THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said P2.489 billion has been allocated this year to support city governments rehabilitating public open spaces, with the Calabarzon region and National Capital Region (NCR) receiving the biggest share.
The Local Government Support Fund-Assistance to Cities (LGSF-AC) fund requires city governments to use the funding for projects that will develop new or enhance current public space on government land.
The spaces must be free and accessible to the public, and are viewed as important to maintaining sustainable, liveable, and resilient cities.
DBM issued the statement through local budget circular No. 13, dated Feb. 17.
“The eligible types of public open space projects that can be funded under LGSF-AC are parks, plazas, waterfronts, institutional spaces, streetscapes and a network of public open spaces combining types of public open space,” according to the circular.
The DBM said cities should submit requests, along with other requirements, to the DBM if the have any proposals.
NCR funding is P355.27 million, Calabarzon (Region IV-A) P331.287 million, Region VII P265.61 million and Region VI P260.68 million.
DBM warned local governments against using the funds for other purposes which have their own sources of funding, or for financing personnel services.
Earlier, the DBM released guidelines for the P4.875-billion LGSF-Financial Assistance to local government units, with preference declared for infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program. — Beatrice M. Laforga
