The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has set a good budget utilization rate for this year as it disbursed P139.366 billion out of the P141.2 billion of its obligations.
“We assure you that the DILG is prudent in utilizing the funds intended for their allocated purpose. The Department ensures transparency in financial management following existing auditing rules and regulations,” said DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr.
In his fiscal year 2024 budget hearing at the House of Representatives, Abalos explained that out of the P141.206 billion fund, P123.508-billion went to the DILG’s personnel services, including all its attached agencies; P15.642 billion for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and P2.055-billion for capital outlay, as of June 30, 2023.
“The total DILG budget based on the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2023 is P253.404-billion. Of which, the DILG received P241.682-billion allotment from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Of the P241.682-billion, 58.43 percent or P141.206-billion has so far been obligated by the Department for its priority programs and projects,’’ the DILG noted.
On the proposed fiscal year 2024 DILG budget, Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance, and Comptrollership Ester Aldana explained that the department proposed a budget of P7 billion for capital outlay.
She stated that this will be allocated for information and technology equipment under the approved Information Systems Strategic Plan; construction of DILG Regional Offices in Region IV-B, VI, and II, fire stations, jail facilities, police stations, classrooms and dormitories; purchase of furniture in the newly completed DILG Regional and Field Offices; purchase of motor vehicles and procurement of firetrucks.