THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it allocated P11.714 billion to support 1,373 municipalities under its Assistance to Municipalities (AM) program.
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that the program will help fund priority infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, drainage systems, potable water supply, evacuation centers, and drug rehabilitation centers.
“Layunin ng AM program na matulungan ang mga munisipyo lalong lalo na yung mga 4th to 6th class at iyong nasa malalayong lugar para matupad ang kanilang mga programa at mabigyan ng serbisyo ang kanilang mga mamamayan,” said Mr. Año in a statement Tuesday. (The AM program aims to help municipalities, especially those who are considered 4th to 6th class, and those that are in far flung areas, to ensure that their programs are implemented and services are delivered to residents.)
From the AM funds, P1.17 billion will support 134 AM projects across 75 local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Region; P818-million for 145 projects in 89 towns in Cagayan Valley; P1.269 billion for 207 development projects in 116 towns in Central Luzon; P1.153 billion for 259 projects in 123 towns in Calabarzon; P509 million for 108 projects in 71 towns in Mimaropa; P851 million for 177 projects in 107 towns in Bicol Region; P656 million for 134 projects in 75 towns in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); and P11 million for a project in the National Capital Region (NCR).
P1 billion was allocated for 173 projects in 136 towns in Eastern Visayas; P965 million for 169 projects in 117 towns in Western Visayas; and P834 million for 196 projects in 116 towns in Central Visayas.
P553 million will be given to 103 projects in 103 towns in Zamboanga Peninsula; P673 million for 116 projects in 84 towns in Northern Mindanao; P304 million for 74 projects in 43 towns in Davao Region; P387 million for 71 projects in 45 towns in Soccksargen; and P551 million for 76 projects in 67 LGUs in Caraga.
DILG said that the criteria for budget allocation include equal shares, fiscal capacity, per capita share, and LGU performance.
Further, Mr. Año said the funding is subject to the submission of some requirements.
They include certifications like the DILG Good Financial Housekeeping and the DILG Local Development Council Functionality Assessment; the assessment of Public Financial Management (PFM) Systems and adoption of corresponding PFM improvement measures; and submission of notarized certifications for fund release signed by the local chief executive.
DILG said “only those LGUs who have complied with the mandatory requirements will be endorsed by the DILG for the direct download of AM funds from the Department of Budget and Management down to the LGU level.” — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras
