DBM urges LGUs to prepare devolution plans in ZamPen

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-9 called on the local government units (LGUs) to prepare their respective devolution transition plans (DTPs) in close coordination with the national government agencies in Zamboanga Peninsula region.

This pertains to the directive rolled-out by the palace through Executive Order No. 138 or the Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to Local Governments, Creation of a Committee on Devolution, and for other purposes dated June 01, 2021..

“All cities, provinces, municipalities, and barangays shall prepare their DTPs,” DBM office-in-charge director Alelie Ramos said during the virtual orientation on the formulation of the Zamboanga Peninsula Annual Investment Program (AIP) for CY 2023 on October 14.

The initiative aims to develop the capabilities of LGUs to deliver basic social services and critical facilities to their constituents, promote local economic growth, and increase employment.

“The LGU DTPs will serve as guide on the monitoring and performance assessment of the LGUs by the NGAs concerned, DBM, and DILG,” Director Ramos said.

The LGU plans will also ensure its alignment with NGAs DTPs, leverage support from stakeholders, and this will serve as the LGUs roadmap.

Deadline of submission set for barangays is 60 days; cities and provinces are given 90 days; highly urbanized cities, independent component cities and provinces are granted 120 days to comply their DTPs.

Recently, the Zamboanga Peninsula region have already approved the committee on devolution (COMDEV) as a special committee under the Regional Development Council (RDC) chaired by DBM-9 and co-chaired by DILG-9.

"With the EO, we ensure convergence of all government efforts," the director disclosed. (RVC/EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)