By Zorayda S. Tecson
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb. 26 (PNA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office and the civil society groups have signed anew a budget partnership agreement (BPA) as part of the continuing effort to enhance transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds.
Lawyer Ana Dione, together with International Wiring Systems legal manager Lester Cusi, Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) vice chair for labor Allan Del Rosario, Aurora Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager Virgilia Gomez and DOLE livelihood beneficiary Ronelyn Atienza, led the third BPA signing that took place Wednesday during the DOLE’s regional consultation with civil society groups.
Civil society groups comprised employers, union members, marginalized workers, and program partners from the local government units (LGUs) and the PESOs.
“This marks our third year in involving our program partners and stakeholders in our planning and budgeting process. It is very important to hear their thoughts and ideas that could further help us effectively deliver our program and services,” Dione said.
Under the BPA, the DOLE and its program partners will ensure that the DOLE’s budget will be more responsive to the region’s development needs and pressing concern to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of public services.
In addition, all concerned stakeholders will work hand in hand to enhance the quality of the budget process through citizen participation in the execution of the FY 2016 national budget.
DOLE assistant regional director Geraldine Panlilio, in her keynote message, urged all concerned stakeholders for their active participation and asserted their crucial role in the DOLE regional office’s planning and budgeting process.
“Your presence here is an indication that you want us to implement our programs and services to the fullest to the best interest of many. Your feedback, good or bad, is valuable to us. It’s what keeps us continuously improving our ways,” Panlilio said. (PNA)