CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Being the forefront in the implementation of necessary measures to eliminate the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, the local government units (LGUs) are now provided with greater flexibility to enable them to fund measures adequately and promptly.
With this, COVID-19-related projects, programs and activities and expenses may still be funded by the LGU concerned, provided that upon the normalization of the situation, the Local Development Council (LDC) shall prepare the necessary Annual Investment Program (AIP) or supplemental investment program/s, to be approved by the local sanggunian.
“We understand that our LGUs are having a difficulty in undergoing the necessary processes considering that mobility and physical interaction are limited in the implementation of community quarantine,” said Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe.
Considering these, the regional director explained that the issuance of DILG and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 02 dated March 30, 2020 will guide the LGUs in the preparation and approval of their AIPs and supplemental investment programs in this pressing time.
“Synergy in local governance is essential as we face this crisis, and the national government is here to give its full support in any way possible. We are looking forward that we can count on our LGUs for the responsible and strategic use of these funds for the general welfare,” Agabe said.
Said JMC indicates that the foregoing policy guidelines shall apply to all changes in the respective FY 2020 Annual Budgets of LGUs through supplemental budget. The responsible officials shall be held liable for any disbursements not in accordance with the provisions of said JMC. (DILG10/PIA10)
