By Mike de la Rama
LEGAZPI CITY, March 23 (PNA) — The national government has allocated Php131 million for various agricultural projects in the Bicol Region under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) approach.
In a joint memorandum circular issued by the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development and National Anti-Poverty Commission, all heads of the departments involved in the implementation shall release the fund for BuB fiscal year 2015 projects to implementing agencies as part of the General Appropriations Act.
Ed Bailon, Philippine Coconut Authority regional information officer, said that in Bicol Region, Camarines Sur has the biggest allocation amounting to Php35.3 million intended for purchase of planting seeds and organic fertilizers, procurement of equipment, infrastructures and livelihood for the farmers.
Sorsogon province got an amount of Php24.1 million, followed by Albay with a total allocation of Php21.5 million; Camarines Norte, Php20.8 million; Catanduanes, Php.6.7 million; and Php.6.6 million for Masbate.
Bailon said that in the Bicol Region, 109 local government units have substantial implementation of the Financial Management Improvement Plan for calendar years 2014 and 2015.
“This means that they are qualified for the 2015 Bottom-up Budgeting fund,” he said.
In Albay, according to Bailon, most of the projects to be implemented within the year are infrastructure facilities, provision of agricultural machines, sustainable agri-based livelihood and other agri-business investments and distribution of assorted vegetables.
The BUB process is focused on engaging 300-400 of the poorest municipalities identified by the Cabinet’s Human Development and Poverty Reduction cluster.
Local-level engagement will be facilitated via relevant government agencies, local community leaders, LGUs, and partner-civic organizations. (PNA)