engagement is one of the capacity development initiatives of the DBM to promote participatory governance and evidence-based policymaking. By fostering closer collaboration between national and local government units, the agency ensures that public service delivery is more inclusive, efficient, and responsive to the evolving needs of communities under the Bagong Pilipinas governance framework.

 

 

###